The 14 Capsule Wardrobe Essentials You Need from Madewell’s Sale Are All Under $100

As soon as New Year’s Eve party invites started rolling in, my thoughts became consumed by my 2025 style goals. When I asked my stylish New Yorker friends for fashion tips, the conversation inevitably moved to the importance of a high-quality capsule wardrobe, along with the Madewell dresses and comfy jeans making up their own. 

ICYMI, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile,high-quality items (typically featuring all neutral colors). Think classic silhouettes like straight-leg trousers, classic dresses, button-up shirts, and comfortable flats — all of which can easily be paired with one another, and all of which I’m shopping at Madewell now — and all of the pieces are under $100.

Best Madewell Capsule Wardrobe Essentials Under $100

• The Emmett Wide-Leg Jeans, $60 with code LASTCHANCE (orig. $138)
• Best-Seller: The Mini Bag, $98
• The Greta Ballet Flats, $98
• Pull-On Straight Stretch Satin Pants, $$98
• Under $10: Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee, $7 with code LASTCHANCE (orig. $20)
• Easy Y-Neck Button-Up Shirt, $35 with code LASTCHANCE (orig. $88)
• The Harlow Wide-Leg Pants, $30 with code LASTCHANCE (orig. $118)
• The Tennis Collection Bezel Set Crystal Necklace, $88
• Ribbed Button-Front Cardigan, $58
• Satin Maxi Slip Skirt, $42 with code LASTCHANCE (orig. $98)

The Emmett Wide-Leg Jeans

Madewell’s well-crafted denim is so beloved because it’s soft and comfy with an almost loungewear-esque feel. I own a pair of Madewell jeans that I bought a few years ago, and even my very picky mom loves them so much that she wears them on flights. The quality is comparable to the most expensive jeans I own from Citizens of Humanity, which cost nearly $250. While I love the structured look of those, these Madewell jeans are admittedly a lot more comfortable and better for daily wear. That’s why I’m grabbing an extra pair while these are on sale.

Ruched V-Neck Floral Mini Dress

This dress embodies the classic and stylish silhouettes that have made Madewell such a popular shopping destination — one that’s deservedly all over PEOPLE’s archives. While most of my capsule wardrobe consists of solid black and white colorways, this neutral-toned floral number can still pair with most anything in my closet. I plan on wearing it with fleece-lined pantyhose, a cardigan (the one I’m eyeing, below!), and knee-high boots in the winter, then simply with some sandals in the summertime.

The Mini Bag

I have to hand it to Madewell: It really knows its way around accessories. This best-selling bag has a shape that toes the line between being structured and slouchy, making it the ultimate essential purse for date nights and casual, post-Pilates brunches. The black is a no-brainer, but I’m admittedly also eyeing the shade  Deep Merlot , which I think would pair effortlessly and add an elegant pop of color to my mostly black and white wardrobe.

The Greta Ballet Flats

What do Katie Holmes and I have in common? Neither of us can live without flats. The Greta Ballet Flats have earned a loyal following. They’re made with leather sourced from a tannery that is certified by the Leather Working Group (an organization working to promote sustainable practices in the leather industry). That, combined with the cool square-shaped toe and padded footbed, makes it easy to understand why these are so loved. I’m eyeing the dark brown “chocolate raisin” shade.

I’m determined to make 2025 my most fashionable year yet with these finds. Shop more of my Madewell capsule collection favorites, below.

Pull-On Straight Stretch Satin Pants

Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee, $7 with code LASTCHANCE

Easy Y-Neck Button-Up Shirt, $35 with code LASTCHANCE

Relaxed Long-Sleeve Polo Tee, $35 with code LASTCHANCE

Wedged V-Neck Sweater, $64 with code LASTCHANCE

Ribbed Long-Sleeve Boatneck Top, $46 with code LASTCHANCE

The Harlow Wide-Leg Pants, $30 with code LASTCHANCE

The Tennis Collection Bezel Set Crystal Necklace

Ribbed Button-Front Cardigan

Satin Maxi Slip Skirt