Rather than kicking it poolside or attending an end-of-summer barbecue, I like to spend Labor Day where I used to work: Lululemon. Because I’m no longer on the clock during the holiday weekend, I can now shop for the perfect capsule wardrobe—something I definitely need as a travel writer. This year, I’ll be visiting Poland and Paris, so I’m getting a head start on filling up my cart with the brand’s best travel pieces. And while I’ve been having fun filling up my shopping cart, it’s been time-consuming; the “We Made Too Much Section” is currently overflowing with more than 1,000 products starting at just $9.
To make your Labor Day shopping experience more efficient, I’m sharing my top 15 finds. While they range from high-rise pants to lightweight hoodies and must-have accessories, they all have a few things in common. First, each item can transition seamlessly from summer to fall. Second, everything can comfortably fit in the carry-on I’ll be living out of in Europe for 10 days. And third, they’re going to fly off the shelves fast—so if you see something you like on this list, I recommend scooping it up ASAP.
Best Deals Overall
Pace Crush Cross-back Graphic Long-sleeve Shirt
lululemon
Very few brands can make a long-sleeved shirt I’ll actually want to wear during the August heat. This UPF40+-rated top that blocks 97.5 percent of harmful UV rays is one of them. While this shirt offers enough coverage to deter mosquitos, it’s also highly breathable. The fabric is quick-drying, and the layered back panels have an angled opening that flows away from the body. “Light and airy” is how one shopper who wears long sleeves on tropical vacations describes it.
Wunder Train High-rise Tight
lululemon
Similarly, if I’m going to wear leggings in late summer, they better feel cool to the touch like the Wunder Train High-rise Tight. A best-seller with more than 5,500 five-star ratings, these bottoms come in more than a dozen colors, including a few warm shades like magenta and espresso that will serve me well in fall. These tights provide gentle, non-constrictive support, and if you’re worried about them riding down, don’t be: They have a hidden drawcord waistband, which even has a hidden pocket for a credit card or hotel key.
Nulu Slim-fit High-rise Skirt
lululemon
This super soft skirt is long enough that I can wear it in the Basilica of Sacré Cœur in Paris without getting a dress code infraction. That said, there’s a subtle back slit that liberates the legs a little and allows for a wider range of motion and promotes airflow. Considering it feels more like leggings than a restrictive pencil skirt, who knows? I may decide to climb up the 300 steps to the top of the dome in this piece.
UV-protective Cinch-waist Running Jacket
lululemon
If you’re looking for a lightweight jacket you can work out in—but also go to work in—look no further than this running jacket. With its cinchable waist, you can choose your own fit and change it up throughout the day, and the UPF 40+ rating means you don’t need to worry about getting sunburnt. Store your phone in the chest pocket and your keys and lip balm in the zippered hand pockets for convenience. One reviewer raved about its versatility across all four seasons, writing that it’s “perfect for late spring, summer, and early fall.”
Women’s Blissfeel 2 Running Shoe
lululemon
My home away from home in Poland is the AC Hotel Krakow. Even though it’s a 30-minute walk from the old town, I like it because of its proximity to Błonia Park where I can jog in the morning, and I plan on clocking thousands of steps during my trip this year. I know my Blissfeel 2 Running Shoes will keep me comfortable at any speed, whether I’m museum-hopping or pursuing a personal best. Still skeptical? Know that all of Lululemon’s shoes come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and just take it from this shopper who also sported the Blissfeel 2 on a trip to Europe: “We did about 20k steps/day and these shoes were amazing.”
Perfectly Oversized Fleece Crewneck Pullover
lululemon
What this fleece pullover lacks in pockets, it more than makes up for with its polished, versatile look. Choose from three different colors of nautical stripes that can go from beach to bistro. It also gets extra points for softness and a roomy, relaxed fit—come fall, I’m all about cozy, oversized pieces I can snuggle up in.
Scuba Full-zip Hoodie
lululemon
I got my first Scuba Full-zip Hoodie in 2009, and despite a minor stain, it’s still holding up. That said, I love it so much that I now own it in black, grey, and blue. I’m also eyeing the latest colorways, some of which feature faux gold elements that elevate the look. The hand pockets are large enough to fit a passport and a phone, the zipper pull doubles as a ponytail holder, and the ribbed side panels make it easy to move. In fact, many shoppers have shared that they love running in this hoodie! Personally, I always wear it on the plane; the hood is so big that I can pull it down to cover my eyes if I forget my favorite sleep mask.
