Dressing Room Diaries at Banana Republic
Happy Friday ladies. As you read this, we are heading south with our little trailer. House hunting is stressful and although I’m afraid the perfect house will come on the market while we’re away, we need a change of scenery. We are looking forward to a few days at the coast with crashing waves, bonfires and long walks down the beach.
Before we left, I stopped into Banana Republic for dressing room diaries. I found they’re modern, versatile classics have some distinctive new shapes in denim for spring 2019.
I started with this 
These jeans don’t seem to be on the website. I had these jeans on my body two days ago and there was an entire rack of them but I can’t find them to link for you #bloggerissues. They were labeled high-rise straight leg. The rise was nice and high and theoretically, I should be flattered by a jean of this shape, but these are not my best look:) The sales lady had nothing but flattering comments about how these looked on me but I knew better. (Listen to the voice in your head, not the salespeople)
This utility jacket runs true to size and is available in regular and petite. I’m wearing a regular in a medium. The waist shaping is at the right place for me but the sleeves are a bit long so I’d push them up or fold back the cuff. It comes in this stone gray or deep olive. This Quinn oxford shirt is straight through the body, in a shorter slightly cropped length that’s perfect tucked or untucked. It has a very slight shirttail hem and is available in regular, tall or petite. I’m wearing a medium in regular and like this length. It runs true to size and comes in lots of other prints and fabrics.
These are the classic Sloan skinny fit chinos in olive. They run true to size. I’m wearing a size 6, regular which is too snug because I wear an 8 at Banana Republic these days. They are also available in tall and petite. Since they have a mid rise, I would not go for the petite which would have a lower rise plus they’d be 2″ shorter which would feel too short for me.
*Petite sizing varies tremendously by both garment and brand so don’t limit yourself to what you think you should wear. Compare the measurements given online with what you know fits you.
This is the Dillon classic fit machine washable silk blouse. It comes in 3 colors of silk plus cotton stripe, polka dot, plaid, floral, you name it, tons of other fabrics. This silk has a beautiful drape and will dress up or down easily. I’m wearing a regular length, medium. The petite version is 1 1/2″ shorter and sleeve length is 1 3/4″ shorter which would be better on me.
These high-rise skinny crops have a red and white stripe down the legs. It’s highly visible so know that if your jeans bunch anywhere, the stripe looks wiggly. My persnickety self would be bothered by that. I’m wearing a regular 30 and they don’t seem cropped to me so I imagine the petites would be pretty short.
Here are two more “straight” legged styles. The pair on the left is a mid-rise straight leg, ankle jean described as “more relaxed than the high-rise version”. I’m wearing a regular 30 which hits right at my ankle. They also come in tall. The jeans on the right have an unfinished hem that is folded up twice. They are also described as “looser fit than the high-rise version”. The label says they’re “skinny” but the website describes them as straight, which they are. I’m wearing a regular 29, petite would feel too short for me.
This is their classic shaped denim jacket, which runs true to size. This small is too tight for me. Most people never do up their denim jackets, but they should at least look like you could if you wanted to:). I really liked the seams on this jacket which look slimming from the front. These black jeans are a customer favorite described as mid-rise but they reach right to my waist in this regular 30. The petite version would be 2″ shorter. They have a true skinny leg that isn’t like a compression stocking and fade resistant black denim.
This is their vegan moto jacket in black, medium. It’s soft and pliable so comfy to wear. It also comes in navy online. It has classic bomber styling and shoulder epaulets. I could zip this but never would because it’s all about the attitude in a leather (look) moto jacket. I’m not a huge fan of shiny near my face because it accentuates wrinkles so would opt for it in this vegan suede version which is available in several colors, and petite.
This knit striped top is a faux wrap style with a snap that keeps the wrap from gapping…smart idea. I’m wearing a regular medium but would do better with the petite. It hits low hip which I kept hiking up because this looked too long. It also comes in black with white stripe and all black. These jeans are in a light wash which the salesperson described as perfect for spring, but they felt dated on me. They’re not as skinny as most other skinnies so combined with the wash, they looked unstylish to me.
I made a bee-line straight for this long classic trench coat. It’s in a gorgeous soft fabric that drapes beautifully. This maxi coat is long (duh) so I’d be better in the petite version. It runs true to size and available in 4 great colors…the olive is stunning. I’m wearing a regular in small but I’d need a medium if I wanted to wear anything other than a tee under it.
Brands all have unique fit models which their sizing is based on.
Do you have certain brands that always seem to fit you?
Thanks for reading and have a great day.
Love that pink oxford shirt with the olive chinos. That’s a great color combo! And the jacket makes it perfect!
I bought the green utility jacket three weeks ago and am interested that you have the blouse’s collar out. I intend to make it a stylish travel jacket as it isn’t too bulky for packing.
