My New York City friends (in their own words) dress in a mixture of relaxed, classic, and versatile pieces. They look for functional, long-lasting items that are still trend facing. Running around the city all day and looking cute don't have to be mutually exclusive.
Enter Madewell. When thinking about building a city-friendly capsule wardrobe, look no further than the vast selection at Madewell. This is a one-stop shop for reliable basics, quality knits, comfortable denim, trendy footwear, and more. Everything from your sought-after retro Reeboks to your year-round baggy jeans is at your fingertips. And whether or not you live in a big city, functional fashion is always appreciated.
I've pulled together—for you and the group chat—the best pieces to shop now for a timeless, practical closet.
Madewell
Ribbed Sweetheart Top
This black ribbed knit is perfect for work and play.
Madewell
Superwide-Leg Jeans in Parson Wash
Extreme wide-leg jeans for 2023.
Madewell
Space-Dyed V-Neck Cinched Sweater
Casual, comfortable, and versatile.
Birkenstock
Suede Boston Clogs in Shearling
These viral Birkenstocks are great for outdoor or indoor wear.
Madewell
Hallowell Turtleneck Sweater Tank
An ideal layering piece is this sleeveless turtleneck.
Madewell
Stimpson Sweater Vest
Wear this luxe top over a bodysuit or under a blazer.
Madewell
The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
*Cue my friends all wearing these to Saturday brunch.*
New Balance
57/40 Sneakers in Moon Shadow and Marblehead
Tonal, neutral New Balances are a commuter must-have.
Madewell
Denim Seamed Long-Sleeve Mini Dress
This dress is uncomplicated dressing personified.
MWL
Brushed Rib Cropped Cardigan Sweater
Pair with jeans, leggings, or trousers.
Madewell
Acetate Linford Aviator Sunglasses
Retro aviator tortoiseshell glasses are a 2023 essential.
Madewell
Holland Quilted Puffer Parka
Neutral quilted puffers are a New Yorker's best friend.
Madewell
Baggy Straight Jeans in Woodham Wash: Pleated Edition
Trouser jeans are a sleek update on trending baggy denim.
Madewell
Brightside Tee
The perfect shrunken, cropped T-shirt does exist.
Veja
Suede V-10 Sneakers
An update on your traditional Veja sneakers is this pastel color-blocked pair.
Madewell
Wool-Blend Turtleneck Midi Dress
Sweaterdresses are for any occasion.
G.H. Bass
Whitney Weejuns Penny Loafers
The fashion editor's choice loafers are simple black Weejuns.
Madewell
Denim Button-Down Collar Oversized Shirt in Cranover Wash
The Canadian-tuxedo options are endless with this denim button-down.
Madewell
Leather Western Belt
A classic black belt is on my essentials list, and this one is under $100.
Diadora
Mi Basket Row Cut Sneakers
I'm drooling over these throwback high-top sneakers.
Madewell
Drapeweave Neale Straight-Leg Pants
Casual trousers are a great investment for hybrid workwear.
Madewell
The Sydney Zip-Top Crossbody Bag
This supple brown leather bag is a staple purchase.
Madewell
Suffolk Aviator Sunglasses
A square shape and monochromatic materials make these cool shades.
Madewell
Baggy Straight Jeans in Firthway Wash
Baggy jeans are my New York friends' holy-grail piece.
Madewell
Superhigh-Waist Midi Skirt in Blue Black Wash
Denim midi skirts continue their reign.
Madewell
Oversized Menswear Blazer
A tan blazer is my 2023 wear-with-all piece.
Reebok
Club C 85 Vintage Sneakers
Vintage-style Reeboks are your trendy white sneaker style for this year.
Madewell
Ruched Polo Cardigan
This cardigan is nothing if not relaxed, classic, and versatile.
MWL
Flex Cutout Unitard
This athleisure unitard also makes for a quintessential layering piece.
Madewell
The Sydney Crossbody Bag
A midsize crossbody purse is the ideal functional bag.
Madewell
The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Pant: Utility Edition
These utilitarian pants are a no-regrets purchase.
Copelyn is a freelance fashion and accessory editor who formerly worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
as an associate shopping editor. Before her time atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
, Copelyn was at Bustle Digital Group, working on the accessory market for cover shoots and fashion features across Nylon, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Romper, and Elite Daily. Copelyn also previously worked at InStyle and Cosmopolitan in the fashion departments. Copelyn has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her spare time, she freelances in graphic and web design in the fashion space and loves to upcycle clothing, home décor, and sneakers.