I’ve had a long on-again/off-again relationship with Madewell (remember this?) Some of my favorite denim, jackets, sweaters and bags have come from this brand over the years, but some of my worst try-on experiences have also happened in their stores. Go figure.
I always seem to come back to Madewell for more sweaters, jeans, shoes and jackets. Madewell styling is right up my alley, and I get excited about seeing what new arrivals they have each season. Is this a healthy relationship? Idk. But I always come back for more. LOL.
Black-Wash Jeans, Earthy Pastels & Interesting Textures: 7 Cool Madewell Outfit Pieces
First off, when recently perusing the Madewell site, I was drawn in by the gorgeous earthy spring colors…mustard yellow, ivory, soft browns and grays, dusty pink…I’m not a pastels gal in general but give me an earthy pastel any day.
Secondly, I love the slight sporty vibe Madewell always seems to have. They have plenty of very feminine pieces I tend to skip over (or try, reluctantly, only to find they are not, in fact, my jam) but they also always have a nice mix of classic stripes, sneakers, and menswear-inspired items I wind up loving.
My Favorite Outfit: Preppy With An Edge
Blazer | Sweater | Jeans | Similar Loafers
Sometimes I’m like, let’s just cut to the chase. This was the favorite combo of all the things I tried. I love it with my white loafers (sold out) but Madewell has a beautiful pair stocked right now that are super similar.
I’ll go into more detail below about the individual pieces, but I’m loving this pretty preppy mix of the sweater + blazer + loafers and then my favorite way to add a bit of edge – faded black denim.
1 | Madewell Mid-Rise Stovepipe Jeans in Bridley Wash
This Stovepipe Jean is a newish cut for Madewell I believe (definitely new-to-me) and they’re really cute. I love that they aren’t a sky-high rise but aren’t too low, either (9.5″ to be exact). They’re soft, a perfect wash, length, and a nice mid-range price point. The jury is still out on whether the slight knee bunching bothers me too much, but in the dark wash I don’t think it stands out. And they’re so so comfy.
I used to almost exclusively wear Madewell jeans and these remind me of some of my favs. I do think I’d prefer a busted knee option. TTS. Wearing a 27.
2 | Canby Button Mock-neck Sweater
This cute textured cotton sweater is my top pick from this try-on. If you’ve seen any of my articles over the last 6 months you know I’m slightly obsessed with a good collar moment and this sweater has just that.
It’s the perfect weight for this time of year (and into spring) and is comfy, cute and has beautiful details. It’s so well-made. (I always feel kinda silly saying that about Madewell pieces, but it’s true, haha.) The collar and placket are a double knit, and the buttons, stripes and texture of the sweater just complement each other so well. I try on so many clothes that it is tough to decide what to keep. I do not need more sweaters with collars like this, but this one is making it really hard not to hang onto!
3 | MWL Quilted Jacquard Zip Jacket
Made with 39% recycled poly, a cinch option at the waistline and a super-soft knit fabric, this jacket is another that is making my decisions tough. It’s so so cute and wearable and has the cool, sporty factor I adore.
It’s structured enough to look cute and polished with jeans, but soft and comfy enough to pop over workout wear. I love a structured jacket to make workout outfits feel more elevated, too. TTS for a boxy but not-too-big fit. Wearing a S.
4 | Dorset Blazer
This great plaid blazer is also made with recycled post-consumer poly (49%) and is a great weight for the coming warmer temps (are they?) It fits true to size, has stretch, and has an easy-to-wear plaid since it’s kind of tone-on-tone without high contrast.
I’ll be honest, I’m more of a wool blazer person, but if you do love a lighter weight option, this is a great choice. Size up if you are between sizes or plan to layer over heavier tops and sweaters. This was a touch tight over the cotton sweater (granted, it’s fairly thick though.) Wearing a S.
5 | Kentwood Shawl Collar Sweater (+ Honorable Mention: Perfect Vintage Jeans)
Madewell is just really nailing it on the beautiful textured sweaters right now.
This one is a wool blend, so warmer if you still need that, and has such a lovely color scheme happening. I’m a sucker for the depth that marled yarns add to a sweater, and the colors of the stripes really offer the finishing touches to this. And let’s not forget to mention the great shawl collar. I love that it’s not too giant and much easier to wear than some I’ve tried. So pretty and flattering.
A drop shoulder is not always the best on me so I did have to pass on this one, but gosh it is worth a try because of the stunning details. Wearing a S.
I have the Perfect Vintage jeans in another wash and I love them. Have had them for a few years. They are a great fit, I just wasn’t quite as stunned by this wash as I have been with others. TTS and less stretch than the Stovepipe above. Wearing a 28.
You can peep an ivory pair above with the quilted jacket, but those bunched too much for me to highlight. I didn’t like them at all. Gosh, aren’t light/white/ivory/natural jeans that are flattering so tricky to find?? Lmk if you have any you love.
6 | The Oversized Shopper Bag
This….Is a beautiful bag. Madewell has always done leather bags so well and this is no exception. It is lovely to carry on the shoulder, the shape is interesting on, and it has some nice details, like an easy-access front pocket for your phone, keys or masks.
If you need a new bag I highly recommend checking this one out. It’s a great size too…holds a lot but not so much you can stuff it too full + too heavy.
7 | Madewell Layne Clog Mule
And again with these clog mules…beautiful construction, super-soft leather footbed, and they look and feel much more high-end than their price point. They remind me of a Jenni Kayne option. They are really lovely. TTS and a supportive sole (much like a Birkenstock but with a much softer insole). They are a joy to slip on.
Shop The Try-On + More Madewell Finds
I can’t get over the color palette. So good, Madewell. Also, I forgot to mention the high tops. They are SO soft and comfy. TTS. If you don’t already have a bunch of pairs of white high-tops like me, they are totally worth it. Unlike a lot of leather pairs I have, these will break-in quickly and beautifully without a lot of work. Gah, the swimsuit here, too, friends! Adorable.
Have any recent Madewell finds you love? As always, I’d love to hear about them. I love doing these try-ons, too, and styling up a few pieces together. Let me know what brand you might like to see next! Until then…
xo,
L
Would love for you to say hi over on my Instagram @laurajansenstyle where there are mostly odes to snacks, OOTDs and everyday mom life stuff in Portland, Oregon. xoxo
Too many spot-on picks! Well done!
Thank you!!! xo
I also have a complicated relationship with Madewell. Love their jeans. Love them. And I can’t wait to try the black stovepipe jeans.
With the exception of a utility jacket I bought their five years ago, I have hated everything else. It is just not cut right for my figure/body and is often not my style.
Yeah it is definitely hit or miss! I have quite a few pieces of theirs but compared to the number I’ve tried on it’s a small percentage. I will say the things I’ve kept I’ve loved for years!
Mirror selfies: look at the camera aperture in the mirror instead of the screen on your phone so we can make eye contact!
I’ve done this for years and that’s not my style, but thanks anyway!
I agree that finding flattering white pants can be so hard. I have Madewell’s Cali Demi-Boot Jeans in white and love them. I’ve tried on dozens of white denim over the years and these are the only pair that did not show off my cellulite. (Not saying that having cellulite should stop anyone from wearing anything they want!) Highly recommend.
Ah such great info for us all, thanks, Aimee! I think some of the only white jeans I’ve liked have been Madewell. And yes agreed.