The Most Stylish Buys from Target Right Now
I like to update this article about the most stylish buys from Target periodically. And right now Target has some really great fashion warranting an update for late summer/early fall style.
Target is one of my favorite places for budget-friendly fashion for grown women because they translate current trends well. I also find Target's quality more consistent than many other big box and discount retailers. While much of Target's apparel skews Junior (AKA a bit straighter in cut), I found a lot of great pieces that would be perfect for us grown women.
Of course, any grown woman can wear whatever the heck she likes. I have chosen pieces I think are on trend but won't be passé in a season, styles that will work on softer frames and will mix and match with one's existing closet. Going through reviews, I chose pieces that get positive ratings for fit and quality because whether a top costs $5 or $500, it's too expensive if you can't get a lot of joyful wear out of it.
The Most Stylish Buys from Target Right Now
I don't believe in the look for less, but I do believe you can find cool, on-trend style at almost any retailer. These pieces available at Target are highly rated and high on style. They are not flash-in-the-pan looks; they can elevate wardrobe basics and be worn far beyond this season. I found many pieces I want in my closet and will be doing a purchase and reporting back.
Below, I share not only my picks of the most stylish buys from Target right now but also why I think they're worth your time and money (and some styling tips too!).
Modern Minimalism
We got really basic over Lockdown, then went OTT with the color and shoulder pads and statements, then got Coastal Chic, and if you're just wanting a slower pace of fashion, Modern Minimalism is for you. Classic pieces mixed with some interesting architecture that isn't trend- or season-specific to add interest without a ton of color or fanfare.
skirt | dangle earrings | hoop earrings | black dress | ivory top and matching pants | cable sweater | peplum top | bow top | sling bag
I love Target for that little something that elevates basics without being expensive or trying to be a “dupe.” The white tops come in other colors, as does the cableknit sweater and pretty much everything else. The ivory top and pants I included because my sister owns the pants and they're truly fabulous alone or as a matched set (a trend continuing to be popular through the rest of the year).
Style Tips:
- The skirt now with a simple striped tee and sandals or sneakers. As the temps drop, add an oversized denim jacket or a classic leather moto jacket (brown, black, or any color). As it gets colder, switch the sneakers for boots and the tee for the cable sweater or another sweater that has a slightly shorter length or can be tucked in. Consider adding a wide or wrap-style belt.
- The black dress can be styled similarly; it is a style that will work well with a sweater over it (use a Beltaway to fake a tuck like I did in this video). Switch up the look with a wide belt or tying a white or denim/chambray shirt over it and roll up the sleeves.
- The ivory pants can head into fall by pairing with a similarly colored sweater (possibly the cable in this collage) and loafers or flats, or a black or gray tank and a casual jacket in olive, gray, black, or denim.
- The white bow top and the peplum top will both look great with wide-leg jeans; try styles in a softer denim if you feel clownish in stiff denim wide legs. These tops will also look good with straight jeans, baby bootcuts, and suiting trousers. Right now wear them with your linen pants.
- If your belt bag as a crossbody feels tired or too athletic for your aesthetic, try a sling bag. This is a great entry piece and from here you can decide if you wish to invest in higher quality or upgrade to a more athletic/functional sling.
- Gold earrings jazz up any look. These hoops and these dangle earrings are modern but not so trendy you can't wear them in a year or two. Keep stored in a Ziploc bag with one of those silica packets from a bag or shoe purchase so they don't tarnish between wears.
Updated Athleisure
Athleisure has been a fashion trend for many years now, but this year it feels a bit more militaristic. A lot of olive and black, though paired with bright colors like chartreuse and pink. Parachute pants, crescent bags, backpacks, bombers and jackets with pockets… it's functional and street style and very easy to update your existing athleisure or fitness wardrobe with one or two pieces to keep it fresh.
backpack | tote | clear bag | crescent bag | active skort dress | jumpsuit | jacket | backless cap
Style Tips:
- Olive is a hot neutral this season and it's a great way to update your fitness gear. Love brights? Fan of pastels? Have a lot of black or neutrals? Try adding an olive jacket or even an updated bag for all your gym gear.
