https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 18:30:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751628 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:37:18 +0000 N-Marie 751628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>100% agree. All of their styles seem designed for tall, slim,non-busty women.</p> <p>I keep a list of my size in various stores for easier online shopping. Under J Crew. I have "Don't do it! It won't fit" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751625 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:34:21 +0000 Aida 751625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I very much enjoy looking through the JCrew catalogs, whether the stuff fits me or not! I go to JCrew when I want slouchy tops; I size up in my regular size and since I'm an hourglass with strong shoulders I get instant perfectly structured-slouchy items </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751338 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:56:27 +0000 Inge 751338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've actually had lots of luck with J. Crew items (I'm a straightish hourglass). I love their knitwear, shirts, coats, skirts and trousers - all these usually fit me very well. All the items I have purchased so far have been very good quality (including two scarves), and, like, Angie, I'm really happy that they offer tall sizes and have such a brilliant colour assortment, with shades you can't find anywhere else.</p> <p>I do sometimes wonder if their "Collection" items are worth the steep price (no experience with those). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751287 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:07:58 +0000 Janet 751287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you, IK. I'm just the opposite of Gaylene -- bottoms from JC almost never work on me, but tops might. I have had success with soft blouses in particular (cut straight but they drape). I actually did try on that paisley midi skirt last year and it fit me, miracle of all miracles, but I didn't buy it.</p> <p>I tried on the matchstick jeans recently, and they were cut too straight for me. Strangely enough, they seemed a bit bulky in the thighs, and they were much too big in the waist if they fit my hips. They just didn't seem right for my body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751275 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:55:43 +0000 nancylee 751275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, IK. Their layouts are so appealing, but more often than not I've found the clothes are cut funny or boxy...or just aren't that flattering.</p> <p>BUT I always check them out because some of my BEST workhorse pieces are actually from JCrew: tall boots, cashmere v-neck sweaters, "Perfect" button shirts, and pencil skirts. </p> <p>So, I guess I would agree with Angie. JCrew is inconsistent, but always worth a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751222 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 17:20:58 +0000 rachylou 751222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got two J Crew sweaters this year. I hadn't been in, in a long time. The pants never hang right on me and I'm only just getting back into button down shirts after a 30 year hiatus (lol, yes, I quit that business in middle school). Anyways, the pants still don't fit.</p> <p>I do also usually feel let down at the quality vs. price point at J. Crew when it comes to the pants (I'm all about the pants). The tops seem good to me, tho.</p> <p>They do have a positively inspiring catalog. I think preppies love J. Crew, but J. Crew isn't preppy in the same way Jennifer Aniston isn't preppy even in a navy blazer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751099 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:41:24 +0000 Angie 751099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>J.Crew is generally cut for a straighter body, so I agree with your assessments. Half of my clients do very well at J.Crew, while others always come out empty handed. That said, I have a few curvier clients who do well at J.Crew. AND there are curvier people on this forum who do well at J.Crew. But these ladies are happy to surrender their waistline - so case in point. </p> <p>The quality is hit and miss - like so many stores these days! I love their coats, shirts and knitwear. Their mens knitwear is excellent too. These, up till now, season after season, have been great quality. </p> <p>Personally, I REALLY appreciate that J.Crew gives my tall clients length!! And us all colour when the rest of the industry looks overly neutral. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751061 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:18:26 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 751061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My biggest gripe w/J Crew is that they do not carry petite sizes in any of their stores. I've learned to be careful about what I order - I size up for tops/coats/blouses because they are usually very fitted in the arms and I have, shall we say, muscular limbs. For skirts, I stick with A-lines because the pencil skirts are made for straight figures. I've tried tons of shorts on in the store and anything that fits my legs and bottom has an extra 4 inches in the waist, so I know better than to try the pants. The pieces that I do have from them, though, I absolutely love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751054 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:12:20 +0000 crazyone 751054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a couple of merino wool sweaters from JCrew and don't find them itchy at all (and yes, certain fabrics do make me itch). Maybe it's their mixed fabrications? