Madewell Try-on: Spring 2023 Haul
It’s that time of year where I’m tired of everything in my closet (because I’ve been wearing the same things for the past few months) and ready to splurge on all the fun, fresh new spring arrivals! During Madewell’s recent Insiders Event last month, I ended up placing three orders—it was not my intention, but I just kept finding things I wanted to try (and one order ended up being placed on accident, lol—more on that below).
Since I somehow ended up with a bunch of new spring items from my many Madewell orders, I figured I may as well do a proper try-on and share my thoughts on each of the items before I decide what’s staying and what I’m sending back. Here’s what I ordered:
Softfade Cotton Perfect Vintage Tee in two colors
Softfade Cotton Boxy-Crop Tee in three colors
For sizing reference, my current size is typically a small/27. I am borderline petite at 5’4” and have broad shoulders and long arms. I tend to size up in tops for extra room in the shoulders and length in the sleeves. I also tend to purchase petite sizes when available for the shorter inseam. I prefer curvy fits over regular.
READ NEXT: Madewell Demi-boot Jean Reviews
Madewell Try-on: Spring 2023 Haul
The Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean in Belmere Wash
Jean Details
My size: 27 petite
Sizes: 23 to 33 in standard, petite, and tall (limited sizes remain)
Fit: Relaxed through the leg
Measurements: 10.25" high rise, 17.5" leg opening, 27.5" inseam (petite)
Material: 99% cotton, 1% spandex
Shop: The Curvy Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean in Belmere Wash ($138)
Free shipping and returns for Madewell Insiders
Jean Review
I’m still struggling with jeans, y’all. I’m finding myself increasingly less comfortable with jeans that are just slightly too tight, and I keep ordering new pairs because I feel like I’m down to a limited number of pairs that fit comfortably. I ordered these wide-leg jeans because I don’t have a pair of true black jeans right now and I thought these would do the trick. The wash is more of a washed black than it appears like it would be in the product photos.
I ordered these in the petite length, and they are full length on me. They almost feel too long, but I also know this is the style these days. I could also cut the hem if I really wanted them shorter. Otherwise, they are quite comfortable for having minimal stretch. I need to sit in them for a bit longer before I make a final decision. (For the record, Korri hates this style. He calls them “baggy jeans” (lol) and says they remind him of the 90s too much! 🤣)
Verdict: I wore them for many hours and they stayed comfortable, so keep.
Softfade Cotton Perfect Vintage Tee
Tee Details
My colors and size: Sweet basil and coal, size S
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Colors: Oasis blue, sweet basil, coal, lighthouse, sweet dahlia
Fit: Slightly shrunken
Material: 100% cotton
Shop: Softfade Cotton Perfect Vintage Tee ($29.50)
Free shipping and returns for Madewell Insiders
Tee Review
I ordered these two tees thinking I was placing an order for the softfade cotton boxy-crop tee. I was in a rush to place my order so it would arrive before our trip to Denver, and it ended up not making it in time anyway. I realized my error when the order shipped! Lol.
This is actually a really nice basic tee; the ringer neckline and cap sleeves feel fully like the 90s. I’m not sure that I like cap sleeves on myself anymore. I photographed it tucked and untucked so you can see how long and slim-fitting it is. It’s definitely one I would tuck. I do love the sweet basil color (it matches the bag I ordered) but I really didn’t mean to order these tees in the first place! 😆
Verdict: Keep sweet basil, return coal.
Cotton-Hemp Denim Button-Up Crop Shirt
Shirt Details
My size: S
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Fit: Regular through the shoulders
Measurements: 21” length from shoulder to hem
Material: 82% cotton, 18% hemp
Shop: Cotton-Hemp Denim Button-Up Crop Shirt ($85)
Free shipping and returns for Madewell Insiders
Shirt Review
I found an extremely similar cropped chambray shirt on J.Crew’s website and was -this close- to ordering it. I’m glad I didn’t, because in my browsing I found this one on Madewell’s website! (There’s no J.Crew store near me anymore, so I don’t have a free way to make returns if I do place an order.)
I haven’t worn a chambray shirt in so long but I super love the updated cut of this shirt. The crop is fun! Plus the length is great if you’re short like me. I also really like the rounded shirttail hem; it works really well with high-rise jeans and pants. It is a bit boxy, but if you know me, you know I don’t mind looking like a box LOL.
The only thing I’m not sure about is the size; I ordered size small, but I have broad shoulders and am worried about it shrinking in the wash and becoming too tight in the shoulders. I think a medium would be too big everywhere else…unless it shrunk in the wash. I should’ve just ordered both sizes at the start but relied on reviews and stuck with my true size… It’s a cotton/hemp blend; will it shrink??? Ahhh!
