Welcome to Let’s Get a Room, a series where editor Eliza Huber heads to the dressing room to try on pieces from your favorite retailers, buzzy items, and new collections. Think of this column as a detailed guide to pieces actually worth buying and the ones that, unfortunately, looked better online—no returns necessary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
