Walmart Is Secretly Selling the Cutest Summer-to-Fall Transitional Pieces — Here’s What’s Worth Buying

If you ripped the tag out of this dress and told me it was from J.Crew, I would 100% believe you. Not only did I feel sophisticated and stylish in this button-up midi, the material was thick, making it perfect for those chilly fall days ahead. Since it’s so simple, you’ll be able to incorporate your own personal style when wearing it, adding boots, sneakers, or heels and amping it up with accessories.

Due to the denim material, you also won’t need to iron it, so it’ll come in handy on days you’re running late (which, for me, is more often that I care to admit).

Here’s another cute, casual midi that won’t require much prep before pulling it on. Made from stretchy, sweater-like material, it’s comfy without looking like loungewear, and the white detailing up top makes it stand out from similar options. The only thing you might want to be wary of is that it fits like a bodycon dress, hugging (and highlighting) the stomach area. If that’s not for you, keep on looking!

Work, family gatherings — there’s no shortage of places I’d wear this pleated button-up dress. Since it’s a tried-and-true design, it’s something you can keep in your closet for years to come, and you won’t have to settle for the navy colorway — it’s also available in green, maroon, and white. While I’m typically a size small, I took an extra small in this dress and had plenty of room. You also might want to play around with the belt (ties are so tricky!) or ditch it altogether, which I think looks just as great!

A striped sweater is the ultimate summer to fall transitional piece. Between the half-zip detail and ribbed texture, this cozy option looks way more expensive than $26, not to mention it’s something you can wear all year long. While I’d keep it in rotation throughout the fall, I also envision it styled over a turtleneck in the winter and paired with cropped pants or breezy skirt come spring. Plus, given the nautical vibes, it’s the perfect piece to pull on during those crisp, end-of-summer trips to the beach.

As someone who prioritizes ease and comfort when getting dressed, I’ll forever be a fan of fancy T-shirts. They’re an item you can pull on in a pinch and style with just about any type of bottom — jeans, skirts, trousers, etc. Plus, the puff-sleeve detail makes all the difference, turning a basic outfit into something playful and statement-making. With so many color options available, I might just stock up!

Walmart or an expensive designer brand? After trying on these $29 jeans, I’m still unsure — they’re that good. Made of 99% cotton and 1% elastane, these bottoms are both stretchy and firm enough to hug you in all the right places while providing support. I’m also into the patch pockets, which, when combined with the wide leg, gives off a ‘70s vibe. 

Although these pants were long on me (I’m only 5’0), I’d 100% get them hemmed, then rock them on repeat for years to come. However, sizes are quickly selling out, so if you’re looking for an alternative, I’d recommend the Wide Leg High Rise Pintuck Jeans, which are slightly looser but still highly rated.

Everyone could use a basic black tee in their wardrobe and the boxy shape gives this one a statement-making twist. It also feels and looks luxe, and while not everyone is a fan of cropped design (which makes it tough to tuck), high-waisted bottoms can balance things out, providing additional coverage. Free Assembly sells the same top in white — another essential colorway! — as well as options with black and red stripes. At $9 a pop, it’s worth it to stock up, IMO — especially since $36 for all four is still less than the price of a single, similar alternative.

Once the cooler weather rolls around, I find myself reaching for longer skirts, which I lovingly call “wearable blankets.” I was immediately drawn to the green Bay Leaf shade of this midi and, although I couldn’t find the right top to pair it with, I have a feeling it’ll look great with brown knee-high boots. Personally, I’d let this bottom steal the spotlight when pulling together my outfit, keeping things simple with a basic button-down. A dark, form-fitting turtleneck would work just as well, balancing out the skirt’s wider, bulkier shape.

I may enjoy getting dressed up for events and weekend activities, but during the week, I rely on throw-on-and-go essentials. This sweatshirt felt as cozy as my favorite hoodie, but the half-zip design and navy colorway made it a million times more elevated. I’d like to say I’d style it with jeans or punch it up with printed trousers, but I’d probably reach for the matching sweatpants and wear it as a set.

Now, here’s a pair of sweatpants you won’t feel embarrassed to be seen in while walking the dog! With hibernation season swiftly approaching, I’ve been on the lookout for luxe loungewear — particularly, something I can slip on for WFH days but can also wear for social outings (or, at the very least, a day of running errands). This knit pick flares out toward the bottom and is easy to move around in, however, it’s still more slim-fitting than bulky. I’m really into the cargo pockets, which can be found on both legs and gives these sweats a unique twist.

Like most of Free Assembly’s fall 2024 drop, this sweatshirt feels is a throwback to the ‘80s and ‘90s. The button-up top, the colorblocked design — I swear, I’ve come across pricey secondhand pieces (see: vintage Hugo Boss) that look eerily similar. It’s a great one to style with khakis to create a preppy ensemble, but it would also work with coordinating blue shorts while the weather is still warm.

If you’re searching for a lightweight, everyday chore coat, it’s time to hit up Walmart. Free Assembly’s option is comparable to styles that cost well over $300 — so, naturally, that $40 price tag has left me in shock. Aside from its sleek appearance and versatility, it’s also pretty sturdy, featuring a shell made of cotton and nylon and a cozy flannel lining. Run! Now!