A Review of the California Lifestyle Brand JENNI KAYNE

I’ve been admiring the California Lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne for awhile (thanks to all the bloggers posting about them on Instagram #InstagramMadeMeDoIt). The brand definitely gives off all the cool California vibes which I’ve grown to love after living in California. And their basic/minimal clothing designs are right up my alley. So I’m very excited to be partnering with Jenni Kayne for the next couple of months to showcase some of their classics and new arrivals!

About the California Lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne

The brand was launched in 2003 by it’s namesake – Jenni Kayne. Jenni was a young entrepreneur and designer – starting out at just 19. The fashion label has evolved over the years and is now streamlined into a lifestyle brand. You can find even more fashion, home, wellness, and lifestyle content on Jenni’s blog, Rip and Tan, which she started in 2011.

Jenni Kayne Review

I was able to try three Jenni Kayne styles from March – the Crosby Crewneck, the Twill Trouser, and the Crossover Sandals. I also stopped by the Jenni Kayne store in Brentwood to try on a few of their signature pieces. For reference my measurements are 33-27-37, 5′ 8″, and 120lbs.

Jenni Kayne Crosby Crewneck Review

The Crosby Crewneck – No longer available (Try the Mercer Crewneck instead) – is a lightweight sweater made from 100% merino wool. It’s very lightweight, delicate, and the perfect spring sweater. It comes in a few neutral shades. I’m wearing the size small and I would say it runs true to size. It’s not too big or too tight on me. This is a closet staple that I can dress with a pair of slacks or dress down with a pair of jeans.

Jenni Kayne Twill Trouser Review

The Twill Trouser is a lightweight trouser made from 97% cotton and 3% elastane. They have a normal rise, slim leg, and hit around the ankle. These are definitely a spring pant because the fabric is light and they are unlined. I’m wearing the size 4 and they are a slightly relaxed fit. I had a little trouble figuring out my size in bottoms because the size chart isn’t super specific. I would say this pant runs a little large and I feel like maybe I could have fit into a size 2 for a more fitted look.

Jenni Kayne Crossover Sandals

I was really excited to try The Crossover Sandals because I’ve heard a lot of good things about their shoes. I went with the Pony Hair Crossover Sandal in Cheetah in size 39. These are a gorgeous cheetah print sandal that will be perfect for summer. I would say these run true to size – if not a little small. I’m either a size 8.5 or 9 in shoes and I have a narrow foot. The size 9 Jenni Kayne sandals fit me perfectly. So I would say if you are between sizes to size up (which is the opposite of what the website says). But when I asked customer service about the fit they suggested to take the larger size as well.

Jenni Kayne Boyfriend Sweater

The Boyfriend Sweater is 100% cashmere with an oversized fit, high low hem, and side slits. It’s cozy but not too heavy. I’m wearing the size small and I think it’s perfect. You could probably size down if you wanted but I love an oversized fit so I don’t mind that it’s pretty big. This sweater also comes in sizes XS to 3X so it’s pretty size inclusive as well. The Boyfriend sweater is very soft and not itchy at all. I don’t even have to wear a shirt underneath.

Jenni Kayne Playa Pajamas

The Playa Pajamas are a 100% gauzy cotton (Playa Pajama Top, Playa Pajama Bottom). These are the kind of pajamas I’d imagine that you’d be given at a luxury hotel. They are soft and super comfortable. I love that they already have a wrinkly, lived-in look. I feel like these are the kind of pajamas that you could sleep in and lounge around in. I’m wearing the size small in the top and bottom (sold separately) and I definitely wouldn’t size down. I think if I had gone down to an XS in the bottoms they would have been too tight. These pajamas are also available in other colors and with a shorts option. The willow color that I’m wearing is no longer available.

Jenni Kayne Brentwood Store Try-On

I really love to shop clothes in person because getting to feel the fabric and see the colors in person makes a big difference. So I made sure to stop by the Jenni Kayne store at the Brentwood Country Mart to try out a few styles. This store is a dream. It’s so beautifully curated and makes you want to buy everything! Here are a few of the popular styles I tried out:

Jenni Kayne Fisherman Sweater

The Fisherman Sweater is a classic Jenni Kayne piece. It comes in both 100% cashmere (on the left) and 100% Cotton Fisherman Sweater (on the right) – and I’m wearing the size small. I loved both version! This was my first time trying a Jenni Kayne cashmere piece and it didn’t disappoint! I was really impressed with how soft the cashmere was. And it wasn’t itchy AT ALL. If you are thinking about buying something from Jenni Kayne I would go with one of their 100% cashmere pieces – like this sweater. The Fisherman Sweater also comes in 100% cotton and it’s about $100 cheaper than the cashmere version. But like I said – I really think that if you are going to buy something from Jenni Kayne it should be one of their cashmere pieces!

