ELEVATE YOUR EVERYDAY

Like everything else, the NSALE ebbs and flows, and I’m happy to report that this year was as chic as ever. I’ve rounded up all my purchases to share with you today and did a little something different this year, too. I’m including all the pieces I tried on and left behind because one person’s “eh” is another’s “OBSESSED,” so I wanted to share it all — what came home with me and what I hung back up.

This year, as usual, I leaned all the way into elevated fall staples – the jackets, sweaters, and essentials that make getting dressed easy when the weather turns. I skipped the trend pieces that fizzle out and focused on the wear-now, wear-later items I know I’ll be living in for years. Everything below is something I personally added to my cart, and I’ve broken it all down by category so you can shop straight to what you’re looking for.

A quick editor’s note before you dive in: I’m 5’10”, so I’ve included honest fit notes on every single piece, i.e. whether it runs true to size and exactly what size I’m wearing. I’ve shopped this sale for over a decade, and my goal is always to help you skip the guesswork and grab the worthy pieces before they sell out. So let’s shop the NSALE!

Outerwear I Bought From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I have a very hard time saying “no” to jackets and coats. It’s just who I am. I accepted it a long time ago. So, obviously, this was the first category I shopped during this year’s NSALE – these are the pieces that pull an entire fall outfit together, and the sale prices make the investment ones so much easier to justify. Here’s the four fabulous pieces I added to my cart.

AllSaints Clay Suede Jacket

SHOP NOW

This is the suede jacket I’ll reach for on repeat, and it’s worth every penny. It’s the AllSaints Clay silhouette in the most buttery goatskin suede, and the khaki green color is the perfect fall neutral — it goes with everything from black denim to cream knits. I love the unique details (exposed zipper and adjustable snap cuffs) and that it reads as classic. A real suede moto like this earns its cost per wear fast.

Fit: Runs true to size. I’m wearing a small. The wide sleeves have snap-tabs and there’s a drawcord hem, so you can adjust the proportions to your liking.

Outerwear I Tried On & Loved (But Left Behind)

Not everything made it home with me — here are a few I loved in the fitting room but ultimately passed on, and the honest reason why.

Reiss Wilstead Suede Shirt Jacket

SHOP NOW

Okay, this is the one I’m still torn about. I LOVED it — the boxy, minimalist biker silhouette in buttery black leather is pure quality, the kind of jacket you keep forever. The only thing holding me back is the price, which is a real investment. I have a feeling I’ll be kicking myself when my size sells out… so if you can swing it, this is the splurge to consider. I mean how stunning is it with this skirt?

Fit: True to size, boxy oversized moto cut.

Sweaters I Bought From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Cashmere is always my top priority at the NSALE, and this year I kept it simple with one perfect short-sleeve style I loved so much I grabbed it in two colors. At under $90 for 100% cashmere, it’s one of the best values in the whole sale.

SHOP NOW

A short-sleeve cashmere crewneck is my secret weapon for looking pulled together with zero effort, and the black is the one I’ll reach for most. It’s the perfect layering piece under a blazer now, and tucked into denim or trousers on its own. Real cashmere at this price is a no-brainer — I couldn’t buy just one.

Fit: True to size. I’m wearing a small.

Nordstrom Short Sleeve Cashmere Sweater — Brown Mole

SHOP NOW

And because one color is never enough, I grabbed it in brown mole too. This is such a rich, versatile fall neutral — it warms up black and pairs beautifully with cream, camel, and denim. The exact same buttery cashmere and easy fit; I just couldn’t decide between the two, so I didn’t.

Fit: True to size. I’m wearing a small.

Sweaters I Tried On & Left Behind

A few knits that were cute in the fitting room but didn’t quite earn a spot in my cart — here’s the honest rundown.

Vince Polo Wool Blend Sweater

SHOP NOW

A polished polo sweater in a fine wool blend with a pretty contrast placket. It’s a lovely piece — it just didn’t totally feel like me. Cute, but I didn’t love it enough to bring it home. If the sporty-preppy polo look is your thing, though, this one’s beautifully made. Elevated sweatshirt, if you will.

Fit: True to size. I sized up here for a relaxed fit; wearing a medium.

PAIGE Birch Puff Sleeve Polo Sweater

SHOP NOW

This one has such a cute slouchy, slightly cropped fit with gently puffed shoulders and a smart polo collar. Same story though — adorable, but I didn’t love it quite enough. Worth a look if you like a relaxed, sporty knit with a little polish.

Fit: True to size, slouchy cropped fit. Wearing a small.

BOSS Faleri Virgin Wool Rib Sweater

SHOP NOW

This is the one I almost bought. It’s such a flattering ribbed funnel-neck — the fitted shape and elbow-length sleeves make it feel more like a top than a sweater, so it’s so easy to wear. I just didn’t need it, so I made myself put it back. But if you want one really flattering knit, this is it.

Fit: True to size, fitted shape. Wearing a small.

Nordstrom Puff Sleeve Cashmere Cardigan

SHOP NOW

A sweet cashmere cardigan with short puff sleeves in a soft grey. It’s genuinely cute, but the puff sleeve felt a little too big on me, so I passed. If you love a romantic detail and layer-friendly cashmere, it might be perfect for you.

Fit: True to size, but the puff sleeve runs a bit voluminous. Wearing a small.

Nordstrom Crewneck Cashmere Sweater

SHOP NOW

This is a style I buy basically every year — a classic ribbed-trim cashmere crewneck that goes with everything. I only passed because I’m already well stocked on this exact piece. If you don’t already own one, this is the sweater I’d tell you to add to your cart first. A true wardrobe staple.

