Gap Factory has some good options for early fall right now, especially if you’re looking for basics without spending a lot. I found 100% cotton sweaters, classic jeans in several cuts and inseams, and an easy dress you can wear now with sandals and later with a jacket.
The size range is useful, too, with petite, regular, and tall available in many styles. As always, I checked the fabric content rather than assuming every color of a style was made the same way. Here are the pieces I’d consider.
Oversized Crewneck Sweater
This is the kind of cotton sweater that makes sense for September. It has an oversized fit, dropped shoulders, and a longer length that hits below the hip. I’d wear it with straight jeans and loafers now, then layer it under a coat when it gets colder. The relaxed shape is part of the appeal, but keep that in mind if you prefer a neater fit.
Fabric: 100% cotton
Care: Machine washable
Sizes: XS–XXL
Colors: Solids and stripes
Buy: Oversized Crewneck Sweater, $41.99
Modern Ribbed Boatneck T-Shirt
This is a good top for the weeks when it still feels too warm for a sweater. The boatneck makes it a little more interesting than a basic long-sleeve tee, and the fitted, hip-length shape will sit neatly under a jacket without bunching up. I especially like the red with dark jeans, or good old black, though the navy and khaki stripe would work with just about anything.
Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% modal
Care: Machine washable
Fit: Fitted; hits at the hip
Sizes: XS–XXL
Colors: Navy Khaki Stripe, Olive Green Stripe, New Off White, Radish Red, Black, and Plymouth Rock
Buy: Modern Ribbed Boatneck T-Shirt, $20.99
CashSoft Relaxed Sweater Polo Shirt
I don’t like most of the rugby-inspired tops I’m seeing right now, but the gray stripe and relaxed fit on this one caught my eye. The colors are easy to wear, and the sweater knit softens the sporty feel of the collar and buttons. I’d wear it with jeans and keep the rest simple. Just know that despite the CashSoft name, it isn’t cashmere.
Fabric: 53% cotton, 47% nylon
Care: Machine washable
Fit: Straight, relaxed; hits at the hip
Sizes: XXS–XXL
Colors: Forest Moss Green, Modern Red, Navy Uniform, and Gray Stripes
Buy: CashSoft Relaxed Sweater Polo Shirt, $41.99
Relaxed Crewneck Sweater
If you can’t wear wool and want a simple, affordable sweater, this is a good one to consider. It’s 100% cotton, with a classic crewneck and a straight, relaxed fit that hits at the hip. I’d wear it with jeans throughout fall. The dropped shoulders give it some ease without the extra length of an oversized sweater.
Fabric: 100% cotton
Care: Machine washable
Fit: Straight and relaxed; hits at the hip
Sizes: XS–XXL; availability varies by color
Colors: Brown White Stripe, Burgundy Stripe, Deep True Navy Blue, and Sail Blue
Buy: Relaxed Stripe Crewneck Sweater, $41.99
Modern Ribbed Sleeveless Mockneck Midi Dress
I know a lot of women would head straight to Amazon for an easy, affordable dress like this, but it’s worth checking Gap Factory first. At $47.99, this one has a cotton-rich fabric with some stretch, plus ruching at the sides that gives the straight shape a little definition. It’s sleeveless, so you can wear it now and add a jacket as the weather cools. It travels well, taking up little space and can be dressed up or down with the right shoes and accessories.
Fabric: 58% cotton, 39% polyester, 3% spandex
Care: Machine washable
Fit: Straight, easy fit; hits below the knee
Sizes: XS–XXL; regular, petite, and tall
Colors: Dark Grey, Leopard, and Tuscan Red
Buy: Modern Ribbed Sleeveless Mockneck Midi Dress, $47.99
Mid Rise Classic Straight Jeans
These are a good, affordable everyday jean if you want a straight leg that isn’t too wide. They’re slim through the hips and thighs, with a mid rise and a little stretch. I’d start with the dark wash for fall; it’ll work with everything from a cotton sweater to a blazer. They also come in short, regular, and long inseams, which makes the $29.99 price even better.
Fabric: 80% cotton, 13% recycled polyester, 5% recycled cotton, 2% elastane
Care: Machine washable
Fit: Mid rise; slim through the hips and thighs with a straight leg
Sizes: 24–35
Inseams: Short 28″, Regular 30″, Long 32″
Colors: Medium Wash, Black, Dark Wash, and Light Wash
Buy: Mid Rise Classic Straight Jeans, $29.99
High Rise ’90s Slim Straight Jeans
These remind me of the Jen jeans from Favorite Daughter: a higher rise, a slim fit through the hips and thighs, and a straight leg that doesn’t get too wide. If you like that shape but want to spend less, these are worth a look. The light wash shown here is casual, but I’d choose one of the darker washes for fall. They’re mostly cotton with a little stretch, and they come in three inseams.
Fabric: 93% cotton, 5% recycled cotton, 2% elastane
Care: Machine washable
Fit: High rise; slim through the hips and thighs with a straight leg
Sizes: 24–35
Inseams: Short 28″, Regular 31″, Long 33″
Colors: Multiple washes and colors
Buy: High Rise ’90s Slim Straight Jeans, $47.99
Print Vegan-Leather Belt
A leopard belt is an easy way to add a little pattern without committing to a leopard coat or pair of shoes. I’d wear this with dark jeans and a simple cotton sweater, or use it to break up an all-black outfit. It’s faux leather rather than leather, which makes sense at this price, and the buckle is adjustable.
Material: Polyester base with nylon flocking; faux leather
Care: Wipe clean
Sizes: XS–XL
Color: Leopard
Buy: Print Vegan-Leather Belt, $20.99
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