Kids are back in school — or about to be — and we have one last official hurrah of summer: Labor Day weekend 2023. Light the grill, get the ice cream, make the s’mores, and bask in that golden light one more time. And then, if you have the time (or inclination) for a little shopping, we’ve rounded up some seriously useful sales. 

The Best 2023 Labor Day Sales In Fashion, Beauty & Home

While Labor Day sales are best known for things like mattresses, furniture, decor and home appliances, we tend to lean into the bedding, towels and kitchen gadgets pretty hard. That said, don’t overlook the fashion and beauty sales — fall outfits *are* just around the corner — they’ve been popping up already and are really good this year. SO. We’ve pulled together the best Labor Day deals overall, as well as our favorite items to buy, including where you’ll likely find them on sale (and any reviews we’ve done on the ones we love most). Think of this as our Deeply Opinionated Guide to the Best 2023 Labor Day Sales. 

The Best Labor Day Sales 2023

Dresses | Jeans | Tops | Sweaters | Jackets | Coats | Swim | Athletic Wear | Loungewear | Beach Essentials | Pajamas

Makeup | Skincare | Hair Products | Sunglasses | Backpacks | Handbags | Sneakers | Sandals

Boots | All-Weather Boots | Grilling | Patio & Outdoor Furniture | Camping & Outdoor Gear

Kitchen Appliances | Cookware, Bakeware & Knives | Luggage | Home Appliances | Home Decor | Linen & Bedding

Best Dresses

Nordstrom | Anthropologie | Saks Fifth Avenue | Shopbop | Social Threads | Saks OFF 5th | Reformation

With Labor Day and the changing of seasons comes the strong need to keep things casual — flowy dresses, denim dresses (this FRAME mini dress is a serious contender), easy shirtdresses. But we’re also always trying to find that perfect dress that makes it look like you put in a ton of effort (but really didn’t). Reformation’s good at that. Oh, and if you can find any Farm Rio ones on sale, you’re golden. Check out Shana’s review vid here.

Best Jeans

LEVI’S | GOOD AMERICAN | SAKS OFF 5TH | NORDSTROM | SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

We’re a denim-lovers blog, let’s be real. And obviously we have favorites (cough, cough — Levi’s 501s — cough, cough). If you’re on the hunt for jeans, we have you MORE than covered with tons of different cuts, lengths, fits and washes. (Need a closer look? We just covered our fave affordable jeans — all under $100.) We’re always looking to MOTHER denim, but these Good American flares? Swoon.

Best Tops

J.Crew | Anthropologie | Reformation | Madewell

OK, so this category is a littttttle broad, but we’re reserving it for only the best — our greatest hits, if you will. Sexy date night tops, classic graphic tees, elevated basics…you get the picture. Ooo, maybe a crochet tank top? (It’s granny square chic, and I love it.) Pro Tip: Head to Reformation or Anthro. You will not be disappointed.

Best Sweaters

Nordstrom | Madewell | Saks Fifth Ave | Free People | Everlane

We’re seriously manifesting fall with these sweaters. It’s a favorite category (for us and all you readers). We love a good slouchy cardigan to throw on for an effortlessly chic moment. Maybe a bit of cashmere for an extra-cozy night out? We’ll be keeping our eyes on Nordstrom, for sure, but don’t sleep on American Eagle (this is CUTE).

Best Jackets

Nordstrom | J.Crew | Madewell | Everlane

With fall barely peeking up over the horizon, jackets are starting to pique our interest — with winter (too soon, I know) coats not far behind. Everything from something a little sporty and cozy for cool weather adventures (hello, Nike), to something slightly more elegant for a chilly night out on the town. Scotti covered her current fave jacket from Nordstrom recently, take a look.

Best Coats

Nordstrom | Backcountry | Saks | J.Crew

We looove coats around here. Splurging on a really pretty statement piece (I mean, just look at this coat from Saks) or a totally classic trench coat for winter can be fun (and can be totally worth it, in our opinion), but more-affordable ones for max wear — and usually tear — are also always on our minds. We love both types equally. No coat discrimination!! Here’s some bright-coat inspo to get you going.

Best Swim

Nordstrom | J.Crew | Solid & Striped | Summersalt | Target | Everlane

If you’re looking to snap up a new swimsuit during Labor Day weekend to strut toward the end of summer in style, we have some good options. J.Crew has always been a classic go-to for flattering bathing suits, and Nordstrom is never short of choices. We’re drooling over Andie Swim this season too. Wondering how to wear that swimsuit to dinner? Scotti dropped an easy way to style a suit for the evening, and Scotti, Laura & Kat styled their J.Crew swimsuits with some not-your-average-cover-ups. (Need more variety? Check out Kat’s Plus-Size Suits, Amy’s Sea Level Suits and Laura’s Boden Suits.)

