https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 06:12:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635618 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 17:47:47 +0000 Marilyn 1635618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Shiny</b> said!&nbsp; She took the words right out of my mouth.&nbsp; At 5'0" I shop where I can find petites / things that flatter.&nbsp; BR makes up a large portion of my wardrobe and has for several years. &nbsp; I've had a tough time with BR over the last year or so because good fit and quality were often lacking.&nbsp; I tried on lots but many styles did not flatter me. <br />&nbsp;<br />I do feel that they are turning things around and my list of wants is increasing.&nbsp; I give them credit for recognizing the problem and taking steps to correct it.</p> <p>I love Marissa Webb and was excited when she was named creative director.&nbsp; And, she's petite so I thought, "wow, this is going to be great".&nbsp; Sadly it didn't translate into many wearable items for me.&nbsp; I hope they can strike a balance between fashion forward and the classics.&nbsp; A mix of the two is the way I roll. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635617 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 17:44:34 +0000 approprio 1635617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good thread! I don't know much about BR, but I found the article very interesting. I applaud them for taking this step, and I hope more retailers do the same.&nbsp;</p> <p>In response to Beth Ann's very valid point, I have to say in defence of fashion creatives, the situation we're in at the moment is not about them, it's about the marketing machine that exists around them. Fast fashion is built on something called planned obsolescence. Nothing is supposed to last for more than a season or two, and the system depends on people having to buy more stuff all the time.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't know much about London or NYC, but I those I know in the industry around here are finding it very frustrating to work in this environment. No designer worth their salt wants to think of their clothes being chucked out after a few wears, and very few customers want this either. I've said it before, the only people it benefits are the retailers, who are cashing in big time.&nbsp;</p> <p>(I could go on, but this is why I decided to write a book.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635597 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:52:28 +0000 Gaylene 1635597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly what Beth Ann said! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635590 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 16:11:30 +0000 shiny 1635590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Overall, I probably buy from BR more than any other store. I need petites so I shop at the stores that offer them (increasingly and frustratingly online only). I always thought of BR as a dash more trendy than AT, higher quality than ON &amp; LOFT, and better/more consistent fitting than Jcrew (also more my colors - murky summer shades rather than clear spring shades). If I was not so firmly in the petite camp, perhaps I'd shop elsewhere and my closet would be filled with high trends and edgy fashion. &nbsp;Okay not perhaps... very likely.&nbsp;</p> <p>But designers have made it loud and clear that high fashion is not for short people who are of average build and not razor thin. The best I can do, at 5'0, is modern classic so that's what I wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said I think I missed this BR shift entirely, as we were in the middle of selling our house and moving so I was shopping a lot less....</p> <p>My favorite BR items are their sweaters. Historically, you could not beat them in that department. As others have said, I still have BR sweaters that are years and years old and holding up just fine. I always hit BR for merino wool in the fall. I have the super thick cashmere they offered maybe a decade ago -- the sweaters no longer fit me but I've held on to them because maybe they will again someday.&nbsp;</p> <p>Not everything at BR would fit me -- but I loved that they offered various fits for a variety of bodies. Yeah for the Sloans! I just stocked up on several pairs for work.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also loved BR for the natural, breathable fabrics. I love the way LOFT blouses fit but sadly many are synthetic which just makes me all sweaty. &nbsp;</p> <p>As for the BR collection lines, I love those and would buy but alas, those are never offered in petites.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635584 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 15:43:12 +0000 Beth Ann 1635584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I, too remember the BR of the 80's! &nbsp;Thanks, Jenn and Laurinda for that reminder. &nbsp;I even had the Somalia skirt in Laurinda's catalog pages! &nbsp; It was fun retailing.</p> <p>Good design matters. &nbsp;Every woman -- of any age, size and budget, likes to wear clothing that is practical and flattering, but also a bit new and exciting. &nbsp;Our aesthetic may be different from the NY fashion houses, but that doesn't make it "boring." &nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe some of these designers need to live in places other than NYC! &nbsp;I mean, the city is fabulous, but learning to find beauty and creativity in different environments would be interesting -- and likely fruitful. &nbsp;</p> <p>Wouldn't it be great, for example, if a designer watched all the Lulu clad women dash into my upscale mall, and had a vision to give them a wider range of "real clothes" that made them feel active and beautiful? &nbsp;Would a fashion creative see how poorly a lot of the clothing at retail fits the women standing in the checkout line at the grocery, or notice that the women at the front desk in the orthodontist's office might really like a office-friendly silky floral top to help her feel professional and feminine in a grey, colorless office building?