This Labor Day weekend isn’t like last year’s (or any other)—and my normal excitement around a fall wardrobe isn’t the same as it’s been in the past. I will always drool over a cool pair of boots at 75% off, but this year, I’m investing in things that fit different criteria: either they’re useful, they’re made to last, or they just make me really happy.
I’ll still double-tap the fun/trendy things I love on Instagram, but for my own wardrobe, I’m taking the classic route, with staples that will improve my day to day. This season, I’m looking for timeless shirts in classic prints, durable sweaters, cozy everything, and maybe some jewelry that’ll spruce up that loungewear. Also on the agenda: beauty and wellness item for night’s in and home goods I can admire from my couch. I do believe I’ve got plenty of things below for you too.
1. Fun Tops to Take You Into Fall
I am totally pro autumnal staples like sweaters and jeans, but I rarely get excited about fall shirts and usually wind up wearing my partner’s denim Polo Ralph Lauren shirt at least three times a week. (I could be better prepared for the cooler weather.) Since as far as my wardrobe is concerned I only exist from the waist-up these days, I wouldn’t mind a cool shirt or two for my daily video calls.
Speaking of Mikey’s denim shirt, I’m eyeing a few that are now on sale. There’s this one that’s not unlike the infamous RL men’s button-down but has cool front breast pockets and comes in a lighter weight. This one from Rotate—just over 60% off—has incredibly cool seams and a mock neck. For a western flair, there’s this one with grommets and a pointed collar—I would wear this buttoned to the neck, with simple bottoms and fun mules. A pretty chambray blouse under $50 with pintuck details and a rounded collar would be great to throw on for a call I forgot I had. This green khaki one is a sweet alternative to denim but with the same feel and this 70% off striped button-down or this peter pan collared shirt are other good options. And while this one isn’t denim either, it comes in indigo blue, and I love that it’s off-the-shoulder. For now I’ll wear it without anything underneath, but come fall, I’ll probably wear a turtleneck under….
Like this rainbow-striped one, now more than $200 off its original price. Other worthy layering pieces: this cool printed mesh top from Ganni or this sporty one from Maisie Williams. All of which would be wonderful layered under this highly discounted top from Tove or this off-the-shoulder ruched top I found at The Folklore’s sale.
Summer means gingham and polka dots, but come fall, I am drawn to tops in plaid and animal print. For the former, consider this one the ruffled shoulders, this collarless blouse, or this similar one for $52.80, which buttons all the way down. But the pièce de résistance is this coated flannel Ganni shirt, great for warding off the season’s rain and chill. In terms of animal print, I found this incredible leopard wrap top from Yevu, this puff-sleeve leopard top from Sea, and the long-sleeve version of the aforementioned Ganni mesh, which you could wear alone or layered under something else.
Other tops I am gravitating toward due to their versatility and style: simple button-downs, high-neck blouses (I love this floral one from Warm and this similar one with the lace trim in white), billowy blouses, and waffle-weave henleys (with awesome crochet detailing).
2. Sweater Weather Welcome Party
I wouldn’t do a market story on the first dip into fall without sweaters. Eleven Six—currently my favorite knitwear brand that I have yet to own myself—is having a fabulous sale of up to 70% off select styles and an extra 25% off sale. Marked down from $500, this sweater is still expensive, but if that price is in your ballpark, these are high-quality, hand-knit sweaters, and the brand offers a ton of styles, including this incredible blue, fringed one. Maison de Mode’s sale is also quite good and offers a ton of knitwear options, like this two-toned sweater, also by Eleven Six. Another high-quality sweater is this Raey one, which is 50% off and in my humble opinion would make the perfect staple sweater. For some color, this Stine Goya patchwork is under $100 and has a similarly chunky, oversized silhouette. If you have an affinity for animal print, I love this tiger-print one from A.P.C. (70% off). For more classic prints, this Bode jacquard wool one has a Fair Isle feel and is also 70% off. For lighter-weight sweaters, see this incredibly cool striped option from Wales Bonner, which has marbled beads on the hood’s drawstrings—it’s the kind of knit you “accidentally” fall asleep in. This solid, tie-front cardigan from Madewell comes in both black and white, and you could really wear it now, with the sleeves scrunched, along with a pair of shorts. They also have this lightweight, textured-cotton cardigan, if a classic silhouette is more your speed. Special mention to this $83 oversized V-neck sweater, which I would actually wear backwards, so it has a low-cut back with layered necklaces draped up front.
