What To Buy From The Labor Day Sales

This weekend, retailers will be offering huge sales on summer items to make room for their fall merchandise. They’ll also offer discounts on some fall items to take advantage of the bargain-hunting crowds. The Labor Day sales can be overwhelming, so you’ll want to make a list before you head to the stores or start shopping online. To help you get started with your list, here are some items that are heavily discounted right now…

1. Replacements For Your Summer Basics

Did you stain your white t-shirt? Rip your well-worn shorts? Buy your basics while they are on sale, rather than paying full price for similar items next year.

T-Shirts And Tank Tops

Some of my favorite plain t-shirts are from Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. If you’re looking for color, J.Crew and The Gap tend to have more options. For graphic t-shirts and fun prints, I like J.Crew Factory.

Shorts

I just bought these Athleta’s Ascender shorts. My kids’ have started their athletic season which means we’re going to be active too!

If you wear more tailored shorts, take a look at the Metro shorts from Ann Taylor, or their longer Boardwalk shorts. I also looked at a lot of brands for their denim shorts, but most seem to be low on sizes. If you can find your size, these Indigo Denim Shorts from Banana Republic are heavily marked down.

Sleepwear

I’ve bought a few of Soma’s Cool Nights pajamas and love that they are stretchy and comfortable at night. If you prefer a non-stretch basic pajama, try J.Crew’s Vintage Short-sleeved Pajama Set.

Swimwear

During the Labor Day sales, you’ll find swimwear for less than half the original price. Athleta’s swimwear is currently 60% off. Bloomingdales currently has a Brown Bag Sale where items like this La Blanca Running Stitch Swimsuit are an additional 50% off. Nordstrom also has some cute like this Robin Piccone Ava Underwire One-Piece Plunge Swimsuit. Also, take a look at Boden where you’ll find this Eloise Jersey Kaftan on sale.

2. What You Know You Need For Fall

If there are fall items that you already know you’ll need, many stores are currently offering up to 40% off on their new collections. Some of these discounts will continue after the Labor Day Sales end on Monday night, so check each retailer to see how much time you have to make your decision.

Every Day Shoes

This is also a good time for pumps, loafers, and other wear-to-work shoes. I find Ann Taylor’s shoes to be fashionable and comfortable, and so I’m looking at their Work Shoes online.

Cardigans and Jackets

We’ve already had plenty of cooler mornings and evenings, so I’m also looking for layering pieces.

I love this Ted Baker Eyala Neopolitan Floral Cardigan for dress-up occasions and this Madewell Ryder Stripe Cardigan for weekends.

For jackets, look for a classic blazer, a rain jacket, and a denim jacket, if you don’t already have them.

3. Accessories

You may not be able to wear shorts and t-shirts for much longer but if you can find the right accessories on sale, you can enjoy them all year long.

My earrings are the Twisted Knot Drop Earrings from Ann Taylor and are now on further sale. I’ll talk more about fall jewelry trends in a later post, but here’s a hint: you can’t go wrong with a chain link necklace or bracelet. This Rope Chain Link is also on sale at Ann Taylor. This Maritza Layered Necklace from Anthropologie is also cute, especially for those of us who don’t have the patience to layer our own necklaces!

4. Home Decor

Many stores are also offering sales on furniture and home decor so if your house needs a re-fresh too, this is a good time to look for bargains. Here’s what I’m looking for to get ready for fall…

Lighting

As the days get shorter, you may find you need a little more lighting. Anthropologie is offering 20% off all home decor. I love the this Sibley Floor Lamp, this Aliso table lamp, and this Rara Pendant. Restoration Hardware has some gorgeous lighting pieces, but many are quite expensive. Their pendant lights are more affordable but unique.

Pillows, Blankets, and Throws

At this time of year, I start thinking about how to make our house cozier so I pull out our velvet pillow covers, down blankets, and throws. Pottery Barn is currently offering 30% off many of their pillows, blankets, and throws. Many of their summer items are even more heavily discounted, so if you found that you didn’t have enough outdoor chairs or cushions, take a look at their sale options. I also always check Crate And Barrel’s Clearance & Outlet section for great deals.

5. Organization Items

Home Organization

Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond have some great deals on organizational items. Since most colleges have already started, many of the “college collections” are on clearance in their stores.

Online, take a look at Pottery Barn, for beautiful storage items like their Havana Lidded Baskets and the Perry Divided Hamper And Liner.

Organization On-The-Go

Once my kids are back in school, I find myself spending hours making packable meals. With two kids in school athletics (which means driving and watching almost every afternoon) we often need to pack dinner for the whole family too.

I use a PackIt® Freezable Lunch Bag for those really warm September days when my son’s dinner has to sit out on a field for a few hours. It’s not currently on sale, but if you have a Bed, Bath and Beyond coupon, you’ll receive 20% off.

We use U-Konserve containers, as I do my best to limit the amount of waste we produce. I love that these work for the entire family (no cute pictures or colors!) If you are just starting to think about sustainable living, their Waste-Free Starter Kit, Turning Green Starter Kit, and Waste-Free Lunch Kit are all on sale now.

If you have younger kids, Pottery Barn Kids has backpacks and lunch boxes on sale now. My kids used their Pottery Barn backpacks for 4+ years each, unlike the cheaper brands that they tried and threw out after six months. For our teens, we buy Under Armour’s Outlet Backpacks and Duffel Bags (which are currently further discounted for Labor Day if you spend $150+.)

What Are You Buying From The Labor Day Sales?

Make a list (or use mine) before you head out so that you can get back to enjoying time with your family and friends. Whatever you’re up to, I hope you have a warm and happy long weekend!

What’s on your list from the Labor Day Sales?

Other posts you may enjoy:

7 Ways To Relax Before Bed and why the right sleepwear is so important!

Should You Buy From The Fall Pre-Season Sales?

3 New Animal Prints You Haven’t Seen Everywhere (many options are on sale now.)