I love just about everything you tried on! I don’t know why I stopped shopping at Banana Republic, but I will go soon as I’m looking for some new jeans for spring. Have you ever shopped at Zara? You can’t judge by their website as it’s a bit too edgy and young, but I’ve always managed to find great classic pieces with a twist there – especially coats and jackets. In fact I have a utility jacket quite similar to the one you show here that I purchased more than 10 years ago that I still wear. Now we just need some spring weather, but we still have snow here and very cold. Thanks again for the Dressing Room Diaries – it’s my favourite post of the week.
I am not sure if American stores carry this brand, Nygard. I love being able to walk into the change room with my size and every item seems to fit perfect. A couple of years ago I was in their “factory outlet” and they had an ad hanging in their change room for fit models. There were my measurements on the wall! No wonder the clothes fit perfectly. I was tempted to apply but my schedule didn’t permit. I love what you were showing from banana Republic! We have those stores here in Canada. Thanks.
If their fit model has your measurement you’re beyond lucky. If you also like their style, you could be in trouble ????
Isn’t it fun that your cute leopard print shoes goes with every one of your outfits?
Yes it is!! Darn, I’m wearing these to bits. I need to get a second pair for when these expire.
Love just about everything you tried on. Reading about the sizing points up the need for ‘brick and mortar’ stores – at least for me. Unfortunately the Banana Republic in our town closed (along with Gap, Black and White, etc). When the weather gets decent here, I’ll have to head to the mall and see what’s there!
Some very nice looks today, Jennifer! I like all three of the jackets and the colour combination in the utility jacket photos suits you beautifully.
As I look out at deep snow, “crashing waves, bonfires and long walks down the beach” sound heavenly! Enjoy your time away!
Stay warm Eileen. Spring will come to the Canadian prairies, eventually. Did you know I was born there? Happy Weekend.
That pink shirt is your pink! Per the discussion on pink the other day, we all have our own pink- that shirt makes your skin smooth and the color pops at the same time. I hope you got it. Happy travels!
You nailed it Karen. Skin smoothing colors are every woman’s best friend! Thank you
The striped jeans would be great for me – the vertical line would be slimming & lenthening on me, but the wiggly lineswould bugle too. Love the lighter jeans on you, they seem fresh and just right for spring. That Moto jacket is so cute & sassy – cheeky as my husband would say. Great roundup, I’m ready for spring!
I’m ready for spring too Cyndi. That Moto jacket was super soft.
The green pants , pink shirt, and cream utility jacket pics are absolutely gorgeous on you! You need to consider buying that color combo ( I know you prefer black) , you look like a model in that combo!
That is exactly what I thought, Eileen. That outfit is extremely flattering on Jennifer! So pretty.
Thanks so much. I was surprised to like the combo too. But remember, I do this so you can see how things look on a real woman over 50, I mean 60!
I have one brand of pants that fit. In some ways this is easy. I know my size, but they are a house brand sold only by one retailer. This means a limited selection and limited style options. But they fit!
Finding pants that fit your shape is everything!! Buy what they have
You look great in the skinny jeans. Love the green ones on you. Relax is a no no for you. You have such a cute figure!
I am so glad that skinny pants are making a (belated) exit! The only people who ever looked good in them are very tall and/or very skinny. And goodbye to tunic tops! They make wome seem topheavy and short legged. And stretched over large hips and backside? Not a good look.
The first pair of high rise jeans would look better if they weren’t cropped. I like how the straight leg balances your top half. I’m buying the silk shirt now!
I bought the silk shirt too:). Perfect classic.
Moto jacket and knit striped top! They are fabulous on you and you look like you are ready to take on the world.
Enjoy your time away. The ocean has a restorative power.
Thanks Stormy. I’m counting on those restorative powers.
I love the “cropped” pink sweater on you and that trench is beautiful. I find I rarely wear trench coats or I would be tempted on that one!
Friday dressing room diaries is my favourite . As I am your size I really appreciate that you give sizes etc..Thank you
I’m so glad you like DRD Annie. It’s fun to see what’s new.
The silk blouse, the faux wrap and the black bomber jacket suit you very well. I agree the jeans look dated but paired with bkack formal pantsthis could be very classy. Also adding a skinny jean you could dress it down for a casual look. Have a great weekend relaxing! I do know how stressful moving can be!
Thanks Susan
Yes to the shirt black leather jscket! I love it! Enjoy your vacation and I hope you will find the home of your dreams soon!
I really love the side stripe pant with silk blouse! You look so adorable, and very slender. I also like the leather jacket with stripe sleeveless top. Really cute and interesting too! Yes to the trench in petite! I’ve been trying on lots of pink…..love it! Happy getaway at the coast, Jennifer!
Thank you Paulette!