I’m Revamping My Travel Style With These 10 Key Spring Pieces From Madewell—Starting at Just $30

My approach to fashion has always been to find the best possible deals on pieces I know will be in my closet for years to come. With this in mind, Madewell has become one of my favorite destinations for stocking up on seasonal essentials, since its pieces have a timeless quality that I know will age well in my carefully curated wardrobe. So, as I was auditing my closet ahead of a busy spring and summer of travel, I knew exactly where to turn—and I was pleasantly surprised with my findings.

After combing through the Madewell site, I feel confident in asserting I’ve found the 10 best travel-ready pieces I’ll be packing in my suitcase throughout the coming months. While everything is versatile enough to warrant endless wear, each pick is also under $100. From the dreamiest black maxi dress to a pair of denim shorts that actually look comfy enough for a day of sightseeing, these are the pieces you’ll also want to snag before your next big vacation. I’d even go as far as to say I’ve crafted your next packing list for you. 

The Harlow Wide-leg Pants

Flowy, wide-leg pants are a staple in my wardrobe year-round, and seeing as I already have a pair of these best-sellers from Madewell, I could hardly resist snagging another, more neutral option now that it’s on sale for 59 percent off. The high-waisted cut is both comfortable and flattering on my short frame, plus they’re made from a breathable linen blend fabric that will keep me cool even as we get deeper into the spring. In terms of versatility, they’re one of the best pairs of pants I could pack for any of my upcoming travels.

Smocked Boatneck Tank

I’m always drawn to simple, relatively basic T-shirts and tanks, but since I’m aiming to add some variety to my wardrobe this season, the ruched detailing on this boatneck tank instantly caught my eye. Made from a breathable linen and cotton blend, this top combines some of my favorite features: a slightly cropped fit, a lightly ruffled hem, and the perfect, high neckline. It’ll pair well with any bottoms in my suitcase (from the aforementioned trousers to a simple pair of denim shorts), plus it’s available in four shades—all of which I’m coveting. 

Satin Maxi Slip Skirt

I’d venture to say that a satin slip skirt is one of the pillars of any sufficiently versatile travel wardrobe, but since I’m already set with a basic black option, I’m ready to venture into the world of color with this on-trend green pick. Currently on sale for nearly 50 percent off, this lightweight skirt is easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion (and my footwear choice), making it a must-have regardless of my destination. It’s so breezy that I’m sure I’ll continue reaching for it even once the summer rolls around, not to mention it’s made of a luxe recycled satin fabric that feels smooth and light against skin. The fact that it has an elastic waistband is really just icing on the cake.

Crochet-knit V-neck Sweater Vest

I’m very inspired by my mom’s style from the ‘90s, and in so many old pictures she’s wearing the coolest button-down vest tops. Since I’ve already co-opted many of the vintage pieces she has left in her closet, I figured it was time to pick up a lookalike of my own. This lightweight, crochet sweater vest is adorned with delicate buttons down the front, while the fold-over collar is decorated with lace detailing that dresses up this relatively simple top. And while I’m enamored with the laurel green shade, it’s also available in an ivory color that I’m sure would get endless wear during my travels. 

Pleated Low-slung Denim Shorts

I’ve accepted shorts as a necessary evil during the summers, but that doesn’t mean I’ve found a pair that’s actually comfortable (and stylish, of course). However, Madewell has touted this pair as an “airy denim” option that’s designed with more room around the hips and thighs, and, considering they’re made from a stretchy cotton and Tencel Lyocell blend, I trust they’ll have more give than traditional jean shorts.

Heathered Flannel Dolman Button-up Shirt

Regardless of the season, I always travel with a cozy layer to prepare for an overly air conditioned flight or unexpected chilly evenings during my trip. At 65 percent off, this flannel button-up shirt is at the top of my list for the spring since it’ll match effortlessly with the entirety of my travel wardrobe, and it’ll be easy to take on and off throughout the day. The loose, relaxed fit is effortlessly cool, so it’ll be a breeze to style countless different ways, plus it’s made from a cotton blend that will be gentle against my sensitive skin. I imagine styling it with a pair of loose, flowy pants, but it will also look great thrown over a mini dress to instantly dress down the outfit.

Easy Crewneck Long-sleeve Tee

Since spring weather can be unpredictable (especially in the evenings), I’ve been on the lookout for lightweight long-sleeve tops that I can throw on and run out the door if I don’t want my arms exposed. Stripes never truly go out of style, so I feel confident that investing in this black and white top while it’s on sale for $56 will be worthwhile in the long term, especially since it’s made from 100 percent cotton with a thicker, more durable knit. The loose, almost boxy shape won’t restrict my movements for ultimate comfort in-flight or out to dinner, plus it’s practically a neutral, so it provides endless styling opportunities.

Rumpled Cotton Twill Shorts

On my mission to diversify my shorts collection, I stumbled across this striped cotton pair that will instantly spice up even the simplest T-shirts. A mid-rise cut will look pristine with slightly cropped tops (my personal favorite style), plus the neutral color palette will make them easy to wear with a wide array of footwear. They even boast a nearly 4-inch inseam which will hopefully do away with chafing and skin irritation for good this season.

Heathered Knit Sweatshirt

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of slipping into a super-soft sweatshirt before a long flight. And since I can never seem to reach my capacity for cozy top layers (although my closet may disagree), I’ve been eyeing this stunning heathered hoodie that’s currently on sale for 30 percent off. It’s made from 100 percent cotton with the loose, relaxed finish that I prefer from my loungewear, plus it’s available in sizes ranging from 2XS to 2XL, so I should have no trouble finding the perfect fit. Its light ivory shade is great for the season and easy to match, and I’m sure I’ll be reaching for it on more than just travel days.

Mixed Poplin Scoopneck Maxi Dress

If there’s one type of clothing that dominates the majority of my closet, it’s maxi dresses. And yet, as soon as I saw this drop-waist piece with a stunning poplin skirt, I knew I needed it—especially since I don’t have any simple black dresses. The knit bodice feels almost like a typical plain tank, giving way to a more structured (but still breathable) skirt, and perhaps best of all, it has pockets. Whether I pair it with sneakers, sandals, or heels, this dress will no doubt garner plenty of compliments and get ample wear throughout the next several months.

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