</p> <p>I say we send our fashion folk on sabbaticals all across the country!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635428 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 06:40:12 +0000 CocoLion 1635428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>UmmLilla, thank you for the interesting link.</p> <p>I like both of the picks from Debbie (the striped top) and Classically Casual (the fringe patterned cardigan). &nbsp;It reminds me of Angie's motto to leave no retail stone unturned and to keep an open mind.</p> <p>I have never been as interested in Banana Republic as in the past year, while it has been trying to re-define itself. &nbsp;I was interested in Marissa Webb as I like her own collections. &nbsp;After learning she was Design Director I went to the site and typed in Marissa Webb looking for her imprint or editorials or suggestions or designs. &nbsp;Nothing except some baby hats with skulls on them. &nbsp;IMO this was a huge missed opportunity, she was not properly marketed. &nbsp;Or perhaps she was in the wrong role. &nbsp;I think they are smart to bring out capsule collections with designers such as Timo Weiland (I'm going to check that out now). &nbsp;But re-focus on their classics.</p> <p>Honestly I have never been much of a BR customer. &nbsp;When I was in the working world I purchased from smaller boutiques especially ones with Italian lines. &nbsp;After ending that part of my career, I only needed a uniform and the rest of my wardrobe could go as trendy as I wanted. &nbsp;So it's only been in the past year that I've been checking them out, when they went more trendy. &nbsp;Unfortunately I only bought one item, the infamous citron coat (which I love). &nbsp;I sized down and purchased a petite so it looks different than a knee-length yellow blob. &nbsp;I won't wear it a lot but it's the perfect evening coat and you can always find me. &nbsp;Aside from its bright color, it's one of the most conservative, classic tailored piece I own so I hope I don't tire of it like I do with all of my trendy pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635397 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 02:32:20 +0000 Debbie 1635397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My favorite top of the moment is from BR. That being said I have a love hate relationship with them. One of there stores is literally a mile from my house but I perfect to shop on line because of their wierd sale strategy. It seems like you can always get a better price online. It kind of defeats going to the actual store IMHO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635203 Fri, 25 Mar 2016 18:06:34 +0000 celia 1635203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have two minds about this. Although J am happy that they are going to go back to quality staples I also enjoyed some more fashion forward items from last seasons , and found some good colors for me also. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635080 Fri, 25 Mar 2016 13:45:46 +0000 Janet 1635080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's interesting, I remember the old BR catalogs but I guess not many of their stores were in our area, because I either have little recollection of them, or they just didn't appeal to be in that time of my life. I always liked the visual of the hand-drawn product pictures, but somehow the illustrations made it harder to envision how things look IRL, so I never ordered anything from them.</p> <p>I have pretty neutral feelings about them in general. I occasionally find something that works well for me -- the cropped jeans being the most recent example -- but they've never been a go-to shopping destination for me. I have to say that recently their fits are working way better for me than JCrew, which has really disappointed me in the last few years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1635013 Fri, 25 Mar 2016 06:29:21 +0000 Gigi 1635013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm looking forward to a return to the old Banana. It was one of the few places where I could find basics that worked well for me. Sometimes you just need a plain tailored piece to pull together an outfit. I found the new Banana offerings to be too boxy and wide. To me, they seemed like a second Gap.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1634924 Fri, 25 Mar 2016 03:24:47 +0000 BrieN 1634924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting thread. I think I might have a problem with how my local BR store at the mall is laid out. It's a long narrow room with lots of little alcoves of merchandise. It's hard to get a sense of what's there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1634872 Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:30:10 +0000 Style Fan 1634872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have gone into BR many times over the years but rarely bought anything.&nbsp; I bought a denim shirt once.&nbsp; Now I am wondering where I shopped when I was working.&nbsp; Indie stores mostly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy/page/2#post-1634827 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 22:21:36 +0000 Gail 1634827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I liked the old BR and stopped shopping there when it became all grey and weird ! This year I have purchased quite a few items, the denim crops, two blouses, a pair of sloan pants and an orchid sweater. The colors they seem to be offering are much more appealing than in the past few years.