A proud New Yorker by means of and thru, I’ve all the time maintained the (fairly cussed) perception that we’re the best-dressed city on this planet. Nevertheless, I just lately found that the singular avenue type of Madrid provides us NYC girlies a run for our cash. Final month, I spent a protracted weekend visiting my sister in Spain’s colourful capital metropolis and was completely enchanted by the style, which mixed vibrant palettes, breezy silhouettes, and tailor-made fundamentals.
Above all, as I soaked up sun within the Parque de El Retiro and strolled by means of the galleries of the Thyssen Museum, I used to be struck by the seeming ease with which Madrid’s inhabitants made classic, casual outfits really feel new and crowd pleasing. There’s one thing distinctly European about this capability to be stylish with out making an attempt too arduous (or not less than with out trying such as you’re making an attempt too arduous), however I did decide up on some recurring traits that seize the effortlessly cool vibe.
Under, I’m breaking down the seven cool-girl traits I noticed in all places in Madrid, from bold ballet flats to wide-leg denim.
Madrid Cool-Woman Spring Developments
Flabelus Joyful Place Mary Jane Flats
Free Folks
After I was packing for my journey, my sister emphatically knowledgeable me that nobody wears sneakers in Madrid. Although her warning was barely exaggerated, I shortly seen that sneakers have been far much less ubiquitous than they’re stateside. As an alternative, I noticed daring ballet flats on each block—particularly these velvet espadrille Mary Janes from Spanish model Flabelus. Designed with contrasting colour combos like crimson and neon pink or teal and turquoise, these comfy-cute flats flip denims and a T-shirt into a trendy ’match.
J.Crew Garçon Basic Shirt
J. Crew
A white button-down shirt is arguably a global wardrobe staple, so it’s no shock I noticed tons of them on my trip. Usually, I seen much more collared shirts than tees or sweatshirts, and so they have been typically worn extra fitted than the outsized silhouettes which might be common in NYC. This under-$100, gauzy ribbed take on the fundamental button-down is ideal for summer season.
Quince 100% Natural Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Skirt
Quince
I additionally noticed loads of flowy maxi skirts and clothes, like this tiered cotton poplin skirt from Quince. The piece can simply be dressed up or down, and it’s a sensible selection for staying cool and comfy on a scorching summer season day. Relying on which colour or print you select, styling your maxi skirt like a Madrid cool-girl is simple—simply pair it with ballet flats and a white button-down!
Moda Luxe Tori Hobo Bag
Nordstrom
In the identical vein because the brightly coloured ballet flats, blinged-out luggage and sneakers are a well-liked approach so as to add statement-making particulars to an in any other case understated outfit. This studded hobo bag is a quintessential instance of the slouchy type that’s been trending since final fall, and the gold stud gildings add some Spanish aptitude.
London Fog Double-Breased Trench Coat
Amazon
Whereas I used to be solely in Madrid for 4 days, I can confidently say that trench coats have been the unmatched outerwear of selection within the Spanish capital this spring. On sale for below $90, this wind- and waterproof London Fog trench will get you thru the previous few spring showers of the season—and the timeless type means you’ll be breaking it out once more 12 months after 12 months.
Zara ZW Assortment Linen Costume
Zara
It’s debatable whether or not a whole clothes model qualifies as a development, however Zara’s recognition in Spain is so overwhelming that leaving it off this record could be a significant oversight. Within the lead-up to my go to, I spent a while scrolling by means of Madrid street style TikToks and was shocked by how many individuals stopped on the road have been carrying head-to-toe Zara appears to be like. Impressed by the breezy materials, vibrant colours, and laidback silhouettes I noticed on my journey, I’m personally eyeing this lemon-yellow linen maxi dress.
Levi’s Ribcage Extensive-Leg Denims
Amazon
Lastly, regardless of my preconceived notions from journeys to different European cities that skinny and straight-leg denims reign supreme throughout the pond, I used to be shocked to seek out that wide-leg denim and trousers are all the craze in Madrid. These Levi’s Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans strike a super stability: a cool, retro-inspired flared match that also appears to be like tailor-made and elevated.