3. Just Some Cozy Things
Comfort is top of mind right now. I prefer to be stuck at home when it’s colder outside, and I found some items on sale I’m excited about curling up in. Free People is a loungewear favorite, and their incredible sale includes this cozy woven set. These pants from Lemlem are a similar material and style. For a shorts-and-tank set, consider this soft tank and shorts from Risk Twenty Two. Another great pair of shorts: these awesome tie dye ones. Sleeper is also hosting a sale, and this is my favorite “party” pajama set, with a top that looks like a shirt (you could totally wear it during work calls). On to cozy bottoms: These knit joggers from Good American come in sizes 0-7 and are 50% off, while Eleven Six has these, handmade in Peru and 70% off. If you just want a classic sweatpant, try this soft pair with a subtle logo from Maisie Wilen or these re-worked ones. Try switching things up with a pair of track pants like these from 10Deep, worn with this bleach-washed sweatshirt or this tie-dye half-zip. Cross Colours also makes this “barcode” hoodie and Maisie Wilen makes crewneck version with a Mona Lisa line drawing. Wild card: If you happen to be a jeans person, there is this soft wide-leg pair that you could probably (maybe?) curl up in as you would a pair of sweats.
4. Jewelry to Dress Up Your Loungewear
A cool pair of earrings or a strand of pearls can dress up loungewear without getting in the way of your desire for comfort. For earrings, I really like a classic metal pair, like this $20 pair from Afrikrea; these from one of my favorite everyday jewelry brands, Luv Aj; these gold link ones that look like paperclips; a pair of small pendant hoops with a little bling from Ellery; or an everyday pair of thick silver hoop earrings—a rarity on sale as they sell so fast. If you, like me, tend to wear mostly black, you might also like some colorful earrings: These and these are on sale from Lizzie Fortunato; also see this handmade baroque freshwater pearl pair from 8vo Ático; the most fun cherry drop earrings from I’MMANY (buy one, get one 40% off, with code below!). And for a dangly option: these geometric salmon beaded earrings from African-based Sidai Designs. If you prefer necklaces, there is this one on sale, which I featured the chunkier version of in a recent roundup of the best gold chain necklaces. I also love pearl necklaces because they’re lightweight and easy—like this classic strand with a tiny pop of color, a double strand from Roxanne Assoulin discounted to $77, or this playful one with the chili peppers! And if you’re not a jewelry person but do want to accessorize, there’s this gingham bow to give your hair some pizazz.
5. Self-Pampering
Being at home so much has paradoxically limited the time I have to care for myself. I have managed to light candles, do masks, and leave my robe on for a little more than usual. I’m very VERY excited to report that Dr. Jart is having at 20% sitewide sale, and I will be stocking up on this mask that instantly refreshes and cools my face after a day in front of the computer. There are also these hydrating charcoal sheet masks sold at Soko Glam (sidenote: 20% off sitewide sale using code SHARETHELOVE). If you, like me, would love a facial, here’s an at-home facial kit from Sephora, mini extractor and all, or this face massager. Light a candle or two while you do it, and it’ll feel like the spa. In terms of robes, this terry-lined one from Parachute is on sale and will certainly be worn hours after my shower. Also from Parachute is this merino sleep mask, which you can slide on after you put a couple of these sleep drops from Nue Co. (20% off sitewide) onto your tongue for some quality shut eye.
6. Things to Spruce Up Your Space
Make your home extra comfortable with these (discounted!) kitchen tools and bedding. I’m pleased to announce that La Creuset is on sale on several sites. This teapot (which I’ve owned since college) is perfect for making hot beverages and is 25% off, and this stovetop grill is 41% off—I can confirm it’s excellent for grilled cheese sandwiches. Speaking of cooking, I began growing herbs early quarantine, and I highly recommend you do the same—maybe with this indoor garden for 31% off. On the plants talk, pick up some flowers from your local farmer’s market and have some fresh flowers to brighten your home. (Here’s a cute little vase to put them in.) On the food front, curl up on your couch with a fuzzy blanket or in bed, after swapping out a light summer blanket for a comfy duvet (that’s part of Brooklinen’s 15% off sitewide sale). Bring in snacks in a large bowl like this wooden one for $35 or a cute dessert plate full of cookies. Then open a book and read by the light of a cute little lamp like this pink glass one or this geometric one—both on sale, of course.
And below, a list of websites hosting sales for you to check out yourself which we’ll be updating all weekend!
Fashion
& Other Stories – Extra 20% off sale with code ‘EXTRA20 through 9/7.
10 Deep – Shop the sale section here.
11 Honoré – 30% off select styles in the 11 Honoré Collection through the end of September.
8vo Ático – Up to 25% off selected pieces from Collection 02. Extra 15% off Collection 01. No code necessary.
Abacaxi – 20% off of select items from 9/5-9/7.
Adidas – Save 30% select styles.
Afrikrea – Shop the sale section here.
Andie Swim – 25% off select styles with code ‘STILLSUMMER’ until 9/8.
Andrea Iyamah – Shop the sale section here.
Angela Brito – Shop the Outlet here.
Anya Lust – Shop the Outlet here.
Ashley Rowe – Up to 90% off Flash Sale one day only 9/4.
Bandier – Up to 80% off.
Bloomingdale’s – Extra 50% off clearance and up to 60% off regular-price items from 9/2-9/9.
Bryan Anthony – 20% off jewelry sale 9/4-9/7.
COS – Buy more, save more 9/3-9/7.
Cross Colours – Shop the sale section here.
Cushnie – Up to 75% off Summer sale plus discounts at the Archive sale.
