We're Selective Shoppers, and We Think These 7 Fall Items Are Worth Every Penny

Oh, hey. It's us, your favorite editors and shopping aficionados. Ready or not, we're coming at you with a fresh round of pieces we're personally recommending for your fall wardrobes. Thanks to the affordable items from the Who What Wear x Target line, you're about to see seven under-$40 pieces that we think are fail-safe buys. If these aren't useful investments for the season ahead, then we don't know what are.

As a refresher, we drop new pieces for our line at Target each month, and today, our editors are highlighting the cozy cardigans, luxe leather, and wide-collared tops from the September collection. Even though nothing rings up for more than $40, the cool looks our editors put together are making these affordable buys look far pricier. Ahead, see how we each wear our picks for both seasons and then shop our favorites if you're so inspired.

1. Strong-Shoulder Sweater

"Nothing says fall like monochromatic neutrals, and yes, this sweater is as cozy as it looks. On fall days that are chilly enough for it, I'd wear this with a long camel coat."

2. Leather Shirtdress

"This vegan-leather dress is chic with a capital C! It has pockets and a scrunch waistline should anything in your midsection fluctuate, and it looks especially expensive. My fall-ready self is feeling it with tall boots, but chunky sandals will also look great while it's still hot outside."

"If you've been searching for the perfect vegan-leather dress to wear as you return to the office, consider your search over! I love this Who What Wear x Target piece because it's literally the perfect dress for work. From the midi length to the modest collar to the ruched waist and the neutral camel color, this dress is the staple dress I didn't even know I needed. And I have a feeling it's going to be a fan favorite this fall."

"This leather-like dress is buttery soft. The color feels fresh as far as neutrals go, and since it's a tad too hot outside in L.A. for boots, I plan on wearing this dress with strappy heeled sandals until further notice. But once fall is in full swing, trust that I'll be wearing all my knee-high boots with this perfect midi dress."

3. Wide-Leg Corduroy Pants

"It may have been 80° when I wore this, but it's fall in my head with these corduroy pants. They're unbelievably soft, and I'm always down for pants that feel like pajamas but pass for something more put-together."

4. Collared Sweater

"Every fall, I find myself on the hunt for a cool sweater that can make any simple outfit look more on-trend. Well, it's barely September, and I think I've already landed on The One. This knit rivals my softest sweatshirts, and its wide collar is just so pretty."

5. Ruffle-Sleeve Top

"In terms of its appearance, I think this top speaks for itself, so let me tell you what you can't see. As someone who finds blouses to be particularly annoying and uncomfortable, wearing this top feels like you're in a tee. The bands at the cuffs keep the sleeves perfectly in place, and it tucks in—and stays in—so easily. You'll never want to take it off."

6. Denim Shirt

"Denim on denim always feels cool to me, but right now, it seems to be having a major moment. I especially love the idea of pairing jeans with a denim top to tap into the look. This button-down has puff sleeves, which puts a fun spin on a classic."

7. Shrunken Cardigan

"I'm no psychic, but if I had to predict something with 100% certainty, it's that I'm going to be wearing this sweater all fall and winter. A cardigan is a basic, essential piece that belongs in everyone's closet, but this one gets an upgrade with puff sleeves and cute buttons. It's so warm and cozy. I'll probably be wearing it the most with jeans and skirts, but it goes with just about any bottom."

More pieces that could easily become fall staples:

Next up: Fall Mode Activated: 5 Key Trends I'm Planning My Wardrobe Around