Dressing Room Diary- Spring Colors at J. Crew Factory
Before we headed to Mexico, I popped in to see the new spring colors at J. Crew Factory. The prices and quality are just so amazing; I couldn’t help but come home with a few pieces.
If youāre new here, welcome. A dressing room diary is when I go into a local store for a try-on session so you can see whatās new and how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I am 5ā4ā³ and weigh around 140 lbs. I have broad shoulders with straight hips, a long torso, and long arms. I often buy one size larger on top. Youāll see me try on clothes in colors and shapes that may or may not flatter me because I want you to see whatās in the stores and get some styling ideas. I will tell you what sizes I am wearing to help you understand how things run.
I spotted this dress online and was anxious to see how it fit. The answer is… this 6 is skin-tight, but the 8 would have fit beautifully. In fact, it’s almost sold out at my store. The fabric has a map print that just makes me want to travel. It’s a lightweight 100% cotton that’s fully lined in a button front shirtdress style with a fit and flare shape that’s very flattering. It comes in classic and petite, sizes 00-20. I would have preferred the petite for myself.
I have gauze on my brain, so I honed in on these classic shirts. They come in a host of fun colors, and this melon shade seemed to be flying out the door. I brought the blue home and wish I’d they’d had my size in the white because it’s opaque and such a great piece for the summer. They come in sizes classic and petite, XXS-3X. These contain at least 30% of a re-imagined fabric, which contributes to J. Crew Factory’s goal of sustainably sourcing 100% of their key fibers by 2025. These slim boyfriend jeans are loose enough to be comfy and slim enough to be flattering. You can easily unfold the cuff to adjust the length. They come in classic and petite sizes 24-35. The classic has a 28″ inseam, and the petite is 25″
These are the relaxed boyfriend-fit jeans which are quite a bit roomier, so I went down one size, and they’re still nice and loose…which is actually the whole idea of boyfriend jeans š. I’m wearing them with a simple classic striped tee and a bold pink linen blend blazer. I love the contrast between the relaxed jeans and the polished blazer. The jeans come in classic and petite sizes 24-35. The tee is navy and ivory and comes in sizes XXS-3X. The blazer comes in three colors in classic and petite. It’s a linen/cotton blend that’s fully lined. I love it’s polished appearance you could pop over so many thiings.
Here’s the same cotton gauze shirt in the blue color I bought. I’m pairing it with their 9″ inseam chino shorts. The shorts come in eight colors, sizes 00-16. They’re cotton blended with 2% elastane so they have some stretch. I think they run pretty true to size.
This classic denim jacket is a bestseller for J Crew Factory. It’s not too fitted or boxy and has great structure with some stretch. The jacket comes in sizes XXS-3X. I’m wearing it over their 100% cotton tee that’s super soft and comes in thirteen colors, sizes XXS-3X. Most of the colors are opaque, which I really like. The high rise chino’s are 97% cotton/3% elastane so they’ve got a nice amount of “give”. They come in seven colors, regular and petite, sizes 00-24. The regular (classic) inseam is 28″ inseam, 26 1/2″ rolled. The petite inseam is 27″, 25 1/2″ rolled.
I love, love, loved the fit of these pants. They’re a 52% cotton/41% viscose/7% elastane blend that you could dress up or down. They’re also lined! The fabric feels substantial and is polished looking. They come in four colors, in regular, petite, and tall, sizes 00-24. The inseams are classic 28″, petite 25″ and tall 31″. I paired it with this lightweight cotton sweater. This fabric is not quite tissue weight because it’s opaque, but it’s very light so would be great alone or for layering. It comes in 15 colors, sizes XXS-3X
Same shorts as above, this time in a smaller size which feels too snug on me. I paired it with this long sleeve striped tee that comes in this coral stripe or a blue option. It’s 100% cotton and feels a bit oversized, possibly because of the drop shoulder. This isn’t a flattering combo on me but would flatter a woman with narrower shoulders š
Here’s those fabulous Kallie pants in the antique navy. l’m finding the sizing here at J Crew Factory to be similar to Talbots sizing. The cotton sweater shell is lightweight and great for layering in seven colors, sizes XXS-3X. There is also a coordinating cardigan here.