DANNIJO – Up to 70% off with code ‘LABORDAY.’
Dos Swim – Shop the Archive sale.
Eleven Six – Up to 70% off select styles and an extra 25% off sale with code ‘SALEONSALELOVE25’ until 9/7.
Free People – Additional discounts in sale category.
For the Ages – 25% off with code ‘hifall25’ from 9/4-9/7.
Giovanna – 15% off sitewide with code ‘LASTDAYS’ from 9/5-9/7 with a percentage of sales going to EJI.
Good American – Additional 50% off Sale items.
HAVVA – 25% off all orders with code ‘BB25’ from 9/1-9/14.
Hobo – Extra 30% off all sale with code ‘LABORDAY’ from 9/4-9/7.
Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese – Shop the Summer Sample Sale here.
I’MMANY – Buy one get one 40% off sitewide with code ‘HARVEST40’ from 9/4-9/7.
Jade Swim – 30% off everything on the site including sale with code ‘LABORDAY’ from 9/3-9/7.
Karl Kani – Shop the sale section here.
Khaite – Take an additional 15% off sale styles with code ‘LABORDAY’ for up to 60% off.
Leah Kirsch – 20% off entire side with code ‘LKLABORDAY’ through 9/9.
Lemlem – Shop the sale section here.
Libaya – Additional markdowns on items.
Loup– 20% off everything with code ‘KISSKISS20’ from 9/3-9/7.
Machete – 15% off sitewide including sale with code ‘Machete15’ from 9/2-9/7 plus select styles up to 70% off.
Madewell – Up to 50% off with code ‘HIFALL’ 9/3-9/9.
Maisie Wilen – Up to 60% off End of Season sale.
Maison de Mode – Shop the sale section here plus sign up for 10% off your first order.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh – Online sample sale 9/2-9/10.
Mary Young – Annual Sample Sale.
MATCHESFASHION – Shop the sale section here.
MOTHER – Up to 50% off sale.
MyTheresa – Shop the end of summer sale here.
Nisolo – 15% off full-price items with code ‘NEWSEASON.’
Nomasei – 15% off select styles from with code ‘Laborday2020’ from 9/5-9/7.
Nordstrom – Nordstrom Anniversary sale featuring Daily Deals.
PACT – Buy more, save more until 9/8.
Risk Twenty Two – 40% off sitewide with code ‘LABOR20’ from 9/4-9/7.
Saks Fifth Avenue – Up to 75% off Designer Sale.
Sandy Liang – Up to 60% off End of Season sale.
Savant and Scholar – Buy one get one automatically applied at checkout to any two frames.
Selva Negra – Shop the sale section here.
Shopbop – Up to 75% off sale styles.
Sidai Designs – Up to 50% off.
SIKA’A – Shop the sale section here.
Sleeper – Additional 20% off on last chance to buy selection with code ‘takeachance.’
Solid & Striped – 40% off sitewide with code ‘LDW40.’
Still Here– 25% off with code ‘sunshine25’ from 9/4-9/7
T.a. – Up to 60% off in-store and online.
The Folklore – Up to 45% off Bi-Annual sale.
The RealReal – Up to 80% off until 9/7.
Tove – Shop the sale section here.
Universal Standard – Offering four special daily deals through 9/7.
Urban Outfitters – Extra 30% off sale.
Wales Bonner – Shop the sale section here.
Wilder – 25% off sale from 9/4-9/8.
Yevu – Shop the sale section here.
Zouxou – Shop the sale section here.
Beauty
Dr. Jart – 20% off sitewide sale 9/3-9/8.
ILIA – Mini Balmy Gloss in Linger gift with purchase.
Nue Co. – 20% off sitewide.
Sephora – Up to 50% off until 9/19.
Soko Glam – 20% off sitewide sale with code ‘SHARETHELOVE’ 8/31-9/7 plus new items added to sale.
Ulta – Up to 50% off Daily Beauty Deals from 8/30-9/19.
Urban Outfitters – Shop the beauty sale here.
Home
2Modern – Check out the sale here.
ABC Carpet & Home – Buy more, save more with code “laborday” 9/2-9-7.
Bloomingdales – Shop the home sale here.
Brooklinen – 15% off sitewide 9/3-9/9.
Brooklyn Bedding – 25% off sitewide and 50% off all sheets from 8/28-9/7.
Coming Soon – Shop sale here.
Dyson – Labor Day deals.
Floyd – 10-day sale with code ‘LDW2020’ 8/28-9/7.
Homesick Candles – 15% off with code ‘SUNSET’ from 9/2-9/3 plus buy more, save more with code ‘LABORDAY’ from 9/2-9/8.
Linoto – Shop sale linens here.
Overstock – 70% off Labor Day Blowout through 9/10.
Parachute – Shop the home clearance here.
Shopbop – Shop the home sale here.
Urban Outfitters – Shop the home sale here.
Wayfair – Up to 70% off from 8/31-9/8.
Feature Image via Sabrina Santiago.
