Staged about a month after the Paris collections end, a Banana Republic presentation is typically a crib sheet of the season's major trends translated for the masses. The new Fall collection, however, bucked of-the-moment fads in favor of clean and classic building blocks for a modern wardrobe. "Banana Republic dresses America," said Narciso Rodriguez, who recently took on an advisory role at the company. While the designer's imprint on the lineup was decidedly faint, there was a renewed emphasis on back-to-basics sportswear here, evident in the bold red cap-sleeve sheaths, as well as a cluster of Yves Klein-blue suiting separates and toppers. Tailored double-breasted brass-button jackets, crisp button-ups, leather T-shirts, and pencil skirts also articulated a pared-down approach.

Despite sidestepping most current fashion crazes, BR creative director Simon Kneen couldn't resist leavening the mix with menswear fabrics, which were a common sight on the latest runways. He showed slim windowpane trousers and gave a girlish spin to the Prince of Wales checks on a trench by accenting the plaid with a bright pink color. Statement-making costume jewelry and fun accessories, including faux-mink stoles and quilted cross-body bags, kept the overall look polished yet playful. The offerings on the boys' side were equally on-point, particularly in the outerwear category. We especially liked the quilted Barbour-esque utility jackets, the Fair Isle knits, and the camouflage puffers.
—Brittany Adams

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

Jason Wu's lower-priced Miss Wu line picked up right where it left off last season. Like the debut lineup, this one was chock-full of polished yet playful everyday pieces with a Jean Shrimpton sixties twist. While the designer just recently waded into the contemporary market, he's already identified knits, leather, and dresses as particularly strong categories with sales (Miss Wu will remain exclusively sold at Nordstrom this season). Striped cashmere sweaters were paired with crisp button-ups and pleated chiffon skirts for a look that was pretty, prim, and practical. Nothing too edgy or trendy going on. Miss Wu isn't the kind of girl who spends time in detention—she's more like the teacher's pet. Compared to the cheerful printed jacquard shifts, a shearling biker jacket and navy skirt with a hint of lace peeking out at the hem were refreshingly rebellious. Fans looking to score a glam Wu moment for less will flock to an LBD trimmed with frothy feathers. Ramping up cocktail numbers like that one could be the key to this label's long-term success.
—Brittany Adams

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.

We're posting runway pictures from Fashion Week Australia. See the full list of designers here. To read our daily reports on the collections, visit our Style File blog. And don't miss our street-style coverage.