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How did the J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers collaboration come about?

I can't help but get into the juicy details about this collaboration because it's the one thing no one saw on their bingo cards. Yet, it's such a seamless relationship at the same time! Olympia Gayot, J.Crew's creative director of womenswear and kids, says this about the partnership, "The collaboration with Christoper came together naturally, driven by our mutual love for the joy of fashion. I've long admired his work, and there was an undeniable synergy between our brands — J.Crew as a timeless purveyor of joyful, classic American style and Christopher as a trailblazer for the next generation of American designers."

Christopher John Rogers is known for creative bright, bold designs that bring out the color in whoever wears his pieces, making him unafraid to go against the grain in fashion. He most notably won the CFDA Emerging Designer Award in 2020 and the American Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2021. Since then, celebs such as Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rihanna, and Zendaya have been seen in his designs (via The Zoe Report).

Gayot says, "That mutual respect and shared values made the partnership feel effortless. We worked closely with Christopher at every step, not just blending our creative influences, but also collaborating on styling, photography direction, and artistic inspiration. It was essential to balance our core brand codes with his bold, contemporary vision, resulting in a collection that feels fresh, distinctly Christopher, and yet unmistakably J.Crew"

What makes this collection so unique?

We've seen a plethora of fall collections emerge this year, but none have captured the stylish, yet freeing energy that J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers have tapped into. Gayot says, "The collection is a joyful celebration of vibrant colors and dynamic textures. From striped cashmere sweaters to lamé barn jackets and sequin party dresses, every piece embodies a unique fusion of our two brands."

I say this a lot, but there's truly something for everyone in this collection. You'll still find tailored silhouettes, but you'll also see them in elevated patterns and fabrics. "We've reimagined classic J.Crew staples with a modern twist, encouraging individual expression and creativity while keeping them effortlessly wearable for any wardrobe. The trust we built through our shared creative vision allowed us to take bold design risks—like oversized stripes, new shapes, and unexpected textures—that turned out even better than we imagined," Gayot shares.

However, she says the most exciting thing is they "didn’t just create a holiday capsule; these pieces, though perfect for the season, are designed to be versatile enough to wear year-round.”

We can all agree that the past four years have been unprecedented in ways that have left us haggard at times. However, it seems this collection is touching on the hopeful and joyful nature that seems to be seeping back into society. Not only that, but there seems to be a genuine appreciation for those who are unafraid to mix tradition with modernity.

"Our goal with this collaboration was to create something that speaks to our modern consumer, who has a diverse appetite for style and design – someone who loves their tried-and-true classics, but also can experiment and play with color, unique silhouettes, and bold styling. We wanted it to appeal to both long-time J.Crew fans and those drawn to Christopher’s fearless and trailblazing Ready To Wear," Gayot says.

Based on what I've seen, it's apparent J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers not only understand each other, but their target audience as well. It's not always easy to connect the dots when designing something new, but they've truly hit the nail on the head. With that, Gayot says, "The aim was to push the boundaries of vibrant colors and patterns—hallmarks of Christopher’s work—while blending J.Crew’s classic aesthetic to make statement pieces that feel fun and accessible. By merging high fashion with everyday wearability, the collection elevates personal style and gives everyone a chance to own a special piece of designer magic.”

Shop My Favorite Pieces From The Collection

Pleated Dress In Sequins

Everyone needs a good party dress! This sequined stunner is perfect for the holidays — or a Tuesday when you just wanna get all dolled up! I'd find a nice faux fur stole to drape over it — and probably a pair of chic little kitten heels, so I can dance the night away if I need to.

Topcoat In Red Vinyl

Go bold or go home with this gorgeous red vinyl coat. Though it has a sleek design, the vibrant color is smokin' hot! It comes with a point collar, welted pockets, and is lined so you'll stay warm while looking ultra-stylish during the holidays.

Colorblock Dress In Stretch Viscose Blend

Your winter outfit doesn't have to be boring, so celebrate the end of the year with this gorgeous Colorblock Dress!

Girls' Pleated Mini Dress In Multistripe Stretch Taffeta

And if you want to pick up something for your mini me? The J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers collection has something for the kiddos too! This dress is DARLING!

Lamé Gold Barn Jacket

We tried to tell you: barn and chore jackets are SO in right now. Grab this one to show the world you didn't let the news cycle damned your shine!

