Call us crazy, but weekend errands has to be the occasion we love dressing for the most. These clothes are functional, yes, but it’s also fun to make running to the post office or keeping up with your weekly nail appointment a fashion moment. Whether that means throwing on a cozy sweatshirt with leggings or a cardigan and jeans, the choice is yours — and we’ve found both. As the TikTokers would say, “let’s get dressed to run errands.”
Looking for more affordable, stylish clothes? Here’s what to wear when working, traveling, playing, and expecting.
A cropped rugby shirt for a preppy look…
A rugby is like a hybrid between a shirt and a sweater, so you’ll stay warm in the brisk fall weather as you get in and out of your car. The cropped length is just right for showing off your high-waisted jeans or flared leggings, and the red and blue stripes feel timeless. Wear it with loafers and high socks to complete the prep school vibe. ($98, Reformation)
A cheeky baseball cap…
We're not fussing with our hair to go run errands, so you’ll find us wearing a cute hat most of the time. We love this one for its tongue-in-cheek label, plus the mesh panel on the back that keeps us from overheating. You can’t go wrong with any of the colors. ($38, Free People)
The striped crewneck we’ve been seeing everywhere…
Seriously, we couldn’t get away from this Free People crewneck, and now that we own it, we don’t want to. It feels like your favorite worn-in sweatshirt right out of the bag, the color combinations are so good, and it’s slouchy but also makes us feel put-together. Wear it with shorts for a just-right fall uniform. ($98, Free People)
A pair of jeans that look and feel vintage…
The perfect weekend jeans do exist. These have enough stretch that they won’t slow you down as you’re running around town, but they also won’t be sagging by midday. Whatever magic is in these pants, we’re not sure, but we do know they make our butts look good. ($138, Madewell)
The only cardigan you’ll ever need…
The Jenni Kayne Cocoon Cardigan is the stuff of legends. While it’s definitely an investment piece, this really is the most perfect cardigan we’ve ever seen, and the feel of the soft, warm cashmere will make you want to throw it on every day, even just to run errands. That’s making up for cost with wear, baby. ($475, Jenni Kayne)
The Sambas-alternatives we can’t stop wearing…
Dare we say it? When we started experiencing Samba fatigue, we turned to Gola sneakers and haven’t looked back. This limited-edition version with Anthropologie is too good to be true, from the colorways to the ribbon laces. They’re so comfy and look great with the matching pants. ($125, Anthropologie)
The ideal errands sweatshirt…
Among the most classic errands ’fits is the sweatshirt and bike shorts combo. If you want something a little more stylish than your high school sports team hoodie (no shade), we’d suggest throwing on a fashion-y sweatshirt like this one. It’s embroidered with a bit of sass and comes in midweight fleece, so it’ll keep you warm. Add a pair of sunnies, and you might as well be Kendall Jenner. ($165, Anthropologie)
A tennis skirt you can wear on and off the court…
One thing tenniscore has taught us is how functional the outfits are. This skirt has shorts underneath — so even if it’s windy, there’s no chance of revealing anything — with a pocket to stash your phone. The pleated bottom is fun and flirty, and the fabric even has UV protection for when you’re actually playing. ($78, Wilson)
The leggings we always go back to…
These leggings literally do not budge — no matter how many return packages we’re juggling. They’re compressive so everything stays secure, but the material still moves with you. Plus, they last forever and come in so many colors. Add a tank for the matching set. We even gave them a Good For You Award. ($128, Alo Yoga)
A pair of overalls you’ll wear more than you think…
Thanks to the new Twisters movie, we’re in the midst of an overalls renaissance. This pair features a classic top with a barrel-legged bottom, the trending jean style of the moment. They’re so easy to throw on with a white tank and sneakers. You’ll look chic, but feel comfortable enough to go chase some tornadoes (or wait in line at the supermarket). ($148, Free People)
A hoodie we love borrowing from the boys…
We’ll let you in on a little secret: The best solid everyday hoodie is this one from the men’s section of Abercrombie & Fitch. It’s so soft but has enough weight to it that it actually keeps you warm. We love that it’s oversized and comes in so many colors. ($70, Abercrombie & Fitch)
The next It Ugg…
You heard it here first. We’ve been seeing this Ugg clog all over our Instagram feeds, and we have to say, we like what we see. It has the signature plush lining and suede outsole, but with a thick tread that makes it more than just a slipper. You can flip the strap to the back, so you won’t slide around when you’re taking a walk to grab coffee. ($130, Nordstrom)
Flared pants that look nicer than yoga pants…
These are a definite upgrade from classic yoga pants, since they’re made of a soft, ribbed material that almost looks like cashmere. They’re high-waisted, come in two lengths, and each neutral color is better than the last. Wear it with the matching half-zip to maximize your off-duty slay. ($128, Lululemon)
A pair of cotton pants that look like trousers…
These are made of soft organic cotton but give off a workwear vibe. We won’t tell anyone they feel like wearing pajamas. Plus, the elastic waistband won’t dig in as you’re power walking through the mall. Pick a color and grab the long-sleeve tee to go with it. ($78, Everlane)
A sweater tank you can also wear for a night out…
We love a multipurpose piece. This sweater vest has buttons up the front and a split at the hem to show off your high-waisted leggings (or low-rise jeans, if you’re feeling adventurous). The best part? You can wear it with leather pants or a skirt for drinks later. ($22, Target)
An exercise dress you can wear well into fall…
We haven’t been able to stop thinking about this midi exercise dress since we first saw it. It’s incredibly chic for running errands or traveling, and the racerback style means you don’t have to wear a bra with it. When temperatures dip, just throw a cardigan or jean jacket over it. ($89, Nordstrom)
A denim jacket with a fun detail…
Name a better feeling than slipping on a denim jacket when temperatures start to get crisp. This one stopped us in our tracks with its cinched waist and tie in the front. You can leave it open, but wearing a denim jacket as a top is genius, especially when you buy the matching piece for an all-denim ’fit. Go ahead, feel fabulous while doing the most mundane tasks. ($104.95, Eloquii)
Live Smarter
Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.