Dressing Room Diary: Spring 2021 at Banana Republic
Happy Tuesday ladies. I popped into Banana Republic earlier in the week to look for some linen tees and discovered some very pretty colors. They’re softer and subtler than the ones I’m seeing at other stores so it’s a nice change of pace. Today I’m sharing some new looks from spring 2021 at Banana Republic.
If you’re new here, DRD is when I go into stores and try on new merchandise so you can see how it looks on a woman over 25. For reference, I’m 5’4″ tall, weigh around 136 lbs, and have broad shoulders with narrower straight hips. My torso and arms are long so I often wear one size larger on top than the bottom. My figure is straight with very few curves and I often go between the petite and regular department to get the fit I desire.
The sandals Iām wearing Ā are from last year but these are almost identical.
This crewneck sweater is a very fine, non-scratchy, machine washable merino wool. It’s available in regular and petite, sizes XXS-XXL. I’m wearing a regular XS which is too tight so it runs TTS. It’s available in light or dark animal print which they call gray. To my eye, there isn’t a gray shade in these sweaters. They appear to be camel with black or camel with cream. It’s a great layering piece to wear year-round and the timeless pattern will always be in style.
These slim pants have an elasticized waistband with a drawstring in front. If drawstrings aren’t your thing you could easily snip it off and the pants will still stay up. They’re a Tencel, flax, and cotton blend that will be super cool in the hot weather. They come in 4 colors, sizes XXS-XXL in regular or petite.Ā Iām wearing a small regular and like the length on me.
I’m wearing the essential Jean JacketĀ which comes in a dark or medium wash, and white. It’s available in XXS-XXL in regular or petite. I opted for the regular because it’s slightly cropped and I have a long torso. The denim is thick and it doesn’t have much give so I would size up. I’m wearing a small and find it a bit snugger than I like.
Here, Iāve swapped out the white Tencel pants for the soft sage green color pant. I’m seeing more and more of this soft green for spring and loving it. It’s an elegant, sophisticated shade that’s a step away from pastel. I replaced the white denim jacket with the medium wash and added a simple linen tee with a scoop neck. This tee comes in 10 colors in regular and petite, sized XXS-XXL. This white is not totally opaque like the other colors so be prepared with your nude bra. It’s a roomy cut so size down for a snugger fit. I am wearing a small in regular.
This relaxed crewneck sweater comes in 4 soft colors including the same beautiful sage green as the Tencel pants above. It’s a viscose blend that’s a medium weight so will be great for spring. It’s available in regular and petite sizes XXS-XXL. I’m wearing a regular in small so it runs TTS. As I look at this collection, the colors remind me of the seashore. Easy on the eyes and restful.
These high-rise straight-fit jeans are. Itās a medium wash that comes in regular, tall, and petite with inseams from 25-35. They’re cut slim through the hips and thighs with a straight stove-type fit through the leg. The fabric is a medium wash in a blend of new and recycled cotton. I’m wearing a 28P which fits perfectly so they run TTS.
This cotton/hemp blend sweater has a deep v-neck and some pretty cables up the front. A reader asked me about these deep v’s earlier this week and yes, I’m seeing more and more of this style. It may be intended to be worn slightly off the shoulder, but to be honest, you will likely need to wear a cami, blouse, or tank under this type of sweater to maintain your modesty. It comes in regular and petite. I am wearing a small in regular and expectĀ the petite to not have quite as deep of a V in front.
This Tencel shirt dress must be selling very well because there was nothing even close to my size in the store! It’s available in regular, tall, and petite but my store was cleaned out so I am wearing a regular in large and it’s swimming on me. It has hidden elastic at the waist with a belt and side seam pockets. The side slits are 12″ which gives it lots of movement when you walk. It’s the kind of shirtdress I love to wear open over pants with a tee shirt.
I popped the white denim jacket over it for arm coverage and I also see it with a white shirt tied at the waist or with nothing when the temperatures soar!
