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Basic Doesn't Mean Boring—16 Cotton and Linen Pieces From Banana Republic That Prove My Point

With summer in full swing, chances are you're all set with seasonal basics. I have more plain tees and tanks than I can count, but I'm feeling a bit uninspired in the outfit department. When it's a sweltering 90°, I have no choice but to reach for my cotton and linen basics, but I'm left wondering if I could do better than a plain white tank (no offense to her). Enter Banana Republic's summer collection. It's stacked with pieces made of heat-friendly fabrics that are soft and breathable, but the styles are still versatile and inspire a more interesting look. For example, instead of reaching for a white button-down, try the linen tunic or cinched-waist poplin shirt below. It doesn't take much to make a basic feel elevated. Just take a scroll through the Banana Republic pieces below to see what I'm talking about.
Cotton & Poplin Pieces
Cotton is lightweight, breathable, and versatile, but it's often a more casual fabric choice. If you're looking for something a bit dressier, go for poplin. It's still made from cotton, but it's woven in a way that's crisp and durable. A few of my favorite pieces include the mini shirtdress and cinched-waist blouse below.
Linen Sets & Separates
Itchy linen is the bane of my existence, so I have high standards for the pieces I purchase. Banana Republic has the softest linen I've tried, and I love that the retailer offers a variety of styles beyond a button-down and drawstring trousers. The tunic-style shirt and tie-front minidress are at the top of my wish list.

Natalie Gray Herder is a Commerce Editor on the branded content team at Who What Wear. Originally from Los Angeles, Natalie decided to make the move to NYC after graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 2019. She is an avid researcher, reader, and explorer in and out of the office. She is inspired by the street style of her fellow New Yorkers and her laid-back roots in California.