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I'm a Shopping Director and Live in Banana Republic—These Are the 40 Items I Think Are the Chicest Now

By Swedan Margen

I'm a Shopping Director and Live in Banana Republic—These Are the 40 Items I Think Are the Chicest Now

Welcome to Retail Therapy—Who What Wear Shopping Director Bobby Schuessler's digest of everything that matters in shopping. He spends his days uncovering special gems to elevate a wardrobe, and it's all curated right here for you, dear readers. Think of Bobby as your personal shopper, and this is the exclusive list of items that get a yes from him, period.

I could write 10 pages on my adoration for Banana Republic, but I'll spare you and keep this tight because there's shopping to do. To sum it up, BR is legit at the moment. Like, very legit. The collections continue to get stronger, featuring pieces that exude luxury thanks to directional designs and modern cuts. Take note of the green suit above paired with the ruched loafers I won't stop talking about. (Literally—I speak about them weekly on my Instagram.) Below is an edit of my favorite Banana Republic pieces for both women and men, along with styling pieces to inspire your summer outfit game.

Oversize Linen Shirt

The Oversized Linen Shirt

Banana Republic

The Oversized Linen Shirt

I highlight linen shirts weekly across the content I create at Who What Wear, and this under-$100 Banana Republic find is one I'm going to be screaming about for the next month. The silhouette is perfectly oversize without being too much, and it's actually made from 100% certified European linen. I adore this vibrant pink, but it comes in other colors as well.

Styling Pieces

Banana Republic, The Everyday Wide-Leg Linen Pant

Banana Republic

The Everyday Wide-Leg Linen Pant

Mini Straw Picnic Bag by Sensi Studio

Sensi Studio

Mini Straw Picnic Bag

Fisherman Sandal

Banana Republic

Fisherman Sandal

Linen Dress

Linen Mini Dress

Banana Republic

Linen Mini Dress

Can you even with this adorable linen minidress? The details are particularly noteworthy. The empire waist and the pretty ties in the back give it an even more expensive-looking feel. It's one of those throw-on-and-go pieces—add sandals and a bag, and you're ready to go.

Styling Pieces

Outta Love Sunglasses by Le Specs

Le Specs

Outta Love Sunglasses

Raffia Tote Bag

Banana Republic

Raffia Tote Bag

Banana Republic, Leather Slide Sandals

Banana Republic

Leather Slide Sandals

Halter Top

Banana Republic, Cotton Crochet Mesh Halter Top

Banana Republic

Cotton Crochet Mesh Halter Top

Crochet is trending hard this summer. This halter top is made with mesh-like stitches that essentially mimic the look of crochet for an even more wearable and comfortable feel. Style this tank with your favorite shorts, or commit to the look with the coordinating skirt.

Styling Pieces

Cotton Crochet Mesh Skirt

Banana Republic

Cotton Crochet Mesh Skirt

Banana Republic, Boxy Linen Short-Sleeve Shirt

Banana Republic

Boxy Linen Short-Sleeve Shirt

Italian Leather Strappy Kitten-Heel Sandal

Banana Republic

Italian Leather Strappy Kitten-Heel Sandal

Linen Maxi Skirt

Banana Republic, Linen Pull-On Maxi Skirt

Banana Republic

Linen Pull-On Maxi Skirt

Vacation vibes. I repeat, vacation vibes. Whether you're actually heading out or want the feel of a getaway in your hometown, this vibrant linen skirt with the matching peplum top is exactly what you need to embody that tropical vacay aesthetic.

Styling Pieces

Strapless Linen Peplum Top

Banana Republic

Strapless Linen Peplum Top

Terzo Leather Kitten-Heel Sandal

Banana Republic

Terzo Leather Kitten-Heel Sandal

Banana Republic, Raffia Clutch

Banana Republic

Raffia Clutch

Linen Pants

Linen Pull-On Ankle Pant

Banana Republic

Linen Pull-On Ankle Pant

Okay, I talk about linen pants just as much as I rave about linen shirts. (See above.) This drawstring style is equal parts easy and stylish. It's one of those silhouettes you'll reach for multiple times per week to wear with your favorite tops. I'm all about yellow, but yes, there are so many other colors available.

Styling Pieces

The Everyday Linen Shirt

Banana Republic

The Everyday Linen Shirt

Refined Bralette

Banana Republic

Refined Bralette

Leather Knot Slide Sandal

Banana Republic

Leather Knot Slide Sandal

Linen Vest

Linen Button-Front Vest

Banana Republic

Linen Button-Front Vest

A vest is synonymous with chicness. Whenever someone asks me for shopping advice, I recommend some sort of gilet for a modern and relevant look. Go for the vest alone or opt for the coordinating shorts for a sleek, monochromatic look this summer.

Styling Pieces

High-Rise Linen 3

Banana Republic

High-Rise Linen 3-Inch Short

Two-Tone Straw Bucket Bag by Sensi Studio

Sensi Studio

Two-Tone Straw Bucket Bag

Epicure Flat Sandals by K.jacques

K.Jacques

Epicure Flat Sandals

Linen Shorts

High-Rise Linen Bermuda Short

Banana Republic

High-Rise Linen Bermuda Short

In the market for great high-rise shorts? Here you go. This style comes in both the cream and brown. I paired them with this stunning high-low open-back tank to showcase how to dress up the shorts, but you could obviously style them with a tank or tee to keep it simple.

Styling Pieces

Linen High-Low Open-Back Tank

Banana Republic

Linen High-Low Open-Back Tank

Elliptical Earrings by Aureus + Argent

Aureus + Argent

Elliptical Earrings

Italian Leather Slingback Pump

Banana Republic

Italian Leather Slingback Pump

Men's Blazer

Relaxed Double-Breasted Tencel™-Linen Suit Jacket

Banana Republic

Relaxed Double-Breasted Tencel-Linen Suit Jacket

This is the suit I'm wearing above. I actually did an unboxing video of this piece on my socials, and it hit. The color is divine, and the cut is forward and striking. I paired it with the ruched loafers I won't shut up about because they look designer and are wildly comfortable.

Styling Pieces

Authentic Supima® T-Shirt 2-Pack

Banana Republic

Authentic Supima T-Shirt

Tencel™-Linen Wide-Leg Suit Pant

Banana Republic

Tencel-Linen Wide-Leg Suit Pant

Leather Moc-Toe Loafer

Banana Republic

Leather Moc-Toe Loafer

Men's Jeans

Loose Jean

Banana Republic

Loose Jean

I own these jeans and get compliments on them regularly. They look and feel high-end. I adore the white as an alternative to regular blue jeans for summer. Styling them with a lightweight roll-neck sweater and a cool belt is fresh and fashionable.

Styling Pieces

Linen Roll-Neck Sweater

Banana Republic

Linen Roll-Neck Sweater

Tamalpais Braided Leather Belt

Banana Republic

Tamalpais Braided Leather Belt

Leather Slide Sandals

Banana Republic

Leather Slide Sandals

Men's Polo

Ribbed Terry Polo

Banana Republic

Ribbed Terry Polo

Keep it comfy and cool with this terry polo. As you can see from many of the picks above, I'm all about a matching set, so the coordinating shorts are where it's at. Also, can we please take a moment for the shoes and bag here? Bye.

Styling Pieces

5

Banana Republic

5-Inch Ribbed Terry Short

Canvas & Suede Weekend Tote

Banana Republic

Canvas & Suede Weekend Tote

Cayumas, Otelo Slip-Ons

Explore More:

Banana Republic

Originally published by whowhatwear.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Vanity Fair Fashion.

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