New Yorkers Are Already Wearing These Classic On-Sale Pieces From COS, Madewell, and J.Crew for Fall
Not to mention, they all cost less than $250.
As a fashion editor, it’s my job to scour the streets for the latest trends. Luckily, I live in New York, so there’s trendy outfit inspiration on nearly every corner. Recently, I’ve noticed that savvy city dwellers are wearing low-key fall essential-type pieces anchored in sophistication (think crisp button-down shirts, flowy tailored trousers, and dainty ballet flats). Given that I have a taste for minimalism, I’m ready to fill my shopping cart with everything I need to master the look right now. Here's the good news: All of the pieces I want to buy are on sale for Labor Day at J.Crew, Madewell, and COS.
I like to buy a few new pieces ahead of each new season, but I shop within reason—my style is classic. So, I turn to all three retailers when I want to update my closet ahead of a new season because they all have mastered that elevated vibe I gravitate towards, and they have not let me down this season. Case in point: Each sale section is chock-full of fall's trendiest colors that don't look so of the moment that I won't be able to wear them in a year or two. Plus, the prices are too good to pass up—my entire shopping list is going for less than $250 right now.
There are thousands of deals across all three retailers, so I’ve perused each site so that you don’t have to. Ahead, discover a curated edit of low-key items that will give you that effortless New York edge and get all of the details on the sales you should be shopping for ahead of the new season.
Shop Trending On-Sale Pieces at J.Crew
J.Crew's Long Weekend Sale Event is giving shoppers 40 percent off site-wide (with a few exclusions). My picks include a great tailored vest, the perfect black blazer, and a pair of slingback heels that you can wear everywhere. The sale is running through Tuesday, September 3. That means you can shop New Yorker-approved pieces like trench coats and slip skirts for less.
I’ve noticed countless New Yorkers wearing tailored vests like this one. Especially when styled alongside matching bottoms, this suit staple has become a go-to essential. Try out the look with this top from J.Crew and style it with the label’s pleated full-length trousers.
This trench is in a word, perfect. My closet is full of chic fall jackets and coats, but I always have room for a great new trench.
Take your look from the office to a night on the town with J.Crew’s New Going-Out blazer. Pair this sleek number with a denim skirt, a snug long-sleeve top, and a pair of your favorite fall boots.
This cozy layer puts a cable-knit twist on the standard jacket style. In addition to offering a comfortable fit, J.Crew’s lady jacket is hard to resist because of its charming details (like shimmering gold crest buttons and flattering flap pockets).
Yes, low-key pieces are trending at the moment, but they’re also a great investment for the long haul. Take, for example, this pair of black crepe pants. They’re super streamlined and can match with practically any top of your choice.
Kitten heels had quite a moment this summer, and they’ll continue to rise in popularity as temperatures drop. Style J.Crew’s Colette slingbacks for fall with a fuzzy cashmere cardigan, floor-sweeping baggy jeans, and a structured trench coat.
While I prepare to enter my laid-back-and-luxurious era, I’ll be adding this cotton cardigan to my shopping cart. There’s something oh-so sophisticated about the intricate trimming and polished gold buttons.
No wardrobe is complete without a white button-down shirt. Given that this piece is so easygoing, there are plenty of styling routes to take. For starters, I would recommend pairing this piece with a sweater vest and a pleated skirt. Add some gold jewelry and a sleek handbag, and you’ve got yourself a cute fall outfit.
The ‘90s era slip skirt is taking another spin around the trend cycle. J.Crew offers seven gorgeous colors, but if versatility is your priority, consider the brand’s “warm boulder shade” pictured here.
This isn’t your ordinary black T-shirt. Take note of the delicate ribbon-tie detail, slightly puffed sleeves, and sultry open-back silhouette that makes this top stand apart from the rest.
Shop Trending On-Sale Pieces at Madewell
Madewell is running a few sales right now. You can score an extra 40 percent off of existing sale pieces. The brand is also offering 25 percent off fall essentials—like sweater dresses, straight-leg jeans, and more—and a whopping extra 50 percent off select on-sale denim.
While building your wardrobe of low-key pieces, don’t forget to add a snug sweater dress to your collection. This one from Madewell is crafted from a warm blend of wool and cotton, so you’ll stay nice and toasty even on the coldest days.
According to Marie Claire’s denim trends forecast, straight-leg jeans aren’t going anywhere this fall. So, go ahead and invest in this structured pair designed with a high waistline and an ankle-grazing hem.
During that awkward transitional period when it’s not quite cool enough to throw on a hefty layer, you’ll want a short-sleeve shirt in your closet. Madewell’s waffle knit top is designed with a breathable cotton fabric, so you won’t have to worry about overheating.
New Yorkers prefer to be hands-free at all times, and this camera crossbody bag is the perfect way to do that.
I’ve been eyeing these Harlow pants for quite some time, and now that they’re on sale for $70, I have no excuse but to add them to my wardrobe. I plan to round out my lineup of fall work outfits by wearing these bottoms on repeat with a matching suit jacket.
Before you write linen blazers off as a summer staple, you should know that they function well for fall too. The key to styling them? Layering. Style this one from Madewell over a long-sleeve top for extra warmth.
You can never go wrong with a classic turtleneck. With such an uncomplicated design, this timeless piece will hang around in your closet for many seasons to come. Do yourself a favor and invest in it now.
Are you on a mission to enhance your going-out outfits? Look no further than Madewell’s cargo trousers. They’re covered in a luxe satin fabric that practically screams, “Take me out to a party.”
Don’t overlook this sleeveless top for your cold-weather wardrobe. When styled beneath an extra layer, like a denim jacket or a leather jacket, this polo sweater tank will prove to be quite useful.
I can’t seem to take my eyes off this navy blue tiered dress. I know that this billowing frock will come in handy, whether I’m wearing it for a relaxed day in the office or a semi-casual weekend outing. I’ll dress this piece up even further with a pair of high-knee kitten heel boots.
Shop Trending On-Sale Pieces at COS
COS is running different sales based on your spending over the Labor Day weekend. If you spend $150 or more, you save 15 percent. If you spend $250 or more, you get 20 percent off. Finally, if you spend $350 or more, you'll save 30 percent. Every discount is accessible with the code "SHOPFALL" in your cart. Ahead, I found 10 pieces (mostly in neutral hues, plus one electric blue pick) for less than $250, with most under $200.
Mary-Jane style ballet flats are everywhere right now, and this pair features subtle ruching for added flair.
You've heard of a barn jacket, but have you heard of a car coat? This one from COS is the epitome of chic.
As a petite girl, cropped jackets are everything to me. This wool one is the perfect transitional layer.
The scarf detail on the neckline makes this otherwise simple navy maxi dress a must-buy.
This might look like your average button-down, but it has a delicate tied detail at the waist to give you some shape.
Bubble skirts were everywhere this summer, with fans like Kylie Jenner and Ayo Edebiri. While mini skirt options were trending during the warmer weather, this maxi option is perfect for fall.
East-West bags are so cool right now. This one from COS is my personal favorite pick.
Bermuda shorts were another polarizing summer fashion trend I'm happy to see going into the fall season. I expect to see lots of these styled with knee-high boots.
I can't stop thinking about this electric blue sweater. The chunky wool knit is a dream for chilly days.
Katie Holmes is a square-toed ballet flat devotee. This glossy pair from COS only further proves that they're a shoe trend worth investing in.
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Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.
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