Madewell’s New Spring Denim Is A Love Letter To The ’90s

While we obsess over Madewell for its plethora of affordable styles — these days, it’s a crucial destination for seasonal dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories — the one category that the retailer has had a consistent chokehold on is denim. Those in the know may be familiar with Madewell’s collection of “Perfect Vintage” jeans, a mostly rigid denim line made to fit like an American classic but at not-so-steep vintage-seller prices. Cut in a variety of washes, silhouettes, lengths, and sizes, it’s no shocker that these jeans remain a best-seller for the brand. (Full disclosure: I, too, am a true believer of these jeans, as a person who swears by vintage denim.)

Low-Rise Baggy Straight Jeans, $98

Shop all Madewell boyjeans 

But, did you also know that Madewell, in addition to its Perfect Vintage wares, regularly releases fresh batches of denim every season? Well, now you do: Some styles are standbys, some are brand-new, and some are updated iterations of the tried-and-true blues. And for spring 2023, Madewell has dropped a whole lot of denim newness, poised to become new go-to staples for the upcoming year.

Kick Out Crop Jeans, $138

Shop all Madewell demi-boot jeans

“For the new collection, we were inspired by the style trends of the ’90s,” says Mary Pierson, SVP of Denim Design at Madewell, in an email to R29. “Specifically, we love the distorted fits, interesting denim details, and fun denim dressing from that decade.” Case in point: Madewell has gone all-in on what the brand calls its “boyjeans” — denim featuring a relaxed waist, roomy leg, and a low rise. There are variations for shoppers who seek a more fitted style as well, like wide-leg or flared jeans that have a bell-shaped bottom hem but with a more rigid, contour fit at the thigh.

Low-Rise Baggy Straight Jeans, $98

Shop all Madewell baggy jeans

Denim, of course, is not a one-type-fits-all deal — and Madewell knows this. The shoppers have spoken, and they are particular. For example, some shoppers only wear rigid denim (like yours truly). Some exclusively wear jeans with stretch. Petite folks are limited to shorter inseams whereas tall shoppers need rises that actually come up high on their torsos. Whatever denim preferences a shopper has, Madewell aims to offer a pair that suits them as perfectly as possible. One way Madewell achieves this is with The Denim Bar, which breaks down and categorizes all of its jeans so shoppers can easily click and filter exactly what they’re looking for.

The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean, $128

Shop all Madewell wide-leg jeans

Pierson says this release focuses on a wide array of denim textures in addition to newer cuts and silhouettes. Shoppers can expect heavier and lighter-weight constructions, as well as a range of stretch.

The Perfect Vintage Flare Jean, $148

Shop all Madewell flare jeans

For spring 2023, the brand has also introduced non-pant denim pieces, like a varsity-style jacket and a dress, both of which embody that easy-going, ’90s-era spirit. Pierson says the Denim Bomber Jacket and the Oversized Denim Shirtdress are two of the brand’s more “unexpected styles” that still keep the aesthetic true to Madewell. “We’re excited about the variety in proportion play within this collection,” says Pierson, nodding to the cocoon-like shape of the bomber and the straightforward boxiness of the dress.

Denim Bomber Jacket, $148

Shop all Madewell denim jackets

Since Pierson is not only a denim expert but also someone who has helped develop this current spring drop, I had to ask her what pair of jeans she personally swears by. Unsurprisingly, she says that her “all-time favorite is the straight-leg jean; it’s just a timeless silhouette. I especially love our Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean!” (As I’d mentioned earlier, it’s a real fan favorite and a cult classic for Madewell.)

Denim Oversized Shirtdress, $138

Shop all Madewell denim dresses

There’s a newer style that Pierson predicts may rise to the top of the denim pile for the upcoming season — and this time it’s all about the legroom: wider, more relaxed, and extremely slouchy. Are denim shoppers ready to head into the fashion wayback machine? Madewell is certainly predicting they do so.

