New in from Madewell: Try-on & Review

I’ve been quietly coveting quite a few things from Madewell’s new fall collection, that when the opportunity arose to pick out a few new pieces to add into rotation (for now and later), I jumped at the chance. 

Shopping online can be a tricky beast, so I thought for sake of ease, I’d share a little look at the pieces I picked, first impressions, plus notes on sizing. Plus, I do love a little try-on session at home. Let’s get stuck in!

Plaid Flannel Track Trousers (size small)

I wanted to started with my favourite; these easy grid check flannel trousers with elasticated waist band. Trousers have become an easy switch for me on days when I want to look like I’ve put in a little more effort than just wearing jeans. And did I mention the elasticated waist band? Super comfy. 

I especially love the cut. That classic straight leg silhouette with a subtle tapered fit to the ankle, and a cropped leg. It’s tailored enough that you could easily wear these in an office environment. Both a formal setting paired with a silk blouse and court shoes, or a casual one with a tee and boyfriend blazer. Despite being a printed piece, these are quite effortless to style, too. 

I’m wearing the size small, and would say that they run ever so slightly large. The extra-small probably would have suited me more, but I like that I can do a messy half tuck with a very chunky knit, and not worry about feeling restricted. 

Wearing the Madewell Plaid Flannel Track Trousers with Everlane alpaca sweater and Vaneli two tone pumps

Courton Sweater Coat (size small)

These sweater coats are definitely a seasonal staple of Madewell’s; one of their signatures you just know will be good. So I figured it was high time I added one to my own wardrobe. I’ve been quite drawn to the idea of adding in warm and earthy neutrals, so this was right up my street. It’s a boiled wool, which adds a nice textural element to an outfit too. This sweater coat style doesn’t have any front closures; designed to be worn open. Though, from a styling perspective, you could essentially cinch it at the waist using a leather belt if you wished. It also has large patch pockets. 

In person, it has ever so slightly more of an orange hue to it than I’d anticipated. But it’s good. Like really good. It has that very oversized/relaxed kind of fit that I’ve been craving; perfect for balancing out slim-fitting building blocks of an outfit. And I like that the colour is a bit of a statement in itself, worn as I’ve done so here with a white tee and ecru jeans. For someone who is 172cm tall, I feel like the sizing is pretty spot on. However, if I was on the petite end of the height spectrum, I’d probably consider going down a size. It’ll still feel roomy but won’t swamp you.

Wearing the Madewell Courton Sweater Coat (size S) with Everlane tee, Madewell jeans and Vaneli two tone pumps

Larsen Blazer (size small)

More texture. Just like the relaxed silhouettes, I’ve also been craving tactile fabrics. Materials with visual depth that are interesting to look at. This was actually another item where I was a *teensy* bit surprised by the colour. I was expecting a salt and pepper nubby boucle, but in actuality the Larsen Blazer (and matching skirt) are more of a deep emerald green. Gorgeous nonetheless, and surprisingly wearable. I particularly love it worn against paired back components, like the tee and denim combo I’ve worn in the pics above. 

The fabric is a wool blend, a mix that contains post-consumer recycled wool, landing this under Madewell’s Do Well line. I love the concept, and in particular, appreciate seeing something old turned into the promise of something new and exciting. Also love the emerald green lining.

Fit-wise, this is true to size. I’m wearing the size small, and it’s tailored. Not large. Sits perfectly on the shoulders. From the visuals it’s clear that this hasn’t been designed to be worn as a boyfriend fit, though sizing up one or two sizes might do the trick if that’s what you’re after. 

Wearing the Madewell Larsen Blazer (size small) with Everlane tee, Toteme jeans and About Arianne shoes

Herringbone Wool Button-Front Mini Skirt (size 4)

I love a little matching moment, so decided to also go for this lovely button up mini skirt, in the same nubby Italian boucle as the Larsen Blazer. Cute worn together, but also as separates. As with the blazer, the skirt has the same green colour base.

This skirt is cute! And not without detail; with a tulip hemline with lip in the centre, buttons at the front, and two little patch pockets. Gorgeous with bare legs, a knee high boot, or even paired with tights as it gets colder.

Madewell often runs large sizing-wise, and I totally missed the mark with my pick for this one. My intention was to wear this style up on the waist (around my belly button), to really highlight the mini length. I opted for a size 4, which fits, but sits much lower on the hips (so I’ll probably get this one tailored). The 0 would have been a much better pick for me. So, if you’re been looking at this one and want to wear it on the waist, go down two sizes from what you’d wear in other brands, or stick with your usual sizing in Madewell skirts. Note that I have pinned this skirt at the back so that it fits as I’d intentionally like it to.

Wearing the Madewell Herringbone Wool Button Front Mini Skirt (size 4) with Sezane knit and About Arianne shoes

Flannel Flap Pocket Oversized Ex Boyfriend Shirt (size small)

The final item I picked out was this flannel shirt in a soft stone grey. One of those pieces I thought could be worn a couple different ways – both traditionally as a button up, but also worn open with a light knit and jeans. 

Another item I’d say fits true to size; I went with an S, and it’s relaxed but doesn’t feel overly so on me. So again, if you were after a more generous fit, then size up one or two.

The cotton flannel is substantial; it feels really thick and has a weight to it. One which I thought would be a great transitional season piece, especially in the reverse – heading into winter (like those in the Northern Hemisphere). My favourite detail here are the contrast black buttons. They’re so striking against the pale grey!

Wearing the Madewell Flannel Flap Pocket Oversized Ex Boyfriend Shirt (size S) with Arket denim skirt and About Arianne shoes

So that’s a little round up and mini review of the five items I picked out from Madewell. Hope you found this helpful!

* please note that these items are PR products that I selected, with no obligation to share *