- Olive is a great travel color as it works as a neutral but is more eye-catching than black or beige. This crescent bag is a great travel bag and everyday bag. This jumpsuit can be worn up with gold heels and hoops, get chic with a leather belt and a beaded necklace, or dress down with sneakers and a leather jacket. The zipper makes it easy on and off.
- You will see a lot of athletic- and military-inspired pants this fall and it's hard to know how to style them beyond a tank or graphic tee. Add this simple zip-up jacket, which is also great for morning walks and covering up for a post-gym coffee run.
- Heading to concerts or games this fall? This little clear crossbody has several options of straps to match your team, or you can easily unclip and add your own strap! You can also remove the strap and use the bag for your liquids for your next flight!
Cocktail Hour
I never thought of Target as a place to get cocktail dresses and occasion pieces, but this is a store that always surprises me. I saw it earlier this year with dresses that would work for school dances, but they've upped the sophistication for us grown folk to wear to weddings, cocktail parties, and gala events.
blue dress | black one-shoulder dress | vest and matching pants | floral top and matching skirt | blazer and matching pants | black halter dress | bag | earrings
Style Tips:
- Less is more. No need to jazz up a black suit or dress with earrings and bracelet and necklace and bag… only one statement piece or pop of color will look the most sophisticated this season. I am big on having an interesting bag and then simple everything else so it all works with all your dressier looks in your closet. This bag is cute and trendy but not so pricey you'll hate donating it once the trend is over.
- Again, architecture is a great way to elevate a look. One-shouldered looks like this dress, bubble skirts, and elongated jackets like this blazer add interest without needing a lot of styling.
- The slip dress has graduated to having sleeves, collars, and details. This one-shouldered satin dress is beautiful and comes in other colors; I also love the chic simplicity of this halter dress with the slip-style bias cut.
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Great post! I find Target sweaters to pill and not wash well. They’re usually cut way too large under the arms and too boxy. I shorter woman (but not overly thin) woman like myself gets lost in a garment like this/looks bigger and wider than I already am. There is a similar sweater at Old Navy that fits great, but not sure how it will wash. Anyone have experience with Old Navy sweaters? Please comment!
I really like the bubble top and skirt but baring my sizeable tummy at age 61? Probably not. And skirt is sold out in large, though I might make a medium work with elastic waist . . .at that price, may go for it and see how it works. Do people ever wear a tank under a crop to avoid the bare tummy?
High waist bottom and a crop top, so that I’m baring a hint of my midsection.
-J.
age 54, sz 10
On my computer it says “howl.me” doesn’t provide a secure connection, so I can’t see the items. Is there something I or you should do?
Howl is the affiliate program I use. Is this on all links in this post or just a few? Can you provide your browser (Safari, Chrome, etc), if you’re on desktop or mobile device? I’ll research
I can see the pictures in the post – Modern Art, Hearts Aflame, etc. When I click on the highlighted text then I can’t go to the link
Example from above (apologies if my HTML coding is off):
“I am an advocate of pantsuits for women. There is more variety for shoes and underpinnings, no need for chafe protection, a variety of silhouettes/levels of loose and tightness, and hello pockets! This pale blue satin blazer (XS-4X) and matching trousers (0-26) …”
You may have an ad blocker on? I don’t really know without knowing your browser, what device you’re working on. From my analytics I can see the links are working for others, so it could be an ad blocker you have on your device, it could be what country you are in, or it may be a browser incompatibility issue which I could possibly fix. Does this happen on other blog posts or just this one? If it’s just this one it may be an issue with the affiliate program for Target or Target itself. Thank you!
It is my ad-blocker. I am using Chrome. I have to tinker with the settings, because some ads come through??!!
Thank you for all your help.
my pleasure!
Ordered the pink and red sweater as soon as I read this article! I’ll have fun with those happy colors all year.
I hope you love it!
Thanks for this roundup, Alison. I hope you get a few pennies from my purchase of the incredible straw clutch. Love!
