Full candor: I did not have wearing a barrel cut anything, let alone a barrel cut dress, on my 2026 bingo card.
the banana republic color block poplin barrel dress
It was not the barrel cut of this dress that drew me to clicking order. Nay, it was the tomato red and mint green contrasting color blocking. You could say that Banana Republic pulled out their color wheel and landed on some complementary hues with this frock. It is not dissimilar from the color combination that I put together back in 2022 and again in 2024.
I am wearing this dress in a standard size medium. Usually size is the last thing I mention in outfit posts, but it is worth mentioning that this particular style runs especially roomy. Perhaps it is the nature of a barrel cut that allows for extra room in the midsection and voluminous sleeves that allow for thicker shoulders.
While the dress has roomy on seam pockets, perfect for stashing keys, phone, dad issue, there are also front utility pockets on the bust. Best to keep them empty. It was not until I was adjusting my outfit in the bathroom mirror at work when I realized just how large those front pockets are.
the j.crew pumps in embellished suede
Even though these heels top three inches, they are surprising comfortable. I credit the thick, sturdy heel and the round toe. Don’t believe me on the comfort? Back in 2019 and the beginning of 2020 during the third trimester of my pregnancy, I practically lived in the green velvet version. I love that I can wear them on my walk to the office and not worry about a skinny stiletto getting stuck in a subway grate.
dress: Banana Republic (new colorways) • shoes: J.Crew • Lapima (also here and here, similar) • earrings: J.Crew Factory • initial necklace: Maya Brenner • watch: Cartier (also here) • nail color: OPI • lip color: RMS (also here)
