I've written about dozens of collaborations in my years as a fashion editor, from folksy cottagecore dresses at Dôen and Gap to nearly-naked two-piece sets for J.Crew and Maryam Nassir Zadeh. Alexa Chung's collection for Madewell, arriving online today, September 4, zigs where other collaborations zag. Instead of gently tweaking 2024 trends in its favor, it goes the anti-fall trend route. I, for one, am grateful.
Alexa Chung designed a 14-piece capsule for Madewell, including this suede coat and slouchy jeans.
Alexa Chung for Madewell consists of 14 pieces that would look as at-home in Chung's closet today as they would in her 2010, Tumblr-filtered heyday—which is the same year she first collaborated with Madewell. Now in her forties and still very much part of the fashion scene, Chung knows what is (and isn't) a reflection of her personal style. The collection's tight edit of voluminous-but-wearable denim maxi skirts and relaxed straight-leg jeans prove it. But this isn't a collection just for It girls: All items are available in sizes 23–33 with prices starting at $128.
Alexa Chung first designed a collection for Madewell in 2014.
It isn't totally accurate to call Alexa Chung for Madewell exempt from fall denim trends. The collection's lookbook includes denim-on-denim outfits—a style Bella Hadid and Beyoncé have also favored heading into fall—as well as extra-long maxi skirts resembling runways from Stella McCartney to Ganni. '70s suedes also show up in the form of a mini skirt suit and a floor-grazing duster jacket; we've all seen the boho revival these items could fit into. The difference is that they're cut into easygoing shapes that can last. Alexa Chung herself spoke about their longevity and wearability. "These pieces easily fit into my wardrobe because they’re incredibly personal," she told Vogue in a brief interview about the collection.
Alexa Chung's twists on Madewell denim and classic shirting will return for a second drop in November.
Fall trends are going to come, go, and circle back again in a few years. To me, Alexa Chung for Madewell's slouchy jeans and no-fuss button-up shirts have the longevity to last through every fashion cycle. Scroll down to shop the first timeless drop that's bound to sell out—and if it does, don't fret. You'll can get another fill of 2014 Tumblr-approved styles in a second drop arriving in November.
Shop the Alexa Chung x Madewell Collaboration
-
The Middle Part Is at the Center of Summer’s Hair TrendsIt's the ever-present style that keeps on giving.
-
Natalie Portman Wins the Fashion History Palm d'OrShe referenced Dior's storied 1950s designs in an entirely custom gown.
-
Princess Beatrice Recycles a Dress from Grandma Queen Elizabeth's Memorial VigilThe royal-favorite blazer dress is always appropriate.
-
Natalie Portman's Cannes Red Carpet Dior Gown Wins the Palm d'Or for Archival References
She referenced Dior's storied 1950s designs in an entirely custom gown.
-
Kristen Stewart Subtly Challenges the Cannes Film Festival Dress Code in a Sheer SkirtShe found a way to incorporate a nearly-naked element.
-
Bella Hadid’s Studded Suede Bag Proves the Boho Trend Is Definitely BackThe model co-signed the retro trend while wearing a vintage-inspired tote.
-
I’m Shopping Reformation’s Restocked Sunglasses Collab to Look Like an Off-Duty CelebrityIt'll sell out even faster the second time.
-
Bella Hadid Kicks Off Her Cannes Heels for Nike Air Max SneakersShe's back to wearing Nikes instead.
-
Bella Hadid Elevates Her Cannes LBD With Heaps of Chopard DiamondsThe model was decked out in diamonds for a late night.
-
Halle Berry's Original Cannes Opening Ceremony Gown Is Thwarted by the Film Festival's New Dress CodeThe first-time jury member "didn't want to break the rules."
-
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival's Best-Dressed Stars Ask, "What Dress Code?"Dress code restrictions aren't getting them down.
