With so much fashion existing online, there’s something refreshing about trying pieces on in-store after eyeing them first on a little screen. Enter Just Browsing: We’re taking you into the fitting room as we preview the newest collections from some of our favorite high-street brands and contemporary labels. We’ll get into fabric and quality, fit and feel, and so much more as we make our way through the shop floor. Happy scrolling (and strolling)!
It was a hot, humid Friday when I walked into Banana Republic’s SoHo flagship to check out some of the pre-fall pieces that had just landed. Denim and knitwear were the last things on my mind when I entered, but as the cool, air-conditioned breeze gave me sense of relief and clarity, I found myself drawn to the very transitional pieces I had mentally given the cold shoulder. Jeans in variety of washes, button-ups in solids and pinstripes, and lightweight cashmere layers all caught my eye, in a palette of soft neutrals that felt most fitting to ease my wardrobe into fall mode.
The styles I gravitated towards weren’t by any means flashy fashion finds, but everyday essentials I could see myself playing around with to make my own uniform more streamlined. Perhaps it’s the back-to-school spirit that subconsciously nudged me in this direction, but many of the items that stood out to me were either versions of staples I already owned (a beige sweater, a linen dress) or familiar silhouettes that appealed to me anew (a denim jacket, a ribbed tank, a wide-leg trouser). Whatever fall has in store for you, you might find some outfit inspiration below.
Minimal and Monochrome
Made of a crisp cotton poplin, I was into these wide-leg trousers the second I fastened the buttoned. The waistband (I’m in a 0) was a tad roomy, but that’s nothing a little belt can’t fix. I’m wearing the full-length version, though, a petite option exists if you want it to be more cropped (as the style is technically designed to be). I can see myself wearing these pants with a shrunken navy cashmere crewneck and some kind of ballet flat come fall, but for end-of-summer dressing, I like it with most with cropped, voluminous top that’s made of a similar fabric. I think it works both as a monochromatic look and a tonal one. An artful pendant, strung on a thicker leather cord, gives the look as a whole some depth and personality—and makes it feel instantly current.
Denim on Denim
The last time I wore a denim jacket was…never, but I threw it on on a whim and liked it immediately. (The wash is on the vanilla, buttercream side and feels really fresh for fall.) Serendipity! I’m wearing an S though I could easily size down to an XS and still maintain this perfect “slouch.” In real life I’d probably style this with a white T-shirt, but I paired it here with a thicker ribbed tank in a similar shade of cream to balance out the volume without taking away attention from the jacket. The ivory tank comes in black and baby blue. I didn’t photograph either but they’re all great if you’re looking for a fitted, polished top to wear with Bermuda shorts or a white poplin skirt. A quick pivot back to the jeans: Banana Republic’s denim really surprised me and I loved the “wide-leg” style the most. Soft and stretchy, I tried the style on in all three washes—light, écru, and this mid-blue. I didn’t even mind the floor-sweeping hems in this regular inseam (32”); a petite alternative (30”), of course, exists. I’m wearing a size larger than my usual (25) for a more relaxed take.
Long Weekend on the Horizon
A look I’d wear in a heartbeat for traveling. Some of the button-ups I tried were too long and shapeless, but this one (in XS) worked for my petite frame. (If you are trying any of the “oversize” shirts, I recommend going down a size to avoid it being too big.) Similarly as the look above, I sized up to a 25 in these drawstring jeans for a more laidback vibe. I like the texture my own raffia tote adds but you can pair this with any crossbody or roomy leather shoulder bag and it would look just as good.
Summer’s Last Hurrah
I have one, maybe two more beach weekends planned, which is where I’d wear something like this. Less is more is usually my M.O., but especially when I’m by the water. An airy linen maxi plus a sweater to beat the chill is all I want to be wearing, day or night, no energy spent second-guessing.
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