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 the pieces that are 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 that I straight up couldn’t believe were from the affordable denim brand and not a designer ready-to-wear label, I figured it was about time I stop sleeping on its offerings and finally give the retailer a proper IRL test-drive. And since a brand-new location just opened on the Upper East Side in Manhattan and I myself 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 an extremely picky fashion editor, getting pieces to impress me online is already rare. For them to win me over in person is a whole other, far more strenuous feat. And yet, from linen trousers to basic tanks, pretty much everything I brought with me 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 into dresses, and pick the simplest looks to get under way. 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, pretty much ensuring that I’m going to grab for all three pieces on a very regular basis. This tee is loved for a reason; it’s great for tucking but also not too long where it would look weird not to, and the sleeves are a perfect length between short and capped. But really, the pants stole the show. I love the relaxed fit on them perhaps 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 very rarely do I 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 likewise, in NYC while running errands in the heat. It’s just 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 white party in the Hampton’s from the 4th of July, 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 in order 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 as it’s completely lined.
I have and always will be a fan of chambray shirts. To me, they feel so retro and cool, 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 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, too, have been searching for a great pair of white, linen pants, look no further.
White and tan together feels so natural and summery to me, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I grabbed these wide-leg, khaki-colored trousers and a big linen shirt. The bag is a perfect match for the partnership 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 at least 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 its 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 actually, I’ll pretty much fall head over heels for anything ’90s-inspired, so naturally, I snatched up this mock-neck, sleeveless knit top real quick. Though I liked it with the linen pants, I think I’d prefer to wear it IRL 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.
