Frugal Friday’s Workwear Report: Corset Sweater

Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

I’m seeing a lot of these wide, square-neck tops right now, and I’m absolutely loving the slightly retro vibe from them. This slightly cropped sweater from Banana Republic Factory would look fabulous tucked into some wide-leg trousers for an elegant business casual look.

The great part about necklines like this is that I get to wear some of my shorter pendant necklaces, which tend to get neglected as I’m bundling up during the winter months.

The sweater is $50 at Banana Republic Factory and comes in sizes XXS-XXL. It also comes in three other colors. 

Sales of note for 1/1/25 (HAPPY NEW YEAR!):

• Nordstrom – The Half-Yearly Sale has started — up to 60% off! See our roundup here.
• AllSaints – Now up to 60% off (some of the best leather jackets!)
• Ann Taylor – Semi Annual Sale! Up to 40% off your purchase; extra 60% off 3+ styles
• Banana Republic Factory – The Winter Sale: 50% off everything + extra 60% off clearance
• Boden – Sale, up to 60% + extra 10% — readers love this blazer, these dresses, and their double-layer line of tees
• DeMellier – Sale now on, free shipping and returns — includes select options like Montreal, Vancouver, and Venice
• Eloquii – Semi-annual clearance, up to 85% off; extra 60% off clearance
• Everlane – Sale of the year, up to 70% off — reader favorites include their scoop tee, Dream Pant, ReNew Transit backpack, silk blouses and their oversized blazers!
• J.Crew – 25% off full-price styles; up to 50% off cashmere; 70% off 3+ sale styles
• J.Crew Factory – 60% off winter faves; extra 25% off $100+
• L.K. Bennett – All sale half price or less
• M.M.LaFleur – 30% on almost everything with code
• Rothy’s – End of season sale, up to 50% off fall and winter styles
• Sephora – Extra 20% off sale items for Beauty Insider members
• Spanx – Lots of workwear on sale, some up to 70% off, plus free shipping on everything (and 20% off your first order)
• Summersalt – BOGO sweaters, including this reader-favorite sweater blazer
• Talbots – Semi-Annual Red Door Sale – 40% off + 25% off, sale on sale!
• Universal Standard – 25 styles for $25, 1/1 only