Labor Day sales are everywhere, but I try not to buy something just because it’s on sale. This is actually one of my favorite times to be a little strategic about what I add to my closet. First, I use the sales to replenish the essentials I know I wear over and over—great tees, denim, underwear, simple knits, sneakers, beauty basics…the things I’m going to buy eventually anyway. If something I already know and love is 20 or 30% off, that’s when I stock up.
But I’m also looking for pieces that help me start making the transition to fall. I’m mentally ready for fall clothes long before the weather cooperates. So instead of buying heavy sweaters and jackets that I won’t be able to wear for months, I look for things that feel like fall but are still summer weight.
Think richer colors—burgundy, chocolate, olive, navy and black. Lightweight trousers instead of linen. A great loafer instead of a sandal. Suede accessories. A lightweight jacket or vest. Pieces that make an outfit look more season-forward without making me sweat. So that’s how I’m shopping the Labor Day sales this year: replenishing the things I know I need and looking for pieces that give me a little taste of fall that I can actually wear now.Because a sale isn’t really a bargain if it just ends up sitting in your closet.
Richer colors, more polished fabrics, loafers, suede accessories and lightweight layers can completely change the mood of what you’re already wearing. You don’t need a cashmere sweater to start looking like fall. J.Crew is always one of my first stops during a sale. They do those classic, wear-forever pieces so well, and right now I found some great things that feel like fall but you can actually start wearing now. Shop the rest of our Labor Day Sales edit below:
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