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It’s tempting to make a virtual beeline to the “We Made Too Much” or “What’s New” sections when you visit Lululemon’s website. But as a former Lululemon employee, I’m telling you that you’re seriously missing out if you sleep on the more secret storefronts. Right now, I’m shopping the Fall Clothes section, which features clothing and accessories from both the “We Made Too Much” and “What’s New” sections (as well as many best-sellers that don’t fall under either bucket).
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If you don’t have time to click on all of the 400+ fall-friendly items, don’t stress. I did it for you. Even though I traded my job as a Lululemon store educator for a career as a travel writer, I still scroll through the site like I have a generous employee discount and unlimited disposable income. That said, I love to stick to a budget, too. Below are my top 15 finds, all $100 or less and worthy of wardrobe-staple status through the holidays. And much like each piece is ideal for a transitional season, it’s also perfect for traveling from one destination to another.
Best Deals Overall
Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant
lululemon
Cropped pants will also always have a place in my fall wardrobe, especially if they’re as practical as these. The Softstreme Cropped Pant is made of the brand’s Softstreme fabric. This pair feels couch-friendly, despite being business casual-ready, thanks to its weighty drape and trouser-like look. The internal drawcord waist means I don’t have to pack a belt, and the hidden sleeve in one of the hand pockets is big enough for a credit card or key. Judging by the rave reviews, it’s hard to own this pant in just one color, so budget accordingly.
Scuba Oversized Funnel-neck Half-zip
lululemon
I’m also excited about this super-soft sweatshirt with the same funnel neck that designers like Stella McCartney, Chloé, and Victoria Beckham are highlighting in their latest collections. An oversized half-zip, it’s a great transitional piece that looks just as good layered over a tank as it does layered over a turtleneck. As with the Scuba Hoodie, the sleeves have thumbholes, the kangaroo pocket has a hidden phone sleeve, and the zipper pull can be used as a hair tie. The Scuba Oversized Funnel-neck Half-zip has nearly 3,500 five-star ratings. “So comfortable it feels like you’re wearing a hug!” wrote one of the many shoppers who wear it on long travel days.
Groove Nulu Foldover-waist Flared Pant
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My first Lululemon Groove pants had bright, contrasting-colored and patterned foldover waistbands that screamed 2011 louder than Adele, whose hit, “Rolling in the Deep,” topped the charts that year. The latest iteration of the Groove still has the flare and foldover waist, but it features a wider waistband in a solid color that makes it more compatible with different tops. I love the Goodnight Plum color for fall because it reminds me of mulled wine, which, in my humble opinion, is way better than a pumpkin spice latte.
Back In Action Organic Cotton Long-sleeve Shirt
lululemon
I’m not sure why Lululemon calls this long-sleeve shirt the “Back in Action” shirt, because it looks like it would work well for all four seasons. My sensitive skin loves that it’s made of soft, organic pima cotton that wasn’t treated with toxins. And I appreciate the six percent Lycra Elastane, which lends itself to four-way stretch status. Finally, the scooped back hem makes it easy to pair this relaxed-fit layer with my favorite fall leggings.
Dance Studio Mid-rise Full-length Jogger
lululemon
You don’t have to know the difference between the two-step and the tango to get your money’s worth from these best-selling bottoms with more than 4,700 five-star ratings. Despite the Dance Studio Jogger’s name, I think it checks all the travel pant boxes—and then some. Think plenty of pockets, a drawcord waistband, and an ultra-lightweight fabric that doesn’t wrinkle. Choose from 19 different colors and three lengths.
Hood-lite Relaxed-fit Jacket
lululemon
The Hood-lite Relaxed-fit Jacket didn’t have me at hello; it had me at “packs down into its own pocket.” It’s made of wind-resistant recycled nylon that repels water and is so lightweight, I swear a pair of socks is heavier. “Easy to wear if the weather is iffy,” wrote one shopper, while another praises its versatility: “The cut is flattering whether you’re putting the shoes to the street, going to and from the studio, or hitting up brunch with the girlies.” Did I mention the hem is cinchable and the handpockets can be accessed via the zippers on the sides or the snap closures on top?
Nulu Slim-fit High-rise Maxi Skirt
lululemon
My summer dresses aren’t even in storage before I pull out my Nulu Maxi Skirt, a staple in my fall wardrobe for many reasons. For starters, it’s made of Lululemon’s “buttery-soft” Nulu fabric that looks and feels luxurious despite its simplicity, which makes it easy to wear with everything from structured blouses to slouchy sweaters. Despite its body-hugging fit, this skirt has four-way stretch and a back slit that allows for a comfortable range of motion. And I love how the seams on the ultra-wide, high-rise waistband (which has a hidden stash pocket) draw attention to the narrowest part of my torso.
