Fashion

McQueen Is Parting Ways With Designer Seán McGirr

Fashion

Veronica Leoni Out at Calvin Klein Collection

Business

Bruno Pavlovsky Resigns From Board of Chanel Ltd.

Alexa Chung’s Second Madewell Collection Includes Coveted Corduroy Pieces and My New Favorite Straight-leg Jeans

We tested the vintage-inspired gems that are poised to sell out shortly.

By Claire Sullivan Plus Icon

Claire Sullivan

Recent Articles by Claire Sullivan

View All

November 14, 2024, 5:21pm

Add us as a Google Preferred Source

woman wearing corduroy blazer; woman wearing blue and white silk top

WWD/Adam Mansuroglu; Courtesy of Madewell/Robin Galiegue

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.

Get ready to reactivate your Tumblr and trim your curtain bangs: The final Alexa Chung for Madewell collection of 2024 is officially live on Madewell.com. The vintage-inspired, 15-piece drop includes flattering denim and corduroy separates, plus winter style essentials with a Western spin.

Chung has been Madewell’s muse for well over a decade; the British tastemaker and clothing brand first collaborated 14 years ago with a collection that embodied Chung’s now-iconic style. There were preppy-chic polos, leopard-printed boots, brooches, and socks with strappy sandals (all of which, by the way, reappeared on fall 2024 runways).

Related Articles

Pierre Yovanovitch

Furniture

5 Must-Read Design Books to Inspire You This Fall

where to buy holiday-edition dior medallion lip balm for phone; picture of influencer using the dior lip balm beauty accessory; balm overlaid on festive dior background

Beauty

Where to Shop Dior's Luxury Lip Balm Phone Sticker That's Going Viral (And Being Compared to Rhode's Lip Case)

“Alexa’s style is inspiring and inventive, yet unbelievably approachable and down-to-earth,” Madewell design director Kin Ying Lee told WWD in 2010, ahead of Chung’s first collaboration with the brand. Millard “Mickey” Drexler, chairman and chief executive officer of J. Crew Group, added, “It’s just that Alexa is totally cool. It’s not the way she looks or dresses. It’s the way she is.”

You May Also Like

woman wearing corduroy blazer and a white shirt

Robin Galiegue/Courtesy of Madewell

The Alexa Chung for Madewell collection, which WWD Shop editors tested ahead of the launch, offers wardrobe basics that are elevated with intricate detailing and rich textures rather than loud patterns — a combination that appeals to today’s ‘quiet luxury’ crowd. A Western-style button-up shirt gets dressed up in supple satin, while the Oversized Long Coat feels like a gem plucked from a vintage store with its cozy corduroy material.

woman leaning against a building wearing dark wash straight leg jeans.

WWD Shop editor Claire Sullivan wears the Alexa Chung for Madewell collection’s High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans. Captured with the Leica Q2 Camera. WWD/ Adam Mansuroglu

Denim is another focus in the collection, this time done in dark washes that are apropos for the season ahead. The High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, in particular, caught our attention with their flattering fit that hugs the waist and drapes past the ankles for a leg-lengthening effect. On that topic, the tailoring of each piece in the collection feels as though it took years to perfect — even oversized pieces, like the Double-Breasted Corduroy Blazer, falls beautifully on the torso rather than swallowing it whole.

Styled together, the new Alexa Chung for Madewell collection radiates effortless attitude: The pieces feel polished with just a touch of the English model’s signature rebellious edge. The previous Alexa Chung for Madewell drop, which went live in Sept. 2024, saw pieces dwindle in stock after just a few days, so act quickly to grab your new winter wardrobe MVPs.

Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Alexa Chung for Madewell High-Rise Straight Jean in Allendale Wash

$168

Buy Now at madewell

“These rigid straight-leg jeans feel about $300 more expensive than they actually are. They hug me in all the right places and fall beautifully down from the waist, making my legs look longer than they actually are. Between the just-right fit and the chic brass-toned button, it’s all in the details here. They’re a little snug on the first wear, but loosen up quickly to fit true to size.” — WWD Shop Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $168

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Alexa Chung for Madewell Double-Breasted Blazer in Corduroy

$248

Buy Now at madewell

“I have more ideas on styling this blazer than I can count on two hands. I’ll be wearing it with the matching miniskirt and trousers for holiday dinners, but I also envision it perched on my shoulders over a simple slip dress for a night out. Expect to be impressed by how soft the fabric feels on your skin.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $248

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Alexa Chung for Madewell Corduroy Mini Skirt

$128

Buy Now at madewell

“This miniskirt hits at the perfect length for wintertime dressing — it’s not so short that you have to be worried about pulling the Thanksgiving turkey out of the oven. The corduroy texture is subtle, so it reads as a simple black skirt for versatile pairing with blouses or chunky sweaters.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $128

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Alexa Chung for Madewell Satin Western Shirt

$138

Buy Now at madewell

“Leave it to Alexa Chung to persuade me that a two-tone Western shirt belongs in my neutral capsule wardrobe. I like this as a dressed-up alternative to a chambray shirt; the satin material has the feel of high-quality Mulberry silk.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $128

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Alexa Chung for Madewell High-Rise Straight Jean in Outridge Wash

$168

Buy Now at madewell

A pair of black jeans can moonlight as trousers when they’re as beautifully tailored as these. In Outridge Wash, the Alexa Chung for Madewell High-Rise Straight Jeans create a canvas to build off of with trending jewel-toned tops or rich red accessories.

Price upon publish date of this article: $168

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Alexa Chung for Madewell Oversized Long Coat in Corduroy

$348

Buy Now at madewell

We predict that this Oversized Long Coat will be one of the first pieces in the Alexa Chung for Madewell collection to sell out — it’s soft-to-the-touch, perfectly oversized, and jibes with everything from minidresses to workwear essentials.

Price upon publish date of this article: $348

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Alexa Chung for Madewell Pleat-Pocket Button-Up Shirt

$128

Buy Now at madewell

“A black blouse is one of the most essential pieces in my simple wardrobe. I love that this iteration features pleated patch pockets that make it feel more casually cool than corporate.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $128

Why Trust WWD

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands like Madewell. Sullivan personally tested a selection of the new Alexa Chung for Madewell collection to write this article.

Tags

Newsletters

Sign up for WWD news straight to your inbox every day

Sign up

WWD Recommends

Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres Talks World Cup and That Hat

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Character Study: Classic Men’s Looks with Modern Updates

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Thom Browne and Teyana Taylor: Designer and Muse

Gucci Westman and David Neville

CEO Talks: How Gucci Westman and David Neville Are Building a Luxury Beauty Brand for the Ages

Under Armour HeatGear compression T-shirts (layered); Armedangels denim jeans; Thom Browne shoes.

Icebreakers with François Arnaud

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Getting Ready for Marc Jacobs 2026 with Nicky Hilton

diane lane at the premiere of feud capote vs the swans, red carpet interview

'Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans' Stars Talk Costumes and Society

Getting Ready with Kerry Washington & Michael Kors

Getting Ready with Kerry Washington & Michael Kors

WWD style director Alex Badia and FN style director Shannon Adducci discuss the versatility of outerwear.

Head to Toe: How to Style Outerwear for Everywhere

Hermès is making a major statement about the future of brick-and-mortar retail with the long-awaited opening of its massive new Madison Avenue flagship.

A Tour of the New Hermès Madison Avenue Flagship

Adidas Terminates Yeezy Partnership With Ye

Adidas Terminates Yeezy Partnership With Ye With Immediate Effect

Louis Vuitton Launches New Exhibition in NYC

Louis Vuitton Launches New Exhibition in NYC

Willy Chavarria Takes Us Backstage of His Energetic SS23 Collection Minutes Before Showtime

Willy Chavarria Takes Us Backstage of His Energetic SS23 Collection Minutes Before Showtime

WWD's fashion director Alex Badia and FN's fashion director Shannon Adducci talk about transitioning your wardrobe in an episode of "Head to Toe."

