Having fun with fashion has always been part of the J. Crew credo. For the label’s spring presentation, creative director and president Jenna Lyons chose to show the collection on “people we know and love,” with casting ranging from artists and activists to bloggers and stylists.

Somsack Sikhounmuong, women’s wear designer, went back to J. Crew’s roots, great American sportswear, by focusing on three things: chinos, men’s shirtings and color (blue, white, khaki and pink to be exact). He played with the unexpected juxtaposition of casual and black tie — a khaki shirt worn with a ruffled and pleated maxiskirt with dotted tulle underlay, for example. Other key looks included paint-splatter chinos paired with a tuxedo shirt and bow tie, a silk pajama shirt, a striped sequin top and an officer’s shirt atop an embellished grid skirt.

Men’s designer Frank Muytjens looked to the brand’s heritage “and beyond.” A lineup of washed-cotton khaki pants, utility coats and bomber jackets enhanced the easy-breezy feel of the collection. An array of details, such as patchwork elements in distressed jeans, overdyed indigo madras jackets and a classic chino with a tuxedo stripe, added a do-it-yourself vintage flair. Seersucker reinvented in innovative colors and more fashion-forward silhouettes, such as an oversize pleated carrot pant, were the perfect cap for this effortless and summery collection.