I’m a Fashion Editor, and Here’s Everything I Tried & Loved at J.Crew for Summer

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect waistcoat top for ages now, and this may very well be the one for me. There is a pull in back to tighten or loosen the waist as needed, and the bottom is designed to flare out in a way that looks fabulously chic and shows just a hint of skin for some sex appeal. The linen is fully lined, but still very lightweight so you won’t overheat. As for sizing, there isn’t much if any stretch to the material, so if you’re between two sizes, I’d suggest taking the larger.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 00 to 24

J.Crew’s Soleil pants are a major best seller summer after summer, and this latest iteration absolutely lives up to the hype of previous cuts. The linen is lightweight but still has enough heft to hang well from the hip and not appear see-through. That said, it also doesn’t have any stretch, so I highly recommend sizing up if you are between two sizes. There are also petite and tall lengths available in almost every color option, of which there are a whopping 13 to choose from. If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not this cult favorite is worth it, I’m here to tell you it is, 100 percent.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXXS to 3X, also Petite and Tall

I truly cannot stop thinking about this adorable ramie set. The top and skirt both come in a handful of solid hues as well, but it’s definitely the red floral for me. The top has elegant pleating at the waist for a slightly cinched silhouette and the high neckline makes it feel appropriate for a wide range of occasions, not just casual weekend hangs. There’s basically zero stretch to the fabric, so keep that in mind when choosing which size to order. However, I did find the fit to be pretty spot-on for my usual size.

The skirt is designed to have a mid-rise, but you can size up for a lower fit or up if you prefer to have it hit at your true waist. The midi length was super flattering, and I loved the illusion of a wider waistband with the dropped seam. There is tie on the side that can be knotted however you like, and it does cinch the waist ever so slightly when pulled. That said, it doesn’t make any huge changes to the fit like a classic drawstring might.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 00 to 24;XXS to 3X, also Petite and Tall

Another piece I just can’t get out of my head is this stunning maxi dress. It’s just so easy and elegant, and I love that it looks just as good with or without the matching tie waist. The back does go fairly low (the back of my bra was peeking out a little bit), but the straps can be adjusted to help provide more coverage if you like. While overall I’d say the sizing is pretty spot on, this dress is long—I am 5’9” and found the classic length (53.75 inches) hit just a few inches above my ankle—but luckily is does indeed come in petite lengths (50 inches). On the flip side, if you’re a tall gal looking for a true maxi, it also comes in a tall length (56.5 inches).

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXS to 3X, also Petite and Tall

Available in black, white and a beautiful brown floral block print, this dress is bound to be a hot pick this summer. The top is entirely smocked for maximum comfort, and the straps can be removed if you prefer a strapless neckline. It also comes in petite and tall sizes in all three colors. The ramie fabric is prone to wrinkling, so you’ll probably want to steam this beauty before wearing, but otherwise is lightweight, breathable and sure to make you feel polished even on the hottest afternoons.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXS to 3X, also Petite and Tall

One of my staple summer wardrobe pieces is a breezy, boho-lite blouse I can toss over jeans or shorts for any occasion. This top is exactly that, with a slightly cropped cut that hit right at the hips and an adjustable tie neckline. There are also buttons down the front if you wanted to show a bit more skin. Choose from the purple block print shown above, blue-and-white stripes, classic black, white or butter yellow.

As for the jeans, don’t let the “lower rise” descriptor scare you off. I’d actually say these fit much closer to a mid-rise, though some reviewers do recommend sizing up in order to have the waist fit a little lower for a cool, loose-leg fit. The drawstring is also a very fun touch and can make some micro adjustments to the fit of the waistband, in addition to just looking quite cool. Many reviewers say they found these jeans ran big, but I would say they fit true to size. In fact, if you wanted a baggier fit, you’ll likely even want to size up.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXS to 3X; US 23 to 37, also Petite

I love that Bermuda shorts are having a moment, and this pair is definitely a must-have for me. They’re fully lined and incredibly comfortable, but the eyelet lace along the hem and up the sides helps to really elevate the simple white cotton fabric. Same goes for the camp shirt, which would look equally cool with loose-leg jeans as it would with an A-line midi skirt. I will say, the shorts fit pretty true to size (keep in mind the fabric has very little stretch) but the top definitely ran small. You’ll definitely want to size up to avoid any pulling around the buttons.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: US 00 to 24; XXXS to 3X

This was a surprise hit for me. Yes, the ties in back do take some finagling when you first pull on the dress, and I did have the thought that this would be a lot easier if I had a friend or partner to assist, but once I managed to figure it out, it was easy to tighten the straps as needed for a custom fit up top. And despite the fact that the cotton material is incredibly light, it was not sheer, so I would actually feel quite comfortable going braless. It’s truly an ideal frock for a hot-weather vacation, or just to feel dressed up in peak summer.

P.S. If you are between sizes, I’d opt for the smaller to avoid any gaping in the waistband in back.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXS to 3X

Can you tell I love a matching set? Each of these pieces come in a wide range of colors—including butter yellow, Kelly green, guava pink and zebra stripes—so there’s bound to be something to fit your style even if red-on-red isn’t your thing. The cashmere-blend shell is wonderfully light, as the name suggests, and I found it fit true to size with a decent amount of stretch. It’s a really nice way to dress up a tank top for something that’s both casual and put together.

As for the shorts, they ran a bit big, in my opinion, but the waist hit at just the right place. As a tall person, I was also surprised that the 3-inch inseam didn’t feel uncomfortably short. They’re made of linen for maximum breathability, and while they definitely wrinkle some, they do have enough structure and heft that I doubt they’d completely crumple after a full day of wear.

FAST FACTS

• Size Range: XXXS to 3X; XXXS to 3X