18 Madewell Items I Consider Fashion Investments

I'll admit, I'm new to the Madewell bandwagon. But after spotting a slew of pieces I couldn't believe were from the affordable denim brand and not a designer ready-to-wear label, I figured it was time to stop sleeping on Madewell's offerings and give the retailer a proper test drive. And since a brand-new location just opened on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, and I am an uptown newcomer, I practically had no choice but to stop by and set up shop in the dressing room for a few hours. 

To say that my expectations for the selection were exceeded wouldn't even begin to describe the situation at hand. As a picky fashion editor, I'm rarely impressed by pieces I see online—and being won over by an item in person is a far more difficult feat. And yet, from linen trousers to basic tanks, pretty much everything I brought into my dressing room at Madewell came home with me. 

Whenever I do a big dressing-room try-on, I always start with separates and work my way to dresses. I also like to start with the simplest looks. When I picked up this white Brightside tee that everyone talks about, I knew I wanted to pair it with the brand's equally beloved Harlow jeans in white and a black belt, following my coworker Nicole's styling tip of wearing all-white with black accessories. It's so simple and chic that I'll grab all three pieces regularly. This tee is loved for a reason; it's great for tucking but not too long it would look weird if left untucked. Plus, the sleeves are a perfect length between short and capped. But really, the pants stole the show. I love the relaxed fit a little bit too much. 

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I saw this dress online and loved the sheer fabric, knowing all too well that I'm not really a sundress person. I adore them on other people but rarely find styles that feel natural in my wardrobe. When I slipped this striped one on, though, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how wearable and natural it felt. I love the idea of just throwing it on with ballet flats or flat sandals and a straw tote like this one for a day at the beach in the Mediterranean or while running errands in NYC. It's easy, and when the weather's this brutal, that's all I want. 

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Maybe it's just because I've been stalking every look from Michael Rubin's July 4 white party in the Hampton's, but all I want to wear recently are white linen dresses like this high-neck, spaghetti strap style from Madewell. If I were to add this one to my wardrobe, I would definitely size down one or even two sizes to give it a more corset-like look, but otherwise, I can't think of a single note. And before you ask, no, it's not see-through. It's completely lined.

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I have and always will be a fan of chambray shirts. They feel so retro and cool to me, like something Harrison Ford would've (and did) wear in his youth. They also do a stellar job of breaking up an all-white outfit, which is why I threw this one on top of this perfect duo made up of Madewell's ribbed Brightside tank and the 100% linen version of its famous and aforementioned Harlow pants. If you have been searching for a great pair of white linen pants, look no further. 

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White and tan together feel so natural and summery to me, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that I grabbed these wide-leg khaki trousers and a big linen shirt. The bag is the perfect match and perfectly brings together my ideal Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give vibe. 

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I already own one (or five) too many slip dresses, and yet every time I spy a good one, I have to try it on. Usually, it will come home with me as well. Everyone's always told me to wear this shade of purple because I have green eyes and it's supposed to make them pop, so when I saw it, I knew I wanted to add it to the pile. The color is so luxurious and pretty, especially with gold jewelry. And like all slip dresses, this one is beyond easy and versatile. 

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The '90s called—they asked for their look back. But I fall head over heels for anything '90s-inspired, so naturally, I snatched up this sleeveless mock-neck knit top real quick. Though I liked it with the linen pants, I think I'd prefer to wear it with either sleek, black trousers or a miniskirt and knee-high boots in order to fully embrace the era's style. 

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Last but certainly not least was this impossibly simple combination of a pair of relaxed jeans, a white tee, and a button-down poplin shirt, an ensemble I reach for regularly and am happy to now incorporate Madewell into. I sized up in these jeans to make them a bit more slouchy and low-rise to further add to the chill vibe of this outfit, which I can't recommend enough. 

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This article was originally published on Who What Wear.