Styling Fall Neutrals with Banana Republic

Growing up, I remember Banana Republic being the tried and true workwear brand my mom loved. I quickly understood why. As I got older and began shopping for work clothes myself, it hit the sweet spot in terms of price and quality. When the brand recently launched its Fall 2021 campaign, its new designs definitely caught my eye. The brand revisited its safari-inspired origins, bringing back terracotta tones and earthy neutrals. While these are not colors I have owned before, they were beautiful enough for me to give them a try. Build your Banana Republic fall outfit with me, and read on for my favorite suggestions.

FALL LAYERING: BANANA REPUBLIC TRUE HUES BASICS

I am incredibly impressed with Banana Republic’s True Hues collection of foundational basics. This line offers 11 shades of nude across a size-inclusive range of camis, tanks, bodysuits, and more. What I love about this collection is that you don’t necessarily need to shop your skin tone. Some of the other neutral shades are lovely as well, and work as great fall layering pieces.

Currently wearing hue 165 Essential Layering Tank, size XS. Fit is true to size, and I found XS to be better fitted while S works but the straps felt a little longer.

Standing on the steps of a court house, wearing a burgundy midi sweater skirt and skin-colored scoop neck tank top from Banana Republic True Hues collection. — **Top**: Wearing shade 165 in the **Essential Layering Tank** (size XS). **Bottom**: **Burgundy Sweater Pencil Skirt** (size XS). **Sunglasses.**

Fabric: 56% Cotton, 37% Tencel, 7% Spandex—great amount of stretch, but still breathable. Note: if you are looking for a thick scuba-like material, this one is not it. However, I found the thickness to be just right, and the lighter shades are not see-through.

Banana Republic has also made visible efforts to incorporate more eco-friendly materials, so I am glad to see a blend of Tencel. You can read more about a review I wrote last year.

You may also notice that Banana Republic Factory offers a True Hues collection, at an affordable price point of around $10. The difference is that the material is a blend of polyester and spandex, so not as breathable in my opinion. But if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, here is one to consider.

THREADSOFT: BUILDING A COMFORTABLY STYLISH FALL LOOK

Another fabric I have been impressed by is Banana Republic’s Threadsoft material. In terms of texture, it has a soft, almost-sueded feel, excellent drape and breathability. When I ordered the their faux wrap top (worn below), I immediately fell in love with the color and fabric.

Wearing an olive colored Threadsoft faux wrap top from Banana Republic and white jeans from Everlane. Hand tucking hair behind right ear, photo taken around golden hour/sunset. — **Threadsoft Wrap Top (size XS) | Bag (old from Cuyana) | White Jeans (old from Everlane) | Bralette**

This olive colored top is now sold out, but here are some similar options with the same material linked below:

Fabric: 97% EcoVero, 3% Spandex. Incredibly soft, and cool to touch.

NEUTRAL KNITS: FAVORITE SWEATER PICKS FOR FALL

When it comes to sweaters, I am a firm believer in just owning a few that can be mix and matched with multiple looks. Here are a few versatile pieces that are great for layering and styling this fall. I love that several of these options are certified by the Responsible Wool Standard too.

BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY: AFFORDABLE FALL FINDS

Every once in a while when I see a piece from Banana Republic that I like, I will check Banana Republic Factory to see if a cheaper alternative exists. Of course, not every piece will be of the same quality, but sometimes I am impressed by what I find. Below are a few neutral pieces I have either purchased or recommend based on customer reviews.

The Sweater Blazer is currently on backorder, but I am super excited to receive mine soon. On sale, it was under $50, which is a lot cheaper than the J. Crew sweater blazer that everyone seems to wear these days. (I’ve never seen the J. Crew Sophie Sweater Blazer dip below $75, and when it does, the colors sell out quickly)

Sweater Skirt: (also worn above) If you are in between 2 sizes, I recommend the smaller one. For me, the waist ran kind of big and even with an XS, I found there was enough room to layer a sweater underneath. I love that the skirt has a thick supportive waistband, and wish the camel color were still in stock!

Hope you enjoyed this Banana Republic fall outfit round-up! I am definitely excited by the brand’s recent reboot, and will be wearing my pieces often this season.