I love doing the classic and curvy guides, because as a long time prep and curvy gal, I have done the dirty work when it comes to finding what brands work. J. Crew is one of my favorites, they embody classic style and always have fresh pieces that are timeless, yet feel new. A few years ago, they began offering more extended sizes in the majority of their collection! A while back, they had extended sizes in a small selection of khakis, merino sweaters, and blazers etc. Before their size expansion, I would create the J. Crew “look” by using their accessories, so I would frequent the site quite a bit. I will never forget the first time I noticed a 2x in their size filters. I cried. I actually cried. That is how much plus size women want to be included and represented! In recent years, J. Crew was one of the first large, household straight sized brands to expand their sizes, and I will always be grateful to them for that. I feel seen and heard by them! So, I wanted to share how I shop the classic brand and what styles and methods work.
SIZING & FIT
When you find the right piece, the fit is great. Their extended sizes are a continuation of their straight sizes, so instead of purchasing a 16w, you would likely purchase a size or two up. This also affects proportions in some garments. Primarily in the arms/armpit areas, things can run oversized (sleeves too long or armholes too big). So, when shopping I always keep sleeves in mind. If you are plus-sized, I recommend sizing up one to two sizes from your plus numerical size (i.e. if you are a 14w, try a 16 or an 18). Like any brand, sizing can differ amongst garments. When it comes to alphabetical sizing, I find they run more true to size and that I am something in between an xxl and a 2x (they do not have a 1x), if the silhouette is flowier or looser, I am an xxl, if it is more structured or cropped, a 2x!
WHAT TO SHOP FOR WITH CURVES
Honestly, I think J. Crew does a good job in making silhouettes that work on a lot of body types!!
TOPS: I find their tops to be somewhat shorter, but not a “crop” if you will. I love their blouses and popovers. I try to avoid the tops with a defined waist, because their tops with a looser or straight fit work much better on my mid-section. When purchasing a sleeveless top, I check to see if there is a cami that comes with it, like the shirt I am wearing in this post. It helps to cover if your bra gets exposed if the armhole is a touch too big.
DENIM: Their curvy blue denim is one of my favorite denim styles on Earth. The proportions here are so well done and hit at the perfect spot on my waist. Most of the blue denim I own is curvy J. Crew denim.
SWEATERS: I swear by their sweaters, of all kinds. Their cashmere is the softest and you can usually seamlessly cuff the arms if they feel a bit too long. I pay attention to the silhouette of the sweater, if it is large or looser it may not work on me, but their more structured styles or their roll neck sweater are classics that work!
DRESSES AND MIDI SKIRTS: I love their dresses! J.Crew has done such a great job in the dress department. I lean towards dresses that are a bit looser in fit and have enough length. Unlike in their tops, I do like when a dress has a tie around the waist to help define my shape! The length of the skirt allows a tie waist to work better than a top. Length is important so there is enough coverage. I love their maxi dresses and looser shift dresses! Their midi skirts are one of their best items for curves, they give a nice waistline and usually flow so nicely that they accentuate curves instead of hiding them.
HOW TO SHOP
I may sound like a broken record, but with any brand, when shopping on any site it all comes down to the filters you use and then the silhouette and shape of the garments. I first filter to my sizes (in this case I would do an 18, 20, xxl and 2x). This allows me to narrow down the options that are available in my size range. From there, I try to find the pieces that are a-line or flowy. They just work better and provide a little more wiggle room since curvy bodies are all so unique (as are straight sized ones, but curves have a different modality to them). If the silhouette is more fitted, I make sure there is enough length accompanied with it. There are so many options and depending on your body, there may be trial and error, but I hope this guide comes in handy when you are perusing for your next purchase!
SHOP MY LOOK
Still loving J. Crew!! Glad they are inclusive in their great clothes.