I find a classic white linen blazer so useful in warm weather. This is the same as the bright fuschia one above. I’m wearing it over their essential, straight-leg stretch jean that’s in a soft cotton/ Tencel blend with spandex for stretch. I love the pale wash for spring. They come in classic, petite, and tall in sizes 24-35. The gauze shirt is the one I bought.
I also came home with these fun earrings, and this little bandana. Here’s more of their affordable accessories-
Have you checked out J Crew Factory lately?
I need to learn to tie a blouse at the waist, yours is perfect,
I like j crew factory teddie sweaters. I like their petite options in coats. Some fabrics are a lesser quality ( my wool blend lady coat is pilling). Most of the pants are too low rise for me, and a few options feel too youthful, but the basics in petite work for me. I even bought a boys pea coat in wool that fit my short arms!
Jennifer! Iāve never shopped at J. crew factory, but after reading this post and seeing some of your finds Instagram, I need to rethink that! I love those gauze shirts! And the jeansā¦and the linen blazer! I donāt think thereās one near me, but Iām going to find one!
I love JCrew Factory. In the teddie sweaters and the sweater blazers (both staples in my closet), the Factory version has more cotton or all cotton, vs wool. The Factory ones say machine wash; the regular JCrew say dry clean only. Since I no longer dry clean anything, Iāve found the Factory actually a better choice for me. While some styles I would define as young (lots of polka dots and confetti in neon), most of what they have are nice, clean classics.
Love your posts, especially because we are built alike. The broad shoulders have their own set of problems, requiring extra large tops that can makes tops too boxy in other areas. Looking forward to trying the jeans and Kallie pants! Thanks for all you do!
What’s the difference between J Crew Factory and J Crew? I swear, the full price cotton gauze shirts I just ordered from J Crew are identical to the ones I see online at J Crew Factory — but the Factory ones are half the price. The color names are not the same, but the photos appear to show the exact same shirts. Wait, what?!
I always assumed J Crew Factory was for lesser quality items, perhaps made specifically for the outlet. But that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Thoughts?
I find many of their items almost identical. There are quality differences with threads not being as closely trimmed on seams and styling having a bit less attention to detail but you can’t beat the prices at J Crew factory for very similar looks.
Thanks for the reply, and thanks to the readers who also answered. Wow! Not sure where I’ve been all these years, but I have a J Crew Factory within a mile of my house. Who knew?! Love the cotton gauze shirts, especially, and look forward to trying them. Also — if any of your readers are veterans, as I am, or EMTs or healthcare workers, J Crew and J Crew Factory offer a special discount. A thoughtful touch.
I shop J crew factory all of the time! What a great job you did modeling the different outfits! Thank You.
I’m glad you liked this.
JCrew Factory is one of my go toās. Especially for their classic styles. Once you become familiar with the sizing their online service is amazing. Their customer service is excellent. Iām a huge fan of their jeans, shirts, and summer dresses.
Their quality is terrific at great prices!
The Teddie sweaters are great, and I own four of them. Theyāre perfect to wear on their own in spring and early fall and a lightweight layer in colder weather.
I agree!
We have never had a Jcrew factory but I really like these pieces, especially the tees. Thanks for letting us know about this. You look great in everything.
Thanks Rosemary. Theyāre very easy to shop online.
Great post! I recently re-discovered J Crew Factory and have loved the tees and thin cardigans I used to buy years ago. I think you look great in the striped tee and coral shorts! I know you didn’t think so but your photo made me buy the tee…in both colors š
I agree. I actually liked the coral better.
Itās a great tee. Their classic pieces are fabulous this spring. Iām glad you liked them! š
My preppy self from the 80’s is calling me to get those green pants! Bonus point to the retailer for making a Tall length!
Yes!! I love that green. Iām so happy to find brands that carry sizes for all of us.
Hi Jennifer, I havenāt been in a J Crew Store in years! It never occurred to me to shop there, I honestly thought I was (dare I say, TOO Old š) you have modeled great outfits today, thank you!
Youāre never too old. There are always styles for us. Itās a matter of choosing what fits well.
Love these pieces! I look forward to heading over to my near(ish) store!! Have a wonderful trip!
Iām a big fan of JCrew factory as well, and I also enjoyed yesterdayās post on eye makeup. I plan to try the eyeliner you recommended. BTW, I love your glasses!