Profile

Originally founded in 1937 in New Bedford, Massachusetts as a workwear line, Madewell was relaunched in 2006 by J. Crew and since then has steadily been reinventing the meaning of casual-chic. The 6,500-square-foot flagship is larger than its sister store downtown but carries the same relaxed yet feminine clothes. Spread throughout the expansive store are playful, updated basics such as denim, flouncy frocks, slouchy sweaters and gauzy scarves, any of which could easily be incorporated into a downtown girl’s wardrobe. Most of the décor, like the antique fixtures and distressed floors, is locally sourced, while one-of-a-kind pieces like a whimsical, glimmering sign made of pushpins stuck in a bulletin board give the space a modern feel. One of the major draws to this locale is the expansive shoe lounge—there is an entire room dedicated to Madewell’s well-crafted of-the-moment kicks, with a plush leather couch to perch on while trying on strappy sandals or Italian leather biker boots. — Danielle Walsh

There are fitting rooms on both the upstairs and downstairs floors, but if you get caught in a line, take advantage of one of the free mini-waters while you wait.