I've Never Been a J.Crew or Madewell Girl—These 33 Summer Finds Changed My Mind

Everyone has brands that they go to and have gone to for decades to furnish their wardrobe. Through dozens of style evolutions and new, exciting trends, those brands have remained, proving that loyalty reigns supreme, even in 2023. Forever intrigued by this phenomenon, I regularly ask people to name-drop their tried-and-true labels, and when I say that their responses almost always feature one of the following two brands, I’m not exaggerating one bit. If you guessed Madewell and J.Crew, you’re on the money.

Classic, elevated, and timeless, both J.Crew and Madewell have built cult-like followings unlike any others. Until recently, though, I never fully understood the hype. Sure, I shopped at both over the years, picking up a sweater or a great pair of jeans. But when it comes to brands that I’ve frequented for much of my life, neither was ever one of them. The last few months have, however, seen a significant shift in my shopping behavior, resulting in me finding myself thinking about and buying items from both J.Crew and Madewell not only more than ever before but also more than any other retailer. Apparently, you can teach an old dog new tricks. All it takes is a shockingly pretty sundress and plenty of linen.

Below, check out the 33 summer items that are continuing to change my mind about J.Crew and Madewell.