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634825 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 22:14:34 +0000 Classically Casual 1634825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have about equal success in J Crew and Banana Republic these days.<br /> Usually sweaters and tops and never paying full price. I'm quite smitten with this BR sweater I bought today at 50% off. One needs to be persistent and strike when something good turns up ☺️ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634796 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 21:16:09 +0000 Jenn 1634796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laurinda, those catalog pages are amazing. They remind me of J. Peterman, which always has the most beautiful, fun-to-read catalogs (although reality rarely matches up). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634772 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:38:24 +0000 K. Period. 1634772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember BR as an outfitter theme too! &nbsp;Mostly, I remember incredibly nice linen and linen blend tops from them, back in the day. I had the most gorgeous linen knit tee from them. &nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I'm one of the people who relied heavily on BR for updated classic work wear, and I'm glad to see them returning to it. &nbsp;It used to be the place where I went to buy quality clothing with a younger, fashionable feel. &nbsp;Not trendy fashionable, just current fashionable. &nbsp;Something that worked in a professional (non-creative) office, but didn't make me feel like my mom. &nbsp;</p> <p>I never really understood why they deserted their old client base to compete on trendy turf. &nbsp;I've learned to love me some trendy, but there are a lot of retailers who already had that turf marked out and lots more retailers with it in their sights. &nbsp;It was like they all saw how much money was to be made with H&amp;M and were desperate to get their piece of it. &nbsp;Not surprisingly, it didn't turn out to be the quick cash goldmine that they thought it would be. &nbsp;</p> <p>I've got my fingers crossed for the return of lined wool trousers! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634769 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:33:09 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1634769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I miss the old Banana Republic, the one that actually had merchandise that went with their name: &nbsp; <i>Banana Republic</i>! &nbsp; To me, BR was safari, adventure, the well-heeled world traveller. &nbsp; Basically, BR was the Ralph Lauren safari-fix that I could afford.</p> <p>When I find old BR leather pieces at thrift or retail, I rejoice, because the leather is thick, soft, supple, and the colors are rich and beautiful.</p> <p>I don't quite understand why stores like J.Crew, that always kind of said "New England, preppy, yachting crowd" to me, and BR, shifted away so drastically from what made them stand out, and gave them character. &nbsp; Did retail change that much? &nbsp; I was living in Japan for most of the early 2000's, and I guess I missed this shift.&nbsp;</p> <p>Most retail these days seems to cater to the flat-chested, slim-hipped women of the world - or the women of the world with implants that stand up on their own and don't need a bra. &nbsp; Strappy, shallow-cut bodices on dresses and summer tops.&nbsp;</p> <p>And the alternative, if you wear anything bigger than a c-cup, seems frumpy and dumpy. &nbsp; Or the color is off. &nbsp; Or it's like something even my 90-year old grandmother would turn her nose up at. &nbsp; It's why I shop secondhand so frequently.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634761 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:22:54 +0000 Laurinda 1634761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Memory Lane... back when Banana Republic's name made sense. </p> <p>IMHO these days they are a higher-priced version of Gap, but I'm not really their market.</p> <p>ETA: A few more 1980s BR catalog pages. I would be much more interested in these types of clothes today over BRs current offerings -- I want that Safari dress (in an updated length and tencel-blend fabric ). But then I am more of an LLBean customer than BR. I can see Angie's point that a retailer can reinvent themselves each season, but I find it reassuring that LLBean ca 1980 is still recognizable as LLBean 2016.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634757 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:14:35 +0000 MsMaven 1634757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hooray! I do remember the first safari BR store in our local mall--the jungle animals in the front, and lots of Raiders of the Lost Ark leather jackets and hats.</p> <p>I've bought a lot from BR over the years, but not lately. I've complained about the lack of color and decline in quality, but the styles and fabrics have been terrible lately. Their jackets and blazers and the Martin pants fit me very well and lasted a long time. I loaded up on merino sweaters in pretty colors. Lately I've shopped in the store and came out with nothing, disappointed. Even the skinny jeans I bought on sale last summer are looking worn already.</p> <p>This is very good news. I don't ask for the whole store to be aimed at me--just a few of my favorite things will get me to pull out my card again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634750 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:12:49 +0000 Sally 1634750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't live in the US but have visited in 2009 and 2013.&nbsp; Both times I got fantastic jackets from BR.&nbsp; I still have both of them.&nbsp; One is a grey flannel jacket and it is quite timeless, and I have worn it so much.