10 quality fall basics for under $40, including dresses and cardigans

Dressing for transitional weather requires having the right basic pieces in your closet. Layers are essential to getting through warm days and cool nights, so lightweight jackets and sweaters are key pieces in your wardrobe, while midi dresses are useful for fall days that still feel like summer.

If you’re looking for some of these basics, Walmart’s exclusive fashion brand Free Assembly just released their fall collection. The new arrivals include so many elevated basics that will see your wardrobe through the end of summer and well into fall, including midi short sleeve dresses, lightweight jackets, and more. Below, you’ll find our top picks from the collection, all priced under $40.

Free assembly of Elevated Basics at Walmart

• Cotton button-front short-sleeve midi dress, $34
• Welt pocket cardigan, $28
• Pleated midi dress with flutter sleeves, $36
• Twist-front cotton midi dress, $36
• Utility Belted Long Sleeve Mini Dress, $36
• Single-breasted blazer, $39
• Belted long-sleeve cotton mini dress, $28
• Cropped Utility Jacket, $34
• Quilted Parachute Jacket, $34
• Belted Cotton Utility Midi Dress, $39

Cotton midi dress with button placket and short sleeves

Denim is a must-have in your fall wardrobe, and this midi dress makes a good argument for wearing the fabric now into the new season. It has short sleeves, is made from 100 percent cotton, and comes in two colors: dark indigo and light green. Both color combinations are so versatile and can easily be dressed up or down. Shoppers praised the quality of the dress, compared the piece to more expensive brands, and appreciated its below-the-knee length.

Pleated cap sleeve midi dress

This best-selling pleated midi dress is another option for a breathable piece that can be worn in both summer and fall. It comes in three patterns and has delicate cap sleeves that give the dress an elevated look that can be worn with sandals or knee-high boots. Shoppers call it an ideal option for many occasions as it is stylish yet simple, adding that the pleated skirt has a beautiful, flowy design.

Single-breasted blazer

If a blazer is on your fall shopping list, snag this piece from Free Assembly in black and brown plaid. The $39 jacket features a single-breasted design, is made from a cotton blend, and has a one-button closure and two front pockets. While this style is office-appropriate, it’s also an ideal piece to wear with jeans to dinner or while running errands on a chilly day.

Popular pieces from Walmart’s Free Assembly clothing line tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend shopping these styles for late summer and fall while they’re still in stock in all sizes and colors. Keep scrolling to shop more of our top picks from the drop.

Cotton twist front midi dress

Cotton mini dress with long sleeves and belt

Utility cotton midi dress with belt