Ashley Madekwe Raids Our Fashion Closet

So naturally, when the Revenge star agreed to crash our fashion closet and put together two dramatically different denim looks, we were excited to see her in action. Click through now to see the results, and shop her fall must-haves.

Photographer: Justin Coit

Hair: Luke Chamberlain at Starworks Artists

Makeup: Adam Breuchaud at Starworks Artists

Shop Her Look:

Vintage Chanel Blazer ($1,750, 323.933.0250, available at WGACA Vintage) in Navy

J Brand Maso Blouse ($395) in Marble 

Levi’s Red Tab Vintage Jeans (similar style here) 

Pour La Victoire Carlin Loafers ($261, available end of August) in Black Patent

Jennifer Fisher Single Medium Safety Pin Earring ($400) in Gold

Cartier Love Bracelet ($6,350) in Yellow Gold

Shop Her Look:

Vintage Chanel Blazer ($1,750, 323.933.0250, available at WGACA Vintage) in Navy

Cartier Love Bracelet ($6,350) in Yellow Gold

Shop Her Look:

J Brand 403 Slim Fitted Jacket ($229) in Atomic 

Calvin Klein Jeans Denim Shirt ($70) in Blue Tide

Moschino Cheap & Chic Fur Zip Mini Skirt ($1,595, 212.243.8600) in Leopard Print Fur 

Vintage Chanel Birdcage Earrings ($1,500, 323.933.0250, available at WGACA Vintage) 

Diane von Furstenberg Bianca Mesh Pumps ($350) in Black

Get Her Look:

J Brand 403 Slim Fitted Jacket ($229) in Atomic 

Calvin Klein Jeans Denim Shirt ($70) in Blue Tide

Vintage Chanel Birdcage Earrings ($1,500, 323.933.0250, available at WGACA Vintage) 

In addition to Jerome Dreyfuss’ slouchy Max Leopard Bag ($2295), Madekwe eyed Proenza Schouler’s The PS11 Classic Textured Leather Shoulder Bag ($1950) in Bright Blue, noting that she would wear it cross-body style to add a touch of prep to her outfit. 

When Madekwe’s embracing her edgier sensibilities, Saint Laurent’s Leather Ankle Boots ($950) in Red are the perfect finishing touch. 

Madekwe showcased her affinity for the boyfriend jean when she turned up at our office wearing a pair with Chanel flats. She confirmed her love for the slouchy style when she picked the similarly slouchy Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans ($88) by Blank NYC.

A fan of the grunge trend for fall, Madekwe quickly fell for the Marc by Marc Jacobs Aimee L’Oeil Merino Wool Sweater ($280). “I would wear this with a really dark maroon lip, some ripped jeans, and Dr. Martens, ” she says.

Madekwe first called out the swishy silhouette and studded detailing of Versus’ Allover Gold Studded Skirt ($595) in Black, but she also liked the fact that she could “dress it down with a denim shirt and some brogues.”

“A sweatshirt with leather sleeves is all me,” Madekwe says, laughing, pulling AllSaints’ Niro Top ($260) off the rack. “This would be a great everyday piece with skinny jeans, flats, or sneakers. You could definitely wear this in the evening as well.”

Of all the jewellery pieces in our closet, Madekwe was most smitten with J.Crew’s Spiky Rope Necklace ($128). “I love wearing really ornate embellished pieces with more dressed-down items,” she says.

A good pointy pump, like Brian Atwood’s Cassandra Pumps ($613) in Rouge Suede, are a staple for the actress. So what would she wear with them? Simply put: “Everything I own.”

“Stripes are a great basic,” Madekwe says. She immediately gravitated toward towards LNA’s Ruby Tank ($84), commenting on its ability to quickly pull an outfit together. “This would be great with a red lip—very French,” she added.

Not just any denim jacket will do for this British stunner. “Again, it’s a basic with something special,” she said about Versus’ Jean Jacket with Studded Details ($625). “I love the embellishment and that it has that old-school ‘90s vibe.”

Executive Director, Entertainment

Jessica Baker is Who What Wear’s Executive Director, Entertainment, where she ideates, books, writes, and edits celebrity and entertainment features.