Structured Button-Up Shirt In Duchesse Satin

Who said Barbie pink was going anywhere? It's officially here to stay if the J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers holiday collection has a say in things. Despite its vibrant color, this shirt is still tailored to perfection, giving you a put-together, buttoned-up (LOL) look.

Sculpted Skirt In Duchesse Satin

Pair your Structured Button-Up Shirt with this Sculpted Skirt for an adorable matching set. Or, you can absolutely pair this with a knit sweater for a more toned down look.

Topcoat In Herringbone Bouclé

Want to go for something a little more muted that's still sure to cause a scene? Fall in love with this J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers herringbone coat. It has a bouclé texture that's perfect for winter date nights or grabbing a late dinner with your friends.

Relaxed Blazer In Duchesse Satin

Everyone needs a classic black blazer in their wardrobe. It's one of those capsule pieces that works every season! And of COURSE Christopher John Rogers took this classic and made it cuter than ever!

Cotton Poplin Shirtdress

I swear, this shirtdress was designed just for me because I've been searching high and low for the perfect one to wear during colder months. Leave it to the J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers collection to know just what you and I need.

Sculpted Dress In Duchesse Satin

Want to turn heads at your company's holiday party without ending up with a note from the HR department the following morning? Wear this stunning Sculpted Dress In Duchesse Satin!

Stemon Three Tone Block Heel Boots

Post-fall shoe haul, it's likely you already have some classic black booties — and that's where these babies come in! I absolutely love this tri-toned pair of block heels to add a dash of fun to any look. The metallic accents are super on-trend right now, and the shiny vibes are perfect for these more twinkly months. They also come in a black variation, if you're looking for something different!

Wheedle Croc High Heeled Calf Boots

We've made it explicitly known that red is our color, through and through. So obviously I had to add these tall boots to the roundup! This pair is sexy and chic, elevating your style to the next level with the croc-embossed faux leather. Not feeling the red? You can choose from two other colors — plus, they're on sale for $59!

Women's Shelby Slingback Ballet Flats with Memory Foam Insole

Now these? These are absolutely darling! Ballet flats are back and truly better than ever right now — as exhibited by this bow-embellished pair from Target. The slight shimmer adds just enough sparkle without being too much, and the bow could go with everything from a pair of jeans and a sweater to your fave holiday look! These $35 shoes also come in red if you're feeling bold!

Women's Taylor Jet Studded Kitten Heel Ankle Boots with Memory Foam Insole

IDK how to explain it, but I just know Emily would slay these in Paris. She'd likely dress them in an unexpected way — I'm envisioning sweats and a beret? IDK? — and I'd immediately try to recreate the look. And while studs can make a statement, these are also just neutral enough that you can get away with a more subdued style as well. At $43, these are a total steal!

Struter Embroidered Platform Fur Classic Slip-On

Uggs duuuupe! These platform slip-ons are perfect for those days when you're out and about with your Starbucks in one hand, pushing the Target cart with the other. These also come in three other colors, and they're currently on sale for $42

Harness Buckle Ankle Boots

Some days require an edgier look that's even...dare I say, borderline grunge? It's our favorite way to dress when we're in a mellow mood, so if this sounds like you, slip on these cute ankle boots. The round, closed toe and cushioned footbed make them way more comfortable than they look.

Women's Elsa Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Metallics are perfect for the holiday season — and throughout the rest of winter, for that matter. These are great for the days you have to double up on a day at the office and make it to the holiday party by 7. Plus, at just $30, what more could you ask for?!

Ball Heel Stretch Ankle Boots

Keep it stylish with these glam boots! They heel height is only 2.25 inches, so the soles of your feet won't be under a ton of pressure as you strut through town. You get all the fun of a unique look without all the typical struggle of a unique shoe.

Slip On Mule Flats With Memory Foam Insole

These flats are so gaudy, but we're mesmerized by them. They take studs to the next level — and yes, I'm thinking about Emily in Parisagain. The round closed upper won't crush your precious toes, while the backless feature will make you happy as you pad around Target looking for new things to buy.

Women's Pippa Chunky Heel Ankle Boots

Love the first pair I shared, but wanna commit to the all-metallic vibe? These booties are here for you. At only $40, you'll shine bright like Eve from Life-Size. And with that block heel, you'll definitely be able to shine far while you're at it.