Head To Toe: Transitioning Your Wardrobe

Designer Details: A closer look at LaQuan Smith's new collection and designing for Beyonce

A closer look at LaQuan Smith's new collection and designing for Beyonce

Beyoncé, Renaissance, Beyonce picture, Beyonce photos, Beyonce style

WWD Report Card: Beyoncé’s Fashion ‘Renaissance’

Men’s Spring 2023, fashion trend, menswear,

Men’s Spring 2023 Trend: Skin Show

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,' beauty, collaboration, launch, Kim Chi, Trixie Mattel

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Stars Kim Chi and Trixie Mattel Launch Beauty Collaboration

Zoey Deutch, Met Gala, Zoey Deutch style

Zoey Deutch Shares Her Red Carpet Favorites and What it's Like Backstage at the Met Gala

Serena Williams, on-court tennis style, celebrity style, sports, fashion,

A Look at Serena Williams’ Best On-Court Tennis Outfits Over the Years

Megan Fox, Megan Fox fashion, Megan Fox style

Megan Fox’s Best Fashion Moments Over the Years

Selena Gomez, Selena Gomez pictures, Selena Gomez photos, Selena Gomez style

WWD Report Card: Selena Gomez’s Fashion Evolution

fashion collaborations, fashion, 2022

The Biggest Fashion Collaborations of 2022 — So Far

Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh, designer, Nike, Air Force 1, sneaker, collection, footwear

5 Things To Know About The Louis Vuitton And Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker Collection

J. Crew, fashion, collection, creative director, Brendon Babenzien

LAUNCH PAD: First Look at the New J. Crew

Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt photos, Ryan Gosling photos

WWD Report Card: Brad Pitt vs Ryan Gosling

Paris Couture Week, fashion, style, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, Zoey Deutch

Report Card: Rating the Looks from Paris Couture Week

paris fashion week mens, spring 2023, Kenzo, Hermès, Thom Browne

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 5 | Kenzo, Hermès, Thom Browne

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 4 | Junya Watanabe, Dior, Officine Generale

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Issey Miyake, Amiri

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Lemaire, Givenchy, Reese Cooper

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

First Impressions: Paris Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 1 | John Elliott, EgonLab

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 2 | Versace, Fendi, Armani, MSGM

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

First Impressions: Milan Men's Spring 2023 | Day 1

Milan fashion week, day 3, spring 2023 collections, first impressions, Etro, Prada, JW Anderson

First Impressions: Milan Men’s Spring 2023 | Day 3 | Etro, Prada, JW Anderson

summer bags, handbags, Chanel, Telfar, Loewe, WWD

Hot Summer Bags

WWD, Beauty Inc, Cosmoprof, 2022

WWD + Beauty Inc. at Cosmoprof 2022

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

On the Red Carpet at the 2022 Met Gala: All the Looks

Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, "And Just Like That, costumes, Max, series

'And Just Like That' Costume Designers Talk Process for New HBO Show

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Netflix's 'Halston' Costume Designer Talks Working with Ewan McGregor

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: J Balvin on the Deeper Meaning of the J Balvin x Air Jordan 1 Sneaker

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: How Princess Diana’s Fashion Choices Hinted at What Was Happening Behind Palace Doors

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: Do These Outrageous Celebrity Fashion Looks Hold Up?

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: Sarah Cooper — Writer, Comedian, Trump Impersonator, and More

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: Bob the Drag Queen Grades Legendary Fashion Looks

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: Supreme Court Style: Inside the Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Collars

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: The Origins of French Girl Style à la Chanel

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: WWD Presents 'Creating Queer'

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: Model Shaun Ross Talks Diversity in the Fashion Industry

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

Video: Fashion for All CEO Hannah Stoudemire On Her #BreakingtheSilence Campaign⁣

Alexa Chung's New Madewell Drop Is Full of Effortlessly Chic Staples

These Inclusive Face Masks Provide Functional PPE to All Frontline Workers

Most Popular

WWD

Get all the top news stories and alerts straight to your inbox.

Enter your Email

Sign Up Sign Up

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.