with fourth of july one week away (how?!), we’re gearing up for the peak of summer –just in time for stores to start releasing their fall collections (laugh/crying emoji). but before that happens, there is still plenty of time to sport some seriously cute summer clothes. madewell has had a STRONG 2018 and their summer collection is no exception. i recently stopped by the store for a big try-on session. though i left empty-handed, i can attest that there are some pieces that are worth your time and consideration, especially since there’s a high probability that many of them will go on sale as we head into the holiday weekend! as always, below are my honest opinions and sizing information, enjoy!

 

 

denim apron tie-back jumpsuit (0) || say it with me, “i do not need another denim jumpsuit.” BUT if i did need another denim jumpsuit, this one would be in my closet ASAP. i didn’t snap a photo of the back (i don’t really bend that way) but the bow-tie detail only solidifies this piece as a must-have for summer. one thing i love about this jumpsuit is that it nips in at the waist, making it extremely flattering on your frame. the chambray-style fabric is soft to the touch and the fact that it has pockets only sweetens the deal. it’s perfect for wearing alone (especially with the peek-a-boo back) but would also look adorable with a simple white tee layered underneath. i’d wear it with a wedge sandal and a red bandana around my neck (or in my hair) for the 4th of july!

size verdict: runs slightly large. i traditionally wear a size 2 at madewell, but the 0 fit perfectly. i suggest trying both your normal size and one size down just to be sure, especially if you’re long-waisted like i am.

 

 

plumeria cutout jumpsuit in mini daisy (2) || oh hello, retro vibes! normally i’m not really into 70’s-inspired style (despite owning a pair of flare jeans), but there’s something about this mini daisy print that i find myself drawn to (you’ll see it again down below). anyway, this jumpsuit is just plain fun. the viscose fabric makes it light-weight and flowy, perfect for the heat of summer. there’s also the sassy cut-outs right beneath the bra line. i can see this with a big straw hat and gold hoops to really play up the retro feeling.

size verdict: true to size.

 

 

clipdot midi shirtdress (xs) || i think i’ve decided that shirtdresses are just not for me. and to be honest, this one made me feel quite matronly. while it’s a nice midi length, there aren’t too many redeeming qualities about this frock. it does come lined with a detachable slip underneath, but the slip is ill-fitting and the way the arm holes align makes it difficult to pull on without getting caught up in all of the extra fabric. or maybe it was just me? at any rate, it was a hard pass. if you’re looking for a good LWD for summer, i’d suggest this one instead.

size verdict: true to size.

 

 

ruffled wrap maxi dress in mini daisy (2) || aside from the denim jumpsuit, this dress was the favorite thing i tried on. madewell remixed the mini daisy print by pairing it with a gorgeous cobalt blue background which honestly, is even more striking in person. the slight-v neckline and the ruffled sleeves are flattering for showing off your decollete and i love the tassel detail on the belt. if i hadn’t just bought this dress (which is a similar print), i would have definitely taken this home with me. it would be perfect for a summer wedding paired with these sandals and a metallic statement earring.

size verdict: true to size.

 

 

apron tie-waist dress (2) || you may remember that i just ordered this dress in the striped version last week so i was interested to see if they had it in the store so i could verify if i guessed correctly with the sizing. then i remembered the striped option was only available online, but thankfully they did have a supply of the style in this coral shade. as you can see from the photo above, i was swimming in the 2 (which is the size i ordered). so i’ll be exchanging or returning the one i ordered altogether. in all honesty, it wasn’t nearly as cute in person as it appeared online. there are two slits up the front that give it a pseudo-loin cloth feel which i find strange. on a positive note however, the length is great as is the quality of fabric which is a thick cotton. it’s also machine washable! it would be cute with bow sandals and a straw bag.

size verdict: runs big. size down! i tried on the 0 after i snapped this photo and it fit much better. 

 

 

gingham tie-strap dress (2) || i’m not one to try on mini dresses, but i couldn’t help but fall in love with the charming light blue gingham print of this dress. as expected it felt a little too juvenile for my taste (mostly based on the length), but if you’re on the petite side, it would be a cute and versatile piece for your summer wardrobe. wear it by itself or with a white tee layered underneath. you could even tie a chambray shirt around your waist to give it a little definition. i’d wear this with white sneakers and a baseball cap for a laid back weekend look.

size verdict: runs a little big in the waist area so possibly consider sizing down. i’d probably just have it taken in so as to not lose any of the length.

