Updated in June 2025 with updated products and outfit ideas!

Looking to build a capsule wardrobe with pieces you’ll actually want to wear every day? I’ve got you! In this post, I’m sharing all the essentials you need to create a Madewell capsule wardrobe with versatile denim, tees, dresses, jackets, shoes, and more that you can mix and match year-round. This isn’t about owning fewer pieces for the sake of minimalism. It’s about building a wardrobe of staples you’ll wear on repeat.

Why I Love Madewell

I’ve been a loyal fan of Madewell’s laid-back, classic style since their first Atlanta store opened in 2007, before they even had a shoppable website! Madewell became such a staple in my wardrobe that I even worked as a stylist at their Charleston, South Carolina store for 2 years after college (best job ever!).

I’ve worn Madewell jeans, tees, button-downs, and everything else since high school, and now I rely on their staples and relaxed essentials as a business owner and mom. Whether I’m on a photoshoot, on a playdate, or working from home, I always feel put together (and comfortable) in Madewell!

Whether you’re new to Madewell or a longtime fan looking to streamline your closet, I’ll walk you through the essential pieces and my go-to favorites. This guide will help you build a wardrobe of timeless staples that you can style a hundred different ways. Ready? Let’s get into it!

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe That Fits Your Life

My take on a capsule wardrobe is a little more flexible than most. I see it as a collection of essential pieces you can mix and match easily without a bunch of extras you never reach for or don’t know how to style. It’s about having the right amount of clothing: enough to give you options, but not so much that it feels overwhelming. I focus on making sure I have the basics covered and don’t stress about hitting a “perfect” number. Instead, I think your capsule should reflect your lifestyle, your local climate, and your closet space!

How to Get Discounts at Madewell

Sign up for the Madewell Insider program! You’ll get free shipping, $25 off on your birthday, $15 off on your half-birthday (how fun is that?), a $10 reward for every $250 you spend, free hemming, and more. I take full advantage of these perks. Totally worth it if you shop Madewell regularly!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only share products I truly love and recommend.

Shop This Look

The Ultimate Madewell Capsule Wardrobe Checklist

Ready to build your Madewell capsule wardrobe? Start with this wardrobe essentials checklist. Focus on classic pieces that never go out of style, are made to last (it’s literally in the name!), and come in timeless shapes and colors. Stick to a base color palette of versatile neutrals, then add a few accent colors or prints you love.

Once you’ve built your core capsule, you can easily mix and match with seasonal favorites to keep your outfits feeling fresh. The best part? Getting dressed becomes so much easier.

Madewell’s styles make it so easy to build this capsule collection for yourself. But you can also use this checklist to create a capsule wardrobe for any of your favorite brands!

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Madewell Jeans

Check out this post for a run-down of my most-loved Madewell jeans, as well as Madewell’s Denim Fit Guide!

They sell 4 fits: Standard, Plus, Petite, and Tall, as well as Curvy fits! Madewell also has Maternity styles (I snagged a couple while I was pregnant- a must buy!). Choose any washes you like. I like to have 1 light, 1 dark, and 1 black pair of denim.

✔️ 1 Wide-leg jean (The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans are my absolute favorites!)

✔️ 1 Straight-leg or slim jean (like The Longline Straight Jean, The Pencil Jean, or 10″ High-Rise Skinny Jeans)

✔️ 1 Fun denim (overalls, boyfriend (I love the new Low-Slung Baggy Jean, barrel, flares– whatever suits your style!)

✔️ 1 Pair denim shorts

Shop more Madewell Jeans

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Outerwear

✔️ 1 Denim or leather jacket

✔️ 1 Raincoat, trench, or light jacket

✔️ 1 Cold-weather coat

Shop more Madewell jackets + coats

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Tees

✔️ 2-3 Solid & striped tees in black, white, grey, and solids

✔️ 1-2 Long-sleeve tees in solids and stripes

Styles to try for tees:

• Slub Boxy-Crop Tee (cropped to wear with high-waisted pants)
• Cotton Perfect Crewneck Tee (a new favorite of mine! relaxed fit, heavier feel)
• Cotton Relaxed Oversized Tee (oversized + tuckable)
• Northside Vintage Tee (slightly shrunken, tuckable)
• Whisper Crewneck Tee (a CLASSIC!, super lightweight)
• Premium Standard 01. The Shrunken Tee (worn-in feel)

Shop more Madewell tees

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Tops

✔️ 1-2 Button-up shirts in white, chambray, black, or simple stripes

✔️ 1-2 Blouses in solid colors and interesting materials like silk or linen

Shop more Madewell tops + shirts

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Dresses

✔️ 1-2 casual dresses for work or weekends

✔️ 1 multi-occasion dress

Shop more Madewell dresses

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Sweaters

✔️ 2-3 sweaters in varying weights

✔️ 1 Cardigan

Shop more Madewell sweaters

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Workwear

✔️ 1 Blazer

✔️ 1 Dressy pant or skirt

Shop more Madewell workwear

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Bags

✔️ 1 Everyday shoulder bag

✔️ 1 Fun bag for evening or dressier occasions

✔️ 1 Wallet that holds all of your daily essentials

Shop more Madewell bags + wallets

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Shoes

✔️ Flats or mules

✔️ Comfy sneakers

✔️ Sandals

✔️ Heels

✔️ Boots or booties

Shop more Madewell shoes

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Jewelry + Accessories

✔️ Delicate earrings

✔️ Layered necklaces

✔️ Bangle

✔️ Ring set

✔️ Belt

Shop more jewelry + belts

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Wrapping Up: How to Style Your Madewell Capsule Wardrobe

When your closet is full of well-made, versatile pieces, creating stylish outfits takes way less effort. I pulled together 3 outfit ideas using current Madewell favorites, perfect for coffee runs, dinner out, or work meetings.

Depending on how many pieces you want in your wardrobe, you can keep your capsule tight and mix-and-match year-round, or expand it a bit if you prefer to swap in fresh pieces seasonally. Capsule wardrobes should be flexible, not boring!

Shop These Looks

Personally, I stick to my core Madewell staples and occasionally add a new belt, pair of shoes, or piece of jewelry when I want to mix things up. It’s made getting dressed feel so easy lately, especially as life’s gotten busier post-baby! Everything works together, and I can easily switch up my look depending on whether I want something more casual or polished.

For me, a capsule wardrobe all starts with pieces you truly love, and then layering in your personal style from there. If you’re just beginning to build a wardrobe of go-to staples, I hope this post gave you a helpful place to start!

Have any questions? Drop them in the comments or shoot me an email at abby@abbymurphyphoto.com. I’d love to hear from you!