As you might've picked up on by now, we basically borrow all of our outfit tricks from J.Crew. It's okay, though, because the retailer is well aware of this — they've even created a whole series inspired by its legendary styling. Each "Style Hacks" video walks you through all the ways you can wear J.Crew staples, from the button-up to, as we see in its latest installment, jeans.
In the video, the brand's head women's designer, Somsack Sikhounmuong, explores all the possibility within the brand's extensive denim selection. He enlisted in-house editor Halsey Anderson to help answer some of their co-workers' burning questions, such as wearing a white wash in the winter (it's a 365-day-a-year garment, they insist) or cuffing your jeans (because, yes, there is more than one way).
"We are a huge fans of denim wardrobing here," Sikhounmuong told Refinery29 (and reaffirming what we already knew based on J.Crew's lookbooks),"whether it be the classic denim tuxedo or variations thereof: a chambray shirt with a denim skirt, or a pair of jeans with a tuxedo jacket." At J.Crew HQ, he explained, it's all about "denim 24/7."
Sikhounmuong actually came to J.Crew from Madewell back in 2015 — so, the designer has become well-acquainted with denim throughout his career. Through his professional experience with the blues, he's learned one thing about this category of apparel: "It's all about the fit," he said. Denim can be very technical in its construction and make-up, he explained, but ultimately what matters is whether you feel comfortable in a particular pair.
In terms of optimal look, to Sikhounmuong, nothing beats the worn-in effect — which is why he prefers reworking an old pair of jeans rather than tossing them. "Instead getting rid of them, I always like to see a bit of patching and repair — a raw frayed hem here or an over patched knee there," he noted. "For me, it's not so much about a style coming back, but more about showing more love to the ones you already own."
As far as what style might break out come spring, Sikhounmuong has his eyes on a very particular silhouette: "Although the love for our skinny jeans is still going strong, I’m kind of enamored with our higher-ish, straighter slim fits, like our crop or the boyfriend," he admitted. "With so many of the ruffles we're seeing [in tops], it's nice to cut a little of that sweetness with a more boyish fit." So, add to your cart accordingly.