Women's Sage Slide Slippers

You obviously need plenty of shoes to strut your stuff around the town, but you also deserve a little something chic for the house! These stylish slippers are only $15, so you can comfortably make your way from the couch to the tea kettle — and look cute while you do it!

Ivette Tru Comfort Foam Pull On Boots

Normally we'd save a pair of boots like this for apple mazes and pumpkin patches, but there's no rule against wearing them during winter. They're a universal must-have in our book because of how sturdy they are, not to mention their gorgeous brown color!

Junie Tall Boots

We know you'll still be wearing sweater dresses during winter because we will too! They're not complete without a pair of tall boots though. You'll love how versatile these suede pair are and may want to wear them with all of your winter OOTDS.

Fur Mule Loafers

Gucci stole our hearts with their 2015 Re-Edition Women's Princetown mules, but the price tag reminded us of the budgets we've been living on. We're willing to bet you're not interested in spending over $1000 for mules, but now you don't have to! These stylish loafers are only $35 at Target, but hurry because they're selling out!

How do you know when to straighten your hair at home or go to the salon?

Desperate times call for desperate measures when you're due for a hair appointment and can't book one. I'm sure all of us have turned into an armchair hairstylist by giving ourselves a trim, quick haircut, or dye job. You've probably even watched a few tutorials about how to give yourself a homemade silk press or blowout. I know I've recently purchased a few things to help me maintain my hair at home, but should we be straightening our hair at home?

Lamorena says, "While it’s possible to straighten hair at home, I’d recommend going to a professional for the best results. Stylists know how to work with different hair types, adjust heat settings accordingly, and use high-quality products that protect your hair." If we decide to forego a stylist's expertise, she says we can "accidentally cause damage with uneven heat or over-processing."

Sturdivant-Drew agrees that it's best to see a stylist "for the first few silk presses," but it's not impossible to safely straighten your own hair. "If you have the right tools and products, along with research, you can achieve this hairstyle at home," she says.

How should different hair types approach a silk press?

Just like everyone doesn't have the same skin complexion or undertones, hair types can differ too. This means someone with a fine hair isn't always going to have the same routine as someone with thicker strands — which is why all silk presses aren't the same. "There's definitely no one-size-fits-all approach. The technique used depends on the client’s hair type and texture," Lamorena confirms. This isn't to scare you, however!

Sturdivant-Drew says, "The process of getting a silk press is pretty standard — prepping the hair with shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant, followed by straightening with a blow dryer and flat iron, and finishing with a lightweight oil or serum."

She and Lamorena do agree that some hair textures require a little more than others though. Lamorena says you could only need "a simple blowout and flat iron" while someone may need "more intensive treatments like keratin or a Brazilian blowout for longer-lasting results." If your hair is very curly or textured — and you're ultimately not seeing the results you want — she says chemically straightening your hair is another option. However, Sturdivant-Drew reminds me, "Stylists usually adjust heat settings based on their client's hair health and texture."

Either way, we always recommend you check with your stylist before making any permanent or lasting decisions!

What should you avoid doing before getting a silk press?

Getting a silk press doesn't always involve chemicals, but there are still things you need to avoid before your appointment. Unlike the steps you may follow at home, Lamorena wants you to "avoid loading your hair with a bunch of heavy products " because this can "make the straightening process less effective and lead to more heat being used" than you need. Also, she doesn't want you to wash your hair because "natural oils protect your hair from the heat."

It probably goes without saying, but you also shouldn't book a silk press appointment if you've already straightened your hair. "...that can make it harder for the stylist to work with and could increase the risk of damage," says Lamorena. Besides that, Sturdivant-Drew advises against "using color or relaxers should be avoided before getting a silk press" because "this could lead to a lot of breakage."

What increases a risk of heat damage with this style?

As gorgeous as silk presses are, it's possible to use "too much heat," according to Lamorena. She says, "People tend to crank up the heat on their flat irons and blow dryers, but that can seriously damage the hair cuticle, especially if your hair is fine or already fragile." Something I've learned over time is that a licensed and experienced hair stylist has better knowledge of what's really going on with our hair. They're able to have a clearer view of your scalp, roots, split ends, and more.

The other thing that contribute to damage is not protecting your hair. Lamorena implores that heat protectant products are "are crucial for minimizing damage." Even if you use the right products, you could be straightening your hair way too often. It's normal to want to have straighter hairstyles for a little while, but you should keep in mind that you don't want to overdo it.

