Popsugar Fashion Style Inspiration Best Basic Dresses From Banana Republic 10 Basic Dresses You Need to Own, Plus How to Style Them For Any Occasion 23 January 2020 by Carrie Carrollo Image Source: Banana Republic As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. As someone whose closet is packed with patterned dresses in a variety of tiered, ruffled, and maxi styles, it's no secret that I love a statement piece. That being said, I also see the value in solid (both aesthetically and in theory) basics. Not only are they reliable on days when I feel like being a little more low-key, but truthfully, they're the most versatile options in my dress collection. Sometimes, my most basic styles can turn into my best outfits — especially with the help of accessories. Case in point: the 10 Instagram looks we've rounded up ahead. Featuring some of our favourite fashionable people, these outfits all showcase how an otherwise-basic dress can be styled for a specific occasion, season, or level of impact. As an added bonus, we've included a similar piece from Banana Republic to help you re-create the look. You'll definitely want to add these to your "saved" folder. How to Style: A Sweater Dress With a Dramatic Slit View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sylvie Mus (@sylviemus_) on Dec 15, 2019 at 11:12am PST A statement slit calls for statement shoes. When you have a sweater dress that shows off your legs, it's only right to style it with your favourite pair of knee high boots — perhaps in a unique reptile skin texture or a bold colour. Luxespun Turtleneck Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Luxespun Turtleneck Dress ($80, originally $119) Luxespun Turtleneck Dress $80 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now How to Style: A Versatile Wrap Dress View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tanesha Awasthi (@girlwithcurves) on Dec 11, 2019 at 3:03pm PST Wrap dresses are universally flattering for a variety of body types and heights. They're also insanely versatile. Take a few notes from this look and try pairing yours with some skinny jeans and heels. Wrinkle-Resistant Wrap Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Wrinkle-Resistant Wrap Dress ($80, originally $99) Wrinkle-Resistant Wrap Dress $80 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now How to Style: A Black Summer Dress — For Any Season View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hannah Crosskey (@hannahcrosskey) on Aug 1, 2019 at 12:00pm PDT Don't let a dress's straps or style fool you; all of them can be worn year-round with the right accessories. For example, that spaghetti strap sheath dress you love? A blazer and boots can take it from Summer to Winter, Fall, or Spring. Fishtail Midi Sheath Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Fishtail Midi Sheath Dress ($119, originally $149) Fishtail Midi Sheath Dress $119 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now How to Style: A Simple T-Shirt Dress View this post on Instagram A post shared by JULIE SARIÑANA (@sincerelyjules) on Dec 1, 2019 at 10:43am PST Just like the name implies, a t-shirt dress is everything you love about a t-shirt, but with the added length of a dress. To keep things cool and casual (while keeping you prepared for lower temps), tie a sweater around your waist. Luxespun Raglan T-Shirt Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Luxespun Raglan T-Shirt Dress ($79, originally $99) Luxespun Raglan T-Shirt Dress $79 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now How to Style: A V-Neck Sweater Dress View this post on Instagram A post shared by BRITNEY NICOLE | NYC (@itsbritneynicole_) on Nov 20, 2019 at 10:09am PST A black v-neck sweater dress is an easy closet staple, and intentional accessorising can bring it from basic to elevated. This example showcases it with a leather jacket, crossbody bag, and trendy snake-print knee-high boots. Ribbed Polo Sweater Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Ribbed Polo Sweater Dress ($139) Ribbed Polo Sweater Dress $139 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now How to Style: A Satin Slip Dress View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rosie HW (@rosiehw) on Sep 14, 2019 at 10:05pm PDT Thanks to their subtle shine and silky texture, slip dresses might be the most elevated basic in your closet. With that in mind, you don't need a ton of accessories to finish off your look. A statement bag and simple jewellery should do the trick. Satin Slip Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Satin Slip Dress ($129) Satin Slip Dress $129 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now How to Style: A Square Neck Dress View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hegia de Boer (@heyhegia) on Dec 25, 2019 at 6:07am PST Want to upgrade your evening LBD? Be on the lookout for square-neck styles. The fresh neckline looks instantly more stylish — even if you keep accessories to a minimum. Ribbed Square-Neck T-Shirt Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Ribbed Square-Neck T-Shirt Dress ($99) Ribbed Square-Neck T-Shirt Dress $99 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now How to Style: An Everyday Sheath Dress View this post on Instagram A post shared by Babba C Rivera (@babba) on Aug 8, 2019 at 2:46am PDT It's always a good idea to keep a sheath dress in your closet. Even though it's extremely simple, it can be dressed up easily. Similar to this look, all you really need to add is an oversized sweater and contrasting accessories. Ribbed Sweater Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Ribbed Sweater Dress ($139) Ribbed Sweater Dress $139 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now How to Style: A Black Tank Dress View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brittany Xavier (@brittanyxavier) on Jan 9, 2020 at 7:00am PST It doesn't get more simple than a black tank dress, but referencing this look as an example, use that simplicity to your advantage. Grab a blazer to add structure to your look, and then go big with your accessories. Twist-Front Midi Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Twist-Front Midi Dress ($70, originally $99) Twist-Front Midi Dress $70 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now How to Style: A Striped Sweater Dress View this post on Instagram A post shared by Eva Chen (@evachen212) on Sep 11, 2019 at 5:19am PDT Sweater dresses come in all shapes and sizes, and a striped maxi version will add a little variety to you wardrobe. For an elevated look, try adding an oversized blazer. Metallic Stripe Sweater Dress Image Source: bananarepublic.gap.com Metallic Stripe Sweater Dress ($144, originally $159) Metallic Stripe Sweater Dress $144 from bananarepublic.gap.com Buy Now Style InspirationFashion ShoppingOutfit IdeasWinter FashionSpring FashionFashion BloggersBanana RepublicDresses