Let me start this by introducing myself: I’m Madeline, The Everygirl’s Fashion Editor. I’ve been running The Everygirl’s fashion section since 2021, and my job occupies the majority of my brain at any given time (that and my 17-year-old dog, if I’m being completely real). I love writing and talking about fashion for a living—it’s what I’ve always dreamed of doing, which makes it easy to put every fiber of my being into our fashion section. Part of my job as our Fashion Editor is to be consistently trying and testing clothes from different brands to make sure we’re covering the best of the best. TL;DR: I try a lot of clothes.
Another one of my responsibilities as our Fashion Editor? Writing and putting together our capsule wardrobes. And I recently realized a pretty wild fact: I’ve never talked about my capsule wardrobe. I’ve been developing my personal capsule wardrobe for years, and given how much clothing I try, if something sticks around for me, it’s really, really good.
I love incorporating trends into my wardrobe, but also have an arsenal of basics that I build my outfits around every day. These core pieces are the best of the best; the items that I own, have vetted, and wear constantly in my everyday life. Without further ado, I’m opening the doors to my closet and breaking down my personal capsule wardrobe.
How I Style My Capsule Wardrobe
On the weekend
Denim Button-Up (Plus) | Baggy Jeans (Plus) | Studded Belt | Shoulder Bag | Ballet Flats
One of the concepts I constantly preach is that styling basics doesn’t need to look basic, and this is an example of that. A denim button-up is inherently pretty classic, but when styled with jeans in a similar wash, feels trendy and fresh. Denim-on-denim is my go-to “I don’t know what to wear today” look that I turn to constantly. To make it my own, I style it with my studded belt, favorite under-$100 sunglasses, and tried-and-true ballet flats (that I own in two colors). The finished look is simple, cool, versatile, and most importantly, feels true to my personal style.
For a day walking around the city
Crewneck Sweater (Plus) | Leather Jacket (Plus) | Black Jeans (Plus) | Sunglasses | Loafers
One of my greatest joys in this life is a day that I put my headphones on, grab an iced coffee, head to the train, and spend the day bopping around Chicago. It always makes me feel like the main character, and I love to dress the part with casual-cool outfits that are comfortable enough to spend the whole day walking in.
One of my greatest wardrobe additions over the past couple of years have been my silver shoes—or more specifically, these silver loafers. They sound intimidating, but absolutely aren’t, and I love putting on a pretty basic outfit and then completing it with the statement that the pop a pair of silver shoes gives. This leather jacket is one of my most prized possessions; it’s perfectly oversized and has a vintage feel that makes it the pièce de résistance of whatever I pair it with. Its silver hardware just so happens to pair perfectly with my silver loafers, making this one of my most-worn looks.
To the office
Heart Necklace | Button-Up (Plus) | Trench Coat (Plus) | Trousers (Plus) | Bucket Tote | Ballet Flats
If you follow us on TikTok, you know that our office dress code is pretty casual. I usually wear jeans, but if I want to feel a little more business-casual, this is my go-to look. I adore my relaxed trousers—which I wear as frequently on the weekend as I do to the office—and paired with a cropped white button-down and trench coat, it’s a classic (but modern) office look that makes me feel ready to tackle whatever meetings or tasks that are on my day’s to-do list. My finishing touch is always a chunky necklace that pulls it all together.
To run errands
Ribbed Tank (Plus) | Baggy Jeans (Plus) | Sunglasses | Studded Belt | Bucket Tote | Sneakers
Yes, I know, Sambas are incredibly trendy right now, but in my closet, they’re a staple. I’ve loved my Sambas for years, and even when the girls on TikTok tell me they’re out, I’ll be wearing mine. If I’m spending the day running around the city checking things off my errand list, this is the kind of outfit I go for. An ultra-soft tank, loose-fitting jeans, and sneakers ensure that I’m comfortable but still feel a bit put-together, and my bucket tote fits everything I pick up throughout the day, sans the need to opt in for disposable bags.
To an event
Midi Dress (Plus) | Sunglasses | Shoulder Bag | Shoulder Bag | Ballet Flats
One of the most exciting parts of my job is that I get invited to quite a few events in Chicago, and sometimes, that means I need a piece that’s a step up from anything jeans or trousers can bring to the table. This dress is the absolute perfect leveled-up item for days that I need to feel extra confident—but still comfortable—and is so versatile that I never feel like an outfit repeater given how many different ways I style it. I’m planning a trip to Paris this year, and imagine how good it’s going to look on a patio with a glass of Sancerre in hand. *Chef’s kiss.*