"Not prepping or using a heat protectant on your hair will cause a lot of damage. Silk presses require a lot of heat, so it's best to use good heat protectant," adds Sturdivant-Drew. She personally prefers to use Smooth Moisture's Thermal Hair Strengthener because "their system is built for silk presses specifically." She loves that it truly upholds against heat and "adds a nice shine to the hair" once you apply it.

When would it be recommended that a client avoid getting a silk press?

Here comes the not so fun part. As much as you don't want to hear this, your hair may not be able to handle getting a silk press right now. "If your hair is already damaged, it's best to hold off on straightening. Hair that's brittle, dry, or over-processed can be further damaged by heat styling," says Lamorena. What you can do in the meantime is help strengthen your hair by giving yourself "deep conditioning treatments," according to Lamorena.

This is completely up to you and your stylish, but Lamorena suggests staying away from having your hair straightened "during really humid months...if you're prone to frizz" because "the style may not last as long."

Is there a limit to how often clients should receive a silk press?

I'm not an expert, but even I know too much of something can become a bad thing. In the case of using excess heat, I can imagine the implications of that over time. Lamorena says, "There's definitely a limit. You don't want to be straightening your hair too often," and shares her rule of thumb for textures:

• Naturally Curly or Textured Hair — Limit silk presses to once or twice a month to avoid weakening the hair or losing your curl pattern.
• Other Hair Types — Keep it to no more than once a week.

All hair types are capable of experiencing "long-term damage," but giving "your hair a break between sessions helps maintain its health," Lamorena says.

Sturdivant-Drew stresses, "Taking a break between silk presses is important in allowing your hair to recover and maintain the health of your hair. I recommend limiting your silk presses to every 6-8 weeks."

How can clients maintain this style at home during the fall?

Even though cooler temperatures means you won't have to fight against possible frizz, you still have to take care of your silk press. "Maintaining a straight style during the fall can be tricky with cooler weather, wind, and dryness in the air, but it’s doable," says Lamorena. She suggests that you use:

• Use a flat iron with adjustable heat settings to avoid unnecessary damage. Tools like the Dyson Corrale or GHD Platinum+ are solid options
• A wide-tooth comb is great for detangling without pulling or breaking the hair

"Keeping up with a regular routine and using the right tools and products can really help your style last, even through the challenges that fall weather brings," she says.

No matter what your hair type is, Sturdivant-Drew suggests "wrapping your hair correctly and using a bonnet" as they're "key to maintaining" a silk press. Similar to what Lamorena said earlier, Sturdivant-Drew believes "humidity is your worst enemy...so try to avoid humid environments as best as possible!"

Shop Other Expert Silk Press Recommendations

Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer

"Always apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools. Some favorites include Oribe Royal Blowout and Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer," she says.

Moroccanoil Treatment

"For taming frizz, try an anti-frizz serum like Moroccanoil Treatment," suggests Lamorena. or John Frieda Frizz Ease.

John Frieda Frizz Ease

Another option you can use to beat the frizz is John Frieda's Frizz Ease. It's another one of Lamorena's recommendations that will "help seal in moisture and keep your style sleek even in windy fall weather."

Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime

Lamorena says, "A good leave-in conditioner is key to keeping hair smooth and hydrated; Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime works wonders."

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day

"To extend your style without washing, use dry shampoo. This is a great option to absorb oil without having to restyle with heat," she says.

Our Silk Press Recommendations

Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Serum

This anti-frizz serum will not only keep humidity from messing up your silk press, but it'll help improve your hair's elasticity over time and will even add an extra boost of shine to it.

Wavytalk Professional Hair Dryer with Diffuser

If you decide to straighten your hair at home, you need a good blow dryer that'll work with your texture. Wavytalk has an inexpensive option that comes with a comb attachment, diffuser, and nozzle to help you dry your hair no matter what style you're wearing. It also has the right amount of heat settings that'll lessen the chance you cause any damage.

CHI 44 Iron Guard Heat Protectant

Not only do I personally love this heat protectant, so does our Affiliate Writer Meredith Holser! It's been our go-to product whenever we straighten our hair because it truly does a great job of protecting our hair from heat and has a slightly fragrant smell we can't get enough of. In my experience, a little goes a long way so you'll get plenty of uses out of it.