Word on the street is that Banana Republic is having quite the renaissance. In recent months, the mall brand has transformed from that store you used to shop for workwear in the early aughts to the chic brand du jour among the fashion set—and it’s not just because of its buzzy collaborations. Its thoughtfully designed pieces call to mind the classic aesthetic of Banana Republic’s heyday; in fact, nearly every time I’ve worn a recent BR purchase out of the house, I’ve been stopped, complimented, and questioned for details. And Banana Republic’s spring collection—including its much-hyped White Lotus collaboration—has all the makings of a must-have spring wardrobe. 

Petite-Friendly Banana Republic Styles

• White Lotus Mini Dress, $110
• Italian Leather Kitten-Heel Sandal, $200
• Poplin Maxi Skirt, $120
• Poplin Bubble Hem Crop Top, $80
• White Lotus Wrap Dress, $250
• White Lotus Stretch Chino Bermuda Shorts, $100
• Lightweight Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $150
• Italian Leather Slingback Pump, $220
• White Lotus Twill Fisherman Pant, $100
• Refined Baby T-Shirt, $50
• White Lotus Poplin Tie-Front Shirt, $100
• White Lotus Poplin Boxer Short, $80
• Mid-Rise ‘90s Loose Jean, $100
• The Oversized Shirt, $90
• Minimalist Leather Jacket, $500

Still, as a petite, 5-foot-2 woman in my mid-30s, it’s not always easy to shop off-the-rack; typically, most trips to the dressing room require a vivid imagination—what would this “mini” dress look like if it hit me where it was supposed to? Is it worth paying full price for a pair of jeans that I’ll need to hem nearly a foot of fabric from? So I decided to take to the store’s Century City location to see if pieces from the retailer’s new spring styles would live up to the viral hype. While most stores don’t actually stock petite sizes—they’re typically only available online—I got lucky and was able to try on a few previously returned pieces in petite sizing. Ahead, 15 pieces across seven outfits I can’t stop recommending to fellow petites. 

As I mentioned, most mini dresses tend to hit me just above my knee, resulting in a look that’s more matronly than chic. But miraculously, the hemline for this White Lotus Mini Dress came in just below my fingertips—short enough that I didn’t feel the urge to herd straight to the tailor with it. Plus, because the dress boasts adjustable pull-on straps and the back features a hidden ruched elastic strap, it feels almost customizable—a true 10/10 vacation dress. The one I tried on was regular-sized, but it also comes in petite for anyone looking to show a bit more leg. 

White Lotus Mini Dress

Italian Leather Kitten-Heel Sandal

I was certain this set was going to swallow me when I saw it on the hanger, but I haven’t felt this good in a matching set, well, pretty much ever. While the skirt also comes in petite, I tried both of these pieces on in regular sizing and fell in love. The skirt also features a concealed elastic waistband with an adjustable drawstring—and pockets! Meanwhile, the top has an elastic hem that I hiked up a bit higher than intended (and could be folded under for an even more cropped look). I ended up doing a little more in-store shopping while wearing it and it stayed firmly in place. 

Banana Republic Poplin Maxi Skirt

Banana Republic Poplin Bubble Hem Crop Top

Finally—a maxi dress that doesn’t drag on the floor! I tried this tiered style on in both petite and regular and was excited to find that both hemlines worked; the difference was a touch more room in the body and just about an inch in the hemline, with the petite dress’ hem hitting just above my ankle. I’m wearing a sandal with about an inch-high heel, but even with flats, the regular-sized dress didn’t skim the floor. Typically, anything that wraps around me usually dips too low at the chest, but this style felt comfortably conservative. I could absolutely see it working just as well for a weekend picnic as it does as a beach coverup. 

Banana Republic White Lotus Wrap Dress

This cashmere sweater is a true steal at $150—it feels even softer and more lived-in than a four-figure version I bought last year—and these Bermuda shorts were the definition of comfort. I tried on the size 2, the smallest they had in store, and while I loved the low-slung fit, I probably could have benefited from sizing down. I’m just going to say it: This look made me feel rich. The slingback pumps also feel like something I’d reach for on the daily. 

Banana Republic White Lotus Stretch Chino Bermuda Shorts

Banana Republic Lightweight Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

Banana Republic Italian Leather Slingback Pump

I’ve heard mixed reviews about these fisherman pants. Banana Republic happened to have petite, regular, and tall sizing in store from recent returns, so I tried the former two with little differences, save for the hemline and degree of barreling. These are the regular-sized pants, which I found to be incredibly comfortable—the barrel shape is absolutely divine (and supremely on-trend). The fold-over drawstring front was easy to figure out. I could very much see myself wearing these with a bathing suit while on vacation, so they get an official thumbs up from me. 

Banana Republic White Lotus Twill Fisherman Pant

Banana Republic Refined Baby T-Shirt

I absolutely love a matching shorts set but find them incredibly difficult to source. Most of the time, I feel like a camper wearing a uniform that I’m supposed to grow into, but this one felt quite nice. The boxer shorts were roomy but could be rolled for a shorter hemline, while the top hit just below my hips—about three inches lower than it does on the model. Still, the material felt light and airy, and not at all like I was wearing my older sister’s clothes. 

Banana Republic White Lotus Poplin Tie-Front Shirt

Banana Republic White Lotus Poplin Boxer Short

My biggest surprise of the day came in the form of these jeans, which puddled in a way that I’ve been dying to recreate ever since. While they come in petite online, they only had regular sizing in-store and I couldn’t be happier at the “inconvenience.” They fit like a glove—lived in and relaxed—and both the button-down shirt and jacket I paired them with made me feel something, which is really all I want out of my clothes. If you’re petite, I recommend sizing down in the shirt—this was an XXS and it hit exactly where I wanted it to (not completely covering my butt). 

Banana Republic Mid-Rise ‘90s Loose Jean

Banana Republic The Oversized Shirt

Banana Republic Minimalist Leather Jacket