Oversized Cashmere Fisherman Sweater

The Oversized Cashmere Fisherman Sweater is similar to the original Fisherman Sweater except it’s oversized! I do think the bottom of the Oversized Cashmere Fisherman is different than the original. It has a thicker ribbed bottom which makes it hug the body a little more. The original fisherman feels boxier because it doesn’t have that.

I’m wearing the size small in Charcoal above. I think it fits true to size and I definitely wouldn’t size down because it’s supposed to be oversized. If anything, you could size up to get an even more exaggerated “boyfriend” look. This sweater is also available in the Oversized Cotton Fisherman Sweater!

Shop Fisherman Sweaters

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Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan

The Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan is another classic Jenni Kayne piece. It’s VERY oversized. I’m wearing the XS and it’s still very roomy. Again, the cashmere is so soft and not itchy at all so I feel comfortable wearing it against my bare skin. This sweater comes in different blends at different price points but again – I would go with the 100% cashmere version. This is a great sweater for days at home when you want to be extra cozy!

Check out my more detailed review of the Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan HERE!

The Cropped Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan

The Cropped Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan is obviously the cropped version of the Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan. I actually really like this style and think I might prefer it to the original cocoon cardigan. The cropped length makes it a little less casual, in my opinion. This style is definitely on my wishlist!

I’m wearing the size small in the above photos and I think it’s a good fit! You can definitely size down in the cocoon cardigans though. I actually took a size XS in my Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan.

Shop Cardigans

Jenni Kayne Everyday Kate Sweater Dress

The Everyday Kate Sweater Dress is a really beautiful sweater dress. I love the way it drapes and the ties are long enough to be wrapped in different ways. I’m wearing the size small so I’d say it’s true to size. This is a wool blend dress but I don’t remember it being particularly itchy. All the sweater from Jenni Kayne were really soft and comfy!

Jenni Kayne Cabin Sweater + Everyday Sweater

Both of these sweaters are lovely (of course), although I do prefer the other sweaters I talked about above. The Cabin Sweater is very oversized. I’m actually wearing the XXS and my usual size is S. Since I’ve written this review I actually purchased the Cabin Sweater in size small and I love it! Even though it is a wool/cashmere blend it’s still soft and not itchy. If you are looking for a slightly more affordable option this is the sweater to go with!

The Everday sweater is a blend of wool, viscose, polyamide, and cashmere and is a lighter sweater for everyday wear. It has little slits on the side and a slightly longer back. I’m wearing the size small.

Shop the California Lifestyle Brand Jenni Kayne on The Real Real

I know Jenni Kayne is an investment and might not be in everyone’s budget right now. But take a look at secondhand sites like The Real Real to score some Jenni Kayne pieces at a more affordable price!

Is the California Lifestyle Brand Jenni Kayne Worth It?

Overall, the Jenni Kayne pieces are luxurious and high quality, although, you are definitely paying a little extra for the brand name. I would choose one of their 100% cashmere pieces or shoes over other items from the line. Overall, sizing does run large. If you want your pieces to look like how the models are wearing it in the photos then take your usual size for an oversized look. If you want a slightly more fitted look then it’s probably a good idea to size down. My favorites are the Cocoon Cardigan, Fisherman Sweater, and Crossover Sandals. My least favorites are the Twill Pants and Merino Sweater (because I feel like you can get these styles at other places). I hope you enjoyed this review of the California lifestyle brand, Jenni Kayne! Let me know if you have any questions!

Jenni Kayne recently launched a skincare line! Check out my review of the entire Oak Essentials Line here!

MORE JENNI KAYNE REVIEWS!

Sweater Review: Cocoon Sweater, Cabin Sweater, Fisherman Sweater + More!

Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan + Shearling Mule Review

The Summer Dress + Leopard Slip Dress + Canvas Slide Sneaker Review

Cotton Cocoon Cardigan + Crossover Sandal Review

And now that you’ve bought an expensive sweater, make sure you are taking care of it properly. Check out my post:

How to Care for Your Sweaters