What to Buy at J. Crew

There’s something really good happening at J.Crew right now. Their summer collection is full of those pieces that make getting dressed feel fun again—light, easy, and just elevated enough. I went through the new arrivals and pulled together ten standout picks: a mix of effortless dresses, breezy tops, wear-everywhere shorts, and a few fun extras.

What to Buy at J.Crew

What stood out most—beyond the silhouettes—was the focus on natural fabrics and fibers. Think airy cotton voile, crisp linen, soft gauze, and terry that actually breathes. These are the kinds of pieces that feel good on your skin and in your closet. Even better, several are marked down right now, making it the perfect time to refresh your summer staples.

Floaty midi dress in block-print cotton voile

If summer were a dress, it might just be this one. Made from airy cotton voile with the prettiest block print detail, this midi is light, easy, and just structured enough to feel polished. The empire-style silhouette is incredibly flattering (especially if you’re looking for something that floats away from the body), and the adjustable tie straps are a sweet little bonus. Style it with minimal sandals and a woven clutch for an effortlessly pulled-together look that still feels relaxed.

Shop here: $148 at J.Crew, Available in sizes: XXS–3X

Embroidered Lace-Trim Button-Up Shirt in Cotton Voile

This shirt is everything I want in a summer top: lightweight, detailed, and just a little romantic. The embroidery is so beautifully done—it gives this easy cotton voile blouse a vintage, heirloom-y feel without being fussy. It’s the kind of piece that looks just as chic with denim cutoffs as it does with crisp white trousers. Bonus points for the lace trim and relaxed shape, which make it feel breezy but still elevated.

Shop here: $110, Available in sizes: XXS–3X also in black

Strapless Mixy Dress

If I were going to Europe this summer (and I’m not, sadly), this is exactly what I’d pack. The shape is heavenly—easy and unfussy, but still totally chic. The smocked bodice gives it a bit of structure, while the full skirt feels floaty and feminine without being too precious. It’s one of those magical pieces you can throw on with flip-flops for a beach day or dress up with a strappy sandal and bold earrings for dinner al fresco.

Shop here: $128, Available in sizes: XXS–3X also in beige

Tunic Shirtdress in Linen

I adore the simplicity of this one. It’s the kind of piece that speaks for itself—clean lines, beautiful linen, and just the right amount of ease. The slightly oversized silhouette gives it that effortlessly cool vibe, and it’s so versatile: wear it as a dress with flat sandals, toss it over a swimsuit as a cover-up, or pair it with slim pants for a more polished look. Minimal in the best way—and currently on sale, which makes it even better.

Shop here: $142.50, Available in sizes: XXS–3X also in black.

Trapeze Midi Dress in Ramie

On sale for $99.50 (originally $148) at J.Crew
Available in sizes: XXS–3X

The most elegant swim cover-up I’ve found—hands down. I ordered this for poolside days, and it’s even better in person. It’s light as air, slightly sheer (on purpose), and the drape is chef’s kiss. The silhouette feels modern and graceful, and it moves beautifully when you walk. If you’re heading somewhere warm, this is one of those just-add-sunglasses-and-sandals kind of pieces that makes you feel instantly chic—even in flip-flops. And it’s on sale (!), which makes it even more tempting.

Shop here: $99.50, Available in sizes: XXS–3X, also in violet.

Puff-Sleeve Henley in Striped Gauze

This top just feels like summer—light, breezy, and a little playful. The gauze fabric is so soft and airy (ideal for hot days), and the puff sleeves add just the right amount of volume without being too much. I love the cheerful red-and-white stripe—it gives major Americana vibes but still feels cool and modern. And at under $45 right now, it’s an easy yes for those easy summer days when you want to look cute without trying too hard.

Shop here: $44.50, Available in sizes: XXS–3X

Puff-Sleeve Top in Sheer Gauze

Love. This. Top. The slightly sheer gauze, the subtle blue pinstripe, the puff sleeve—it’s feminine without being too precious, and the shape is surprisingly versatile. It looks amazing with denim (white or blue), but would be just as pretty dressed up with linen trousers or a midi skirt. If your summer wardrobe needs a little refresh, this is the kind of piece that instantly elevates the basics you already own.

Shop here: $79.50, Available in sizes: XXS–3X

Stretch Cotton-Blend Off-the-Shoulder Top

$59.50 at J.Crew
Available in sizes: XXS–3X

This is the summer going-out top. Sleek, stretchy, and just structured enough, it gives off that effortlessly cool vibe without trying too hard. I love the asymmetric neckline—it’s modern, flattering, and just the right amount of skin. Pair it with wide-leg linen pants, your favorite denim, or even a maxi skirt for an easy dinner-or-drinks look that still feels comfy. The kind of piece you’ll wish you had in every color.

Shop here: $59.59, Available in sizes: XXS–3X, also in white.

Heritage Terry Sweatshort

There is nothing better than slipping into these after a long beach day. Made from J.Crew’s heritage terry, they’re lightweight but cozy, and the soft ivory shade makes them feel a little more elevated than your average sweatshort. I’d throw these on with a simple tank, a breezy button-down, or even a bikini top and call it a look. Effortless, comfortable, and just right for slow summer afternoons.

Shop here: $59.50 Available in sizes: XXS–3X

4″ Heritage Chino Short

My go-to summer short—well-priced, well-made, and endlessly versatile. The 4″ inseam hits that sweet spot: not too short, not too long, just right for everyday wear. You can dress them up with a polished top and sandals or keep it casual with a tee and sneakers. If you’re looking for that one pair to wear on repeat all season, this is it. And at just over $30 right now? Kind of a no-brainer.

Shop here: $34.50 (originally $59.50). Available in sizes: 00–24

Whether you’re rebuilding your summer wardrobe or just looking to fill in a few gaps, these are the kind of pieces that make everything else in your closet a little easier to wear. Thoughtfully made, easy to style, and rooted in natural materials—they’re the staples you’ll reach for on repeat.

I’m also sharing more personal style notes, behind-the-scenes picks, and real-life outfit ideas over on Substack if you want to keep the conversation going. Some posts are free, some are just for members—but all of it is designed to help you get dressed with more ease and less overwhelm..