Exclusive! Shop Drop Two of Alexa Chung’s Madewell Collaboration on Vogue First

It’s been a few months since part one of the Alexa Chung for Madewell collaboration launched—sadly, the suede trench and blazer all the Vogue editors had to have are long gone—so we are picking up where we left off, ahead of tomorrow’s second drop. We got the exclusive inside scoop from Chung herself on her favorites, to quickly help narrow down which are the must-have pieces to add to your cart stat today, before they sell through on November 14 when the collection officially becomes available to all.

To start, you’re sure to find plenty of denim highlights, this time replenished in a few additional washes (in the case you weren’t fast enough to grab the first time around). Chung’s straight-leg, “Dream Jeans,” a riff on a simple silhouette she imagines Carolyn Bessette would wear, are still top of mind, while the perfect, denim cowboy shirt, and baggier, denim work pants—now available in a dark-rinse wash—are both ideal for transitioning your wardrobe from fall to winter. That said, we are calling it now… the brand-new pieces in this month’s lineup are going to be the first to go, including a colorblocked, satin interpretation of the western shirt that Chung’s friends “keep texting her about,” and a black, corduroy suit, that is part two’s answer to the sold-out suede set.

“We were thinking about fabrics that live in the denim world, like the suede and the different rinse washes on the pre-existing denim, but also corduroy, as well, being this other fabric,” Chung tells Vogue. “I personally love cord, because I think it literally goes with everything.” With the success of last drop’s suede set, she sees corduroy serving a similar purpose in the new launch mix. “It’s very hard-wearing, obviously that’s what it was designed to be, so it’s in the denim world, but it’s kind of more luxe, because it’s got a velvety element to it,” she says.

She reimagined the fabric as a full suit, including a long overcoat, double-breasted blazer, mini skirt, and trouser pants, all made from the highly substantial and practical fabric. Inspired by a vintage peacoat she sourced in London that gave her “a sort of ’60s, almost Bob Dylan-esque” vibe (which also feels timely, given the much anticipated premiere of A Complete Unknown, the legendary rocker’s biopic, starring Timothée Chalamet), she recommends breaking up the full look, by wearing the overcoat with anything from a strappy, ’90s-style going out dress and Prada mules, to baggy, denim overalls and a lace top, or even going full-on collegiate mode, the Love Story way, pairing the double-breasted blazer with an extra-long scarf.

Photo: Courtesy of Madewell

Photo: Courtesy of Madewell

Besides corduroy, satin is being introduced this time around, with a new version of the western that is high on everyone’s hit list. “It’s kind of got a ‘50s, rodeo vibe to it—giving Brokeback babes,” she says. Influenced by the likes of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and even Orville Peck, this “sexy, slinky, ‘70s cowgirl” blouse was made to be worn all year long, however Chung notes that the element of shine could work as a festive, holiday dressing idea over the upcoming months, too. Designed in black and blue blue colorways to keep from feeling too costumey, you’ll find Chung sporting the black and white version on repeat with her black jeans for a full-on, uniform moment.