When did Walmart’s clothes get this good? An editor shares her favorite under-$100 pieces

Walmart has been making its way onto my timeline a lot lately for its fashion offerings, so I decided to see if the clothes actually live up to the hype. To give some context, I’m 24 years old and a recent grad paying New York City rent. Most, if not all, of my clothes are from Depop, Poshmark, or eBay. I occasionally buy newly made clothes, but I never saw Walmart as a fashion destination that I would consider for my fall wardrobe. To my surprise, the retailer has a large fashion portfolio, including exclusive brands like Scoop, Free Assembly, Scenario, Joyspun, Avia and Athletic Works, along with collaborations and collections from brands like Madden NYC, Levi’s, Hanes and Reebok. I’m someone who genuinely loves shopping for clothes, but I’m also always looking for pieces that feel stylish and well-made but don’t cost a small fortune. So, when I went to a Walmart Supercenter and spent hours browsing the racks and trying things on I was pleasantly surprised. I found workwear I could easily incorporate into my office wardrobe, jackets that reminded me of pieces I’ve seen at much more expensive retailers, comfortable shoes, everyday bags and plenty of basics. Most importantly, these weren’t pieces I liked for the price. Many of them were clothes and accessories I would genuinely wear regardless of where they came from and they were affordable. Below are my favorite Walmart fashion finds from my shopping trip, including pieces I bought or would go back for. Every piece costs less than $100. Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best clothing from Walmart From a genuine suede jacket to $27 sneakers, these are the exclusive Walmart fashion finds that impressed me most after trying them in person. Best tops This was one of my favorite workwear finds. The lightweight fabric feels relaxed rather than stiff, and the tie detail gives you multiple ways to style it: I especially liked that I could tie it in the front or back depending on the look I wanted. I’m 5-foot-5 and typically wear a medium, but I comfortably fit a size a small, so you may want to consider sizing down depending on your preferred fit. It reminds me of blouses I own from J.Crew and Banana Republic (where I am a loyal credit card holder, respectively), but at a much lower price. My size wasn’t available in store, but this blouse immediately stood out as a business-casual staple. It has an intentionally flowy, oversized silhouette with voluminous bishop sleeves, and the cotton fabric makes it a practical layering piece as temperatures change. I’d pair it with fitted or tailored pants to balance the volume on top, but it would work equally well with jeans or a midi skirt. The first thing I noticed about this top was how soft it felt. It has a relaxed, oversized shape, drop shoulders and a three-button Henley neckline, making it something I could easily wear around the house as loungewear and then keep on to run errands. The fabric is lightweight, breathable and slightly stretchy, while the cuffed sleeves and curved hem make it look more put-together than your average pajama top. It would be the ideal top for traveling — though I once swore I would never show up to the airport in pjs. Best sweaters and jackets This was probably my favorite find of the entire trip. Although Walmart describes it as cropped, it didn’t feel particularly short on my 5-foot-5 frame, especially when I paired it with mid-waisted jeans. The removable matching scarf is what really sold me: wear it together for a preppy, country-club-inspired look or remove it when you want a simple crewneck. The sweater reminded me of some of the cashmere and knit styles I’ve seen at Gap, and I could easily wear it to work, school or on the weekend. Be a corporate baddie — but make it under $60. That’s the thought that immediately entered my mind when I saw myself in this blazer. The version I tried in store didn’t have the embellishments, but I loved the relaxed, boxy silhouette and especially liked wearing it open. It gave me the polished, slightly oversized look I associate with brands like Aritzia and Reformation. The online version comes with detachable jeweled pins on the lapel, which gives you even more ways to style it. Remove them for work, add them back for a more playful look or swap in your own brooches and accessories. At less than $15, this sweater vest one of the best values I found. The knit felt soft and didn’t shed while I was trying it on, and the colors looked just as rich and vibrant in person as it does online. The tailored edges and button front make it easy to layer over a blouse or T-shirt for work, but you can also wear it alone with jeans or a skirt. I’d size up if you want a more relaxed, oversized look. The styling reminded me of knitwear I’d typically look for at Zara or Mango. This jacket had so many little details that made it stand out. There’s a high collar, removable hood, cape-like yoke, pockets and an adjustable waist that lets you completely change the silhouette. I cinched mine to give the jacket more shape, and I loved how it looked and felt when I had it on. It reminded me of the playful utility outerwear I’ve seen from brands like Sandy Liang and Damson Madder, but without the designer price attached to it. This is the most expensive piece on my list, but it was also one of the biggest surprises. The jacket is made from 100% genuine suede and feels