“My favorite jean from this current collection is the Superwide-Leg,” says Pierson. “I love the volume, length, and rigid denim fabric. It’s a newer fit and leg shape for us.” While the Superwide-Leg styles have an unescapable skater boyfriend vibe, Madewell has figured out a way to keep these jeans, like the rest of the denim lineup: super versatile and styled for any occasion. Paired with a crop top or a body suit, and with a heeled shoe, these baggy jeans can make an evening look so very chill. Or, of course, the jeans can be worn with an equally baggy top or jacket and clogs for a rolled-out-of-bed moment. Madewell’s latest denim collection may be a nod to the ’90s but, to be sure, they’re made for these modern times.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

How To Channel 2023’s Rom-Comcore Fashion Trend

Modern dating can feel like one endless tragicomedy: the swiping, the awkward first dates, and all the ghosting included. It’s no surprise that our generation has often turned to romantic-comedies for escape, from the ordinary-teen-turned-royalty storyline of Princess Diaries to the wishful thinking-turned-IRL boyfriend in 13 Going On 30. But alas, it’s just movies. 

Still, like so many other of our retro film obsessions, people are looking for ways to dress the part. If love is not the end game then at least let us have the style of a 2000s rom-com: slip dresses, multiple shades of pink in one outfit, cropped cardigans, and yes, peep-toe shoes. 

At least, that’s the memo coming from TikTok, where searches for “rom-comcore” — as creators have dubbed it — have grown over 2 billion views, with people reenacting outfits from movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and 13 Going On 30 that channel the hyper-femininity of that era. What’s more is that Pinterest has already spotted the trend as one of the top predictions for the year, with searches for “2000s girl” rising by 235% and “pink mini skirt outfit” by 145%. 

Sure, social media is going crazy over this trend now, but its resurgence has been brewing for a while now. For example, back in 2021, Ariana Grande coached The Voice’s first live show wearing a version of Jennifer Garner’s iconic Versace mini dress from the “Thriller” dance routine scene in 13 Going On 30. “It was a dress that worked for the scene, for the character, and that’s why we picked it and that’s why she wore it,” the film’s costume designer Susie De Santo told The New York Times in 2021. Since then, multiple iterations of the dress have popped up online by retailers like Cider and Walmart. 

Then, there is the overall reemergence of Y2K trends that have been repackaged as TikTok aesthetics, from “soft girl,” which is characterized by cozy knits and subtle makeup, to “light academia,” which borrows much of the early ‘00s preppy styles. But rom-comcore takes it a step further, with people literally finding ways to dress up as their favorite rom-com heroines to exude main character energy. Repeat after us: Mia Thermopolis is our muse! 

If you don’t know how to start, take a look at some of the options below.

Slip Dress

A basic slip dress is a common denominator in any 2000s rom-com. Although if you want to truly look the part, we recommend going strapless.

Peep Toe Shoes

Believe it or not, peep toe shoes are still going strong 20 years later. The best way to update them for 2023 is to go for a platform version or some edgy booties.

Top It With A Cardigan

Much like a slip dress, a cardigan is a staple of 2000s rom-com movies, from Legally Blonde to 13 Going On 30. For 2023, it’s crucial that you go with a cropped version or a pin top.

Try The Going-Out Top

Nothing says Y2K like a going out top. Whether it’s a halter number or an asymmetric strapless top, one of the best ways to exude main character energy is to rely on the retro look of this classic staple.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

I Have An Issue With The Vanilla Girl Beauty Trend

Experts Say These 8 Perfumes Are About To Go Viral

Barbiecore: What Is It? How Can You Wear It?

Shearling Jackets Are 2023’s Biggest Outerwear Trend

This year, outerwear trends have been defined by statement-making jackets. And while biker chic styles ruled the fall, winter will be the season of the aviator jacket. 

For proof, take a look at the fall 2022 runways, which were filled with oversized, shearling-adorned jackets à la Top Gun. Then on TikTok, where searches for aviator jackets have grown over 800 million views.

With their protective shearling and oversized silhouettes, it seems fashion is signaling that it’s time to buckle up. After all, their roots in early 20th century military uniforms and their subsequent dominance in pop culture — including the Top Gun franchise — carry a deep association with high-risk adventure, or at least the promise of it. And there’s no denying this year was marked by adrenaline. While the coronavirus pandemic is still here, the return of social events and travel ushered us to go, go, go! Naturally, fashion found a way to channel this need for speed, from dopamine-inducing bright colors and road-ready biker chic styles to sky-high platforms that put many on edge after years of flat footwear. Now, as aviator jackets take flight, the invitation to go forth with adventure is clear. 

