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.

Banana Republic

Cotton Poplin Mini Shirtdress

Banana Republic

Cotton Poplin Cinched-Waist Shirt

Banana Republic

Cotton Crochet Vest

Banana Republic

Cotton Poplin Wrap Maxi Dress

Banana Republic

Mid-Rise Relaxed Painter's Pull-On Pant

Banana Republic

Cotton Poplin Pull-On Pant

Banana Republic

Wide-Leg Cotton Poplin Pull-On Ankle Pant

Banana Republic

Relaxed Vintage Cotton T-Shirt

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.

Banana Republic

Linen Square-Neck Cropped Tank

Banana Republic

Wide-Leg Linen Pull-On Ankle Pant

Banana Republic

Boxy Linen Cropped Shirt

Banana Republic

Linen Paperbag-Waist Pull-On 3.5-Inch Short

Banana Republic

Linen Belted Tunic Shirt

Banana Republic

Linen Popover Top

Banana Republic

Linen Mini Dress

Banana Republic

Linen Tie-Front Mini Dress