This month I partnered with Madewell on an Instagram video, and had so many noteworthy finds I wanted to review them in more detail on the blog! I am loving the concept of their modular collection which features rompers and dresses that can separate into two pieces for versatility.
To achieve a similar jumpsuit look using two separates, a piece that I absolutely adore but haven’t taken pics of yet is the Katrina crop vest, which coordinates with the Neale linen shorts (these have a more tailored look with a flat front, elastic back waist). I was scouring the internet for an on-trend linen vest that isn’t too long, and this one was a winner purchase. Size 00 is a casual fit on me, and I’ll try shrinking a tad in the dryer.
1. Modular 2 Piece Romper
On sale – very petite friendly and both pieces can be mixed and matched. The bust on this runs a little small and the buttons may gap if you have a bigger chest. The shorts measure 11.75″ across waist when un-stretched and have a fully elastic waist. As with most unlined white linen, these are slightly sheer but fine for me with skin-toned undergarments. I don’t love the little loops that hang out from the top after you disconnect the pieces, but you can kind of tuck them in.
2. Straight-Leg Crop Pants in Crinkled Crepe
Comfy casual summer pants that have quickly become one of my most worn additions from Madewell this year, after my clean pull-on shorts! The material and fit is super breezy for hot days, travel and weekends. The petite length works well on me with flats (I’m 5’ tall). I’ve machine washed these and air dried several times already and they hold up well. xxs petite measures 12.6″ across the waist (elastic) when lying flat, and 24″ inseam.
3. Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean
Incredibly flattering jeans that are a little different from my usual slim straight. These come in 4 different washes and have great reviews. When lying flat, the 24 petite measures: 12.3” across the waist, 10” rise, 24” inseam.
4. Open-Stitch V-Neck Pullover Sweater
This is a sturdy weight yet ventilated 100% cotton sweater that’s ideal for tossing on in cooler summer evenings. The fit is oversized and slouchy in style with drop shoulders.
5. Petite Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
These are one of Madewell’s most popular pants, and I wasn’t sure what to expect before trying them on! The fabric is a lyocell / linen blend with a chino-like feel (lighter weight than actual chinos), more on the casual side, and the cut is a true wide leg looser fit. The waist fits big on me and would need alterations, but runs consistently with Ann Taylor sizing: 00 petite measures 13″ across the waist, with an 11″ rise and 27.5″ inseam.
6. Perfect Vintage Straight Jean in Ferman Wash
See the fit on me full length, and with the hems folded up. These have been selling quickly, but if you’re able to find your size, I was so impressed by the flattering fit of these (go 1 size down at the waist). Petite wasn’t available when I ordered so I grabbed these in 23 regular thinking I’d cut the hems as a raw hem style. In the meantime while I’m deciding whether or not I’ll cut them, I’ve been using my DIY hack to temporarily shorten them.
7. Layton Midi Slip Skirt
This one fits loose at my waist, with size 00 measuring 13″ across when un-stretched (again, consistent with sizing at brands like Ann Taylor). It would need to be altered for someone similarly sized. What I do like is how super lightweight and breezy it is to stay cool in the summer, and the fabric doesn’t cling like satin slip skirts do. The waist is fully elastic all around and pull-on style.
That modular romper is genius, but I can’t be bothered with wearing sheer clothing anymore (or having to wear fussy undergarments). It’s so frustrating that retailers are cheaping out on fabric, when just a slightly more substantial fabric (or lining) would make all the difference! Consider me instantly sold on that set, if they fix it.
Shoot, this is exactly the guide I was looking for when I placed an order last week with the $25 off 100 promotion and my birthday promo to stack! The vintage jeans and skirt look amazing on you but I passed not knowing the fit. Wish I would’ve seen the crinkled crepe pant option. Now I regret it, will keep my eyes peeled for the next sale when sizes are restocked! Thank you so much for posting the measurements when you try items on, it is the single most helpful thing for knowing whether something will work for me or not!!
For the size-down recommendation on the PV straight jeans, was that because you chose regular sizing? Or would it also apply in petite? I am familiar with many sizes’ petite sister size being a size down (ie, you would’ve needed a P22 if you took R23?). Or do you know if Madewell’s sizing is more consistent now and R23 fits the same as P23, just longer? Thank you so much!
Hi K! I usually size down for Madewell jeans because they typically run big. But some run slightly big, while some run very big, so it’s really hard to say from style to style! I don’t think R23 and P23 would fit exactly the same though except length – in reading reviews I think there is usually a small difference in rise and waist fit between their petite and regular. I hope this helps!
I ended up ordering the 24P when these went on super sale but am exchanging for a 23P, they were still a touch too big for me all around but the length was perfect. I called a store and an associate measured a different PV wide leg crop in a 23P that was 12″ exactly across the waist for anyone else shopping from this post 🙂 and she said these comfort stretch fabrics will stretch .25″-.5″!
What kind of bra are you wearing with the black Jcrew tank (with white trim). I love the look of these tanks but find that racerback bras don’t really work. Thanks!
I’m wearing a regular bra with this bra converter clip a little higher up at my back, and if that still shows for you, adhesive nippies are always my solution!