SilkAppeal Side-slit Tank Top
lululemon
Tank top season may soon be behind us, but this luxe layer can be worn year-round under a cardigan, jean jacket, or blazer. Since the SilkAppeal Side-slit Tank Top is designed for yoga, you can also exercise in it confidently, knowing it’s equipped with quick-drying capabilities and four-way stretch. It’s made of a silk and modal mix, two natural fiber fabrics that are so soft on the skin, they’re used for sheets and pillowcases.
Hold Tight Long-sleeve Henley
lululemon
Henleys are my go-to layer in the late summer, since I can unbutton them during golden hour and button them up as soon as the sun sets. This particular version is especially nice because it has a delicate ribbing that adds a touch of texture. I’m also a fan of the two neutral colors it comes in, Espresso and Bone; both work well with any fall wardrobe. “Great cut, so soft, and washes well,” sums up one satisfied reviewer.
Softy Suedey Split-hem Mini-flare Pant
lululemon
These pants feature the best properties of suede: They’re soft, stylish, and expensive-looking. But unlike most suede fabrics, they’re machine-washable, stretchy, and equal parts sweat-wicking and warm, making them a great transitional piece for fall. The subtly flared hems, complete with a back slit, make them pair well with everything from wedges to Chelsea boots. Did I mention there’s a drop-in pocket in the waistband?
Dance Studio Mid-rise Cropped Pant
lululemon
Lululemon’s Dance Studio Pant has been a top-seller since it debuted years ago, long before the balletcore trend was even a thing. This cropped version features a cinchable hem, so you can wear it even shorter, and boasts more than 1,100 five-star ratings. One five-star reviewer wrote that they “fit like they’ve been tailored,” adding that they’re “very stylish and can transition easily from workouts and hikes to coffee and brunch.”
Packable Lightweight Hiking Pant
lululemon
I own a lot of amazing hiking pants, but in terms of packability, none can compete with this pair that folds down to fit into one of its zippered leg pockets. Designers also added a built-in, adjustable belt and a locker loop, which makes hand-drying them in a hotel room even easier. Available in fall-friendly colors like army green, black, and oak, they’re also water-repellent and abrasion-resistant to withstand the elements.
Softstreme Bomber Jacket
lululemon
Bomber jackets will never go out of style, and this Lululemon Softstreme Bomber Jacket has a slightly cropped length that allows it to pair well with high-rise jeans and leggings. I also appreciate the hidden card sleeve in one of the hand pockets and the contrasting collar and hem. Fabric-wise, expect four-way stretch and a flowy drape, which makes this jacket much more travel-friendly than its stiff, heavy predecessors.
Back to Life Sport Bottle
lululemon
It’s important to stay hydrated while traveling, even when the temperatures start to cool and you begin to feel less thirsty than you did during the summer months. I find I’m more apt to drink liquids if they’re in a quality bottle like this one, which features a few premium bells and whistles. The powder coating ensures my sweaty hands can still get a good grip, the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps my drink chilled, and the loop on the lid makes it easy to clip it onto a bag or loop it onto a finger or two. But don’t just take it from me: The Back to Life Sport Bottle has more than 700 five-star ratings from happy shoppers. “I’m a water bottle snob and this one passes,” wrote one reviewer, noting that it “fits cupholders, [is] airtight, keeps water cold, [and is] easy to carry—it does it all.”
Everywhere Belt Bag Nano Knit Mesh
lululemon
If you’re like me and already love your Everywhere Belt Bag, you’ll be obsessed with this mini version. This Nano Knit Mesh version is about the size of a deck of cards, making it ideal for smaller essentials like lip gloss, keys, and AirPods. The zippered main compartment has an interior organizational pocket, and the elastic strap is adjustable, so you can wear it around your wrist or arm. Or, you can attach it to another bag’s strap; plus, it has a D-ring for keychains or a carabiner, but many shoppers use this to clip it to their tumblers (genius!).
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