Labor Day Sales Picks: Versatile Basics for Early Fall & Travel
Early fall is the perfect season to refresh your wardrobe with those versatile pieces that work for travel, layering, and transitional weather, and it’s even better when you can snag them on sale. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite finds from the Labor Day sales, including new arrivals you can wear now and well into the season ahead.
Sifting through the Labor Day sales…
“Prep” for fall with J.Crew
J.Crew has 40% off full-price styles with code WEEKEND, including a bunch of new arrivals. Corduroy is a nice change-up from denim, and these “slim-wide” pants are just as easy to style. They come in a bunch of colors, in Classic, Petite, and Tall sizes. (I have these on order, will report back.) If you prefer a slimmer cut, take a look at the Vintage Flare style.
Some of my other top picks from the sale include the blazer shown above, which is also available in black and a soft pink (looks like a Summer pink on my monitor). When I was in the store a few days ago, one of the sales associates was wearing this cropped Etienne shirt (with the white contrast collar and cuffs) and it really looked sharp! Loafers are everywhere this season, but for a timeless classic, it’s hard to beat these penny loafers.
Ann Taylor: Polished & Modern
Save 30% off your full-price purchase at Ann Taylor. They always have some good leopard prints, including this cardigan and shell, these sleek flats, and slip skirt. And there are some nice-looking jackets, too, like this tweed one (for warm palettes), or this one (cool palettes). And here’s a classic navy blazer with silver buttons!
On-trend suede from Madewell
Madewell’s new season sale selections are a bit more limited, but I did find some goodies. Like this relaxed suede blazer, or cropped suede jacket (if I didn’t have a similar jacket already, I would have jumped on this one). And I love this cute bucket bag. Don’t overlook the power of a belt to make a simple outfit look finished; I spotted quite a few really good belts included in the sale. And jeans, of course.
(Use code LONGWEEKEND for 30% off select full-price styles, and extra 40% off sale items.)
Timeless Classics from Talbot’s
You can save 25% off your purchase this weekend at Talbot’s (and keep an eye out for flash sales, and even deeper discounts). Jackets are my not-so-secret weapon for making casual outfits look more refined. This wool lady jacket is polished but not fussy, and can dress up or down. Three colors in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes. For a more casual vibe, chore jackets are on trend this season. This one is available in ivory and a pretty emerald green (Winters, take note!).
This short-sleeve polo sweater is a good transitional season piece. Available in 3 colors, Misses Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes. The scallop trim on the sleeves and neckline is a nice detail. The striped trim adds interest to this 100% cotton v-neck cardigan (2 colors, Navy & Camel). And lots of great styles in the shoe section, including these leopard print buckle detail flats, and these buckle-detail loafers.
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Your most-shopped items from this week…
Sitewide “percent-off” sales are a smart way to snag new-season pieces while sizes and styles are still available. I always suggest starting with the seasonal basics you’ll reach for again and again, then sprinkling in a few fun or accent pieces to keep things fresh. Saving money is great, but the best deals are the ones you’ll truly love and wear often.
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Hi Susan! I would love a post on brown for all seasons. As a (dark) winter, I’ve tried the dark brown a few times over the years and always ended up donating the pieces. I can see the difference between cool browns and the warm browns I grew up with and hated in the 70s. I had very saturated very dark brown hair with red highlights, and it’s not like my hair looked bad on me! I think part of my issue was figuring out I am dark because I have fair/olive skin and green eyes. so maybe my past browns weren’t dark enough even though they were cool. I bought a dark brown polo sweater from Uniqlo to try and I think I like it… Another issue is pairing the dark brown with the rest of my wardrobe which is 90% dark winter. I’m trying to be open minded and I remember wearing dark brown and black together in the 90s, but it still seems like it doesn’t fit in the way all of the rest of my colors go together.
Hi Shari, funny you should ask…I’m working on one for later this week! 😉
Wow, more great choices Susan and good sales! I’m considering that cropped suede jacket!
Good suggestions! I love leopard prints but it seems all the ones I’ve seen are very warm. Some take on a rust/orange hue. Maybe it’s my monitor? What do you think, Susan?
Hi Linda, yes most leopard prints do lean warm. However I have seen some cool versions, and will include in a roundup I’m working on.
Great! I have an old leopard sweater, soft white background with black and brown. The brown isn’t orangey. Would love to find a replacement.
Btw…your new name/graphic is great!
Thanks…