 

 

embroidered stripe midi skirt (xs) || i realized the other day that i haven’t bought a new skirt in a really long time. i guess i’m a pants or dress girl these days. BUT of the skirts i still have in my closet, about 90% of them hail from madewell because the brand does them well! this skirt is no exception. it’s a classic midi length and the x-small fit comfortably at my waistline. the geometric pattern was a little too off-brand for my taste, but if you’re looking for a good everyday piece to pair with everything from tanks to blouses and even sweaters as we transition into fall, this one could fast become a closet staple. it also comes with a matching tank in you’re interested in a coordinating set. wear it now with a cotton tank knotted at the waist or later with a cropped sweater and booties.

size verdict: true to size.

ruffle-sleeve sweater tee (xs) || you know i’m a sucker for a ruffle detail so i was naturally drawn to this sweater tee. while it’s really soft and a heavier weight fabric, perfect for transitioning into fall, it’s cropped and quite boxy. even the x-small was a bit oversized. while this “roomy” silhouette can occasionally be flattering, especially when french tucked into a high-waisted jean, this top was sadly a miss for me.

size verdict: true to size (but fits oversized).

 

 

10″ high-rise skinny crop jeans: button-front edition (26) || oh the elusive white jean. how i love/hate thee. i’ve owned about three pairs of white jeans in my life and all have been bought with the best intentions only to end up in the donation/consign pile months later. what is it about white jeans that is so humbling? perhaps that they show off every nook and cranny? they’re the thomas’ english muffin of denim. all jokes aside, i actually really liked this pair, especially with the frayed hem. i didn’t find them to be see-through and they had plenty of stretch. for my aforementioned fickleness, i avoided taking them home, but if there’s a store that can make me a white jean believer again, it’ll be madewell, i’m sure.

size verdict: pretty true to size. these actually ran a bit big in the waist for me, i might consider sizing down, however, as unforgiving as white denim is, i’d probably give myself some leeway and take my normal size. 

ruffled sweater tank (xs) || it’s funny to think that madewell is carrying anything with the word “sweater” in it in the middle of summer, but this tank is indeed a thicker knit similar to the ruffle sleeve tee shown above. unlike that tee, however, this tank fit much closer to the body. i don’t really have anything bad to say about this piece other than the fact that it didn’t wow me. it is a cute staple to pair with shorts, skirts, and denim and the ruffle detail adds a bit of whimsy, but ultimately i’m not sure it would get much wear from me.

size verdict: true to size. i might size up if you have a fuller chest.

 

 

eyelet bell-sleeve shirt (xs) || as an eyelet-lover, it’s no surprise that this bell-sleeve button-down made its way into the dressing room with me. aside from the fact that i already own two other madewell tops in similar styles (one long-sleeve, one sleeveless), the ill-fitting qualities of this one made it an easy “no.” if you’re looking for eyelet, i might suggest this cute cami instead. it would be perfect with the white denim above or a pair of high-waisted denim shorts.

size verdict: runs small in the arms, size up for breathing room.

 

 

butterfly top in stripe play (xs) || i’m a sucker for stripes, especially this time of year. madewell has been incorporating this square neckline on many of its blouses this season and i had yet to try it on. unfortunately, i don’t think i’m a fan. the sleeves felt, for lack of a better description, “bat-like?” it didn’t mind how it looked when tucked into my high-waisted jeans, but overall, the silhouette wasn’t worth the price for me. remember, however, every body is different, so try it on if it intrigues you! it may be a miss for me but a total win in your book! it also comes in a pretty pink color and white with pom pom details.

size verdict: true to size. meant to fit oversized.

 

 

striped overlay skirt (xs) || i instantly fell in love with this skirt when i saw it online and was excited to try it on in person. I love the wider stripe madewell is incorporating this season, too (similar to these pants). the criss-cross hemline is fresh and the elastic waistband makes it versatile to dress up for work or for play. unfortunately the slit was a tad bit too high to make it work appropriate which is a shame because it’s adorable and fits well. plus, pockets!

size verdict: true to size.

texture & thread tiered tank top (xs) || i’ve seen this top circulating the interwebs for a few weeks now and while it’s not a new arrival, per se, i figured i’d see what all the fuss was about. i could tell from how it hung on the hanger that it ran small. it’s also very cropped so it’s just a small garment in general, ha! once i got it on, i found the tiers and texture of the top to be charming, but overall, the tightness along the bust turned me off. it’s a shame because it was a perfect shade of baby pink (it also comes in black and mustard yellow).

size verdict: runs a tad small, size up for room in the bust.

 

 

texture & thread ruffle-strap tank top in stripe (small) || similar to the top above, this ruffle-strap top by the same sub-brand (texture & thread) runs small. i didn’t even bother with the x-small and instead grabbed for the next size up. the muted colors of the top are pretty and kind of remind me of neapolitan ice cream. it’s a heavier knit which makes it a bit more versatile, even work appropriate. i can see it tucked into a pencil skirt for the office or with a denim skirt on the weekends.

size verdict: runs small, size up! definitely only for pairing with high-waisted things.

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