A Former Madewell Employee Loves These $52 Jeans for Fall

It’s a running joke that every outfit I wear prompts my friends  to say, “Let me guess, Madewell?” But, after working for two years there as a sales associate in college, it became the only brand I trusted for trendy jeans that don’t rip after a year (hence, why I currently own 13 pairs). 

It’s rare that the entire site goes on sale, which is why I always stock up on jeans during the Madewell Insider Event. Not only are new arrivals marked down, but the sale section has an extra 40 percent off — though you can find some gems for an additional 50 percent off, like the pair of curvy balloon jeans I got for $52 that are petite-friendly and smooth my stomach area. 

Madewell The Curvy Balloon Jean in Greendale Wash

I’ve barely taken these jeans off since I bought them a week ago. From the first wear, they were soft and had some slight compression in the stomach area for a smooth appearance. The style is a comfy middle ground between wide-leg denim and barrel jeans, so you get that slouchy open fit and a slight curve from the mid-thigh to your calf. 

My favorite detail is the faded wash, which I’ve dressed up for the office with a button down and worn casually to a bar with a T-shirt. Plus, these have slightly angled pockets that give them a higher-end look — and are big enough to hold my iPhone 15. I’m also 5-foot-2 and the pants hit the top of my feet in the regular length, but they’re also available in petite lengths.

Unlike Madewell’s regular jeans, its curvy denim was made for hourglass shapes, giving you extra material in the thighs. It eliminates having to size up so your pants fit your upper legs only for there to be a giant gap around your waist. The trick to sizing though, is that you want them to feel snug, but not like they’re suffocating you. There will be some stretch after a few wears, and this will let them rest on your waist instead of slipping down.

If you don’t want the extra stretch around the butt and thighs, then there’s a standard fit available in the exact jeans I bought (also for an extra 50 percent off).

I, personally, always go for the sale section first because you can get denim for as little as $52 as well as some rare pieces that almost never get discounted. You can always count on Madewell to have denim deals, but belts rarely get the same treatment, and it’s one accessory that’s always going to be in style. Denim and leather jackets are also sale rarities, yet are layers you can count on almost year-round — so stock up while you can. 

Not just anyone can shop the sale though: You have to be a Madewell Insider in order to get the deals. It’s free to sign up, so just enter your email, and you’ll get instant access to the discounts, including an extra 50 percent off the balloon jeans. 

Check below to shop more of my favorite picks from Madewell’s Insider Event before it ends on Monday, September 29. 

Madewell The Dean Easy Straight Jeans

Madewell The Perfect Crewneck Tee in Allday Jersey

Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans

Madewell The Greta Ballet Flats

Madewell The Essential Leather Belt