J. Crew Denim Ladies Button Down Denim Dress in Classic Blue

Chic J. Crew denim jeans. Perfect for versatile styling. Founding & Early Years (1983–1985) J.Crew was founded in 1983 by Arthur Cinader and his daughter Emily Cinader. The brand launched as a catalog-only business under the name Popular Merchandise, Inc., later adopting the name J.Crew. From the start, J.Crew offered preppy, American sportswear, positioning itself as a slightly more upscale alternative to L.L. Bean or Lands’ End, but more affordable. The women’s clothing line was central from the beginning, featuring: Chino pants Crewneck sweaters and rugby shirts Cotton shirtdresses and pleated skirts Clothes styled for a casual but polished look By the mid-1980s, J.Crew catalogs were iconic, with sun-drenched photography of models in classic American prep style. The women’s line emphasized: Polished casualwear – chinos, roll-neck sweaters, denim shirts Nautical-inspired pieces – striped boatneck tops, anoraks Mix-and-match separates for college students and young professionals J.Crew became associated with East Coast prep, appealing especially to upwardly mobile women in their ✅ In summary: J.Crew ladies’ clothing began in 1983 as catalog-based prep, grew into a powerhouse of polished casualwear by the 1990s, transformed into a fashion-forward favorite under Jenna Lyons in the 2000s, peaked with Michelle Obama’s endorsement, struggled in the mid-2010s, and is now reinventing itself with a balance of classic American prep and modern women’s style.