soft, warm and substantial. It has a cropped silhouette, stand collar, functional pockets and a full lining, and I immediately thought of jackets I’ve seen at vintage leather stores and retailers like Sézane and Revolve for considerably more. I even got compliments from other shoppers when I walked out of the dressing room wearing it. If I were going to splurge on one item from this list, this would be a contender. Best bags I picked up this bag while shopping and basically carried it around Walmart as if I already owned it. I love the slouchy hobo silhouette and woven-looking texture, which reminded me of much more expensive bags I’ve seen from Bottega Veneta and Anthropologie. It’s the type of bag I could see myself using every day because the shape makes a statement without being difficult to style. This was easily one of the cutest accessories I found. The bag has a soft faux suede body, faux leather trim and gold-tone hardware, but my favorite detail is the magnetic sides: you can wear it in the triangular silhouette or release them to create a more rectangular shape and give yourself additional room inside. I don’t see this silhouette often at mass retailers, which is part of what made it stand out to me. For under $20, it’s an easy and inexpensive way to make a simple outfit more interesting. This tote immediately reminded me of my over $100 Longchamp bag, both in how it looked and how practical it felt. It has a spacious main compartment, an exterior zippered pocket and two interior pockets, so there’s room to organize the essentials you need for work or school. The shoulder straps also make it easy to carry around for longer periods. I’d use this for school, errands or even as a lightweight everyday work bag. Best shoes These boots combine two things I prioritize when shopping for fall shoes: comfort and versatility. I found them comfortable while walking around the store, and the squoval toe gives your feet more room than many pointed styles. I’ve also had good experiences with Steve Madden shoes (they hold up well), so I was especially interested in trying the Madden NYC line. These are an easy way to get the look of a classic tall fall boot without spending hundreds. These were comfortable as soon as I put them on thanks to the memory foam insole and padded collar and tongue, and I loved the faux suede texture. The double laces are an unexpected detail that makes them look much more interesting than a standard sneaker, especially in the green color I tried. They reminded me of fashion sneakers I’ve seen from Miista and Adidas without looking like they were simply trying to copy a more expensive shoe. Stylish, comfortable and $27: there isn’t much more I could ask for in an everyday sneaker. The breathable mesh upper and lightweight sole make these suitable for walking, running errands or casual workouts, and they also have odor-reducing technology, according to the brand. The sporty silhouette reminded me of some of my New Balance and Asics sneakers, making these one of my favorite budget-friendly shoe finds from the trip. These boots immediately reminded me of styles I own or have seen from Frye and Vagabond. The streamlined silhouette and pointed oval toe make them look polished, while the block heel keeps them practical for everyday wear. I also loved the color in person because it felt a little more rich than a standard black boot. I’d wear these with straight-leg jeans for work or dress them up with a skirt or dress for going out. How I picked the best Walmart fashion To find the best Walmart clothes, shoes and accessories, I visited a Walmart Supercenter and spent several hours browsing the fashion department and trying on pieces that caught my attention. I looked across several Walmart brands, including Scoop, Free Assembly, Scenario, No Boundaries and Avia, as well as brands sold at Walmart like Madden NYC. Because I shop for clothes frequently, I have a good sense of what I typically get for my money at different retailers. As I tried things on, I considered how each item compared to similar pieces already in my wardrobe, including clothing and accessories from more expensive brands. I ultimately prioritized the following: - Fit: I paid attention to how each piece fit my 5-foot-5 frame, whether the sizing felt accurate and whether I would recommend sizing up or down. - Material and feel: I looked for fabrics that felt comfortable and substantial for the price, and avoided pieces that felt excessively thin, scratchy or prone to shedding. - Construction: I considered details like lining, seams, hardware, pockets, closures and adjustable elements that made an item feel more functional or well-made. - Comfort: For shoes and everyday clothing in particular, I considered whether I could realistically wear the item for several hours. I live in NYC and commute, so these pieces have to hold up to subway rides, uneven concrete sidewalks and unpredictable weather. - Versatility: I prioritized pieces I could style multiple ways or wear in different settings, including the office, weekends, errands and nights out. - Price: Everything I recommend costs less than $100, and I considered whether I thought the quality, design and functionality of each item justified the price. - Style: Finally, I chose pieces I genuinely liked. Many reminded me of silhouettes, materials or trends I’ve seen from more expensive retailers, but I only included items I would personally buy or recommend to someone else. How