&nbsp; The other is a blue hacking jacket. &nbsp;I have even thought of ordering another one from here.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634737 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:02:54 +0000 Anonymous 1634737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the Meg Ryan comment too. Best one of the day :)<div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634723 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:53:10 +0000 Barbara Diane 1634723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, thanks for the smile re: the Gap/Meg Ryan comment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634720 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:50:45 +0000 Suz 1634720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy a lot at BR because it's one of the few options available to me with free delivery/returns. (I am in Canada and not in a major city so have to shop a lot online). Also, my DH buys (or used to buy) a lot of his clothes there. But in the past 18 months we had both been disappointed. For me, the problem was colours (or lack thereof). I don't need more grey and black.&nbsp;I also felt that most of the knitwear was poorer quality than in the past. &nbsp;For him, changed cuts made it super frustrating to find his size or correct fit.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm happy they will go back to what they've always done best, because I tend to use them for my core items (like Sloan trousers or simple knits) and get my hit of trends elsewhere, as Tanya mentioned.&nbsp;</p> <p>One of my oldest wardrobe items is a pair of BR Heritage distressed "slouchy skinny" jeans that I bought immediately post weight loss, 2010...I still love them and they are <b>durable</b>!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634714 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:41:56 +0000 texstyle 1634714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, I remember the old "original" BR too - I bought a really cool jumpsuit back in the day (80's) that was made out of a supersoft sweatshirt material. I loved that darn thing and it was very "safari travel ready". </p> <p>ETA: I should have added, that was back when they did the illustrated catalogs and you had to phone or physically mail in your catalog orders.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634713 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:39:28 +0000 rachylou 1634713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember when BR had, *like,* pith helmets, lol. I've never really been preppy or classic enough for BR, although I've gotten some moth food there (sweaters). The pants have always especially been no go for me. BR has been good to my cousins tho. </p> <p>Gap is a local company...and I tell you, they regularly lose their way. I think they're like Meg Ryan. The folks get bored and want to break out, but everyone wants to see them in the same sweet and quirky role.</p> <p>I do think these companies like BR need to stop trying to do runway. That this would help. They are populist venues. Runaway trendy, not runway trendy. Consistency in message is extremely important. If they want to go fancy, they need to create a new separate brand and keep the connection secret because it's just dissonant.</p> <p>And so sayeth Rachylou! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634698 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:18:30 +0000 Nebraskim 1634698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to always like the look of their collections but as a size 12, I am on the cusp of being sized out, so I rarely actually bought anything. I'm a person who looks at a lot of clothing at a lot of different stores, mainly to get ideas on how to style things in new ways. I often browse BR but I cannot remember the last time I bought anything there.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634687 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:46:19 +0000 Anonymous 1634687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was recently in our BR store to help my oldest DD shop for work appropriate clothing. We had to sift through a lot of stuff to find a few classic pieces that were suitable and that fit her. I don't mind trying a few trendy pieces, but I do want to see BR carry more classic clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634680 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:18:09 +0000 Kathleen 1634680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My biggest problem with BR over the last year or two have been the boxy cuts, as mentioned in the article.&nbsp; It's normally a cut I stay clear of and there were far too many of them.&nbsp; Plus wild colors and the fabric quality has definitely gone down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634678 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:11:45 +0000 Helena 1634678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could not be more delighted to hear that BR is moving back to its roots - I used to love their tailored sweaters and classic pieces, which are harder and harder to come by in styles that are classic but up-to-date, age-appropriate, decent quality (I don't need it to last ten years, but give me a couple of seasons!) and options that can be smartened up as well as made to work for more casual lifestyles. I hope they can find some middle ground on price vs. quality so that I can continue to afford them though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-happened-when-banana-republic-went-trendy#post-1634674 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:04:02 +0000 Anonymous 1634674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, Angie. &nbsp;I really do. &nbsp;Right now, I don't have the time to see if they have changed or not. &nbsp;I'll wait until news filters down to me through the internet. &nbsp; </p>