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751032 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:44:21 +0000 Aziraphale 751032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To add to Shiny's comment -- lest I gave the impression that the quality is poor -- it's not. I only own two J. Crew items, a gray wool blazer and a black silk blouse, but both have lovely material and workmanship, and fit like they were made for me (mind you, they are petite sizes, so I had to order them online). I have no gripes about the quality. I just wish they'd make a few more sweaters in nice cotton, because nearly sweater they make is itchy wool, which I can't wear. Nothing special about J. Crew wool though. All wool is itchy for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-751005 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:50:16 +0000 shiny 751005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On the off chance someone from Jcrew ever reads this thread, I would buy more from Jcrew if: </p> <p>1) They offered more V- and scoop necks, rather than crew necks. Likewise, more styles of coats and blazers and sheath dresse that can accommodate a cup size larger than an A, and flatter a short neck. </p> <p>2) They had a better shipping &amp; return policy, which would encourage me to give petites another whirl. This is my number 1 gripe. </p> <p>I don't understand the comments here about the quality. I find the quality to be better than most. Case in point: I have been on the hunt for a basic white V-neck cotton tee shirt. I searched high and low at the mall recently. Jcrew's vintage cotton tee is similar quality to James Perse, but at half the cost (and fit me better, but I'm short). I usually buy the GAP tees but the quality of those has gone waaayyyy down hill. BR's timeless tee was okay, but only slightly less than Jcrew. From experience, Ann Taylor tees pill too quickly. </p> <p>Meanwhile my wool coat with thinsulate is several years old now; it is my go-to coat in the winter. It still looks as good as new -- lining and everything. </p> <p>My favorite cardigan did just develop a hole in the elbow, but I wore that cardigan constantly for over 5 years. The sweater otherwise looks just fine (so I will be patching - probably going to shorten the sleeves above the elbow). </p> <p>My metallic flip flops are AMAZING. I can never wear flip flops, but these are incredibly comfortable and very well made. I will never buy any other flip flop. </p> <p>My straw beach bag is still going strong, two years old. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750872 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 05:45:34 +0000 Keix 750872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a slim rectangle/apple so J.Crew does fit me pretty well. However, I love the catalog looks in a total fantasy way--I don't actually have a desire to wear those complete outfits, just to admire the great color combos and stylings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750812 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 04:22:21 +0000 Jenava 750812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Totally with you on this! Occasionally I'll find something, but it never seems quite as cute as on the model...</p> <p>ETA, and I agree with Elisabeth about the scratchy wool! I had a cream cable-knit sweater last year I could barely stand to wear with a nice thick under-layer and then it started to shed/pill horribly and I had to get rid of it! Did even last one season. I've hesitated to by sweaters there ever since. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750810 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 04:20:35 +0000 Gaylene 750810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't feel too bad, IK, about not being able to emulate those J Crew catalog pictures. For a start, I'm sure that Photoshop would help enormously-- as would being a long-legged, long-haired, 18 year-old beauty with a stylist close by to make sure that everything was draping just so ever so effortlessly on your lithe, tanned bod. To say nothing of the hairstylist who tousled your hair just so, and the make-up artist who deftly made your eyes enormous and skin flawless.</p> <p>But those catalogs are such fun to get in the mail on a dreary day </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750803 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 04:06:54 +0000 Aziraphale 750803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know exactly what you mean. I love many, many of their items in the pictures. But in real life, even before I try the clothes on, I'm not always super-impressed. For one thing, they use a lot of scratchy wool. That's fine if it's a lined skirt, but a no-go for me on any of the sweaters. And then there's the fit issue. I read recently (maybe from one of you on this forum?) that J. Crew clothes are cut for a slim rectangle, which explains why many of their clothes do fit me (and would fit even better if I were six inches taller), but because so many of their items are close-fitting, I can see how just about any other body shape might have trouble. </p> <p>One thing I will say: their sizing seems consistent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750802 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 04:06:16 +0000 sinead 750802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About the catalog photos- what you don't see is the clothes pins, fashion tape and safety pins in the clothes to make them fit and flatter for the photos. I really wish they would photograph clothing the way it really is, but the photographer and stylist would never get rehired if they did that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750800 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 04:05:36 +0000 Scarlet 750800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so frustrated with their sizing I mostly don't even consider their stuff. I have to say in their defense though that my pretty pear sister loves their stuff, but clothes fit us completely differently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750783 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 03:48:07 +0000 Frogmella 750783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>J. Crew - more misses than hits. I do like the Number 2 (?) pencil skirt which they produce in seasonal fabrics and trendy colours and prints. I have two and the fit is fine. Hate the Cafe capri. I have two sweaters I like from J. Crew, so I still consider knits. There is a dress I adore in the catalogue, <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/weartowork/PRDOVR~90322/90322.