21 Pieces to Re-Stock Summer Basics from the Gap and Banana Republic Sale

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 13: A guest (L) wears a white striped print pattern shirt, black denim pants, a brown shiny snake print pattern puffy handbag, black denim pants, brown camel shiny leather pointed loafers, a guest (M) gold earrings, a black t-shirt, a camel shiny leather oversized shoulder bag, a black shiny leather belt, gold rings, a gold bracelet, white large pants, flip flop, a guest (R) wears gold earrings, a baby blue shirt, a black shiny leather belt, a black shiny leather zipper clutch, a black watch, silver rings, blue denim large pants, navy blue suede pointed pumps heels shoes , outside COS, during New York Fashion Week, on September 13, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 1 May 2024

As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I've relied on a constant all-black uniform, no matter the season. But for a fleeting moment this week, the city felt like summer, and I envisioned myself walking down the beach in light-hued breezy linen fabrics and sipping my happy-hour cocktail in a billowing pastel sundress. Before I knew it, I was scouring the internet for the warm-weather minimalist wardrobe of my daydreams— landing in the sale sections of Banana Republic and Gap—two quintessential Americana brands known for their tried-and-true selection of basics. I won't have room in my closet for all the deals I found for pieces up to 40 and sometimes even 50 percent off. Their edits include flowing linen dresses, nautical Breton striped tops, and tailored vests that are perfect for your wardrobe for the next several months, from vacations to weekend park picnics to easy summer work outfits.

Shop Banana Republic's Summer Sale

From April 29 through to May 5, Banana Republic is offering up to 40 percent off existing sale styles plus an extra 20 percent off when you use the code BRAFF20

Banana Republic Claudine Midi Dress (Was $220)

This silky dress also comes in black, but I think the creamy off-white hue is the perfect way to show off your early summer tan.

Banana Republic Boxy Linen Shirt (Was $85)

Butter yellow is one of my favorite colors this spring; this linen shirt is the best way to wear it this season.

Banana Republic High-Rise Skinny Jeans (Were $110)

Yes, skinny jeans are back. These white jeans from Banana Republic aren't as slim as the styles you used to wear, giving them a modern touch.

Banana Republic Cascade Silk Maxi Dress (Was $300)

This lightweight and airy dress is perfect for your upcoming casual summer wedding.

Banana Republic Fernwood Unstructured Knit Blazer (Was $200)

Blazers still are great in the summer (especially when the office A.C. is on)—case in point: This cream one.

Banana Republic Demi Cotton-Silk Sweater (Was $100)

My mom taught me to always have a lightweight summer sweater with me, even on the hottest evenings. This pick is replacing my cashmere one.

Banana Republic Luna Jumpsuit (Was $220)

It doesn't get much easier than this beige jumpsuit. Layer it over the top of a white T-shirt for the office, or wear it with a bralette or bikini tops on your days off.

Janette Cotton Sweater Tank (Was $80)

Sweater vests are the unsung hero of my summer wardrobe, and this lightweight knit is sure to be no different.

Banana Republic X Peter Do Sweater Henley Tank (Was $100)

This piece comes from the collaboration between Banana Republic and Peter Do, so I'm shocked it hasn't sold out yet.

Hampui Le Souk Hat (Was $280)

I had to sneak a touch of black in here somewhere. This wide-brimmed hat protects your skin from the hot summer sun.

Banana Republic Oversized Denim Shirt (Was $100)

Swap your denim jacket for this denim shirt this summer. It's perfectly oversized for a cool-girl-finished look.

Shop Gap's Summer Sale

From now until May 6, you can score 50 percent off select Gap summer styles at checkout. You don't need a code to access these deals, either!

Gap Smocked Handkerchief Hem Midi Dress (Was $98)

Found: Another option for a casual wedding (or just a summer date night).

Gap Modern Shell Tank Top (Was $25)

Your old tank top could use an update. Luckily, this one is on sale for less than $20.

Gap Linen-Cotton Vest (Was $70)

Vests are everywhere this season, and this one is the perfect replacement for your linen blazer.

GapFit Pleated Exercise Skort (Was $60)

Did you see Challengers and want to start playing tennis? Same. This tennis skort is on sale for $30 and will get you in the spirit.

Gap Crinkle Gauze Belted Midi Dress (Was $90)

You can never have too many linen dresses in your collection, so why not snag this one while it's on sale for less than $50?

Gap 11.5" Mid Rise Longline Denim Shorts (Were $70)

I keep seeing long denim shorts or Bermuda shorts as the cool-girl staple on Instagram. This pair is on sale for $35.

Gap Slip Midi Dress (Was $80)

I love this red slip dress. It's effortless in the best way.

Gap Textured Crinkle Midi Dress (Was $90)

This bright pink shade will instantly boost your tan. Plus, this dress is on sale for less than $50.

Gap Mid Rise '90s Loose Cargo Jeans (Were $90)

Cargo pants are a summer staple. Try the style in a cargo-style jean.

Gap Organic Cotton Big Shirt (Was $70)

I have one of Gap's Big Shirts, and I use it as a bikini coverup. This one is begging to be packed in your beach bag.

Gap Vintage Soft Oversized Vest (Was $50)

This oversized sweater vest is the perfect layering option, which deserves a spot in your spring and summer wardrobe.

Julia Marzovilla is the Fashion E-Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she reviews the latest launches from fashion and beauty brands, finds the best on-sale items around the internet, and interviews experts to find the best products in any category to share with her readers. She also creates shopping guides that span every vertical on the site as an expert in everything from the best laptop bags to the best laser hair removal devices.

In her near decade of experience, Julia has both written for several top outlets in the E-Commerce space and worked at major fashion labels. Prior to joining the Marie Claire team, she contributed similar shopping stories to sites such as Bustle, InStyle, The Zoe Report, Who What Wear, and worked as the Trending Fashion and News Writer STYLECASTER. You can find her across the internet at @JuliaMarzovilla. In real life, you can find her creating shopping guides for her friends, cooking or baking in her too-small kitchen, or buying tickets for the next time Harry Styles is in town.

Julia has a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Journalism from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. She lives in New York City, her hometown.

Shop Banana Republic's Summer Sale

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