23 Madewell Memorial Day Sale Finds for Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe—All Under $100
You’ll practically live in these warm weather staples.
With temperatures on the rise, I've officially begun the process of building my summer capsule wardrobe. I’m specifically on the hunt for pieces that I can easily cycle through my outfit rotation—simple silhouettes, neutral color palettes, and timeless styles are all top of mind. So naturally, I’ve turned to Madewell, which just so happens to have some of the most dreamy summer staples on the market right now. And to make things even sweeter, the cult favorite label hosts a major Memorial Day Sale that's too good to pass up.
From now until Tuesday, May 28, Madewell will offer up to 25 percent off on all sale styles. Items that are already marked down have been further reduced in price. While scrolling through the brand’s sale section, I discovered a linen white dress for $50, a pair of flowy wide-leg pants for $40, and a classic button-down shirt for $25 and promptly added them to my shopping cart, plus a handful of other clothes and accessories that will perfectly round out my summer capsule wardrobe.
Consider this a fashion editor’s guide to the best Madewell sale finds. Keep scrolling, and you’ll find a list of all the warm-weather essentials that caught my eye. Oh, and did I mention everything ahead is below $100? You're welcome.
First up on the list of capsule wardrobe must-haves: A straightforward white dress. Madewell’s midi dress boasts a sense of simplicity that will make styling a breeze. Pair this linen piece along with elevated sandals and a woven bag, and you’ll be good to go.
I don’t know about you, but I'm hard on my white T-shirts. Given that my collection of white tees is due for a much-needed upgrade, I’ve got my eyes on this muscle tee crafted with intricate side cinching.
I saw one of my friends wearing this silky slip skirt from Madewell and I instantly knew that I had to have it. Aside from its trendy vibe (butter yellow is having a major moment right now), I also love the way the garment drapes so effortlessly around the waist.
As someone who doesn’t like to put a ton of effort into my going-out outfits, I often keep things simple with versatile basics. A cropped black tank top styled with baggy jeans and strappy sandals is my go-to look, which has carried me through many summer nights in style.
For any occasion that involves swimming, I’ll usually slip into a fun bikini, but recently, I’ve been going through a one-piece phase. Madewell’s square-neck swimsuit is exactly what I’m looking for—it has a perennial appeal that will last for years.
Looking for a pair of pants that will work overtime? Madewell’s wide-leg bottoms will do just that. Designed with a subdued shade of cream, you can team these high-waisted trousers with any top. They’re also cut from a semi-casual fabric suitable for days in the office or nights in the town.
At heart, I'm an over-packer, but I’m trying to pare down my everyday essentials while traveling. I’m convinced Madewell’s small crossbody will help me reach my goal of becoming more minimalist. This leather bag features an interior that’s spacious enough for all my belongings (like my wallet, passport, phone, and keys). Plus, it has an interior zip pocket to keep my things organized.
Peer into my closet and you’ll find around 15 button-downs, no exaggeration. Call it excessive, but I do in fact wear all of them on a consistent basis—especially during the warmer months. I’m adding Madewell’s blue-and-white striped top to my collection, which I'll use as a cover-up and as an extra layer during chilly days.
Sizzling temperatures call for barely-there styles that won’t cause you to overheat. For those days when you simply don’t feel like wearing any clothes, style this ribbed tube top with a pair of airy linen shorts or a lightweight mini skirt.
If you’ve got a packed summer schedule, I’m guessing you’ll attend countless picnics, garden parties, and rooftop happy hours. In this case, you’ll need an easy dress that you won’t have to think twice about. Lucky for you, Madewell’s square-neck mini dress just entered the chat.
How cute are these seashell-like earrings? In addition to being on theme for summer, Madewell’s droplet studs also have hypoallergenic titanium posts, so they’re ideal for those sensitive to metals.
While building a capsule wardrobe, the goal is to keep practicality in mind, but you should also create a collection of pieces that prioritize comfort. These relaxed denim shorts are designed with a slouchy construction and a longer inseam so you can move around in them all day long without a problem.
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but fashionable celebrities are beginning to make a case for polka dots, which means that it won’t be long before this fun print makes its way back into the trend cycle. Play into the look with Madewell’s itsy-bitsy polka dot bikini.
Coordinate Madewell’s polka dot bikini top with the brand’s matching bikini bottom. It’s made with adjustable straps, so whether you’re in a cheeky mood or you’d prefer a bit more coverage, you can easily experience the best of both worlds.
There’s nothing like basking in the sun, but sometimes, I enjoy shamelessly lounging on my couch. For moments like this, I’ll throw on a cozy outfit. I plan to spend my days indoors wearing Madewell’s soft cotton tee.
Just because capsule wardrobes are inherently practical doesn't mean they should be boring. Give your summer staples an edgy boost with this cap-sleeve mini dress made from dark wash denim.
Embrace both function and style by shielding your face from the sun with Madewell’s charming woven straw hat. Style this piece with a breezy summer dress, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
These bottoms are called the “perfect jean shorts” for a reason. They have a high-fitted waist and a thigh-grazing hem for a flattering look. Act now if you want these shorts because over 660 people have viewed them on Madewell's site in the past week.
Temperatures might be toasty outside, but my air conditioned office makes me want to snuggle up in a blanket. That said, I’m in need of a lightweight sweater that will keep me warm during the day, and this striped polo cardigan will definitely do the trick.
Chunky sandals have become one of the top footwear styles of 2024, so I’ve decided to indulge in the look by wearing these double-strap platforms. The colorway offers a sleek light-and-dark contrast, while the cushioned footbed and sturdy ankle straps ensure comfort.
Floral patterns are synonymous with summer fashion, so I’ve included Madewell’s Ariana dress in this capsule wardrobe roundup. This cheerful piece has been on my wishlist for quite some time now, and seeing as though it’s been marked down from $110 to $70, I have a great excuse to take the plunge.
Capri pants are back in the fashion mix whether you like it or not. But I’d like to argue that this retro style isn't just a fleeting trend. With a cropped silhouette and a lightweight feel, these pants provide a great alternative to heavier, floor-grazing pant styles.
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Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.
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