Yes, we’re in the heat of summer and there are still plenty of hot days left. But with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in full swing, it’s a good time to sneak a peek at your fall wardrobe and determine if you might need to add a few elevated essentials from the sale. If you’re in a summer state of mind you might struggle to consider what those basics might be. So today I’m sharing the fall wardrobe basics to invest in now during the sale so you’re set when fall arrives.
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The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is not an end of season clearance sale. It’s a pre-fall sale featuring hundreds of NEW fashions and accessories at temporarily discounted prices. The sale is open to everyone now and ends August 9, with prices going back up on these items on the 10th.
But even if the sale is great, that doesn’t mean we need to buy everything that strikes our fancy. Not only are most of us on a budget, but we’re also trying to refine our wardrobes so that they work smart for us, giving us room for creativity. So it’s important to shop events like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale wisely, looking for the best gems that will make the biggest impact on our outfits. To that end, I’m sharing the fall wardrobe basics in the sale that are truly worth the investment.
6 Fall Wardrobe Basics Worth the Investment
In this post I want to focus on the types of wardrobe basics worthy of investment. So I won’t call out each individual item I’m wearing in the photos. But most of them are available still in the sale, and you can check them out by clicking through the links in the captions of the photos or in the shopping widget at the end of the post. Everything I’m wearing runs true to size unless otherwise noted.
#1 – Modern Denim: Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale looking for those pieces that will help you look current this fall. One of the best ways to modernize your wardrobe is to update your jeans. Modern jeans alone won’t make your outfit current and stylish, but they’ll get you well on your way.
That doesn’t mean you need new jeans every year. But if you don’t yet have a pair of straight-leg, relaxed fit jeans or a pair of wide leg jeans that fit you nicely in the waist and hips, now is the time to update your wardrobe.
The Paige Stevie high waist straight leg jeans shown above are a great example of modern denim that is also comfortable and classic. Further down in the post, I’m wearing the Frame Le Sleek straight leg ankle jeans, which are another nice option, especially if you prefer a slimmer fit. The Frame jeans also come in petite sizes.
#2 – Cashmere Sweaters: You’ll find lots of trending sweaters in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but I wouldn’t bother with most of them. Sweaters will come and go all season, and you’ll find great prices on them throughout the fall and winter.
But if you want to replenish your classic cashmere, cotton or Merino wool sweaters and you find one that fits the bill, this is a nice time to make that investment. The Nordstrom brand has some of the best cashmere sweaters available at very affordable prices for the quality. The blue cashmere cardigan above is a classic, but also on trend, especially when worn buttoned up as I have here. Yesterday I got in this v-neck pullover in the beautiful Beige Beach shade, and it’s just so soft and creamy. These are true fall wardrobe basics to invest in now because you’ll get improved cost per wear throughout the season and even into spring.
Vince also usually has beautiful natural fiber sweaters in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. But this year their usual complement of cashmere sweaters is missing from the sale. Instead, I found this thick, luxe Merino wool blend cardigan, another on trend classic with sticking power. Of course you’ll find other options in the sale, too, whether you’re looking for cotton, wool, cashmere or those with a touch of silk.
#3 – Classic Trousers in Trending Navy: If you don’t already have navy trousers in your wardrobe for fall – or year-round – now is a great time to get ahead of the trend wave. Yes, you read that correctly. Navy is set to be so on trend this year. In fact, the buzz is that it’s the new black! These Nordstrom brand Lennox wide leg trousers fit true to size and have a lovely drape. They’re a true classic silhouette with a high waist and a flat front waistband.
You’ll be able to wear your navy trousers with so many things in your wardrobe, from sweaters to pretty blouses, simple tees to button-up shirts. Invest in them now (well under $100 in the sale) and wear them all year long for an extremely low cost per wear.
#4 – Classic Shoes in Trending Styles: What did I buy the most of in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Clearly, shoes. In fact, my wardrobe includes shoes and boots from three and four years back…all from previous Nordstrom Anniversary Sales. When it comes to on-trend shoe shopping for styles that are current, but also well-made and comfortable, there is no other time of the year when you’ll have as many options at once.
Look for shoes, like the Veronica Beard pumps above, that are classic in style but feature trending fabrications or ornamentation. Again this year we’re seeing a lot of brown, so you’ll find espresso, mocha, tan, brown oak, cappuccino, latte and mahogany options galore. But I’ve also noticed plenty of navy, black and wine or burgundy styles.
I also picked up the Tory Burch brown suede loafer pumps below in the sale when I realized the versatility they would offer me. Now the jeans in my closet that work well with heeled booties will also go nicely with these loafers. And they’re super comfortable. The loafers come in black leather, too, and fit true to size.
But these are only a small selection of the stylish shoes you’ll find in the sale. And I found great buys at every price point. For instance, this Open Edit suede mule pump is one of my favorite surprise finds in the sale, and it’s under $50! I purchased two pair. They stay on your feet beautifully as you walk, and they look so chic with ankle length jeans and pants.
#5 – Jackets & Coats: Nothing changes or sets the tone of your outfit quite like an elevated jacket or coat. Remember, your outer layer is not an afterthought; it’s the first thing people see when you walk in a room. So investing in a beautiful coat or jacket is always a smart purchase that will pay big dividends over the years.
In the past I’ve purchased beautiful wool and wool blend coats in the sale, and my coat closet still holds them for the next season. But this year, since I’m really good to go, I just purchased a fun plaid rain jacket. It runs true to size for a roomy fit and comes in a lovely vintage mustard, too.
#6 – High Quality Handbag: I generally change clothes every day. But I carry the same few handbags all season long. So it’s smart to consider your bag as an important part of your outfit. Smart women purchase and carry bags in high quality that add to their outfits rather than detract from them.
You’ll find handbags from your favorite brands in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Brands like Tory Burch, Veronica Beard, the Sak, Coach and, this year, Vince. My Vince woven leather hobo bag has sold out, be replenished and sold out again. But watch for this and other sold out bags to be available again – even for just a little while – through the end of the sale. Meanwhile, there are other beautiful bags to choose from.
You can shop all of the items I’ve shown above (including those that are not part of the sale, but part of my wardrobe) in the shopping widget below.
I hope you found today’s blog post helpful. If so, you might want to check out my other Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts HERE.
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Blessed for My Day
Yesterday when I was Facetiming with my granddaughter she was holding a doll. I innocently asked her, “Is that your baby doll?” I was a little surprised when she told me sternly, “No.” Then in her most serious face, she explained to me, “She’s not baby doll. She’s just baby.” Ahh, I see.
When we know someone intimately, we don’t just know who they are. We know who they are to us. We understand our relationship to them. Jesus asked His friend Peter to tell Him who He was to him, to Peter. He didn’t want to just know who other people said He was; He wanted to make sure Peter knew who He really was. Do you know who Jesus is? How would you answer Jesus’ question if He were to ask you that today?
He said to them, “But who do you yourselves say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ~ Matthew 16:15-16
I need to check out trouser pants. Usually at 5’3” they overwhelm me and usually wayyyy to long. I always struggle what color shoes to wear with navy pants so never go that route with pants. Are you wearing a black and white print shoe?
Another category I need to look for is coats.
With so many pant and jean options currently, and so many lengths and widths, it’s dizzying to try to sort out the right shoes for each. Add in weather factors, and it’s a puzzle! I’m so I glad you show full length pictures of your styles and give great guidance on the most flattering shoes for various pants. I always look forward to seeing your choices.