I can’t recall exactly when Abercrombie decided to balance out their offerings of skimpy tanks and tiny denim skirts with, ohhh, everything that appeals to my millennial heart, but they sure have my number. The perfect blend of elevated essentials and nostalgic basics, with, yes, a few tiny tops thrown in for good measure.
And something about their product photos (dark magic, is it?) has me convinced that, at 42, I’m more or less exactly the same as their 19-year-old models. I am her. She is me. There is nothing we can’t pull off.
It’s fair to say that, as a result of said phenomenon, I almost constantly have something in my Abercrombie cart.
Abercrombie Basics Review: Are the Viral Pieces Actually Worth It? (Try-On Haul)
tee (s) | jeans (25R) || cardigan (s) | pants (25R) | sandals (similar) | bag
This season, persuaded in large part by the allure of their viral bra-free tanks, specifically — and a tingling desire to determine just how good all of these well-marketed pieces are in real life — I went ahead and hit Proceed to Checkout.
And here we are. With a small haul of Abercrombie basics that are undoubtedly alluring online and (spoiler!!) every bit as appealing in the real, 40-something world. Well, with a few exceptions.
If You’re Skimming, Start Here: The Standouts
I’m sharing more than you wanted to know on eight Abercrombie pieces below, but TLDRers, here ya go:
- If I could only buy one thing from this haul: this Essential Body Skimming Tee
- Oh ok, and…these Bra-Free Rib High Neck Tanks
- The piece I’m most excited to wear: these Sloane Linen-Blend Tailored Wide Leg Pants
- The easiest way to update your existing wardrobe: this Lace Satin Slip Cami
1. The Viral Bra-Free Tank That Finally Got Me
We’ll start here, because I’ve been hoarding these Bra-Free Rib High-Neck Tanks in my cart for months, and they were really the impetus for this whole thing. While I used to detest a built-in-bra, these days, I gravitate toward anything that keeps the girls, uhhh, level. (Need I remind you? I’ve got a wonky boob situation thanks to a single mastectomy with reconstruction on one side and pregnancy, breastfeeding and the delights of aging on the other…)
Ribbed tanks are easily my favorite basic almost all year round, so when I spotted these with a lined shelf bra, I fell hard. I have about 1.5 racerback bras I actually like (this needs to be a research post into itself, I swear…), so finding a compatible tank/bra on hurried mornings is always a hot mess. These make getting dressed so easy, and the shelf is truly supportive without smashing. I also appreciate the lined cups as an option for modesty, but they’re removable if they’re not your thing.
These tanks are clearly popular since sizes are going fast, but I feel like they’ve gotta be restocked with summer on the way. I’m wearing my usual small here, and they’re the perfect length for tucking or not.
I also really love the scoop version, which I failed to document, but it’s a total classic and the perfect neckline for layering a few dainty necklaces.
2. The Return of the Lace Cami (But…Better)
cardigan (s) | cami (s) | pants (25R) | sandals (similar) | bag
I cannot overstate how much I loved a lace-trimmed cami back in the day, so the resurgence of this trend is very exciting. This time around, the vibe is way less try-hard. Less I’M WEARING LINGERIE and more Oh, My Slip Is Showing. And I’m obsessed.
cami (s) | pants (25R) | sweatshirt (s) | bag
Forgive the fact that the cami is in dire need of a steaming in these photos. You get the gist. Under a cardigan, or layered with a sweatshirt, this Lace Satin Slip Cami is a playful way to boost the femininity of a sportier or more casual outfit — plus it’s just comfy against the skin. Big bonus.
I really adore this creamy color, which is a little more saturated in real life than in these photos. And I can’t believe I failed to get pics of the sweet buttons down the side (the product shot will have to do), but they’re so pretty. Wearing a small, and also very smitten with the black/brown colorway.
3. The One Tee I Immediately Bought in 3 More Colors
Not to bury the lead, but I also just bought this Essential Body Skimming Tee in black, white and navy because it’s so incredibly soft and well-proportioned. A closer fit, but not tight or cropped, and with a really classic sleeve length that hits just right. I find the fabric on this cut to be slightly thicker than other pieces in the Essential Tees lineup, but it’s still just as soft, especially after washing. (I also love the slightly thicker fabrication for the lighter colors.)
Worth collecting in whatever colors they’ve got stocked in your size. Wearing a small.
4. The Tailored Linen Pants That I’ve Been Searching For
tank (s) | pants (25R) | sandals (similar) | bag
I’ve been hunting the perfect drapey, tailored trousers for months, but everything I’ve found that doesn’t look cheap on the ass (trust me, it’s thing) is not in my typical price range. Enter: Abercrombie’s best-selling Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant in a new linen-blend — hurrah!
When I tell you I squealed when I pulled these on! They’re so flattering, chic, elevated but still chill enough to go with all my usual wardrobe basics: simple tanks and tees, graphic tees, little sweaters, big sweatshirts, the occasional button-up.
tank (s) | pants (25R) | sandals (similar) | bag
The fit here is where things are a little tricky. I’m typically a 25 across the board, but I’ve learned from past try-ons that I prefer the drape of a 26 in the Sloane style. For this linen-blend iteration, though, I think I might also, gulp, swap these out for the Long length.
cardigan (s) | pants (25R) | sandals (similar)
I know. At 5’5″, I’m not tall, but I’m kind of lazy about laundry, and since these are “Lay Flat To Dry,” I already foresee myself spacing out and shrinking them, ha. Since I really adore the current length, I think buying myself an extra 2″ of insurance could be a good move. You do you.
