When I was in high school and college, I shopped at the Gap all the time. Funnily enough, its fitting rooms felt like my retreat from the mundane stresses of midterms, friend drama, and 20-credit semesters. Eventually, I took a brief pause shopping there (life things!), but recently, in its re-brand era, I’ve been going back to Gap for closet staples, and, naturally, when it launched its buzzy new GapStudio by Zac Posen Collection, I knew I had to see it, try it, and buy it in real life. 

I was lucky enough that of the limited Gap shops around the U.S. that actually had the collection in store, one was right by my apartment—score. So, I headed there this weekend and did some old-fashioned, in-person shopping to see if the hype was real. And in short, the hype is darn real. The clothes, though pricier for Gap, were still all under $300, but the quality felt like luxe designer staples that I’d find at Bloomingdales. The fabrics and fits were impeccable, and while the Gap store didn’t have the entire collection, it did have the key staples (ahem, Anne Hathaway dress) that I’ve been dying to try. 

Below, check out my try-on of the GapStudio by Zac Posen collection. Styles are selling out, but if you were at all hesitant to shop it online, take my word for it after trying everything on IRL—it’s worth it.

GapStudio Poplin Cropped Shirt

I have mixed feelings about button-downs (I don’t normally like them on me), but I fell head over heels for this poplin cropped number. The fabric wasn’t see-through but lightweight enough that I could wear this in the summertime, and the cropped silhouette gave an inherently “stuffy” office staple a fashionable touch. The $88 price seems too good to be true, but I’ll take it.

GapStudio Pleated Denim Mini Skirt

I haven’t worn a mini skirt in a while, but the second I tried this one on, I decided it was time to wear the short hemline again. The pleated design added some dimension, while the denim fabric gave it a laid-back feel that can easily be dressed up or down. I’d suggest sizing up or down based on how high you want the skirt to sit on your waist.

GapStudio Poplin Maxi Shirtdress

Enter: the famous dress that I knew I needed the second I tried it on. In fact, both my mom and sister agreed that I needed this. It was lightweight, with a corseted waist and button-down front you can adjust based on how sexy you want it to look (high slit, low-cut, or fully covered). I would say size down—I usually wear a 6 to 8, but I tried on a 4 in this style for a proper fit.

GapStudio Boatneck Pleated Mini Dress

Boatneck? Obsessed. Pleated skirt? To die for. This shirt dress is the ideal office-to-dinner staple that I plan on wearing year-round. With spring on the horizon, I’d style it with my go-to slingback heels and fight tights; come summer, I’d go low-key with white sneakers, and in the winter and fall, I’d slip into suede, knee-high boots. 

GapStudio Cropped Denim Moto Jacket

This moto jacket is the best of both words; it’s a denim jacket, which I obviously love for a springtime layering staple, but it has elements of a cool leather moto jacket, like zipper pockets, a belted hem, and structured shoulders that lean a bit more grunge. I prefer an oversized fit, so I’d probably go up to an L for a roomier silhouette.

GapStudio Rib Pleated Mini Dress

I love the Tenniscore vibes this pleated mini dress exudes, plus it’s an easy, throw-on-and-go piece that I can picture myself wearing on super hot summer days when I feel like wearing, well, nothing. It’s versatile enough to dress up or down, too. Honestly, I’d buy it in every color. 

GapStudio Knit Corset Top

I love a corset top when I see one, and this Gap Studio knit option is a cut above the rest. The fabric is stretchy and comfy, so I don’t feel like I can’t breathe, but it still offers that waist-snatching look I’m after when wearing a corset. 

GapStudio High Rise Denim Sailor Pants

These sailor jeans are sold out, but will hopefully be restocked soon. The extra wide legs are super roomy and comfy, ideal for summertime, while the button detailing adds a nautical touch that sets these apart from other wide-leg jeans I own. 

GapStudio Denim Double-Breasted Tailored Blazer

GapStudio Denim Double-Breasted Tailored Blazer

I love a good blazer, and while I certainly own too many, I don’t have a denim blazer yet (justification to get this one!). After trying on this sold-out option in an L for an oversized fit, I knew I needed it to be mine. The peak lapels, faded blue denim, and double-breasted buttons still have a chokehold on me.

GapStudio Twill Tailored Trench Coat

Though this is sold out, I’d keep an eye on a restock because, wow. I’ve tried plenty of trench coats, but this tailored style takes the classic silhouette up notch with all-over pleated detailing on the back, a fit-and-flare cut that’s a bit more feminine than other options, and a practical, water-repellent fabric. I’d wear it on its own as a dress, like I did, but I can also picture myself wearing it unbuttoned up 

Shop more GapStudio staples that I wasn’t able to try on but think are totally worth it, below. 

GapStudio Seamed Denim Midi Dress

GapStudio Seamed Jersey Tank Dress

GapStudio Satin Slip Dress

GapStudio Rib Tank Top