Happy Sunday, ladies! All month, I’ve been reviewing the pre-fall collections from some of my favorite retailers. So far, I’ve reviewed Talbots, Ann Taylor & Chico’s. Today, I’m reviewing the Banana Republic Factory & LOFT pre-fall collections.
At a high level, a few Fall trends have emerged across all retailers:
- Animal print is here and in a big way, especially zebra stripe.
- Neutrals are in, but standout colors include oranges, yellows, and reds.
- High-wast pants are everywhere.
I’m focusing on Banana Republic Factory and LOFT because their price points are very reasonable, and I think they both have a lot of great items this year.
As always, my “reviews” are a bit non-standard. Instead of deep-diving into countless items from each collection, I like to use those collections to construct new outfits based on outfits I’m worn in the past.
But why exactly? A couple of reasons, actually. First, it’s just fun for me to go through the archives and revisit fashion from the past few years.
But in doing so, I can show that classic dressing never goes out of style. Although I can’t recreate each outfit note for note, I can get pretty darn close. This just means that if you build a classic wardrobe, you’ll always be on trend.
The Summary
Today I’m reviewing the Banana Republic & LOFT pre-fall collections
I’ve gone through my archives and pulled 5 outfits from the past 5 years. From those outfits, I’ve built similar composed of Banana’s and LOFT’s new items
Each outfit I’ve built is shoppable via a text- or image-widget
Reviewing Banana Republic Factory & LOFT Pre-Fall Collections
2021
The ‘What’: This outfit highlights the pairing between an oversized sweater and a fitted pair of pants.
The ‘Why’: Many women avoid ‘oversized’ anything because it’s not slimming. But the contrasting silhouettes of an oversized sweater and slimming pants have a neutralizing effect.
The ‘Different’: The similar outfit I created is neutral based. But don’t be afraid to add a pop of color by swapping out the brown shoes with, say, red ones.
Similar outfit
Board: Mock-Neck Sweater (Banana Republic Factory) | Pintucked Fluid Taper Pants (LOFT) | Horsebit Loafers (LOFT) | Long Sleeve Boatneck Tee (LOFT)
Shop the Board
2020
The ‘What’: Here, I’m focusing on the classic pairing between a neutral sweater and crisp button-down.
The ‘Why’: This pairing is a style staple that will never ever go out of style.
The ‘Different’: At my core, I’m a classic preppy dresser. But I like to change up the look by making interesting modifications. Here, I swapped out the traditional loafer for something more casual like a slip-on.
Similar Outfit
Board: Merino Wool Sweater (Banana Republic Factory) | Perforated Sneaker (Banana Republic Factory) | Riveria Slim Pants (LOFT)
Shop the outfit
2019
The ‘What’: Layering stripe shirts with a solid cardigan or lightweight jacket is always a great Fall look.
The ‘Why’: When wearing patterns, it’s best to set them against a solid background.
The ‘Different’: Immediately dress this look up by swapping the jeans for a pair of trousers. Match your trousers to your stripes for a little extra elegance.
Similar Outfit
Board: Rigid Straight Jean (Banana Republic Factory) | Oversized Pocket Cardigan (Banana Republic Factory) | Striped Long Sleeve Boatneck Tee (LOFT) | Seychelles Flats (LOFT)
Shop the outfit
2018
The ‘What’: I love print sweaters. What can I say?
The ‘Why’: Print sweaters are a great way to stay on trend and introduce levity into your wardrobe. (This year, zebra sweaters are showing up all over the place!)
The ‘Different’: In the photo, I’m wearing a pair of boyfriend pants. In the similar I constructed, I picked a pair of slim pants.
Try a new pant silhouette this year. If you traditionally wear slim-fitting pants, try a wide leg. And vice versa.
Similar Outfit
Board: Sloan Slim Pant (Banana Republic Factory) | Zebra 3/4 Sleeve Sweater (LOFT) | Knotted Leather Sandals (LOFT)
Shop the outfit
2017
The ‘What’: Dress + jacket is a classic but infinitely modifiable Fall look.
The ‘Why’: As temperatures cool, dresses aren’t always wearable on their own. A jacket or blazer is my go-to layer.
The ‘Different’: If you’re wearing a printed or patterned dress, match the color of your coat to one element of the print or pattern—such an easy way to add exciting colors.
Similar Outfit
Board: Twill Chore Jacket (Banana Republic Factory) | Strappy Heeled Sandal (Banana Republic Factory) | Palm Ruffle Button Dress (LOFT)
Shop the outfit
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About The Author
I love all your looks today! I do prefer my pants slim cut, but might try on a pair with more flare. My daughter is so excited flare pants are back in style. I have a zebra stripe two piece skirt and top from several years ago that is coming to the closet front in a couple of weeks. I love fall and always like to add new sweaters! Love your new site firmat.
i hope you do!
Hi Beth, love the outfits today! I have to ask: where are the tan/black spectator sling backs from? I didn’t see a link for them but I may have missed it. I have seen you model them before and I LOVE them.
You can find those here: https://rstyle.me/+Slfmpca81AnFRQI0wiLseg
Beth, what are the slip on shoes you featured above?
you can find those here: https://rstyle.me/+Slfmpca81AnFRQI0wiLseg
I keep revisiting that mock-neck sweater on the BR Factory site hoping it will magically appear in petite sizing, darn…. and that cute zebra sweater from the loft is just so whimsical. Love all the outfits you put together! I’d wear any of them in a heartbeat.