It’s that time of year again when I start thinking capsule wardrobes! We’ve had some requests in the past to focus on workwear and since Banana Republic was one of my favorite places to get my “teacher clothes,” their Friends & Family sale* seemed like the perfect opportunity to share some ideas with you guys. Since I’m no longer teaching, I thought I’d also throw in a weekend wardrobe for those of you who like a more casual wardrobe. Aaaand because I’m “el cheapo,” I also threw in a boutique of accessories that are now an extra 40% off the sale price . . . yesssssss.
Friends & Family sale: 50% off 5 regular priced items, starts Aug 2 for cardholders and Aug 4 for everyone else. Runs through Aug 8.
Belted Cardigan: The length of this cardigan is perfect and it can be worn open or with the belt tied. Perfect for chilly offices in the fall.
Elbow-Sleeve Merino Wool Crew: Thin enough to layer under jackets or cardigans but more substantial than a typical t-shirt . . . throw on with a statement necklace and you’re good to go.
Windowpane Blazer: LOVE this blazer – can look great with anything from black pants to jeans to skirts and is more interesting than the typical black blazer.
Sleeveless Ruffle Blouse: Love the ruffle detail on the front – and this color works especially well when paired with wine or navy.
Sleeveless Shirtdress: This is such a fun dress . . . can be layered under cardigans or jackets or over a slim turtleneck. Also nursing-friendly!
Statement Necklace: An easy piece to add to otherwise plain outfits. Takes a sweater or t-shirt up a notch.
Riley-Fit Shirt: A slim-cut button up is super flattering, versatile and essential for any wardrobe. This one comes in lots of colors and looks polished over jeans, trousers or skirts.
Denim Pant: Dressed up jeans for the office. Super versatile (and comfy).
Burgundy Heels: A low heel and conservative enough for any office, but in a fun color to add a little something to outfits.
Pencil Skirt: Available in tall, regular & petite sizes, this machine-washable bi-stretch pencil skirt is an essential piece and the small slit on the side adds a little style.
Burgundy Trousers: These pants are super flattering and are also available in black and taupe but I love the wine color for fall . . . it adds a pop of color with neutrals like black and grey and looks great with olive green and navy.
Stretch Cotton Moto Jacket: Moto jackets are always cool and look great over jeans or dresses . . . this one is comfy in stretch cotton and has puffed sleeves for added style.
Belted Cardigan: This piece is in both capsule wardrobes because I love it! The length is perfect (a little longer for over leggings or dresses) and it looks great belted or just left open. You can cross the belt in the back to draw the sides in for a more flattering drape. I wear cardigans with everything from mini dresses to leggings to boyfriend jeans.
V-Neck Merino Wool Sweater: Comes in lots of colors and is the perfect sweater to layer under jackets and scarves or over dresses and jeans.
Lace Sleeve Blouse: This is just an easy blouse to throw on over jeans and look polished. No extra thought (or accessories!) needed.
Sleeveless Ruffle Top: Love the length and drape of this top – also comes in a nude and taupe color.
Feather Clutch: Shana bought me a feather clutch for my wedding and I wear it all. the. time. It’s surprisingly versatile . . . looks equally great with an LBD or boyfriend jeans and a t-shirt. I LOVE this clutch . . . now to decide if the navy or taupe color is better. SWOON.
Pocket Crew: An easy t-shirt that comes in multiple colors and can be layered for fall. Add a statement necklace to dress it up.
Slim Ankle Jeans: The cropped silouhette is perfect for the transition to fall (and for showing off some fun shoes).
Faux Wrap Knit Dress: Available in petite, tall and regular sizes (and navy and black), this is a perfect dress for fall. Wear now with sandals or booties and in cooler weather with tights, boots and a cardigan or scarf.
Sailor Flare Jeans: A dark wash and flare cut makes these super flattering (and leg lengthening!).
Shop the Friends & Family Sale
Extra 40% off Accessories on Sale
XOXO,
Scotti
Great picks! Capsule wardrobe posts are among the most helpful. Do you think Oxblood/dark red color trend will hold for another year or so or is going to be in permanent rotation?
I think so! I love the oxblood color and it seems to still be going strong . . . it’s always a great color for fall and winter.
Love the office looks. They look professional but you could pair them with jeans for a casual look. At my office im always bordering on casual so these definitely are my kind of office and weekend looks. Thanks!
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So glad you liked it! 🙂
This is kind of killing me b/c I’m a cardholder but I CANNOT find the code for the friends and family sale! So frustrating b/c I want that belted cardigan in a couple colors! This is what I get for being too quick to delete the emails in my promo folder on gmail. 🙁
I had the same problem. Even googled it and nothing came up. Just tried again today, and still no 50% off (now there’s 40%off for anyone). Anyone find the 50% off code?
OMG I’m so sorry . . . that’s so annoying! I think they sent an individual code to every cardholder!
Weirdly I have the BR Luxe Card (but rarely use it for BR, mostly Gap and ON), but I got the code to use it at the Gap (FFCARD) but not to use it at BR. I did some googling and I think the 50% off may only apply in stores. I found a coupon that I’ll link below. They do have 40% off regular priced items w/ a code on the website at least!
http://view.email.bananarepublic.com/?qs=12387f36a34d04e4d842c17965fa3abfbcab0fd589968cd976448a4aa2b04ffbb6d669f3a0e93d8f1ac12f0d4582491b74d3a7b2b2e11be686404bfb5442b4ec942dc3f216c2d600
Thank you SO much for your picks, Scotti!! I ordered the elbow-length sweater and some of the jewelry (the silver square bracelet w cool tassels and silver choker and gold knot choker) – can’t wait! Thanks again for your eye!
As always, a great article. I always follow every post with pleasure and it is always perfect.