Our What to Buy at series continues with a roundup of some incredibly wearable, size-inclusive pieces from one of our favorite retailers, Banana Republic.
I’m posting this today because it’s the last day of their Friends and Family Sale. Use code BRFAMILY and get 50% off the prices below. Sale ends tonight at midnight.
But first, a quick note. The world looks different this morning than it did last Monday. I’m taking an optimistic view that, even though the next few weeks will feel unusual, we’ll get back to normal quickly, hopefully with a gentler attitude towards each other, a better appreciation for hand washing, and, for some, more toilet paper than they will ever need in their lifetime.
Our content is not going to change much. The Wardrobe Challenge (see Week 1 here) was long planned for this month, and I can’t think of a better way to spend unplanned time at home than getting organized. I’ll be active in our Facebook group, posting videos and chatting with members daily.
Stay tuned for daily posts designed to help you feel your best, casual and work-from-home outfit ideas, a few extra beauty posts, all with a balanced mix of price points.
My county outside of Philadelphia is locked down for the next two weeks. My kids are doing their school work virtually, everything is closed and canceled.
I want this site to be a daily break for all of us, myself included, because we need self-care and distraction now more than ever. This will remain a positive, news-free outlet.
And now, back to Banana Republic
What to Buy at Banana Republic
Shorts, $69.50 | Sheer Sleeve Top, $44.50 | Button Sweater, $98.50 | Floral Dress, $129 | Floral Top, $74.50 | Cargo Pants, $69.50 | Ruched Top, $59.50 | Utility Jacket, $129 | Earrings, $38 | Utility Shirt, $79.50 | Boxy T-Shirt, $49.50
Banana Republic has long been a favorite. Their mix of easy to wear pieces, for work and weekend, along with their full size range (including petite and plus) is hard not to love. In many ways, they are one of the rare retailers that grew up with their target market, always evolving but never steering too far away from what makes them work.
Earlier this month, during my regular trip to the mall to check out options, I strolled through BR and realized, it’s not the easiest store to shop. I’m finding, more and more, that I can see things so much better online.
That said, their staff was friendly and helpful, without being overwhelming – always a plus.
So let’s talk what to focus on. There’s no category I would tell you to avoid. Right now there are some awesome options for the season ahead.
Shorts, $69.50 (on sale $35)
These are “fashion” shorts, meaning, you’re not wearing these to your kids soccer game. Instead, I’d take them on vacation. They are high-waisted with a self belt, so you should tuck your top in. They may not be fore everyone, but if you can pull them off, they are chic and at a great price. I pick up a pair for my birthday trip to Greece!
Available in regular and petite from a 0 – 20.
Sheer Sleeve Top, $44.50
I love this top, available in black, white, navy and what they are calling “Tuscan Sun.” The sleeves are sheer but not see-through, so it’s perfect for a date night or vacation top. Available in XXS – XXL
Button Sweater, $98.50 (on sale $50)
This button sleeve sweater is adorable, and just the thing to wear with a pair of casual shorts or ankle length pants. They are calling it “cropped” but it’s not, it just sits at your hip. Perfect to pair with a higher-waisted bottom.
Available in regular and petite from a XXS – XXL
Floral Dress, $129 (on sale $65)
This floral dress is so sweet. My favorite print is the blue and white (above). Wear it to a bridal or baby shower, graduation party, or keep it as a date night option with a pair of wedges for those times you don’t want to wear your jeans … again.
Floral Top, $74.50 (on sale $38)
If you need a few extra tops to pair with pants or skirts for work consider this one. You don’t need to add anything to finish it. It’s great for those hot, mid-summer days when you have to get dressed for work, but don’t want to add layers.
Available in regular and tall, XXS – XXL
Cargo Pants, $69.50 (on sale $35)
I’m going to do a post this week on work-from-home outfits, and cargo joggers are part of it. They are better than leggings, feel a little more elevated, but still super comfortable. I like them with a white tee and denim jacket. These are marked down to $35 with the discount code, and come in XXS – XXL.
Ruched Top, $59.50 (on sale $30)
I use to have many clients who worked in hospitals in various capacities. So they needed to be dressed everyday, but often had to add some kind of lab coat over their outfit. Tops like this were perfect for them because it is simple, with enough detail that make it professional, and you could still top it with a coat. This one comes in black and coral in XXS – XXL and is under $30 with the discount.
Utility Jacket, $129 (on sale $65)
A utility jacket is an absolute timeless classic for a casual wardrobe. I’m featuring it in “peach” above because it’s fresh and cheerful, but I would buy the olive green. You can wear it with jeans, throw it over a pair of sweats, or a simple cotton dress. This one comes in at $65, available in regular and petite, from an XXS – XXL.
Earrings, $38 (on sale $20)
For something different, yet practical, these are gorgeous, easy to wear and under $20. They were the first things I added to my cart.
Utility Shirt, $79.50 (on sale $40)
Another wear-with-anything top, this beauty works for the office, weekends and anything in between. It’s available in three colors, and comes in regular, petite and tall in XXS – XXL.
Boxy T-Shirt, $49.50 (on sale $25)
Finally, I scooped this cozy top up in black and white for these work-at-home days. Just wear it with jeans and a crisp pair of sneakers. It’s also great for travel, so once we’re all back out and about, you can wear this on a travel day, and arrive at your destination still looking pulled together. Available in five colors, in regular and petite, XXS – XXL.
Handkerchief-Hem Wrap Dress, $159 (on sale $80)
I picked this wrap dress up for myself for a warmer weather date night. It’s too easy for me to wear jeans, so having a handful of dresses I can throw on allows me to quickly get out of the house, and feel like I’m wearing something than my usual go-tos.
This looks great with a denim jacket and the faux leather moto we featured last month.
It’s available in regular, tall, petite from a size 0 – 20.
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