Thankfully, this classic staple is not new to many people’s wardrobes. Much like their biker relatives, aviator jackets are easily available at vintage and thrift stores, making them a more sustainable option for staying on-trend this season. Unlike 2022’s bikercore craze that really encouraged people to hit the gas pedal, both brands and street style darlings have offered a few options that take the aviator jackets into glam territory. Miu Miu, for example, showed cropped dark-hued versions, paired with leather skirts, as well as sequinned iterations, styled with sheer dresses. Burberry took a more classic approach in the form of a sleek, tan bomber jacket, paired with a matching maxi skirt and knee-high boots, while Dion Lee pushed the staple forward with furry fabric over the lapels and sleeves, paired with a cargo mini skirt. Creators like Alexandra Pereira have also taken advantage of the current UGG craze, matching their shearling detail with suede aviator jackets. 

So, will you take off this season? If so, here are a few options to channel the trend. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

10 Paris Fashion Week Trends To Shop Now

6 Coat Trends That Will Define 2022

How To Shop For A Biker-Approved Motorcycle Jacket

This Opulent (& Affordable) Jewelry Brand Is Inspired By A Bygone Era

Deniz Gurdalis, the designer behind the UK-based sustainable jewelry brand Ottoman Hands, is likely a bit of a history buff — after all, the “Ottoman” part of the brand’s name is a literal nod to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled much of the area where Europe, Asia, and Africa converge from the 14th to the early 20th centuries. (The “Hands” part of the name honors the brand’s slow, hand-crafted process.) What results from this unique blend of ideas is a vast collection of gilded baubles that blend contemporary design with ancient influences: Think pieces leaning into opulence, flourishes, and maximalism. There are red ruby, blue lapis, and emerald green gemstones punctuated by ornate sunburst, the “evil eye” amulet is one of the brand’s best-selling motifs, and Greek goddesses like Aphrodite and Demeter are the showstoppers of pendant necklaces.

Shop Ottoman Hands Earrings

Shop all earrings

For such statement pieces, what’s most bedazzling about Ottoman Hands is how radically affordable the jewelry brand is — most everything is well under $100. (And if you sign up for the brand’s newsletter, you get an extra 10% off your first order.) Somehow, the brand has been able to maintain its sustainable ethos while also keeping gentle price points. All of the jewelry pieces (except for the very small components) are made from recycled metals: either 21K gold-plated brass or 18K gold-plated sterling silver (the silver comes from silversmiths in India who melt down old silver into new pieces). Everything else is hand-crafted by artisans based in Istanbul, which means by default most pieces are in limited quantity.

Shop Ottoman Hands Necklaces

Shop all necklaces

Beyond using recycled materials, Ottoman Hands is also mindful of its carbon footprint — the brand went carbon neutral for all online orders just last year, explaining that it wants to focus on removing, instead of simply offsetting, carbon. “To do this, we fund high-impact companies like Running Tide and Remora through the Shopify Sustainability Fund to make a real impact on our Earth,” the site states. When it comes to purpose-driven partnerships, Ottoman Hands also supports organizations like Trillion Trees, Work for Good, and Royal Trinity Hospice that gives back to the community.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ottoman Hands London (@ottomanhands)

Shop Ottoman Hands Bracelets

Shop all bracelets

While we always appreciate an eco-conscious accessories brand, where the brand truly excels is its designs. The Ottoman Hands aesthetic teeters on making a statement without being too over the top — the pieces are like tweenage versions of cocktail jewelry minus any of the gaudiness. Ottoman Hands offer the ideal amount of bling to elevate a simple white T-shirt or to amp up a night-on-the-town look. (If you’d like further inspiration when it comes to Ottoman Hands’ versatility, you can find these antique-inspired pieces frequently turn up on shows like House of the Dragon, Emily in Paris, and Sex Education.)

Shop Ottoman Hands Rings

Shop all rings

If an Ottoman Empire-inspired jewelry brand is one definition of fashion or history repeating itself, you can most certainly count us in.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?