From your favorite stores like Lulus, Target, and Nordstrom Rack.
Even though summer isn’t technically over until the end of September, we’ve been dreaming about cozy new sweaters, updating our boot collection, and zhushing up the house with autumnal pieces since, well, last fall.
Of course, we’re sad to see the summer end, but we’re looking forward to escaping the record-setting heat waves and getting some relief from breaking a sweat simply for existing outside of central air conditioning. Plus, it’ll feel so good to put on an outfit without worrying about whether or not you’ll have to strategically hide sweat stains throughout the day.
With the new season comes the desire to spice up our wardrobes, but inflation has caused lots of retailers to up prices to compensate for it. It’s understandable, but it makes it more difficult to shell out cash for a new dress or shoes, which is why we’ve gathered up a few affordable retailers where you can get a full outfit for under $100 — shoes and jewelry included in some cases.
Target
Knox Rose Flutter Short Sleeve Dress
Target
If you want to recreate one of Katie’s easy, breezy beach looks, this is the dress to do it with. Beautiful fall colors come together to make this the perfect transitional piece, as the pattern feels more autumnal, but the short sleeves and midi length are great for early fall before the temps start to dip too low.
Universal Thread Watson Platform Mules
Target
The ‘70s are back and better than ever! Chunky platform shoes in the form of clogs and boots are all over the place this fall, and we’re loving the trend. If you’re looking for an easy (and comfortable) way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe, opt for a pair of mules like this one that you can easily slip on and off.
Wild Fable Shoulder Bag
Target
A neutral shoulder bag will never go out of style, especially when it’s as chic as this one. Gold accents elevate this (under $20!) handbag, and the croc texture feels luxe, despite being made from faux leather. You can adjust the length of the strap to your liking, and even though the bag is on the smaller side, it’ll fit your wallet and phone with no problem.
Lulus
Relaxed but Not Least Beige Ribbed Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Lulus
Who says beige has to be boring? This beige number begs to differ. Made from a comfy ribbed material, this dress will hug your curves without feeling constrictive, and slits on either side ensure you can walk without having to take half-sized steps. For the fall, you can pair this with your favorite boots or sneakers.
Positively Chic Cropped Blazer
Lulus
If you tend to get chilly, tossing a blazer over any look instantly elevates it and keeps you warm. We’re all about the olive green hue of this slightly cropped number, but it also comes in mauve and cream if you prefer something more on the pink side.
Nordstrom Rack
Calvin Klein Color Block Belted Midi Dress
Nordstrom Rack
While we’d rather be frolicking among the changing leaves and picking apples with our partners, some of us still have to head into the office. This swingy dress in an eggplant hue is both work-appropriate and extremely flattering.
Chase and Chloe Pointy Toe Loafer
Nordstrom Rack
Ditch the heels and opt for a comfortable dress shoe. These flats have a pointed toe, which can give the appearance of a longer leg — but they’re also so much easier to walk in than pumps. This pair comes in seven different colors, too, but we love the timeless taupe.
Chubby Hoop and Chain Drop Earrings
Nordstrom Rack
Three for the price of one! If you have multiple ear piercings, you can pair these chunky hoops together or mix them with the longer chain earrings in this set. Each is simple enough to wear for both casual and dressy situations, but the bright gold color still adds a bit of bling.
TJ Maxx
7 For All Mankind Faux Leather Straight Leg Pants
TJ Maxx
It’s time to release your inner rocker and step into these (faux) leather pants. Donning statement pants can be daunting, but opting for a neutral-colored pair makes it easier to wear and style. This black pair will go with basically any color top, so you can wear it the same way you would a pair of jeans.
Lucky Brand Sandwash Smocked Cuff Peasant Top
TJ Maxx
To contrast the edgy pants, opt for a more flowy, feminine top. The orange hue of this one reminds us of falling leaves, and it’s made from a super soft fabric that’ll feel amazing.
Nicole Miller Pull-On Lug Sole Booties
TJ Maxx
Chelsea boots are a team KCM favorite, mainly because they’re so versatile. A neutral-colored pair will last you years and years, and opting for ones with a lug sole give you some extra traction if you are walking on fallen leaves or a wet sidewalk. This pair has a bit of a heel to give you some height, too.
Saks Off 5th
Workshop Solid-Hued Sweater
Saks Off 5th
In an ideal world, we could wear sweatshirts and sweatpants every single day without judgment. Thanks to sweatshirts like this, half of that dream can become a reality. Slightly puffed shoulders and cuffed sleeves make this look more put-together than your average crewneck, so it’ll look great with leggings or a pair of high-waisted trousers.
Max Studio Striped High-Waist Pants
Saks Off 5th
It is time to let go of the idea that white clothes can’t be worn past Labor Day. These pants are too good to not wear during the fall, and even though they’re a creamy color, burgundy- and rust-colored stripes keep these linen pants from feeling too summery.
Steve Madden Sabri Boots
Saks Off 5th
A sneaker boot hybrid may be the transition piece you never knew you needed. With a canvas upper and chunky leather outsole, these are as comfortable and flexible as your favorite sneakers, but durable enough to wear in fall weather.
Walmart
Free Assembly Women’s Smocked Midi Dress
Walmart
Midi dresses are a favorite of ours for all seasons, mainly because they give you all the freedom of a dress without worrying about it flying up while you’re walking or it being so long you’re tripping over it. This one has convertible sleeves that can be worn both normally or off the shoulder, and it comes in four different colors.
Free Assembly Women’s Button-Front Utility Jacket
Walmart
To add a bit of edge to the somewhat feminine dress, opt for a utilitarian jacket like this army green one. It has a shirred waist to keep it from looking and feeling too boxy, and you can wear it open or closed depending on the kind of look you’re going for. There are also four pockets, so you don’t even need to carry a purse if you’re traveling light.
Madden NYC Faux Suede Lug Sole Chelsea Boots
Walmart
One of our favorite things about fall is we finally get to break out our favorite boots. This pair looks way more expensive than it is, and the chunky heel will add some height to your look without being uncomfortable.