7 Brilliant Summer-to-Fall Pieces That You'd Never Know Are Under $40

Ready for some summer-to-fall styling inspiration? Our editors are a stylish bunch—no doubt about that—so today, we're taking this opportunity to flex our styling skills to show you how to make the most out of your transitional wardrobe. Thanks to the versatile items from the Who What Wear x Target line, you're about to see how to wear key pieces for the current late-summer season and keep wearing them well into fall. If these aren't useful investments, then I 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 flowy dresses and pretty prints from the August 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. Textured Top in Cream

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For summer:
(Image credit: @allypayer)

On Allyson Payer: Who What Wear x Target Tank Top ($28); Aritzia skirt; Staud Simone Sandals ($265); Loewe bag

"I don't think it's the obvious choice to wear this top with a skirt since it's so long and voluminous, but that's why I did it. A slip skirt proved to be the perfect shape to balance things out, and it made the top look even more elegant and elevated."

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For fall:
(Image credit: @allypayer)

On Payer: Who What Wear x Target Tank Top ($28); Aritzia blazer; Agolde jeans; Prada Cleo Bag ($2400); Sandro loafers

"My fall wardrobe consists of a lot of jeans and loafers, so that's what I paired the top with. The oversize blazer proved to be the perfect jacket style for the top and still allowed for it to be the main character of the outfit."

2. Textured Top in Black

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For summer:
(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

On Anna LaPlaca: Who What Wear x Target Tank Top ($28); Good American Volume Shorts ($75)

This top looks good without even trying. The peplum hem gives it a cool volume but it's the subtle texture that really makes it shine. I styled it here in an all-black look and threw on with some nylon shorts and sporty sandals for a warm-weather vibe that's casual but still elevated.

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For fall:
(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

On LaPlaca: Who What Wear x Target Tank Top ($28); Rebecca Minkoff Shannon Jacket ($698); Agolde '90s Mid-Rise Loose Jeans ($198); Zara Studded Clogs ($60); Sophie Monet earrings

For fall, though, it goes so well with jeans and layers nicely underneath jackets. I wanted to give it a bohemian vibe, so I paired it here with loose jeans, clogs, and some fringe for a cool spin.

3. Puff-Sleeve Dress

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For summer:
(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

On Jasmine Fox-Suliaman: Who What Wear x Target Puff Long Sleeve A-Line Dress ($37); Staud Moon Rasberry Bag ($295); Dear Frances Fan Sandal ($385)

"I love this dress because it really is the most versatile summer-to-fall piece you can possibly purchase. First off, the fabric is lightweight enough to keep you cool on those hot summer days. Plus, it has these beautiful puff sleeves and a high neck with adjustable ties. It's such a fun dress that it makes styling it a piece of cake. You can throw on your favorite sandals and a shoulder bag for a night out or pair it with high-top sneakers and your tote bag for a day out and about—it's evidently clear that this dress has range."

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For fall:
(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

On Fox-Suliaman: Who What Wear x Target Puff Long Sleeve A-Line Dress ($37); Staud Moon Rasberry Bag ($295); Sundarbay Black Vegan Leather Grandad Blazer ($345); Dr. Martens Jadon Smooth Platform Leather Boots ($180)

"Not to sound like a broken record, but this dress really is so versatile. Case in point: my second look in it! The thing about this dress is that its styling possibilities are endless. You just have to get creative with it. You can pair it with your favorite leather blazer or trench coat and a pair of boots (flat or heeled), and you've got a fall-ready look for the books. Trust me when I say this is the piece that will keep on giving."

4. Button Hem Pants

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For summer:
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

On Yusra Siddiqui: Who What Wear x Target Button Hem Pants ($37)

"I love a pair of neutral pants because they truly are the most versatile pieces you can own. For summer, if wear these with a fun printed blouse and heels to keep things light and airy."

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For fall:
(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

On Siddiqui: Who What Wear x Target Button Hem Pants ($37)

"For fall, you know it’s about the layering and leather. To top it off, I added zebra booties that I bought in prep for the next season."

5. Sleeveless Knit Dress

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For summer:
(Image credit: @katcollings)

On Kat Collings: Who What Wear x Target Sleeveless Knit Dress ($33); Neous shoes

"This dress is understated elegance. I love how the top is like a knit tank and the skirt is a different material. It's the kind of throw-on-and-go dress that makes summer dressing easy."

6. Puff-Sleeve T-Shirt in Black and Tan

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For summer:
(Image credit: @sarahayang)

On Sarah Yang: Who What Wear x Target Puff Sleeve T-Shirt ($23)

"This striped top has a fabric that's a little bit thicker and more substantial than a regular tee, so it's perfect for the transition from summer to fall. The statement sleeves really sell it for me because they give any outfit a little bit more personality. In late summer, I'll wear it with a denim skirt and chunky heels—it's a fun, not-so-casual outfit that's perfect for drinks."

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For fall:
(Image credit: @sarahayang)

On Yang: Who What Wear x Target Puff Sleeve T-Shirt ($23)

"And in the fall, I'd swap out the skirt for some simple black pants and mules. This one's great for work events or anything that calls for something a little dressier but not too fancy."

7. Puff-Sleeve T-Shirt in Black and White

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For summer:
(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

On Erin Fitzpatrick: Who What Wear x Target Puff Sleeve T-Shirt ($23)

"This striped sweater is so fun because of the puff sleeves, which is a trend that is very much still going strong. I like to play up the French girl vibes with a bright and bold lipstick color for summer. For fall, I'd choose a more muted lip shade and wear the sweater with baggy jeans and classic black ankle boots."

More summer-to-fall staples:

Up next, The Under-$70 Pieces a Fashion Editor Predicts Will Be Big Hits This Fall

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.