Best Athletic Wear

Athleta | Lululemon | Zella | Everlane | Free People | Nordstrom

Honestly, some new workout gear makes all the difference in my motivation to hit the treadmill or yoga mat. Matching sets, leggings, bras — the works. We’re shopping it all this Labor Day to make moving and shaking a bit more stylish (even if we are super-sweaty). Find Linzi’s go-to Zella activewear at Nordstrom, but you can’t go wrong with some amazing Athleta joggers.

Best Loungewear

Aerie | Nordstrom | Naadam | Free People | Zella

After a long day, I kiiiinda just want to put on the most comfortable clothing I own and sink into the couch. The sexy thing I think we’ve all kinda agreed on (y’know those silent nods of solidarity) is that loungewear *is* enough (why would you ever want to take off these Barefoot Dreams joggers?) to leave the confines of our homes in. Hit up these Labor Day sales to find the hoodies, sweatpants & cardigans that are perfect for early morning school drop-off or a quick grocery run.

Best Pajamas

Printfresh | Lunya | Nordstrom | J.Crew

Ahhh, pajamas. If you’ve been here a while, you know we love a good matching pajama set from Printfresh or something super-soft and silky from Lunya. And you know we can be choosy about the PJs we wear. Take a peek at this post by Kat covering the cutest plus-size sleepwear, and if you’re interested in some of those matching sets, Scotti found “the best pajamas ever.”

Best Beach Essentials

Backcountry | Target |  Walmart

We’re taking any beach days we can get and taking them seriously! That means comfy beach chairs, waterproof speakers (these are essential), a little tent to shield you from the sun, and more. This Labor Day, we’re making sure the beer stays cold, there’s shade where we want it, and horseshoes can be thrown. The beach is sandy, but we can still be luxe. 😉

Best Makeup

Sephora | Nordstrom | Ulta | Nudestix | Charlotte Tilbury

Scotti is kinda the makeup queen around here, and we all look to her when we’re in search of something new. We’ll be checking on all our favorites like Charlotte Tilbury and Nudestix.

Best Skincare Picks

Colleen Rothschild | Biossance | Supergoop!

When sale weekends roll around, we’re always keeping a sharp eye on our must-have beauty brands — and these Labor Day deals are no exception. Hi, Colleen Rothschild…we love you (and more specifically the Radiant Cleansing Balm). Em swears by the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer. Plus, if you haven’t tried Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen yet…it’s kinda our favorite thing ever.

Best Hair Products

Briogeo | R+Co | Oribe | Dyson

Sometimes just doing your hair can be the confidence and energy boost you need for the day. That being said, it can be a bit pricey to treat your hair with nothing but the best. That’s why Labor Day sales are the best time to stock up on all the products you need (Olaplex is a game-changer) or splurge a little on something a little luxe (a ghd professional blow dryer, anyone?).

Best Sunglasses

Warby Parker | Quay | Le Specs

Sunglasses are a year-round staple (we can count ski goggles, right?), and the styles this year are classically cool. If you’re hunting for big, bold cat-eye sunnies, we got you. And we know not all polarized sunglasses are made equal. Take a peek at our top picks for sunglasses this Labor Day, and if you’re like me, maybe grab two pairs — one for the glovebox, one to stash in the purse.

Best Backpacks

Tumi | Rebecca Minkoff | Madewell | Everlane | Nordstrom | ABLE

When it comes to backpacks, we definitely play favorites. Our backpacks need to fit all the things, be comfortable to wear (so, so important for a full day out), and be beautiful to look at. This Tumi backpack is a splurge, but take a peek anyway. If you’re on the hunt for something tougher (which you prooobably want for a kid going back to school), take a peek at Backcountry. We love a good Patagonia backpack for a long day’s hike.

Best Handbags

Shopbop | Nordstrom | Madewell | Clare V.

OK, we love a good handbag. These babies are like our shopping kryptonite. Do we need another cute little purse? Maybe not. But are we going to get one? Allllmost definitely — we just can’t resist. I mean, this Coach crossbody? Classic. This Rebecca Minkoff? Statement-making.

Best Sneakers

Zappos | Adidas | Nike | Everlane | Nordstrom | Madewell

Another specialty of ours. We’re strong believers that sneakers can work with anything. Of course, they (especially our fave checkered Vans Slip-Ons) go perfectly with some distressed jeans and a graphic tee. Even a flowy dress? Yup. And if you’ve been around us long enough, you know we love Golden Goose sneakers and P448s with almost any look.