This is the same deep V-neck sweater as above and this time Iām wearing it with these high-rise slim jeans. They’re available in regular, tall, and petite in sizes 25-35 with inseams 26-31. They were out of my size so I shoehorned myself into these 27’s which are not my size.Ā They’re made with bi-stretch denim engineered with special, 4-way stretch for a holds-you-in feeling that’s still soft to the touch. They’re in aĀ fabulous dark wash that always looks more elegant to me than lighter washes.
This pretty V-neck peplum shirt comes in lots of pretty colors. I’m wearing the only print that has the prettiest pistachio color background. Itās available in regular, tall, and petite sizes XXS-XXL. I’m wearing a small regular which I need because I’m long-waisted. The soft georgette fabric is subtly wrinkled…but not so you’d notice. It’s a V-neck front and back that is tacked closed so it won’t gape open.
The organic cotton cardigan is a great weight for spring. It comes in 5 colors, sized XXS-XXL. I’m wearing a small which fits nicely so it runs TTS. It has a relaxed fit with an open front and a ribbed texture so it drapes nicely.
Do you look for ethically sourced fabrics in brands you like?
Iāve had a lot of success with Banana Republic on-line in western Canada and now have several basics for spring and summer.
When dealing with linen pants I am successful using the 10 minute steam refresh option on my dryer.
I add another no heat tumble for a couple of minutes and then hang to completely dry. Most wrinkles are history and clothes are ready for another day.
I am enjoying the dressing room posts as well.
I was delighted with what I found at BR! Iāll be back for sure
Ooooh, some really nice items! I haven’t looked at BR lately, so I appreciate the heads up.
Love the jean jacket … please answer an ongoing question for me: how snug/big should a denim jacket fit? I never button my jackets, but when I size up so that I CAN, the jacket looks sloppy. If I size down to make it fit correctly in the back, it is very uncomfortable to button. Help, please!
I almost never button mine but I can if I want to look stuffed into it. I prefer the look of denim jacket open so I recommend sizing down. Honestly, they look better open!
I don’t think I’ve ever been in a Banana Republic store! Thanks for the tour.
Jennifer these colours and styles look fabulous on you. They all look great but the one I really liked was the v neck sweater.
I love these soft and dreamy colours, the pale green, blue and cream are gorgeous. I also like pink with it. Perfect for spring.
PS Your hair is looking very pretty, the new cut is great. Hope you are feeling happy with it because it really suits you.
DRDās are so much fun. Look forward to them every week.
I like B R also. Their jeans are great.
The sweaters are appealing to me because our weather report is predicting snow āļø
Can not believe it. Well, it is New England wait 5 mins and the weather will change.
I love your Dressing Room posts. I’m built very similar to you but never considered trying petites until I read your posts. Recently I found a sweater that I fell in love with. The small was too small and the medium too large. I tried a petite and it fit just right! I’m also going to try our local Banana Republic now that I have seen all the great things you tried on.
I have always found BR clothes to be well made and to fit well – plus, they have great sales. I like all the outfits you’re wearing; the pants looks great on you. I can’t be interested in sweaters at this time of year – the weather here will be too hot & humid soon for even lightweight sweaters. But I love those scoop neck linen t’s ! Linen does tend to shrink, so maybe one shouldn’t size down? I’ll have to read the reviews. Two thumbs up for reminding me to check out BR!
Would you have a discussion about maintenance of linen and Tencel clothing? I love the look and feel of these outfits but cannot stand how they look after sitting in a restaurant or wearing the car seatbelt . They are instantly wrinkled and look like I just rolled out of bed! I need hints on how to care of these favorite summer. Thanks Jennifer!!
Iāve come to terms with the wrinkles. To be honest, cheap synthetic clothes wonāt wrinkle but they donāt feel better than natural fibers. I do understand wrinkles are hard to accept and Iām very persnickety…but for linen, I accept them as a necessary characteristic.
As an aside, if I steam rather than iron my linen it seems to wrinkle less than when I iron it.
I don’t think the animal print sweater is too small! I shows off your slim figure. Very flattering.
Love all of the outfits and the white jacket pulls everything together šš
What about your cute sandals?!! I love those! Info, please. š
Mine are from last year but these are almost identical https://shopstyle.it/l/btDje
I love your Dressing Room posts! I find it extremely helpful as shopping online can be so overwhelming! I am built similar to you and I love these pieces, especially those pants and jeans! Oh, and I need that pretty print blouse too! I’m going to be heading over to the BR site now, thanks!