to shop for clothes and accessories at Superstores Shopping for clothes at a superstore like Walmart can be overwhelming. Unlike a traditional clothing retailer, you may be browsing several in-house and third-party brands at once, and sizing, materials and overall quality can vary between them. Here are a few things I recommend doing to make the process easier. Don’t rely solely on the size on the tag. Sizing can vary significantly between brands and even between different styles from the same brand. I typically wear a medium, for example, but comfortably fit into a small in some of the pieces I tried. If you’re shopping in person, I recommend bringing at least two sizes of anything you really like into the fitting room. Pay attention to the fabric and construction. One of the easiest ways to narrow down a crowded rack is to touch the clothes. I looked for fabrics that felt substantial, soft or comfortable and checked details like seams, lining, buttons, zippers and hardware. I also gently rubbed or handled knitwear to see whether it shed immediately. Check the material composition. Look at the tag or online product description before buying. The material can help you understand what you’re actually getting for the price. This was especially important with the Scoop Cropped Suede Jacket: I initially liked it because of how it looked and felt, but finding out that it was made from genuine suede made the $99 price more compelling to me. This will also be important when you consider things that can’t be machine washed — if you’re not going to ever hand wash or dry clean your clothes, you don’t want to end up with pieces that require this. Think about what you already own. A low price doesn’t necessarily make something a good purchase. Before buying, I ask myself what I would wear the item with and whether I can picture at least a few outfits using clothes I already own. Versatile pieces like sweaters, blazers, jackets and everyday bags may give you more opportunities to wear them. That being said, don’t purchase separates that you don’t already have matches for or you might end up with a closet full of cute tops and no bottoms to wear them with. Try unexpected brands and sections. Don’t limit yourself to one Walmart fashion brand just because you’ve had luck with it before. I found some of my favorite pieces across Scoop, Free Assembly, Scenario, No Boundaries and Avia, and each brand offered something different. Check online after browsing in the store. The selection at your local store may not represent everything Walmart carries. If you find something you like but can’t find your size or preferred color, check Walmart’s website or app. You may also find additional styles from the same brand that weren’t stocked at your location. Frequently asked questions Yes. Walmart carries several exclusive and private fashion brands, including Scoop, Free Assembly, No Boundaries, Joyspun, Avia, Athletic Works and others. The retailer also sells clothing and accessories from outside brands and collaborations, so the selection can vary depending on the store and what’s available online. Quality varies depending on the brand and individual item, which is why I recommend evaluating pieces individually rather than assuming everything from one retailer will be comparable. During my shopping trip, I was particularly impressed by several items because of their materials, construction, comfort and fit. Some pieces, including a genuine suede Scoop jacket and a wool-blend Free Assembly blazer, incorporated materials and design details I didn’t expect at their respective prices. There isn’t one Walmart clothing brand I would consider best for everyone. In my experience, Scoop and Free Assembly had some of the strongest options for elevated workwear and everyday clothing, while Scenario stood out for affordable trend-focused pieces and accessories. No Boundaries had several inexpensive shoes and bags I liked, while Avia is worth checking for athletic and casual footwear. Most Walmart stores have fitting rooms, though availability can vary by location. If you can try something on before buying it, I recommend doing so since sizing can differ between Walmart’s various clothing brands and styles. I recommend doing both. Shopping in person lets you feel the fabric, inspect the construction and try different sizes, which helped me find several pieces I might have overlooked online. Walmart’s website, however, generally gives you access to a broader selection of sizes, colors and styles than you’ll find at a single store. I like browsing in person first and then checking online if the store doesn’t have the size or color I want. The online reviews also help a ton. Why trust NBC Selected? I am the editorial operations associate for NBC Selected where I work closely with our editors and reporters on shopping coverage and help coordinate large-scale product testing for franchises like our Wellness Awards and 100 Best series. I’m also an avid fashion shopper and regularly buy clothing and accessories across a range of price points and retailers. For this story, I visited a Walmart Supercenter and tried on clothing, shoes and accessories from several of its brands. I evaluated each item based on its fit, comfort, materials, construction, versatility and price, and only included pieces I would buy myself or recommend to others. Catch up on NBC Selected’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date. [Image text:] sistance with iter