New England Summer Style // Bow blouse + little white dress

banana republic petite sloan pants bow shirt work outfit

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I’m partnering with Banana Republic to share this easy, everyday outfit elevated by small, sophisticated details. You guys may have seen this gorgeous tiered white dress on my Instagram – despite it being a fancier piece, I’ve gotten good wear out of it casually dressed down with a denim jacket and low sandals. It fits true to size and has a good weight to it due to the pleated tiers and lining. I typically don’t go for this intermediary length (it’s between a true midi and a maxi on someone my height), but it just felt so pretty and feminine on. I lost track of how many compliments it garnered over the weekend!

white maxi dress for bridal shower rehearsal dinner petite outfits

white denim jacket casual style outfit boston fashion blogger

Banana Republic denim jacket xxsp (from last year), KJP bracelet xs

It’s no secret my most favorite ankle pants are Banana Republic sloans from several years ago, however they’ve changed the fit no less than three times since. I tried on a black pair last year and it felt several sizes too big, but I found the latest version (as of May 2017) to be a little closer to the original. The bottom opening is wider than my favorite older pair, but still slimmer than several other petite ankle pants I’ve tried on. I second all the requests online to bring back the old sloans, but until then these are as close as it gets!

cape cod summer fashion preppy pink pants outfit

Like with my old pair, I did have to shrink them down in the dryer for a better fit (do this at your own risk, since they’re labeled dry clean) and I usually wear them with a belt. I always recommend checking the item every 15 minutes or so in the dryer to make sure it doesn’t become too small or get too damaged from the high heat. I bought this pink color as well as a staple black pair, and the black looks more sleek and wrinkle-free (the material quality appears unchanged even after machine drying). The pink is actually like a red chambray with a little texture. I also saw the darker gray “charcoal” in person and liked the look and feel of the material.

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As a lover of classic pieces with a feminine twist, I was elated to find this tie-neck top (also comes in blue and white stripes)! It fits nicely off the rack, and looks smooth from the back unlike some blousier shirts. The petite length hits by my hips, so I actually think it looks best either untucked with pants, or tucked into higher-waisted bottoms like I did above. I can’t wait to try it with some of my pencil skirts. To make this outfit work-appropriate, just swap the denim jacket out for a white (or patterned) cardigan or blazer.

banana republic sloan pants petite work clothes
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Thank you to Banana Republic for partnering on this post.

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37 Comments

  1. Melissa W wrote:

    I've found recently that even though the newer Sloan petite sizing still doesn't fit like the old ones, the colors that come in "short" rather than "petite" are a lot closer for me. I still need to shrink a little, but I always did. I'm 5'2.5", but thought I'd mention it…

    Posted 7.3.17 Reply
  2. Sarah Lilly wrote:

    The pink pants are absolutely beautiful, I love them paired with the white – it's so fresh and feminine! Love that tiered dress too, you look beautiful!

    The Lilly Mint Blog

    Posted 6.6.17 Reply
  3. Mizeats wrote:

    Hi Jean, yes the pants were a recent purchase. I might use your shrinking technique as the waist area was somewhat loose but everywhere else the fit was fine.

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  4. Jean wrote:

    Hi there – I'm not the best example of what to aim for since I definitely have more pieces than what's needed for a functional wardrobe, due to my work in fashion! I think 5-10 pieces of each of the above categories in a mix of neutrals, colors, and prints are plenty for mixing and matching.

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  5. Jean wrote:

    Hi – my dryer doesn't have that many settings so I just washed the pants in cold water and then dried on high heat. I ended up drying them almost all the way to get to the slim fit I wanted.

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    The pink bottoms here are actually work-style ankle pants! They are comfy similar to denim, though : )

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    Hi! Yes I'm still using the flawless fluide but have been very curious about the new option! If you try it, let me know what you think. Since I also have dry skin, I always make sure to moisturize about 15 minutes before applying foundation, regardless.

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  8. Jean wrote:

    That's a tough one…I'm the same size as you and I'm squarely in between their loafer sizes. If you're ok with them being tighter at first then stretching a little with wear (like genuine leather tends to do), you should do the 35.

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  9. Jean wrote:

    Thanks! Did you buy the sloan pants recently? Curious how you found the fit to be!

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    Lovely! I'm curious, have you ever done a full inventory of your closet on this blog before? I'm really curious to know how many pants, skirts, blouses, dresses, shoes, bags, etc. you keep around to mix and match, to get a rough idea of what I should be aiming for.

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  11. Amruta Pandit wrote:

    Hi! Would you mind sharing what setting you used when you shrunk them in the dryer? I have one pair that I bought on sale and it was cheap enough to try this. I'm between a 00 petite and 0 petite.

