If there’s a retailer our readers love, it’s J.Crew.
How could you not adore the retailer? It has something for everyone — from your wife to your brother — and even has options for little girls and boys.
We rounded up the best J.Crew gifts for you to shop for now. Whether you have an e-gift card to spend or are looking for a pair of J.Crew pajamas (some of the best ones out there), look no further than our exclusive edit.
“I do think festiveness, richness, color, sparkle, etc, are all baked in to the essence of J.Crew,” Maggie Bullock, writer, editor and author of ‘The Kingdom of Prep: The Inside Story of the Rise and (Near) Fall of J.Crew,'” exclusively told the New York Post. “This started with the catalogues with the ’80s. J.Crew was very multigenerational and familial from the beginning— in its early imagery you saw the dashing grandpa, the kids of all ages, the occasional pregnant woman wearing her men’s roll-neck sweater.”
From experience, its vast shoe selection is worth looking into, along with its sharp-looking sports coats, plush puffer coats and unbeatable dress pants.
Ahead, find our top picks (and, don’t forget our interview with Bullock to read up on some more of the J.Crew magic!) Truly, we’re shopping right there with you.
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Best J.Crew Gifts for Men
Secret Wash Cotton Poplin Shirt
“In my household, [the most popular item] is always the casual button-down shirts (the “secret wash” cotton poplin shirts have been going strong since 2005), which reliably have a nice fit—again, up to date without being too fashion-y,” Bullock notes.
Not to mention, this makes a wonderful gift for your boyfriend (trust us, we’ve gifted it, too).
Broken-In Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt
“And the “broken-in tees” [are popular] —they’re slim cut but not skinny, perfectly soft, subtle colors, and J.Crew was the first big brand to print the size and label info inside the neckline, banishing the scratchy label at the neck,” Bullock shares. “So they’ve always been very keen on comfort, which I think it probably the most important aspect in winning over a loyal male customer.”
For more options, check out our guide to the best men’s T-shirts.
Ludlow Slim-Fit Suit Jacket in Italian Cotton Corduroy
The Ludlow Slim-Fit Suit Jacket in Italian Cotton Corduroy is a suitable (ha!) option for men — available in neutral shades to carry him through all the dressy occasions on his calendar.
“How cool and very Wes Anderson-chic would this corduroy Ludlow suit (with some tailoring fixes) be on a woman?” Bullock offers, considering alternative styling power.
484 Slim-Fit Stretch Chino Pant
Meet the pants we’ve recently purchased as a gift: the 484 Slim-Fit Stretch Chino Pant. They come in a suite of flattering colors and are the quintessential hallmark to anyone’s wardrobe.
For more options, check out our guide to the best men’s chinos.
Tumbled Leather Heritage Duck Boots
Rein in that J.Crew classic style with the Tumbled Leather Heritage Duck Boots. They’re a wintertime staple, are a high-quality find and look handsome with just about any outfit. Not to mention, they’re perfect for the outdoorsy person on your shopping list.
Solid Cashmere Scarf
J.Crew’s Solid Cashmere Scarf is a luxe-looking style piece to pick up for the wintertime chill — now, for only $50. It’s available in other handsome colors, too.
Harrington Jacket in Italian Suede
The Harrington Jacket in Italian Suede is a splurge-worthy find that embodies classic style from every angle. We love how you can either dress it up or down — and we ensure it’ll be a staple in your gift recipient’s wardrobe for years to come.
Best J.Crew Gifts for Women
Villa Coat in Italian Stadium-Cloth
“I think J.Crew is the easiest place to look for serviceable yet good-looking and not-a-zillion-bucks winter coats, both puffers and tailored coats,” Bullock says. “I have an olive green stadium-cloth wool coat that must be at least 10 years old and looks perfectly new. And, as a tall person with orangutan-length arms, I really appreciate that the coats come in petite and tall!”
According to Bullock, “the worst thing on a tall person is a skimpy-looking sleeve.”
Cropped PrimaLoft Puffer Jacket
Speaking of puffers, the Cropped PrimaLoft Puffer Jacket comes in stunning colors and flatters any body type — especially when worn with a good sweater and. your favorite denim. We also love the gold hardware.
Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater
Bullock is very much into J.Crew’s cashmere sweaters — and the Cashmere Classic-Fit Crewneck Sweater is available in a suite of shades available to pick up in a jiffy.
“They have the fluffy rabbit-fur vibe of a sweater a ballerina might pull over her leotard,” she offers. “Just a little extra romance in an otherwise every-day functional piece.”
Natalia Pant in Four-Season Stretch
“J.Crew’s CEO Libby Wadle sold me on its Natalia Pant — which is the kind of functional, quiet thing I might not otherwise have picked up on shopping the site,” Bullock notes. “I love the crisp crease down the leg, and the width is just right.”
Oh, and don’t they make the perfect work pants?
Tissue Turtleneck
“For years, the Tissue Turtleneck has been the only turtleneck I can stand to wear,” Bullock shares. “It doesn’t feel too hot or like it’s trying to eat you alive and it’s the perfect skinny layer under a dress or a jacket.”
Not to mention, this is a great less-than-$50 gift idea that’s available in an expanse of colors.
Stevie Crinkle Leather Ankle Boots
Bullock bought these boots. “The heel height is just right to look polished but still be totally walkable, the pointy toe dresses up summer’s wide-leg jeans for winter and the crinkled finish makes an otherwise plain style feel a little fresher,” she highlights.
