If you're tired of looking at your packed closet and still feeling like you have nothing to wear, your wardrobe might be crying out for more versatile pieces. Instead of spending your hard-earned coin on clothes and accessories that can only be worn for one season or a single occasion, focus on transitional pieces that are easy to mix and match. The first step in making that a reality? Check out the latest from affordable Target-exclusive brands like A New Day and Universal Thread.
We found lightweight layers you can toss over your breezy dresses when PSL season is near, boots you can wear with shorts or crunch through newly fallen leaves in, and tops that can be dressed up or down.
Keep reading to shop our top fashion and accessory picks from Target that deliver maximum versatility without a luxury price, plus find tips on how to style them for different seasons and occasions.
Transitional Tops
An easy place to start building your transitional wardrobe is with tops because they can take on a new life with your choice of outerwear (or lack thereof). Look for sleeveless styles that you can wear alone on a summer weekend, under a cardigan at work, or with a denim jacket once the air starts getting crisp. Small style details, like a keyhole neckline, pleats, or ruching, add interest and keep so-called "basics" feeling anything but. Subdued colors, like the cloudy blue hue of the A New Day Beaded Tie Cami, or the classic black of the Textured Boatneck, have a seasonless vibe and are easy to match with other items in your closet. The Textured Boatneck's slim silhouette makes it the perfect base for your go-to work pants and to elevate a mini skirt. While the Beaded Tie Cami is made to flow freely over denim cutoffs for a farmers' market run, jeans for a night on the boardwalk, or a bias-cut skirt for brunch with the girls.
Transitional Bottoms
You'll get lots of mileage out of a flowy midi skirt that can look both laidback and casual or thoughtful and dressed up. Combine the gray-blue A New Day Asymmetrical Hem Skirt with a simple camisole and flip-flops for a summer outing, then pair with boots and a denim jacket as temps start to drop.
As for pants, linen is a no-brainer in the summer. The breezy fabric will keep you cool even when humidity threatens to ruin your fresh blowout. Style the A New Day Linen Pull-on Pants with metallic heeled flip-flops and a going-out top, or over a bikini for an elevated cover-up that you can wear from the beach to dinner. When fall rolls around, you can style them with a cozy cable-knit sweater for a coastal-chic look.
Transitional Outerwear
Lightweight layers will help you transition your wardrobe from summer to fall in seconds. You can never go wrong with a denim jacket, especially one in a relaxed fit that you can fit a sweater under when the forecast really starts getting chilly. The Universal Thread Relaxed Trucker Denim Jacket has a worn-in wash that makes it look like a vintage treasure you hunted down.
A sweater in a sunny hue, like the A New Day Long Sleeve Ribbed Boat Neck Sweater in butter yellow, says summer, but the soft cotton knit feels cozy. Toss it on over light-wash jeans to carry a little warm-weather optimism with you into fall.
Universal Thread Relaxed Trucker Denim Jacket
A New Day Long Sleeve Ribbed Boat Neck Sweater
Transitional Dresses
Dresses are the ultimate throw-on-and-go option and can get loads of mileage with thoughtful accessorizing. The A New Day Ruched Side Pleated Midi Dress is perfect for a casual summer wedding with strappy heels and statement jewelry. Or wear it to the office with a blazer and ballet flats.
Wear a spaghetti strap mini style like the A New Day Mini Trapeze Ruffle Edge A-Line Dress over a white baby tee and with a pair of Mary Janes for '90s-inspired edge; for a boho feel, pull on a pair of knee-high boots.
Wild Fable Mini Trapeze Ruffle Edge A-Line Dress
Transitional Accessories
Accessories in neutral tones help ground bright summer colors and complement a cozy fall palette.
The Oversized Slouchy Shoulder Bag in Tan looks luxurious with its sumptuous faux leather exterior and unstructured shape. It's a seamless finish to linen pants and a tank, and looks chic with a denim jacket and dress. The brown Universal Thread Mai Boots will be your daily driver through summer and fall. On sunny days, wear the boots with cutoff shorts and flowy tank; when it gets chillier, wear them with a dress layered with a cardigan.
Universal Thread Oversized Slouchy Shoulder Bag
Universal Thread Mai Boots
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most stylish Target fashion brands?
Two of our favorite stylish, Target-exclusive fashion brands are A New Day and Universal Thread. Both offer trend-driven cuts and styles, like asymmetrical midi skirts, slouchy totes, and vintage-inspired denim. It also doesn't hurt that every item is less than $50.
How can I wear a summer dress in the fall?
Wearing a summer dress in the fall is surprisingly easy—just add a denim jacket and boots, and even your brightest summer dresses will look ready for a stroll through the pumpkin patch.
How can I create multiple outfits with fewer clothes?
You will be surprised at how many outfits you can create with a few staple pieces. Look for pieces that layer easily, such as denim jackets and cotton sweaters, neutral tones that don't feel overly seasonal, and separates that you can dress up or down.
The same philosophy applies to making multiple outfit options fit in your carry-on for your next trip. Zero in on clothing that can be mixed and matched for different activities and times of day. Stick to neutrals, with a few pops of color and prints thrown in, and let accessories do the talking.
Ariel Wodarcyk is a freelance beauty and wellness writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared in Cosmo, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Popsugar, and Makeup.com. Outside of work, you can find her hunting down signature scents for loved ones and scouring PerfumeTok.
