What a stylist shops for at Walmart
After 20 years as a professional stylist at Nordstrom, I’ve built my reputation on a high-low mix—pairing affordable finds with quality name brands for effortless, elevated style. So when I shop at Walmart, I bring that same trained eye to spotting what’s worth it. You don’t need designer prices to look polished; you just need to know what to look for. Start with familiar silhouettes and timeless neutrals that echo high-end trends, skip overly shiny fabrics or loud prints, and hunt for pieces that blend seamlessly into a capsule wardrobe. Here’s how I shop Walmart like a stylist—what to save on, what to splurge on, and the fall pieces that actually look expensive. The biggest benefit? You can mix household staples, holiday décor, and a capsule-ready wardrobe in one cart—which feels like a win in every way.
Stylist-Approved Walmart Picks For Your Wardrobe
Whenever I shop at Walmart, I look for familiar silhouettes — styles that higher-end brands are already doing. It’s the easiest way to make something affordable look like it’s not. I actually prefer the $25 version of this metallic sweater over the one from Nordstrom. It has the same subtle sparkle but is much softer.
The biggest quality indicator is fabric. When you’re shopping on a budget, most of what you’ll find is synthetic, especially in satin or silk looks for less. The key is to look for fabrics with a matte finish, not ones that are overly shiny.
Holiday Capsule Wardrobe
This is one of the looks from my 8-piece holiday capsule wardrobe featuring a fair isle sweater from Walmart.
Stylist Approved Prints
I also keep prints and patterns to a minimum unless they’re timeless, like a classic stripe or neutral animal print. These are the easiest to mix into a capsule wardrobe. See how I styled this leopard print top here.
The Deal With Designer Denim
If you want premium denim on a budget, skip distressed washes that look manufactured and opt for colors or dark rinses instead. Don’t try to compete with the designer details like premium stretch fabrics and hand distressing that manufactured jeans can’t replicate.
What to Buy at Walmart
After years as a personal stylist at Nordstrom, a high-low mix has become my signature. Some of my favorite pieces cost less than lunch, others are worth the splurge. I have a white tee that costs $8 and another that costs $125 — and I wear them both.
The Look Not the Label
If you can find the look without the label, go for it. Some of my all-time favorite Walmart finds are my faux fur and patent leather jackets. They have literally saved me hundreds. Some items are harder to fake. Tailored pieces like blazers and premium denim are two areas where fit, fabric, and construction really matter — those are worth spending more on because they anchor everything else you wear.
Fall Fashion Spotted at Walmart
Fortunately, this fall’s trends are easy to wear. By the time they reach Walmart, you know they have staying power. I’ve spotted beautiful burgundy and chocolate-brown staples, Fair Isle sweaters fit the bill for my holiday capsule wardrobe checklist, and some surprisingly chic barrel jeans that rival designer styles.
- Jeans — especially dark or barrel-leg silhouettes
- Sweaters — short sleeve styles and Fair Isle patterns
- Layering Pieces— Cozy faux fur, barn jackets, and bombers.
Kickstart a Capsule
These Jessica Simpson Barrel Jeans look and feel like designer jeans. I’m pairing mine with this short-sleeve Cable Cardigan, featuring the prettiest crystal buttons, to create a capsule wardrobe kickstarter.
Sweaters Under $30
Capsule Wardrobes on a Budget
Stylist Approved For My Fall Capsule Checklist
Here are a few pieces I’d recommend grabbing now before they sell out. If I didn’t already own the name-brand version of this $19.97 barn jacket, I’d add it to my cart instantly, as it’s one of eight key pieces in my fall capsule wardrobe that make 27 different outfits.
The Pros (and a Few Cons) of Shopping Walmart
I’ll be honest — I avoid my local store whenever I can. The in-person selection is usually limited and doesn’t carry the lines I love, like Scoop, designed by Brandon Maxwell, or Free Assembly. Online, however, Walmart has become a hidden gem. The assortment is huge, prices are incredible, and shipping is quick. Returns take a little longer than some other retailers, but in-store returns are smooth and convenient.
The biggest benefit? You can mix household staples, holiday decor, and a capsule-ready wardrobe in one cart — which feels like a win in every way. This holiday, I partnered with my sister and DIY Diva @Calicasablanca to find and style the best Anthropologie-inspired Walmart finds.
Stylist Approved Walmart Picks for Your Home
The Look for Less
My sister and I both have these designer-inspired wavy mirrors.
More Walmart Finds Inspired By Sarah Sherman Samuel for Lulu Georgia
If I won the lottery, this is where I would shop to decorate my entire home.
Checks
It comes in Waves