J.Crew’s Sale Has What You Need to Create Fashion's Go-To Outfit

This elevated look only involves two pieces.

women wearing button-down tops and jeans
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

As a minimalist whose style sings to the tune of quiet luxury, my wardrobe is packed with a reliable rotation of elevated outfit formulas. One look that has never failed me is the classic combination between a crisp button-down shirt and a refined pair of jeans. It’s streamlined, polished, and even celebrity-approved (Jennifer Lopez—a.k.a the queen of the rich mom aesthetic—often depends on this basic shirt-and-jeans styling trick).

Although it’s true that you can find a button-down shirt and a pair of jeans at practically any retailer, there’s one in particular that has an impressive assortment of both styles. I’m referring to none other than J.Crew, the hotspot for elegant capsule wardrobe essentials. The brand’s current selection showcases a bevy of buttoned tops (cut from white fabric, plastered in stripes, and cropped at the sleeves) and denim pants (flared at the hem and designed with both straight-leg and wide-leg silhouettes).

Not only are there plenty of options to choose from, but the majority of these sophisticated basics are also on sale. From now until Saturday, August 24, J.Crew is offering prices as low as $29.50, plus an extra 50 percent off select sale styles. These markdowns are simply too good to pass up—so don’t.

Ahead, find exactly what you need to create a foolproof outfit that will hang around in your closet for the long haul.

J.Crew's On-Sale Button-Down Shirts

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White Button-Down Shirts

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: A white button-down shirt is an essential component of any wardrobe. Whether you prefer pared-down pieces or you’re not afraid to experiment with maximal accessories, you should have at least one white button-down hanging in your closet (if not several). J.Crew has an extensive selection of options that are lightweight and breathable. Since fall is around the corner, consider styling yours alongside a sweater vest to keep snug amidst temperature dips.

Striped Button-Down Shirts

Invite a hint of excitement into your wardrobe by way of J.Crew’s striped button-down tops. Choose from charming shades like peony pink, navy blue, and sky blue (which just so happens to be a viral fall 2024 color trend). The lineup below features both cropped and regular-length styles (but if you choose the latter, try tucking your top into a pair of jeans for a fitted look).

Short-Sleeve Button-Down Shirts

Although we’re preparing to shift seasons, we can definitely expect a few sweltering hot days here and there. For those moments, you’ll appreciate a button-down top that has a short-sleeve design. J.Crew’s arm-baring styles will allow ample air flow, especially since they’re also crafted from gauzy fabrics like cotton and linen. And if it’s too hot to wear your short sleeved button-down with floor-sweeping jeans, reach for a pair of jorts instead (yep, these iconic ‘90s-inspired bottoms have officially entered the fashion chat).

J.Crew's On-Sale Jeans

Flared Jeans

Searching for jeans that make a subtle statement? Look no further than a pair of flared jeans that flaunt a sculpted fit toward the top and a loose construction structure below the knee. With the right pair of flared denim pants, you can even take a dip into the Western trend and style your jeans over cowboy boots. Do just that with J.Crew’s collection of flared bottoms, which are begging to be added to your wardrobe.

Straight-Leg Jeans

Year after year, straight-leg jeans continue to rank high on the list of denim trends. Perhaps it’s because more than anything, this style falls into the category of perennial staples. Bottom line? They’re not going anywhere, so you might as well invest in them now (especially if you’re looking to build a wardrobe that will stand the test of time). Peruse J.Crew’s variety of straight-leg jeans drenched in different denim washes—from light to medium to dark.

Wide-Leg & Baggy Jeans

You know the phrase more is more? Well, wide-leg jeans embody that saying quite literally. This spacious style proves that big and baggy silhouettes are indeed flattering. If you’re in the mood for a slouchy and comfortable fit, J.Crew’s category of wide-leg jeans has everything you need. I’ve even added a couple of the retailer’s chalky-toned alternatives into the mix because yes, you can in fact wear white after Labor Day.

Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.

When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.