After sifting through the seemingly endless pages of digital retailers and running around New York City visiting fashion showrooms, it’s kind of hard to impress a fashion editor. But there are quite a few Labor Day sales this year that have actually piqued our interest here at ELLE. The key to shopping a sale like an editor? Remember one thing: quality over quantity.
My colleagues and I are using this time to think ahead and start refreshing our fall wardrobes with luxe essentials. Even if the weather is still quite warm, right now is the best time to score a new coat from beloved labels like Toteme and Dunst for a fraction of the price. If you’re a lucky shopper, you can also find coveted boots by Chloé and Staud in the Labor Day savings. There are so many expertly crafted finds to invest in and wear for years and years to come. Discover only the best of the best deals in our editor-approved curation below.
“I’m someone who will justify buying absolutely anything if it’s on sale—things I don’t even want and certainly don’t need, because it’s practically making me money! Girl math. So, when I approach shopping the SSENSE sale, I have to give myself some ground rules. First, I go straight to the brands I love to see if there are any wishlist items I can finally grab. I always have to see what Margiela Tabis are available, and I’m obsessed with this brown satin ballet flat. Then, I’ll search by category to stay focused on pieces I’ve been wanting to add to my wardrobe. Right now, I love a cardigan, and this Jacquemus style is so sweet, it reminds me of ballet class. I’ve also had my eye out for an outdoorsy-feeling coat, as seen all over the Fall runways, and this toggle coat by Dunst is exactly the vibe.”—Rosie Jarman, market editor
“I’m using this time to invest in luxe fall essentials. And Mytheresa has amazing offerings on all of my favorite brands, from Khaite’s sculptural knits to Toteme’s viral jackets to The Row’s exacting tailoring.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead
“I love using a good sale to not only see if I can find wish list items—like a large heart pendant—but also discover pieces I wouldn’t usually consider, as well. This A.W.A.K.E. Mode skirt was made to be worn—and, more importantly, seen. Of course, if you need a go-to bag for holding all the essentials (and perhaps a book, if you like to stuff your bags full like I do). I highly suggest this one. It was my go-to the last time I went to CPHFW, and really, that says it all.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
“Believe it or not, Saks Fifth Avenue has quietly become a go-to for savings on everyday essentials—like cropped sweaters, timeless jeans, and sleek tote bags.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce lead
“Nordstrom’s sale rack never misses. Whether I’m browsing sneakers, home goods, or workwear, I’m bound to find something to take home. This weekend, I’m spotting lots of inventory from Skims, as well as an ELLE editor-approved Tory Burch sandal. I’ve been hunting for the perfect mesh flat, and I’m a sucker for anything Simon Miller. Oh, and the Acne bag? Get it while it’s hot, y’all.”—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor
“Bergdorf Goodman has become my go-to for coveted handbags, shoes, and accessories. So I’m using this opportunity to invest in runway-worthy finds to carry me through next season.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead
“I can always count on FWRD for of-the-moment fashion finds. This Labor Day Weekend, I’m shopping deals on the season’s biggest trends—like barrel jeans and textured boots.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead
“I work hard, so I deserve to go on an unhinged online shopping spree. At least that’s what I tell myself as I compile my Net-a-Porter wish list. I can’t wait to wear these Paris Texas snakeskin boots with all my oversized Meg Ryan-esque sweaters. For fortuitous fall beach days, this Hunza G bikini will flatter any bust size. And lastly, this Ganni backpack will be really handy, considering the rain in New York has been relentless all summer long.”—Claire Stern Milch, digital director
Alexis Bennett Parker is the Commerce Content Lead at ELLE.com. In this newly created role, she oversees all shopping-related stories online, from fashion-forward trend pieces to the most coveted beauty buys on the market right now. Alexis has worked in the publishing space for 11 years, and seven of those years have been dedicated to helping shoppers make informed purchases—no buyer’s remorse here! Before joining the team at ELLE.com, she worked in the editorial departments of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle, to name a few magazines. Not only has Alexis worked closely with several brands and tested hundreds of products over the course of her career, but she’s also won awards for her work as a shopping journalist. Namely, she was an honoree at the Pynk Magazine Gala in 2023, received the Condé Nast Commerce Content Award for Best Article by a New Hire in 2021, and was included on the Top 40 Under 40 Heir’s List in 2018.
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