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../90322.jsp</a><br /> and I think I'm going to risk it.</p> <p>I feel the same about Zara except I have had success with a few pairs of pants. Fitted blouses and shirts are a disaster. I guess that's part of the process. You learn what stores, what brands are worth your shopping time. DonnaF - don't fall for the Lands' End thing. They are frumpy. I bought a shell awhile ago. The only reason I didn't return is that it was marked down so low it wasn't worth the time and postage </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750778 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 03:44:18 +0000 ironkurtin 750778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just jumping back in to say that I agree with Shiny, the pieces that work from JCrew REALLY work and are some of my favorite items.</p> <p>Also, it's not that the clothes don't fit, just that they don't hang on me the way they do in their photos. I'm a slim rectangle, and find their pant cuts just fine. It's assembling the ensemble that falls apart on me. I just cannot make them work like their models do. Which shouldn't be shocking but somehow always gets me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750749 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:57:47 +0000 Gaylene 750749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get a perfect fit in J Crew pants and skirts almost every time. The tops, however, are another matter; depending on the cut, I downsize and upsize pretty regularly.</p> <p>I think it's good that different lines cut for different body shapes. For example, every pair of Ann Taylor pants that I recently tried on had so much extra fabric in the hip area I looked like I had handles on my hips. Not enough booty, obviously, to fill those pants out. J Crew pants, on the other hand, are usually cut with a slim hip and thigh but a generous waist. Perfect for an IT. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750710 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:09:14 +0000 Kari 750710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me too. The cuts are, for the most part, WAY too straight-cut for my bod. Same issue with Zara. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750708 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 02:08:06 +0000 Mo 750708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may be the only forum member who has never laid eyes on a J Crew catalog. I admit, I always thought it was preppy wear just by the name. Is it? I honestly don't know lol.<br /> I bought a white skirt this summer on eBay for walks in the hot weather and found out it was J Crew upon receiving it. Seems decently made to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750700 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 01:58:09 +0000 DonnaF 750700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was even starting to get seduced by the Lands End catalog even though I KNOW the clothes tend to make me look frumpy. And Talbots, too. Those clothes may fit, but then I have to work out how I will funkify them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750690 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 01:51:49 +0000 Thistle 750690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed! JCrew was apparently designed for slim rectangles. Hourglasses need not apply!</p> <p>Still, love looking at the catalogue for ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750664 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 01:37:14 +0000 Ariadne 750664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me too! I checked out the new store that opened in my city and almost everything seemed cheaply made from cheap materials and way, way overpriced. I still want to check out the chunky turtleneck, though, since I dont tend to get itchy from wool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750636 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:58:44 +0000 D'Ellen 750636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK, I'm finding that I love most catalogues more than the actual clothing. So many disappointments! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750630 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:51:19 +0000 Laura 750630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me too. Nothing ever fits. Ever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750624 Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:46:16 +0000 shiny 750624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed. But every now and then... something fits. And becomes one of my workhorses, and favorites. So I keep trying! I only have count-on-one-hand number of items from Jcrew, but all have held up beautifully for years and I love them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750586 Wed, 17 Oct 2012 23:57:07 +0000 catgirl 750586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Was just in the store getting annoyed. At least now I don't have to drool over the catalog any more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-love-the-jcrew-catalogue-more-than-the-actual-clothing#post-750584 Wed, 17 Oct 2012 23:54:22 +0000 ironkurtin 750584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They have such great photography and outfits, but man, the clothes never fit me like they do in the pics! </p>