I walked into Banana Republic [1] to pick up one thing — it was supposed to be a quick trip, I swear! But, my shopping editor senses went off as soon as I walked into the store. From printed dresses to fuzzy sweaters, there were so many gorgeous new pieces [2] that immediately impressed me. Obviously, I had to try a bunch of stuff on. How could I resist?
Before I knew it, I had filled up a fitting room with almost every piece in the store. Shout-out to the San Francisco staff, by the way — they were so nice and accommodating without any clue that I'm a shopping editor. I have always found that it's much easier to see if I like clothing when I see real women wearing it, so I braved the fitting room and took tons of photos for you to check out. That way you can see how these designs look IRL. For reference, I'm wearing a size 12 or large in all of the items. Hopefully shopping just got a whole lot easier for you.
Ahead, take a look at my favourite pieces I put on and would totally wear — plus, find out which look I ended up buying! Bonus points: most of these clothes are on sale, so you'll be getting major deals. Follow along with me!
Gray Plaid Suit and Pink Sweater
The Verdict: To begin, I went with one of the most classic looks Banana Republic is know for: a suit. I loved the fit — more slender for a modern look — and the fabric felt so well made. For a pop of colour, I added this hot pink sweater which didn't feel too bulky under the blazer.
The Pieces:
Supersoft Cotton Crew-Neck Sweater [4] ($47, originally $80)
Long & Lean-Fit Plaid Blazer [5] ($199)
Avery Straight-Fit Plaid Ankle Pant [6] ($99)
Big Heart Sweater
The Verdict: Honestly, I'm so mad I didn't buy this graphic sweater — I've thought about it every day since I tried it on. The huge heart is so fun and this piece combines my two favourite colours: red and pink. It would be the perfect top for Valentine's Day.
The Piece:
Big Heart Sweater [7] ($80)
Print Sheer Midi Dress
The Verdict: I felt like a million bucks in this leopard dress — I bought it! I appreciate that it comes with a black slip underneath and the elastic waistband cinched my torso just right. I'm going to wear this with tight and booties to work, but it will also look great with strappy heels and a colourful bag for nights out.
The Piece:
Print Sheer Midi Dress [8] ($95, originally $159)
Fuzzy Sweater and Vegan Leather Pants
The Verdict: "Flattering" and "leather pants" pretty much never go together in my mind, but I felt amazing in this particular pair. The silhouette is perfect for women who have more shapely hips and the faux leather has some stretch to it. This design is a winner.
The Pieces:
Cropped Fuzzy Sweater [9] ($68, originally $99)
Vegan Leather Crop Flare Pant [10] ($99)
Puff-Sleeve Sheath Dress
The Verdict: The puff-sleeves on this printed dress make it very-on trend and I love the wrap-front skirt. This is definitely something I'd regularly wear to worth with tights, over-the-knee boots, and a leather jacket. It will take me from the office to happy hour, sans outfit change.
The Piece:
Puff-Sleeve Sheath Dress [11] ($130, originally $140)
Shimmery Turtleneck Sweater and Printed Pants
The Verdict: This turtleneck immediately caught my eye because it has shimmery threads woven into it. I'm liking these pants because they're very slimming — and no muffin top! I want them in every single colour.
The Pieces:
Metallic Turtleneck Sweater Top [12] ($89, originally $99)
Modern Sloan Skinny-Fit Washable Pant [13] ($99)
Satin Embellished High-Heel Mule Pumps
The Verdict: How fabulous are these satin heels? I've decided to go back and buy these since they're on major sale. The jewel button gives them the extra bling that sets them apart from the rest. They'll look chic with dresses as well as jeans.
The Piece:
Satin Embellished High-Heel Mule Pumps [14] ($55, originally $138)
Fuzzy Sweater and Printed Midi Skirt
The Verdict: The blue hue of this satin midi skirt is so gorgeous — I'd totally wear it with a black bodysuit and strappy heels for a date. When I'm wearing it to work, it pairs well with this fuzzy black sweater; it's the softest fabric I've ever touched, no joke.
The Pieces:
Cropped Fuzzy Sweater [15] ($99)
Pleated High-Low Skirt [16] ($71, originally $119)
Beaded Heart Earrings
The Verdict: These heart-shaped earrings are one of Banana Republic's more playful desifns and I'm all about it. They add the cherry on top to an outfit and they felt quite lightweight, so they won't weigh your ears down.
The Piece:
Beaded Heart Earrings [17] ($33, originally $48)
Sweater and Midi Skirt
The Verdict: I enjoy putting bold colours together, so this hot pink sweater and emerald green skirt outfit is right up my alley. These are two pieces I could easily style in tons of different ways, so they're great investments.
The Pieces:
Supersoft Cotton Crew-Neck Sweater [18] ($47, originally $80)
Pleated High-Low Skirt [19] ($119)
Satin Tie-Neck Sheath Dress
The Verdict: I have lots of weddings to attend this year and this dress is perfect for being a guest. The design includes a sewn-in slip for smoothing and extra coverage. This colour is universally flattering and the twist-front is very forgiving across the stomach.
The Piece:
Satin Tie-Neck Sheath Dress [20] ($130, originally $149)
Fuzzy Sweater and Leopard Midi Skirt
The Verdict: Fashion girls have been obsessed with leopard slip skirts and I have definitely jumped on the bandwagon. I'm 5'5" so I probably could have gone with the petite [21] version of this piece, but nonetheless I know I'd wear this skirt all the time. It looks nice with this fuzzy (insanely soft!) sweater but I'd pair it with a graphic tee as well.
The Pieces:
Cropped Fuzzy Sweater [22] ($99)
Print Slip Skirt [23] ($99)
Jewel Stack Ring
The Verdict: I'm a sucker for anything rainbow so this ring set has my name all over it. You can wear these rings all stacked together or separately on different fingers.
The Pieces:
Jewel Stack Ring [24] ($28, originally $48)
Floral Midi Dress
The Verdict: This is another piece I've been thinking about constantly — I love that the print translates well for both Winter and Spring. I felt very confident in this dress and would totally throw it on with a denim jacket and flats. It would look cute with a blazer for the office as well.
The Piece:
Floral Midi Dress [25] ($89, originally $149)