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  12. Amruta Pandit wrote:

    Hi! Would you mind sharing what setting you used to put them in the dryer and how long it took you? I wear the 0 petite, it's just a tad loose but the 00 petite looks snug. I'm 40 so I don't want to wear them too tight. I have a pair I bought on sale and they were cheap enough to try this.

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  13. Mel wrote:

    P.S. Banana Republic Factory also has the long-sleeved version of your tie-neck top in white and blue stripes!

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  14. Narhee wrote:

    Love the bow on the blouse!

    Made in MauveBloglovin

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  15. Carol P wrote:

    Perfect as always!

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  16. Katie C. wrote:

    This would be such a cute work look! Just sub the pink denim for pink dress slacks. Love the top!

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  17. Julia wrote:

    I LOVE the ankle pants from banana republic. I have so many of them in different colors and prints! I do sometimes wish they make them in a more variety of lengths and cuts though. I used to wear heels to work so the ones I own look pretty good with heels. However, I am now working in an environment where I only wear flats now…so sometimes the ankles pants don't look as good and make my legs look shorter 🙁

    Julia || Closet de Jules || Recent Post – The Only Spring Maxi Dress You Need

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  18. Sincerely Ophelia wrote:

    I absolutely love the white dress! The tiered ruffles and pleats are love <3

    XOXO //
    SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger

    Posted 5.30.17 Reply
  19. The Pink Pineapple wrote:

    Beautiful looks greetings
    The Pink Pineapple
    New post:http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/

    Posted 5.29.17 Reply
  20. Julia Mazzucato wrote:

    That white dress is too gorgeous!
    Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture

    Posted 5.29.17 Reply
  21. Erin wrote:

    That dress looks beautiful on you! I love how you wore it here but I like the idea of being able to dress it down a little bit too.

    Posted 5.29.17 Reply
  22. Jessi wrote:

    That is such a chic blouse! I love the bow. Both outfits are perfection!

    xoxo
    Jessi
    https://www.thedarlingdetail.com/

    Posted 5.29.17 Reply
  23. Rachel wrote:

    You are just the cutest! I love your blouse. And those pink pants are callin' my name!

    xoxo
    Rachel
    http://thetrendytomboy.com/

    Posted 5.29.17 Reply
  24. Kaitlin Schubert wrote:

    Very pretty! Love that blouse! 🙂

    xo, Katie
    Willow and White

    Posted 5.29.17 Reply
  25. Sophie Spiegelberger wrote:

    Perfect looks, the pink and white combination is so fresh and elegant!
    http://styledfortheoccasion.com

    Posted 5.29.17 Reply
  26. Anonymous wrote:

    Cute nails, too!

    Posted 5.29.17 Reply
  27. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi Jean, this is a bit unrelated to your current post, but I'm wondering if you are still using the Laura Mercier smooth finish flawless fluid foundation and if you have tried the new "candleglow soft luminous foundation"? Macy's currently has both available (and it's part of the Macy's cash promo) and I'm interested in your opinion. My skin type seems similar to yours– I have very sensitive skin that tends to be dry. Thanks so much in advance!

    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  28. Dice wrote:

    Great outfit! I saw the M. Gemi loafers said it's true to size on their site..I'm between a 5-5.5. Which size would you recommend I get? Thanks.

    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  29. Pamela Gonzalez wrote:

    That bow tie top is too cute!♥

    http://www.pamelayaquelin.com

    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  30. Anonymous wrote:

    Loving the bow top!

    http://www.pennyanddash.com

    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  31. Briana Nicole wrote:

    I adore your outfits! So feminine and dainty! The pink is my fave!

    Briana
    http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/

    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  32. mybeautrip wrote:

    This blouse is lovely. You look so beautiful!
    xx

    http://www.mybeautrip.com

    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  33. Michael @ Mile in My Glasses wrote:

    Your photos are always so wonderful, Jean! Your outfits are lovely, I love the summer inspo!

    I hope you're having a wonderful holiday weekend!
    Michael
    https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk

    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  34. Ewa Macherowska wrote:
    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  35. Mizeats wrote:

    These looks are so cute and feminine, Jean! Love them so much !! I bought a pair of the sloan pants and plan to wear it for work and in a more casual way as you've shown here. Thanks as always for your fabulous styling tips!!

    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  36. La Bijoux Bella | by mia wrote:
    Posted 5.28.17 Reply
  37. Charmaine Ng | Architecture and Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    You look so adorable and sweet. Love the girly combo of white and pink – the bow completes it all!

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 5.28.17 Reply

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