The “black basics” set of items just call to me — aside from the odd 1-2 color items (forest green, moss green, burgundy, navy), I’m just a black-color wearer at heart. Like these pics of Parisian street style in black captured by Joanna Goddard really pulled me.
Thanks for the call-outs, Alison!
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/style/millennial-style-gen-z-trends.html
Ugh. The very opposite of what I want to see in fashion reporting is in yesterday’s NYT.
Sorry, Alison, I can’t even offer a positive alternative or response to this except to say we grown ass women need to ignore directives like that and continue to wear what we like.
thank you for sharing this with me, Gelinda!
This was perfect timing. I been eyeing the pink sequin shirt and handbag strap. I added a couple of other items as well as Christmas pajama pants as well. Then hit the red button! Can’t wait to get these next week.
Maybe it’s just the climate I live in, but I don’t understand making summer clothes in polyester. (Some items in the post are polyester.) It doesn’t breathe well, putting you in a sweater polyester prison, and tends to hold on to the smell of sweat/B.O. I live in a very hot and humid climate and I stick to natural fibers – cotton, linen, silk, and viscose/rayon – which vent heat and moisture more effectively.
What a great post! Target is just the best & I appreciate your showing us some good options. For the last day of my winter break, I went to my local Target, grabbed a chai latte from the Starbucks inside, & spent a blissful hour going through the store. Found a super cute striped t-shirt from A New Day for $12! And it’s so good—soft, fits well, looks good with other things in my closet, & comfortable. Now I’ll hop online & check out your pics.
Alison, I have a request too, in case you’re thinking about future posts. You showed us a pic of you in the pleated skirt from Ann Taylor. I bought myself a black pleated skirt (even though it’s kind of out of my comfort zone) & I really like it! So thanks for the idea. Any chance you’d give some suggestions for tops & shoes to wear with a pleated skirt once the weather warms up? I really do not have many chances to dress up these days, so I’m hoping to use that skirt in multiple seasons. Thanks!
This is perfect for me. Thank you!
Great price points for these items, except for the jeans. Is it possible to identify who exactly decided that floodwater jeans are fun, fashionable, or flattering? I’d love to see them interviewed to understand their thought process.
If you look at the customer photos for the longer pair, you’ll see they aren’t floodwaters on average height women. The other pair is a traditional ankle length, which I know many love for its versatility.
I happen to like ankle-length jeans. First, many actually are a bit longer on me because I’m only 5’5.” In the winter, I can wear them with boots, and in the summer, with flats. And I have nice ankles, so I think they’re flattering. I still see plenty of jeans with inseams of 32 inches or longer. It’s nice not to have to hem everything.
I can totally understand liking them when they don’t fit like an ankle pant, or wearing them in warmer months with sandals. They usually fit me like a slightly longer capri pant. That’s fine in the summer.
I find them super impractical in the winter because it requires thick socks with booties (most of my booties fit best with a dress sock). I should be clearer … I want to understand why so many pants in so many stores have made this leap. I used to be able to find 34″ inseams easy peasy, they don’t exist now (even on special order). It’s like the fashion industry just decided that taller women don’t get to wear full length pants suddenly. I’m not even 5’8″, I’m a “short” tall person.
I understand not wanting to hem things but it does leave a lot of tallish women out in the cold (literally… ankle pants + booties still means frigid ankles).
I’m with the chic engineer on this one. I think it’s a cost-cutting move driving the so-called fashion trend. Same with Eileen Fisher’s bracelet-length sleeves. Sure, the length fits everyone, but for tall or tallish women, it makes us look like we couldn’t fit clothing that fit.
Word. I’m 6′ and not having real length options (tall maxing out at 32″ or even 30″!) is my arch nemesis.
But average size women ( 5’4” in the US) also should have jeans options that don’t drag and puddle on the floor. There are lots of lengths out there. Sometimes I am disappointed when a style I like has an absurdly (to me) long inseam, but I just try to keep it moving. If a merchant or brand doesn’t fit my body, that’s ok and I spend my $$$ elsewhere or save them for another time.
I can’t abide cropped pants in the winter, either….your ankles get cold. And I’m not even especially tall – 5’6″.