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    1. Fashion

    All of My Summer-To-Fall Outfits Rely on These Under-$100 Basics From Nordstrom

    Elevated tops, denim, sweaters, and more to make transitional dressing easy as can be.

    Brooke Knappenberger#039;s avatar
    By Brooke Knappenberger
    Published 8 August 2025 In News

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    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)
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    Now that we're in a new month, I've set aside summer trends in favor of new-season finds. However, it hasn't been easy to come up with summer-to-fall outfits while the temperature outside is still scorching hot. That's why I'm building up my capsule wardrobe with elevated, yet affordable, transitional basics.

    As a true minimalist, my style revolves around the utmost essentials. Think: T-shirts, tank tops, and staple denim. But as we approach cooler weather, my basics collection could use a fall-ready upgrade. The one retailer I can count on to have everything on my shopping list (without breaking my budget!) is Nordstrom. There, I'm shopping for polished staples from lightweight sweaters to Levi's jeans so I can style fall outfits with ease.

    There's no better time to prep your fall wardrobe than here and now for all of the best Nordstrom basics that will seamlessly take your wardrobe from summer to fall, keep scrolling. Rest assured, every pick on this list is budget-friendly with a price tag of $100 and under.

    Nordstrom, Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt

    Nordstrom
    Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt
    $35
    SHOP NOW

    I consider this to be the perfect white T-shirt.

    Sam High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

    Wit Wisdom
    Sam High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
    $88
    SHOP NOW

    I'll always turn to dark wash wide-leg jeans like these when I want a more elevated look.

    Relaxed Lightweight Sweater

    EDIKTED
    Relaxed Lightweight Sweater
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    This sweater would be easy to throw on the second you feel a chill.

    Ruched Mock Neck Tank

    Open Edit
    Ruched Mock Neck Tank
    $40
    SHOP NOW

    This pick is so much more elevated than your average white tank top.

    ASTR the Label, Bermuda Shorts

    ASTR the Label
    Bermuda Shorts
    $69
    SHOP NOW

    Bermuda shorts aren't going anywhere for fall.

    Open Edit, Boat Neck Sleeveless Top

    Open Edit
    Boat Neck Sleeveless Top
    $30
    SHOP NOW

    With its elevated neckline, this top will make a world of difference in your transitional outfits.

    The Curator Trousers

    Open Edit
    The Curator Trousers
    $100
    SHOP NOW

    These trousers work just as easily for the office as they do for the weekend.

    Oversize Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt

    Topshop
    Oversize Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt
    $65
    SHOP NOW

    I'll never get tired of button-down shirts, especially when they're in trendy shades like this chocolate brown style.

    Crewneck Long Sleeve T-Shirt

    Caslon
    Crewneck Long Sleeve T-Shirt
    $40
    SHOP NOW

    Caslon's T-shirts are top-notch quality, so stock up before cooler weather arrives.

    Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

    Nordstrom
    Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt
    $40
    SHOP NOW

    If you prefer more of a relaxed fit for your T-shirts, this pick will be right up your alley.

    Free People, Most Wanted Short Sleeve Cotton Blend Cardigan

    Free People
    Most Wanted Short Sleeve Cotton Blend Cardigan
    $38
    SHOP NOW

    How adorable is this top?

    Ribcage High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

    Levi's®
    Ribcage High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
    $98
    SHOP NOW

    Levi's cracked the code on the perfect jeans with this pair.

    #039;90s Denim Trucker Jacket

    Levi's®
    '90s Denim Trucker Jacket
    $98
    SHOP NOW

    Denim jackets are the quintessential summer-to-fall layer.

    Women#039;s Cotton Crew Neck Sweater

    Cotton On
    Women's Cotton Crew Neck Sweater
    $40
    SHOP NOW

    You sweater collection isn't complete without a cable-knit style.

    Ella Skirt

    By Tess Collection
    Ella Skirt
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    A slip skirt is a must-have in any minimalist's capsule wardrobe.

    NAADAM, The Original Cashmere Sweater

    NAADAM
    The Original Cashmere Sweater
    $98
    SHOP NOW

    Cashmere for under $100 is a steal in my book.

    Cotton Crewneck Cardigan

    Madewell
    Cotton Crewneck Cardigan
    $88
    SHOP NOW

    A cotton sweater bridges the gap from lightweight summer tops to chunkier winter options.

    Tiered Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt

    Nordstrom
    Tiered Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt
    $100
    SHOP NOW

    White skirts may have been trending this summer, but you can still make them work for fall with jackets and sweaters.

    V-Neck Sweater

    MANGO
    V-Neck Sweater
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    All of the best layered outfits start with a V-neck sweater.

    Short Sleeve Sweater

    MANGO
    Short Sleeve Sweater
    $46
    SHOP NOW

    If you're looking to elevate your basic white T-shirt rotation, throw this knitted version into the mix.

    Madewell, Drapey Rib Polo

    Madewell
    Drapey Rib Polo
    $58
    SHOP NOW

    Polos never fail to instantly elevate your look.

    Front Slit Mid Rise Maxi Skirt

    Grey Lab
    Front Slit Mid Rise Maxi Skirt
    $95
    SHOP NOW

    Your workwear wardrobe needs this pencil skirt.

    Taxi Trench Coat

    MANGO
    Taxi Trench Coat (Was $150)
    $67
    SHOP NOW

    You won't make it too far into fall without having a trusted trench coat in your outerwear collection.

    Button-Up Shirt

    Nordstrom
    Button-Up Shirt (Was $100)
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    Whenever I don't know what to wear, a button-down shirt never fails to look put-together.

    501amp;reg; #039;90s Straight Leg Ankle Jeans

    Levi's
    501® '90s Straight Leg Ankle Jeans
    $98
    SHOP NOW

    These straight jeans will remain a wardrobe classic, plus they offer a chance to show off a cute pair of trendy fall shoes.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Nordstrom
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Social Links Navigation
    Former Associate Commerce Editor

    Brooke Knappenberger is the former Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specialized in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversaw holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

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