Yahoo Lifestyle I tried on $1,000 worth of Walmart clothes this month — here's what I actually kept
My overflowing closet is proof: There are plenty of fashionable, affordable finds at the big-box retailer.
I undertook a really fun project this November — a search for cute clothes at Walmart. I've spent years as a fashion editor, and Walmart rarely comes up as a place worth shopping for fashion. But the retailer has everything — including a pretty massive clothing department. So I wanted to know: Why was no one talking about its clothes?
About $1,000 and countless trips to Walmart later, I'm here to tell you, yes, you can find good clothes at Walmart. Not only are there trendy styles that will look good in pictures, but quality, timeless essentials you can wear for years to come.
If you've read any of my previous pieces about my Walmart shopping adventures, you know I've been through a lot of clothes in the last four weeks. There were jeans, coats, blouses and dresses. While most of what I tried on was worthy of a spot in my wardrobe, my closet isn't that big. (And I'm a shopping editor, remember? I already have too many clothes!) So yes, most of what I purchased was strictly for research and wound up returned. But — and this is a big but — I did keep some stuff! Some of the pieces I tried were so good that I couldn't bear to part with them. Keep scrolling to find out which Walmart gems made the cut.
Chaps Seacoast Wash Button Down Oxford with Long Sleeves
This shirt was a total impulse buy. I didn't purchase it for any of my previous try-ons. I was actually in Walmart buying Halloween candy when I saw it in the men's section and decided to give it a try. And I'm so glad I did. The material is thick, the color is gorgeous and saturated, and even though it's a men's style, it fits me just how I like it. Totally going back for more of this one.
I like button-down shirts with more of an oversized fit, so the men's small is perfect for me. I will say, it's a pretty straight cut and isn't designed to accommodate curves, but if you don't mind a slightly looser fit, just size up. I've worn this shirt with jeans, but I also really like it as an option to dress up leggings a bit.
Gloria Vanderbilt High Rise Wide Leg Tab Cargo Jean
I own several pairs of expensive jeans; some might even call me a denim snob. Even I was surprised to fall in love with these Gloria Vanderbilt trousers, but they were so flattering and slimming, I didn't just get one pair — I got two! I have them in blue and black, and they are just magical. I wear them with ankle boots and they make my legs look miles long even though I'm only 5'4". Please and thank you!
Some haters will tell you jeans are too casual — that they look sloppy and unkempt. Fake news! These Gloria Vanderbilts are proof that denim can look polished and classy. Pair them with a pointy-toe heel or booties, a slinky going-out top and some statement earrings, and I promise you'll turn heads.
Free Assembly Beaded Sweater Dress
I'm a writer, but it's hard for me to find the words to explain just how amazing this dress is. And I'm not really a dress person! I'm still kind of shocked it's from Walmart. The material is incredible — soft and stretchy with just the right amount of power to hold in your tummy. My partner and I always go out for a nice dinner for the holidays, so that's where I'll be wearing this baby.
I initially thought I needed to size up in this dress, but it was perfect in my regular size. Shoppers at Walmart agree, giving it a 4.9 out of 5-star rating. "Where do I start? This dress is a quality piece," one customer commented. "The fit is amazing. The fabric is so soft and comfortable that I feel like I'm being hugged. You cannot get a dress of this quality for this price anywhere! So high-end! So happy, I bought it in both colors!"
Free Assembly Welt Pocket Cardigan Sweater
If you can believe it, I now own this sweater in three colors: red, black and navy. Yes, it's that good. It's soft, hangs perfectly and there is literally zero itch factor. I've worn it with just a bra underneath, and it doesn't irritate my skin at all. Best of all? It washes well, right in the washing machine. I laid it flat to dry and it's still in tip-top condition.
Like me, shoppers at Walmart have been pleasantly surprised by this purchase. "[This is a] very nice sweater for fall," one wrote. "[It] looks great with jeans or dressed up. The quality of the fabric is very soft, fit is true to size."
Another fan added, "The quality of the sweater is amazing from the button details to the stitching. Definitely gives the vibe that it's from a higher-end store. This is one of those pieces that can be styled casually and dressed up. This is closet staple for me. I totally recommend for the fall and the winter."
Time and Tru Bootcut Ponte Pants
It's been drilled into my brain that one can never have too many black pants, so here I am with yet another pair of black pants. The stretch on these, though? Perfection. They aren't skin tight, and I don't feel uncomfortably squeezed in them, but they do smooth out everything while accentuating your assets. Think of them as leggings, just slightly dressier and better-suited for work, parent-teacher conferences or anywhere else that requires you to look semi-put-together.
Whoever invented ponte, thank you. The fabric is very forgiving, and these pants fit like a dream. They hug your curves without being too tight and they're thick enough to not show any lumps or dimples. Yes, they're like magic.
Walmart has a few different versions of these popular pants. The pair I purchased appears to be almost sold out, but you can find a similar pair here.
Scoop Faux Wool Oversized Double Breasted Coat
I didn't keep this coat initially. But I thought about it almost every day for weeks. I kept it in my Walmart cart, hoping the price would drop so I could justify buying a coat I didn't need. After two weeks of waiting, I finally cracked and just bought it at full price, and I have no regrets. I'm planning to wear it home for Thanksgiving just so I can wow my family members by showing off the incredibly stylish coat I got at Walmart.
Will I ever be able to afford a coat from The Row? No, never. Does this Walmart style look exactly like its $4,300 design? Yup! That's why it's not surprising that this style is already a bestseller at Walmart. "This coat exceeded my expectations 1,000%," one shopper raved. "The material is supple and actually has some weight. It is well made and quite warm."
Sofia Jeans Relaxed Straight Super High Rise Cargo Pants
I liked a lot of what I tried on from the Sofia Jeans collection at Walmart, but one common theme with the pants? They're all extremely long. I was lucky enough to snag these cargo pants in my local store but had to have them hemmed for a better fit. My tailor did an excellent job and now these are in major rotation in my wardrobe. I've only had them for three weeks and I've already worn them three times.
Sadly, these pants are currently sold out in the green color I scored. Yes, they are really that good. That said, you can still get them in trendy faux leather. Pair them with a cute going-out top, your comfiest heels and you're ready to hit the town.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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