5. This Merino Wool Shrunken Cardigan Feels Like a 2000s Throwback
That Abercrombie nostalgia strikes again, because I’m pretty sure I had an almost identical cardigan in high school (never mind the lime green cashmere version I also had…with beaded embroidery at the collar. Pray tell when is that trend gonna come back…???).
This Merino Wool Shrunken Cardigan hooked me with it’s tiny pearl buttons that make it feel like a vintage find, but it’s the extra long sleeves and buttery knit that really reeled me in. I love a comfy sleeve that you can pull long over your hands, but these can also be scrunched or styled to show off wrists or a bracelet stack. The merino blend isn’t itchy at all, so you can easily wear it sans baselayer as a top, or it layers really beautifully over a tiny tee or tank.
cardigan (s) | pants (25R) | sandals (similar) | bag
The value proposition here is where I struggle a little. On my cardigan, a couple of the buttons needed reinforcing, which I’ve found to be true on some of the other Abercrombie cardigans I’ve owned in the past, too. That said, I’m tempted to pick up another color if it goes on sale, so do with that what you will.
Wearing a small and it’s loose, comfy and layerable, despite the “shrunken” moniker. If you plan to wear it solely as a top and prefer a closer fit, you could probably size down — especially if between sizes.
6. My Beloved High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean…In Cobalt?! Yes, Please.
tank (s) | jeans (25R) | sandals (similar)
I know I positioned this post as an audit of Abercrombie’s basics, but since it’s also a nod to my penchant for 90s-00s fashion, I had to throw in these cobalt blue High Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans.
Once upon a time, I loved a colored pant. (Dickies!!) Over the past fews years, my wardrobe has skewed more and more neutral just for the ease of brainless dressing, but the impact of a brightly-hued pair of jeans remains undeniable.
When I saw these cobalt jeans in the clearance section (still well-stocked, mind you…), I envisioned them starring in all my favorite spring outfits. In person, they’re stunning. Instant keepers, with an azure hue that reads more like a wash than a saturated dye, if that makes sense. The result is very cool.
tank (s) | jeans (25R) | sandals (similar)
As for fit, I’ve sung this style’s praises more times than I can count, but imagine a slightly roomier straight-leg jean that’s ideal for pairing with just about everything. In my usual size 25 Regular, they’re comfy, on-trend, and still high rise, if that’s your comfort zone. A great jean for sandals or flip flops, and I can’t wait for them to punch up all those wardrobe neutrals I was talking about.
Oh! And if colored denim isn’t your jam, fear not. They offer this same High Rise 90s Relaxed fit in loads of washes, with and without all kinds of embellishments (see the item that follows, below).
7. An Easy Outfit Update: The High Rise 90s Embroidered Jean
tank (s) | jeans (25R) | sandals (similar) | bag
Embroidered denim is everywhere right now, and as much I love the over-the-top styles, the subtle eyelet embroidery on this High Rise 90s Embroidered Jean is really cool and still super easy to put with all my favorite tops, so I don’t feel like I have to completely reinvent myself (or my closet) to make it work.
We’re working with the High Rise 90’s Relaxed silhouette, again, so zero complaints there, and I love the overall vibe: a little sweet, a little boho, very vacation-friendly.
tank (s) | jeans (25R) | sandals (similar) || tee (s)
We’ve got a Disney trip on the books, and I’d love to put these with a classic Mickey tee or something jersey-inspired up top, finished with checkered Vans or a low-profile sneaker. Ooooh, and one of TME’s giant, floofy scrunchies for a little feminine bookending! I can’t wait. Wearing my usual 25 Regular.
8. Cute in Theory? The Bikini That Almost Worked
bikini top (s) | bikini bottom (s)
Ah, did I expect this to include a swim review? I sure did not. But since I’ve loved Abercrombie’s underwire bikinis in the past, I had to throw this super cute seersucker-y Gingham Balconette Bikini number in the mix.
In theory, I love this suit. The top is supportive with just enough coverage, and just as cute as I was hoping. Comfy straps that feel like they’ll stay put. Doesn’t look like lingerie, which can happen with some underwire bikini tops.
bikini top (s) | bikini bottom (s)
But the Mid-Rise Bikini Bottoms, while adorable from the front, just don’t do anything for me on the rear. In fact, they even gapped a little on my cheeks. (Even on the model, they look a bit baggy.) Fortunately, these pieces are sold separately, so I might just try swapping out the bottoms for the high-waisted version, but honestly, my preferred bottom is low-rise, and that’s not offered this season. Boo.
Sizing notes for this one: I’m typically a 34B-C up top (see again: uneven boobs) and am wearing a small in the Balconette Bikini. The bottoms are my usual small, too.
Are Abercrombie’s Viral Basics Worth The Hype (If Only In My Own Head)?
So…with all that said and done, would I hit Checkout again? Absolutely.
And I will, again and again. Ugh, I know it.
Just like Abercrombie knows exactly what they’re doing with all these little elevated millennial breadcrumbs. It’s straight-up witchy the way I see myself in all of their marketing, like a funhouse mirror, but the warped lens is…time.
I am her. She is me.
Or maybe, more realistically, I am just…a sucker.
With a really great closet. 😉
xo,
Em
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