Love Crewneck T-shirt
lululemon
It’s amazing how much difference a quality T-shirt makes. Not long after I started investing in Lululemon’s aptly-named Love Crewnecks (because you’ll love them so much), I realized the previous shirts I was purchasing were practically disposable. Yes, this one isn’t cheap, but it’s made of a more sustainable organic cotton that’s naturally breathable and offers four-way stretch. It also lasts a lot longer thanks to the shape retention provided by the hint of Lycra. Layer it under a blazer for a polished look or throw it all the way back to the ‘90s and wear it over a waffle-knit long-sleeve.
Hold Tight Long-sleeve Henley
lululemon
This top is proof that Henleys can be as feminine and flattering as they are functional. It’s made of a premium Lenzing modal, a natural wood-based material that’s silkier than cotton, lighter than wool, and breathable enough to work out in. That said, between its ribbed texture and contour fit, the Hold Tight Long-sleeve Henley looks just as at home in the office as it does at the gym.
“Great for being active, dressing up for work, or even casual wear. I bought it in several colors and would buy more if more colors came out,” reads one five-star review titled “Worth Every Penny.” Note: if you’re on a budget, it’s also available starting at just $49 in other colors (although sizes are limited).
It’s Rulu Ribbed Cropped Half-zip
lululemon
Sporty shoppers rave about how well this updated version of Lululemon’s beloved It’s Rulu Half-zip performs while hiking, running, skiing, and doing yoga and pilates. It’s quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and features four-way stretch. Of course, with its slim fit and delicately ribbed texture, it’s easy to dress up. Sleeves stay in place thanks to the foldable “Cuffins” with thumbholes, and credit cards and keys are kept safe in the zippered side pocket. The slightly cropped fit makes pairing it with high-rise jeans or leggings a no-brainer.
Softstreme High-rise Mini Skirt
lululemon
You may not be able to wear white after Labor Day, but you can definitely rock a mini skirt as long as it’s as smart and sleek as this cute creation made of Lululemon’s signature Softstreme material. In addition to being “peach-fuzz soft,” the fabric has four-way stretch and is machine-washable. While the waistband doesn’t have any pockets, I like that it’s internal for an ultra-streamlined look. Show a little extra leg via the asymmetrical side slit, and pair it with sneakers for a laidback lunch, or tights and boots for a more formal occasion.
Scuba Cinch-waist Mini Dress
lululemon
The Scuba Hoodie has had a special place in my heart and closet for nearly two decades, so I’m curious about the dress version. Like the OG, it has a spacious kangaroo pocket that even boasts a hidden pocket big enough to stash your phone in. The sleeves also have thumbholes, and the cinchable drawcord waist makes it easy to create your desired silhouette. I can definitely see myself sporting it at tailgate parties and on days when I want to be equal parts comfy and cute.
Everywhere 22L Backpack
lululemon
Fall doesn’t mean back-to-school for me, but it is when I start carrying a backpack more often to carry an outer layer on chilly days. With more than 750 five-star ratings, the Everywhere Backpack has all the usual suspects as far as bells and whistles go. Think an interior laptop pocket, adjustable padded straps, a zippered front pocket, and easy-access side pockets, ideally for a thermos and umbrella. But unlike other backpacks, it’s made of an ultra-durable water-repellant polyester that is as pretty as it is practical. “My husband bought this for my birthday and it’s my go-to bag for flights,” wrote one shopper who finds it roomy enough to fit a weekend’s worth of stuff for a girls’ trip.
Daily Multi-pocket 20L Canvas Tote Bag
lululemon
Regardless of what’s on your shopping list, no trip to the farmer’s market or flea market is complete without this spacious 20-liter bag made of a water-repellent canvas and cotton blend. That said, I can also see myself using it as a personal item on the plane. The exterior drop-in pockets allow for easy access to my water bottle and reading material, while the interior pockets are ideal for smaller valuables like my AirPods and medication. I also like the collegiate theme–a throwback to my younger days when I didn’t blink at the prospect of taking a red-eye flight on a discount airline.
Alpaca Wool-blend Beanie
lululemon
This cozy beanie looks so dangerously soft, I can imagine praying for colder weather just for the chance to wear it. It’s made of a fabric blend starring Alpaca, a naturally odor-resistant and thermoregulating wool that repels moisture and feels as cozy as cashmere. The contrasting cuff and ribbed texture elevate this hat from simple to sophisticated. My only complaint is that I wish it came in more colorways.
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