Best Sandals

Nordstrom | Sorel | Zappos | ABLE | EILEEN FISHER

Ahhh, sandals. From heels to hikers, platform to flatform — it’s a thing, check it out — we love ‘em. As long as they’re comfortable, walkable, and perfectly framing our new pedicure, of course (TEVA sandals have been hitting the nail on the head for us lately). We (sometimes quite literally) walk a mile in sandals we love just to be sure they’re The Ones. Want our top picks? Linzi did a whole article on the best sandals.

Best All-Weather Boots

Backcountry | Nordstrom | Sorel | Danner

These are the workhorse boots. The ones that let you follow the kiddos through the mud and into puddles. (Sorel boots are in our TOP picks.) We cover a pretty wide range of boots for all kinds of outdoor adventures — rain, shine or snow — and put them to the test. Shana has found the Danner hiking boots are well worth the cost and Linzi’s obsessed with a lightweight pair.

Best Boots

Everlane | Nordstrom | Saks Fifth Avenue | Saks OFF 5th

Yes, we split the boots category into two. Why? Because all-weather boots are great, but sometimes we need the finer things in life. A good fall Chelsea boot (we looove Ganni) should do the trick. Or, ohhhh…maybe some super-sexy black boots? How about a combat vibe?

Best Grilling Accessories

Backcountry | Target | Amazon | Home Depot

Whether it’s grilling over a campfire, out on the patio or in the kitchen, I will still always come running for some deliciousness. If you’re looking to upgrade to grill master this Labor Day weekend, then you don’t want to miss Backcountry’s sale section.

Best Patio & Outdoor Furniture

CB2 | Target | Serena & Lily

The time to refresh the front porch, back porch, patio, pool deck, big ol’ fire pit (Solo Stove can’t be beat) is here. When you’re spending all your time outside (truly where to magic happens on Labor Day weekend), it’s totally worth making it as comfy as your living room, right? And obviously we need this pretty patio furniture set.

Best Outdoor & Camping Gear

Backcountry | L.L. Bean | Target

Any season of the year, you can find one of our contributors out and about in the great outdoors. Sometimes it’s rugged mountain hiking, sometimes it’s a bit more…glamorous camping (don’t worry, glamping still counts). No matter what, we’ve got the right gear no matter the type of trip. (These must-haves still stand.) Camping stuff is just so fun to pick up.

Best Kitchen Appliances

Nespresso | Keurig | Walmart | Target | Instant Pot

I swear, upgrading your kitchen is a form of self-care. During Labor Day sales is *the* perfect time to nab that Ninja blender and air fryer we’ve been eyeing for quick dinners for the whole fam. But if you’re on the hunt for something just for mama? A Nespresso coffee maker. Y’know…for those mornings you just want to spoil yourself (doesn’t hurt that it’s nice to look at). Oh, and if you love useful kitchen gadgets as much as us, check out this post for some inspo.

Best Cookware, Bakeware & Knives

Le Creuset | Our Place | Caraway

We love to up our cooking game every now and then. New bakeware for the upcoming season of fresh-out-of-the-oven fall goodness? Yes, please. It also might be the perfect time to nab the Our Place Always Pan, which Emily has raved about. Oh! And make sure to scoop up some Le Creuset at a discount.

Best Luggage

Saks OFF 5th | Saks Fifth Avenue | Bloomingdale’s | Shopbop

If you know us, you know we like our luggage to be as cute as it is practical. We’ve had a long love for Tumi bags and suitcases, and trust us, we’re well-traveled. (Pro tip: Packing cubes are super-helpful.) Saks Fifth Avenue has some gorgeous luggage that could probably be counted as an accessory too.

Best Electronics & Home Appliances

Dyson | Nordstrom | Target | Saks OFF 5th

We all have a bit of tech in our homes to make life a little easier and comfier. That could be making cleaning up a breeze with a Dyson vacuum cleaner — or, ooo, a Roomba robot vacuum — or avoiding door-to-door salesmen as simple as checking your doorbell camera.

Best Home Decor

Anthropologie | Crate & Barrel | Nordstrom | Saks OFF 5th

Another form of self-care? Adding new, inviting decor to our home every now and then, made a little easier by Labor Day retailer sales. A new throw blanket for the living room. A nightstand that’s practically art. There, of course, is also the very real desire to replace every piece of furniture (especially if it’s Anthropologie) in the house just to breathe new life into the space.

Best Linen & Bedding

Parachute | Nordstrom | Bloomingdale’s | Boll & Branch

At the end of the day, sinking down into bed can be the best thing in the world. That’s why we love decking out our bedrooms and, more specifically, our beds with only the softest sheets and silkiest pillows. It is a place of rest, after all. Our top picks? Parachute’s linen sheets and Slip’s silk pillowcases.