You know when you find a brand that just gets it? It’s reliable, quality, trendy, but not too trendy? The brand that may not be top of mind all the time, but when it does bubble up you’re like, “Oh, of course I should look for [insert whatever you’re looking for] there” because you know they’ll make a better version than anyone else? For me, that’s J. Crew. And while I turn to them no matter the season, J. Crew’s summer collection, in this writer’s opinion, is always unmatched.

When I think of J. Crew, I think Americana. I think seaside 4th of July looking my most glamorous in a relaxed button down and shorts while eating a hot dog. J. Crew’s summer is aspirational, but what’s even better is it’s attainable. I don’t remember a year that’s gone by where I haven’t stalked J. Crew’s site come May for swimwear. My denim cutoffs from a few seasons back are my favorite shorts I own. And don’t even get me started on their dresses – they really have a handle on the classic A-line silhouette that’s been so popular this year, but of course they would.