5 Party Looks That Are Just So, So Good

Sponsor Content Created With Banana Republic

Okay, okay—we heard you! You have a hundred things to go to between now and January 1, and the outfit situation has gone from fairly urgent to "What can I secretly shop on my phone during this meeting?" You need looks that will take you directly from office to cocktail party because, well, let's face it: When do you ever get away from your desk in time to go home and change? You want modern looks in this season's colors, you need little black dresses, and you're apparently really into the idea of going black-tie in a jumpsuit (same). Ideally you're aiming for that "effortlessly cool" vibe—you know, like you don't even care how awesome you look. Oh, and apparently you also want a magic dress that doesn't crease?

Relax—we got your SOS! Ahead, lay your eyes on five effortlessly cool looks from Banana Republic that check all these boxes. (PS, apart from this one leather jacket we couldn't not show you, all these looks came in under $200. You're welcome.)

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Okay, here's cool yet effortless outfit #1. We're actually super into elevated skirt looks at the moment, and our inner Carrie Bradshaw is clicking her heels over this modern-day-ballerina vibe.

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Our second pick for a cool yet effortless look leans into statement ruffle details in of-the-moment red.

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Whether you're really into the '70s vibe or just want to keep your dry winter legs to yourself, a wide-leg jumpsuit is your shortcut to feeling a little bit cooler than everyone else at the cocktail party.

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This is the LBD that's going to get you through dozens of occasions for years to come. The waistline lends itself perfectly to different belts that help the look read as edgy or elegant as the moment calls for.

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This is the one for all of you pleading with us to find non-creasy dresses that can handle being schlepped to work and changed into in your office bathroom. As an added bonus, the weight and feel of the neoprene fabric is perfect for this time of year.

Need a few more dresses to get you through the season? Check out Banana Republic's fresh drop of new dress arrivals here.

Natalie Cantell
Executive Director, Brand Studio

Natalie leads the style direction for the all content we create in partnership with our friends at various brands plus the legendary team of editors who work on those shoots and stories. She loves collaborating and storytelling, so it's a really fun role for her. It's also the first full-time job she's ever had⁠! She started out in her career as a very mediocre model who agreed to her first styling job to impress a photographer she had a crush on, which led her down a happy path of contributing to Vogue Australia and working as a stylist, fashion writer, and creative director for all sorts of brands and titles. She has a bachelor of communications, but most of her career opportunities came up thanks to some fleeting and accidental street style moments. She's been at Who What Wear for three and a half years and still loves to work as a freelance consultant with brands and designers to shoot their campaigns in NYC. She's originally from New Zealand, and Bondi Beach is her second home, but like just about every other 20-something, she fell in love with New York at some point. She lives in Williamsburg with her fiancé and their weird little dog, Ruby. If you ever need reccies for feel-good fashion, legit coffee spots, politics podcasts, or non-intimidating yoga studios, she's very much your girl.