Wait, Gap Is Low-Key Serving Lately—9 Finds I Tried On That Impressed Me IRL

"Wait, that's Gap?" is a phrase I've been hearing on repeat all week. After testing out a number of its wardrobe basics, I've been met with nothing but shocked reactions from everyone who's asked. Nobody seems to believe that these fashion-forward pieces are from the retailer, and what's even more surprising, they all cost under $100.

Let me back up a bit. I didn't just wander over to the Gap site unprompted. First, my sister showed up to our family holiday last year in a very Parisian-looking navy striped sweater, which she proudly informed me was from Gap. Then, I saw a few of the retailer's basic tees being raved about in a TikTok shopping haul. But what really caught my eye were the most epic silver jeans that I had to buy after seeing similar styles on the runway during NYFW last month. So while I haven't shopped at Gap in years, please consider this my official apology: sorry for ever overlooking your assortment of cool and classic wardrobe essentials. I won't make that mistake again!

Now that Gap is back on my radar, it should be on yours too. In the interest of sharing the wealth, I did some digging around on the site and found a trove of cool spring staples that I never would have discovered otherwise. I put my shopping knowledge to good use and did my own version of a Gap haul, featuring the nine best wardrobe basics that I can't stop raving about. Read my reviews and see how each of them looks IRL, then add them to your cart. Trust me—you won't be able to resist.

Denim Big Shirt + Low-Rise Stride Jeans

My review: I love the double-denim look as much as the next person, but I've always had my qualms about pulling it off. The proportions have to be just right, and I'm not a fan of denim shirts that are too thick to tuck into jeans. So, I was pleasantly surprised to try out Gap's Denim Big Shirt, which is soft, lightweight, and so easy to tuck into jeans if you so please. It's also cut the same as the brand's cotton button-downs but done in denim, giving it that perfectly boxy fit.

I styled it with its Low-Rise Stride Jeans, a loose-fitting pair with a low mid-rise that, in my opinion, is the jeans style of the moment. 

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High Rise Faux-Leather Cheeky Straight Jeans

My review: Ladies and gentlemen, her. I shop a lot for my job, so when I say that these silver jeans are the shopping find of the year, and maybe even the decade, I'm not exaggerating. Metallics are trending hard this spring, and most of the silver jeans on the market come with high designer price tags, so scoring this pair for a cool $98 is definitely newsworthy. 

As for the fit and feel, they're cut like a pair of slim-fit straight-leg jeans with a high rise and the same kind of waistband and pocket placements you'd find on any denim. Now, because Gap calls them jeans, they fit like jeans too. So, if you're after the relaxed and slouchy fit you see on me here, I recommend ordering one or even two sizes up from your typical jeans size. For reference, I went up two sizes and am in love with how they sit lower on my hips.

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Linen Blend T-Shirt + SoftSuit Trousers + Faux-Leather Belt

My review: Everyone needs a pair of relaxed trousers in their closet, and this version from Gap has everything I want in a pair: They're tailored at the waist but languid and loose throughout the leg, and they pool just slightly at the feet. Ideal, if you ask me. Made from Tencel Lyocell, a regenerative cellulose fabric that's sustainable, they're also incredibly soft. I paired them with the Linen Blend T-Shirt, a tissue-thin striped tee with a wide boatneck that lent the look a preppier feel. 

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100% Organic Cotton Big Shirt

My review: If you see me wearing this button-down every day... no, you didn't. It's still too early in the season to make any definitive statements, but I can already tell that this bright button-down will have a prominent place in my spring and summer outfit rotation. It's boxy and airy and looks just as good with trousers as it will with denim shorts on vacation.

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24/7 Split-Hem Turtleneck Sweater

My review: Let me preface by saying that this sweater was so popular it's now sold out in the color I'm wearing here, but some sizes in the camel and beige striped colors are still available. I know spring isn't the most exciting time to buy a sweater, but it's so chic and flattering that omitting it from this edit would feel like a crime. This is also the one that piqued my interest in Gap in the first place, thanks to my sister Jennifer who brought hers home for Christmas and really sold me on it.

The standout details include its wide fit and bell sleeves, which I swear make it look like it could pass as Toteme. It's hard to tell with my navy trousers here, but the sides have slits in them that go halfway up, making it easier to tuck the front of the sweater into jeans or pants.

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Modern Crewneck T-Shirt

My review: A long-sleeve tee isn't the kind of thing that makes headlines, but in this case, it kind of is. Gap's Modern Crewneck T-shirt is stretchy but tight, and it feels sculpting in a way that makes Skims tees so popular. The tighter fit and thicker fabric make it look polished, even with jeans, so if you're looking for a really great basic without spending a lot, I highly recommend this one. I liked it so much that I'll be going back to order it in the short-sleeve version too.

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More Gap Items I'm Eyeing for Spring

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