Verdict: Keep and hope it doesn’t shrink.
The Untailored Wide-Leg Crop Pant in Striped Lightspun
Pant Details
My size: S
Sizes: XXS to XXL (standard) and 1X to 4X (plus) (limited sizes remain)
Fit: Relaxed through the leg
Measurements: 14" rise, 25" leg opening, 26.5" inseam
Material: 100% cotton
Shop: The Untailored Wide-Leg Crop Pant in Striped Lightspun ($78)
Free shipping and returns for Madewell Insiders
Pant Review
I was influenced to buy these pants after seeing them on another blogger I follow. She is taller than me, so they look really good on her (this colorway only comes in one length). They are basically full-length pants on me. They are also quite wide and remind me a bit of culottes. I love them, though.
I love that they’re lightweight, airy, and not sheer! They have pockets, but you can’t see them through the pants. I’m also a sucker for a good blue stripe. These would make perfect beach vacation (or cruise) pants. I haven’t decided yet if I’d wear them to the office but they definitely work for the weekend (or WFH!). The fit is TTS.
Verdict: Keep. Already wore!
Softfade Cotton Boxy-Crop Tee
Tee Details
My colors and size: Lighthouse, vibrant lilac, and coal size S
Sizes: XXS to XXL
Colors: Coastal sea, dark palm, coal, lighthouse, drill khaki, vibrant lilac (striped version also available in gatehouse green and deep shadow)
Fit: Relaxed
Material: 100% cotton
Shop: Softfade Cotton Boxy-Crop Tee ($28)
Free shipping and returns for Madewell Insiders
Tee Review
I ordered these tees because I love cropped tees that I don’t have to worry about tucking into jeans, pants, shorts, or skirts. The fact that they are trendy is great for me as a short person! That said, I really picture myself as a classic jeans-and-tee kinda gal, but I don’t know if I’m like that in reality. I realize as I’m writing this that I don’t wear tees as often as I think I do, and honestly I wear tanks more because they’re easier to layer with.
The tees are fine; they’re a good weight and the ivory lighthouse color is only slightly sheer. To be honest, I only ordered the lilac color because I thought it could pass for lavender and I could wear it to The Eras Tour. I do not wear purple basically ever. I think the lilac is too different to pass as lavender, but I also don’t hate the color on me, either?! I dunno what to do with these. I love the idea of having them but I’m worried I won’t get as much wear out of them as I think I will…
Verdict: Keep lighthouse, return vibrant lilac and coal. Might repurchase if the price drops.
The Teagan Slide Sandal in Straw
Sandal Details
My size: 7
Sizes: 5 to 11 including half sizes
Material: Textile upper, leather lining and sole
Shop: The Teagan Slide Sandal in Straw ($78)
Free shipping and returns for Madewell Insiders
Sandal Review
I included these sandals in my Madewell spring picks (along with the wide leg jeans, boxy-crop tee, and crossbody bag below). I ended up ordering them for the heck of it before any reviews were posted. Unfortunately, I have to agree with the one review that is there at the time of writing this post. The straps are wildly uncomfortable and feel like they don’t have any give.
I’m generally a true 7, and while these fit—technically—my heels were at the edge and there was a bunch of space past my toes because the straps were too tight to let me slide my feet in far enough (basically, they won’t work if you have feet that are wider than average or that have high arches). Bummer! I wonder if the same style with the woven leather straps are better/have more give.
Verdict: Return.
The Puff Crossbody Bag: Woven Leather Edition
Bag Details
My color: Sweet basil
Colors: Oasis blue, sweet basil, form grey, desert camel, subtle blossom (black available at other retailers)
Material: Leather with zipper closure
Dimensions: 6.75” high x 9.5” wide; 21.75” crossbody drop
Shop: The Puff Crossbody Bag: Woven Leather Edition ($128)
Free shipping and returns for Madewell Insiders
Bag Review
Is this not the sweetest little bag?! I’m not a big bag person; I don’t collect and cycle through them like I do other clothes, and once I find bags I like, I wear them for a long time. I just could not resist this bag in the gorgeous sweet basil color! (And yes, it matches the tee above in the same color!) It’s so pretty and fun.
The strap is thin and doesn’t feel like the highest quality, and if you pack it with heavy things I’m sure it won’t be comfortable on your shoulders. It is removable, though, if you want to carry it like a clutch. The inside is not super roomy so you can really only carry just the essentials; I can fit a small wallet, my phone, and a lip product, but I really had to stuff my sunglasses in there. It’s a great bag option if you’re headed to a show at a venue that doesn’t yet require clear bags.
Verdict: Keep. Already wore!
Shop My Madewell Spring 2023 Haul
READ NEXT: Madewell Lightspun Reviews