Pro tip: stock up on these — one for you, and another for a loved one — because there’s much power when strutting in a good pair of low-profile booties.
Slim-Fit Chambray Shirt
“Every wardrobe needs a denim shirt,” Bullock says — her mantra. “I firmly believe in the power of this shirt with jeans (love the Canadian tuxedo) or with polished trousers. I find chambray strangely sexy?”
But, if denim shirts aren’t your thing, we recommend shopping for a quality denim jacket.
Supersoft Yarn Rollneck Sweater
“I wrote a whole book on J.Crew, which is more or less the life story of the rollneck sweater,” Bullock says. “So if any of my loved ones want to celebrate that fact by giving me this softer, drapier version of the rollneck (in heather blue, for example…) I will not be mad at it.”
We love how versatile this style is, in particular. You can wear them with some lounge pants when cozying on up at home or with wide-leg pants for the office.
Sheer Swiss-Dot Ankle Socks (3-Pack)
“The Swiss-Dot Ankle Sock is a trademark styling trick of Olympia Gayot, J.Crew’s head womenswear designer,” Bullock shares. “She uses it to add an unexpected, slightly ‘off’ girlish touch to a look that is otherwise by-the-book, which is a grand tradition in J.Crew styling.”
And, if this wasn’t otherwise obvious — it makes the perfect stocking stuffer.
Sailor Denim Trouser in Rinse Wash
We’re already eyeing the Sailor Denim Trouser in Rinse Wash from J.Crew as part our future workwear-outfit ensemble. They’re extremely flattering with that wide-leg charm we know and love — and it’ll look exceptional with a sweater or bodysuit of your choice.
Pavé Crystal Chain Earrings
J.Crew is notorious for placing elegant touches on all of its pieces — jewelry included. Pick up the Pavé Crystal Chain Earrings to complement any outfit, whether dressy or casual. We love the delicate detailing they offer, most notably.
Best J.Crew Gifts for Kids
Girls’ Sparkle Cable-Knit Sweater
J.Crew is known for its expanse of sweaters — and that’s not limited to the adult section. The Girls’ Sparkle Cable-Knit Sweater is one of our traditional favorites (especially in this pink color, if we have any say-so in your purchase).
Kids’ Junior Varsity Rugby Shirt
Yes, we’re all about the J.Crew nostalgia. As seen in print catalogs of years past, the Kids’ Junior Varsity Rugby Shirt is a piece that’s perfectly preppy and comfortable. Plus, its tartan plaid color is perfect for any dressy occasion.
Kids’ Printed Button-Up Stripe Pajama Set
You can’t skip on the PJs this year, and the Kids’ Printed Button-Up Stripe Pajama Set is one that’s fitting for both boys and girls. Plus, its traditional charm and detailing is one that’ll never go out of style.
KID by Crewcuts Reversible Puffer Coat
One of the best kids’ winter coats, unlocked. Shop the KID by Crewcuts Reversible Puffer Coat that’s available in a wealth of two-tone colors. Not to mention, it’s on an epic sale right now.
Girls’ Jacquard Swan Dress
The Girls’ Jacquard Swan Dress is the quintessential dress for any time of year (think: Blair Waldorf meets The Children’s Place). With intricate detailing and a photogenic look, we couldn’t resist adding it to our must-buy list.
An Interview with a J.Crew Expert
Ahead, Bullock shares her insights on one of the biggest retailers in America — along with a behind-the-scenes look at her recent J.Crew novel.
What’s the overall aesthetic of J.Crew?
“Today, I’d say it’s a city-fied version of classic American basics, the preppy DNA is still in there but not jumping out at you, and the mix is fashion conscious but consciously not fashion forward,” Bullock told The Post.
She also says the womenswear feels “fairly urbane and luxe” while the menswear is “more utilitarian, functional.”
J.Crew, as a whole, is trying to make something for everyone, at every age, without alienating anybody with a look that is any one thing, per Bullock. Though J.Crew puts the “C” in Classic, its style is evolving with a crux toward traditionalism, 24/7.
What J.Crew items do you recommend adding to one’s shopping list?
“I’m really looking for gifts that have a lower eco impact this year, that are less disposable, require less packaging, and are also guaranteed to be put to actual use,” she says. “The last thing I want to do is waste money and carbon on stuff that someone doesn’t really use.”
Above all else, Bullock respects and appreciates the work J.Crew has put into making its cashmere more transparently and responsibly sourced is impressive (and she says she’s a skeptic!), so she recommends sorting through these pieces first.
What inspired the creation of your book, “The Kingdom of Prep?”
“I was intrigued by the backstory of a brand, one that most of us never knew or forgot, about Emily Cinader, who you might call the proto-Jenna Lyons, who started working at J.Crew at 21, right out of college and right after her father Arthur Cinader had founded it, and who build a major American brand in her own image, largely by following her own instinct,” she shares. “It was really Emily’s story that got me hooked.”
What’s something people may not know about J.Crew?
“So many people thought Jenna Lyons was the ‘J’ in J.Crew, and rightly so: she really reinvented the brand and brought it into its biggest, brightest hey-dey,” she explains. “But J.Crew had a fascinating (to me at least!) life and identity — with its own equally ardent fan base, who remain loyal to the O.G. version—that predated the Jenna era.”
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.