I've been on a quest for a chunky cotton cardigan to pair with a high-neck cutaway 90s tank top. And, turns out Lisa P found the perfect ones at Banana Republic! I had my eyes on that same sweater and tank, and notsaf had a whole thread about it too. Reporting in with some try-on notes.

My Saturday dance class -- all of us vaccinated -- is close to the fancy outdoor mall in Walnut Creek, which I've never visited! So, since I had to drive all the way out there anyway, I thought I'd stop by the Banana Republic and check out the sweater.

So, it looks fantastic on Lisa P, especially in the terra cotta color she chose. I was looking at the natural/white one, and it's a little less awesome on me. The natural is a nice rich creamy color, really gorgeous, but even after adding some white tops to my black wardrobe this year, I'm just not ready for this much white! Not the sweater's fault... I would have bought it in black, for sure.

Anyway, I didn't buy it (yet). It's really nice, though. I like the chunky knit. Loose but substantial. It's maybe a little warm for me (I run hot, and it was 90 degrees there today).

Sizing wise, this is probably the right size (XS), but I feel a little shapeless in it. Maybe because it's paired with my ginormous "gen Z" jeans that still need to be hemmed.

(Have we discussed the silly TikTok gen Z vs millennials jeans conflict? I'm nominally gen X, so I can ignore it and be happy that the jeans of my teen years are back.)

The tank tops of my teen years are back, too. I already own the Banana Republic cutaway rib tank that a few of you have, in both black and white. It's more fitted than my usual (light knit with a lot of spandex, so it clings). It fits well but I was curious to try one size up for less vavavoom, just like Lisa said. Especially for the white one that's a little sheer. Alas, like others have reported, the armholes weren't quite right when I sized up. The photo shows the one I already own and wore to the store (black XS) -- I didn't take photos of the S.

Instead, I went next door to Madewell and discovered that their Brightside ribbed tank is a similar style but more substantial, looser, and less stretchy. It's cut pretty straight, which caused some gaping around the armhole, but overall it fit well and with a more relaxed look. I bought one in black (XS). I also tried the cream color, which is much creamier, almost yellow, in person. The photo looks like the off-white I was hoping for. Do I trust my eyes or my camera?

(If I'm going to wear these tanks I need to get some neutral racerback bras!)

Photos
1,2: Banana Republic cardigan
3: Banana Republic ribbed tank
4: Madewell ribbed tank