Iām so glad you like things. Each item is linked to take you right to the site.
EVERYTHING LOOKS GREAT ON YOU. NICE TO SEE THE WIDE LEG PANTS, IāM TIRED OF THE SKINNY TIGHT JEANS. NOW TELL OUS ABOUT THE SHOES….PLEASE
Iām liking wider legs too. My shoes are from last year but these are almost identical. https://shopstyle.it/l/btDje
I loved the linen tee, especially the cap sleeve. Much better then sleeveless but still cool in the heat of summer. The reviews commented that it shrank when washed. I wondered if you purchased any and if this happened. I have several linen tops and am always concerned about this. Also the pants are very cute. Love the green. May have to check them out if they go on sale!
I did not buy any that trip but unless theyāre prewashed, I do expect them to shrink a bit. Same with my jeans š
Banana Republic is back on my shopping radar thanks to you, Jennifer. You have shown so many cute pieces from them, I have ordered some of them and the quality has improved back to their origins. I must know about those sandals thoughšš
My exact thoughts about BR AND those sandals! Love them…
I love the linen pants in green. Is it just me, or are the white linen pants a little transparent? They don’t seem as opaque as the green.
Overall, some great casual spring looks! Thanks for sharing.
The white is not as opaque as the colors. I always struggle with white linen pants for just that reason.
Since Iām trying to focus on adding basic, warm weather pieces to my wardrobe, several items today hit that mark. I have two pair of a Tencel blend crop pant and just love them. So itās a big yes for the soft sage pants. Add the linen tee and you have tons of mix and match options with my existing clothing. I really prefer a lighter wash jean in the summer when there are those cooler days. The high rise, straight leg are a huge hit for me.
Thankyou for doing these dressing room features. It really gets the ole wheels churning and makes me see so many new options to style. I have learned so much from your blog and I feel that Iāve stepped up my game too.
Itās amazing how my attitude brightens when I feel good about what Iām wearing!
It makes all the difference in the world to my attitude too. That green is so very pretty.
Thanks for different looks. I have been looking for denim type fabric dresses and this one looks nice on you, but whenever I try the full skirts I look swamped, being very petite. Finding that fitted dresses work better.
I have different styles of jeans from various trends. I think I have them all covered now, including wide legged light wash from years ago š …so I tend to ignore Jean’s in stores now, and find the season is over for them in May.
Quality of clothes matters a lot to me, and often the ethically made clothes are good quality, but not always. Would like to know what your experience is.
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I find BR clothes to be very well made. Iām happy to pay more for classics that will be around for years.
I look forward to seeing all of your outfits. It is such a fun blog and you give me lots of ideas of how to mix and match the clothes I have.
Awesome
Thank you for reminding me about Banana Republic. Passed them on my quest to support manufacturers with more of a commitment to sustainable products. Delighted to see that BR has expanded their line of natural fabrics. The pants and tees you show look like good options for me. Thanks!
This is a beautiful shade of green. You did an excellent job of pairing the green pants with the jean jacket and then again with the sweater. The first photo with the animal print sweater, jean jacket and draw-string pants gives a classy look as well. I think I need to make a visit to Banana Republic and peruse their spring line. Your hair looks lovely!
I really like the Tencel pants and can see myself getting a lot of wear out of them. I’ve been buying a lot of the wide leg styles the last few summers, so it will be a nice change to have a slimmer version.
Thanks for showing BR – one of my favourite stores.
Iāll be perfectly honest…I donāt even know what ethically sourced fabric means. When shopping my criteria includes finding items that are pleasing to my eye, fit well, and are priced within my budget…I very seldom pay full price. Iām allergic to all types of animal fur, so cotton blends are my friend. Loving the shades of green and lavender this season.
There is a lot of lavender around this spring š
Really liked all if the pants and jeans you modeled today, so must check BR out. I rarely go there except for gifts or gift cards for people I know who shop there regularly.
I will check out the linen long sleeve tee too…ten colors? Now that intrigues me.