Fit: True to size. Wearing a small.

Tops I Bought From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The pieces that quietly do the most work in my wardrobe are elevated basics — the tops I can throw on with anything and instantly look pulled together. Both of these are that, and both are wear-now, wear-later staples I know I’ll be reaching for constantly.

SHOP NOW

This is the kind of quiet-luxury basic I can’t get enough of. The boxy cut and asymmetric hem give a plain black top so much more dimension, and the drapey neckline keeps it feeling elevated. I’ll wear it now with denim and a blazer, and tuck it under sweaters and jackets once it cools down. A true do-anything piece.

Fit: True to size. I’m wearing a small.

Vince Side Drape Funnel Neck Top

SHOP NOW

Think of this as a turtleneck alternative that feels so much easier to wear — the slouchy mock neck and soft side draping make it relaxed but still polished. The fabric has the perfect drape, and it’s exactly the kind of long-sleeve layering top I live in through fall. It’ll go under every jacket I bought above.

Fit: True to size. I’m wearing a small.

Bottoms I Bought From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I kept my bottoms picks tight this year and went for two sleek, elevated pieces that instantly dress up an outfit. Both are black, both are that perfect mix of polished and edgy, and both will carry me straight from now into fall and holiday.

SHOP NOW

This skirt is such a statement in the best, most wearable way. The streamlined pencil silhouette has a sleek, almost liquid drape to it, and the back slit gives it just enough movement and edge. I’ll style it with one of my new cashmere sweaters tucked in for fall, or a fitted top and heels for date night and holiday parties. It’s the kind of piece that makes a whole outfit look expensive.

Fit: Runs big, size down; sleek streamlined fit. I’m wearing size 4.

Nordstrom Leather Pants

SHOP NOW

Leather pants are a fall staple I reach for constantly, and these are such a find — a clean straight-leg silhouette in real leather for under $200. They have structure without being stiff, so they’re genuinely comfortable to wear all day. I’ll pair them with everything from a tee and blazer to a tucked-in knit and boots. An easy, elevated basic that punches way above its price.

Fit: True to size, straight-leg fit.

Shoes & Boots I Bought From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Shoes are one of the categories I shop hardest during the NSale, because the savings on quality footwear are so worth it. This year I grabbed two everyday styles I know I’ll wear on repeat.

SHOP NOW

A great white sneaker is a wardrobe workhorse, and On makes some of the most comfortable ones out there. The white glacier goes with absolutely everything — leggings and errands, jeans and a blazer, travel days — and the cushioning is unreal for how sleek they look. At under $120 these are one of the easiest yes’s in my cart.

Fit: True to size.

Sam Edelman Brandy Mesh Pointed Toe Mule — Black

SHOP NOW

These are the perfect dressed-up-but-comfortable shoe. The airy mesh, pointed toe, and low setback heel feel so current, and the under-2.5-inch heel means I can actually wear them all day and night. I’ll style them with everything from denim to my new leather pants and pencil skirt. Such a chic look for under $90.

Fit: True to size.

Boots I Tried On & Left Behind

I’m pretty well stocked on boots right now, so I passed on these — but every one was a great silhouette at a great price, so I wanted to share in case you’re building out your fall boot lineup.

SHOP NOW

A beautifully minimalist bootie with a blunt square toe and low setback heel — so sleek and modern. I only passed because I have a designer pair that’s super similar, so I didn’t need both. But these are a fantastic price for the quality and genuinely comfortable, so if you want this exact style, don’t hesitate.

Fit: True to size.

Marc Fisher LTD Sasha Pointed Toe Bootie — Black Leather

SHOP NOW

A pointed-toe leather bootie in smooth black — the pointy toe really elongates the leg and makes it feel dressier than your average ankle boot. Same story for me: I already have something similar. But I love these as a more elevated option, and the price point is excellent.

Fit: True to size.

Marc Fisher LTD Daynna Knee High Boot — Black

SHOP NOW

The silhouette on these is so good — a streamlined knee-high with a snip toe and low, walkable heel. The elastic gore back makes them easy to get on and keeps them secure. I have something similar already, but I was tempted; they’re incredibly comfortable and such a great price for a knee-high.

Fit: True to size.

Marc Fisher LTD Daynna Knee High Boot — Taupe Suede

SHOP NOW

Same amazing knee-high boot, but the taupe suede is the version I really had to talk myself out of. It’s such a pretty, soft neutral that instantly warms up fall outfits and looks more expensive than it is. Same comfort, same great price — if you want one knee-high to add this year, this color is a stunner.

Fit: True to size.

Accessories I Bought From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Accessories are where the NSALE really shines — it’s one of the only times all year designer sunglasses go on sale, so I always stock up. Here’s what I added this year.

SHOP NOW

A great belt is the little finishing touch that pulls an outfit together, and the snake silver on this one is such a fun way to add some shine and texture. It’s perfect looped through trousers and jeans, and it instantly makes a simple look feel more considered. At under $40, it’s an easy add.

Fit is true to size.

Gucci 53mm Square Sunglasses — Black

SHOP NOW

The NSALE is the best time to invest in designer sunglasses, and these Gucci squares were at the top of my list. The black square frame is such a classic, flattering shape, and the subtle logo detail at the temples keeps them feeling elevated without being flashy. These are a forever pair I’ll wear for years.

Saint Laurent Classic 59mm Polarized Aviator Sunglasses — Silver

SHOP NOW

And because one pair is never enough during the sale, I also grabbed these Saint Laurent aviators. The silver metal frame is so lightweight, and the polarized lenses make a real difference on bright days. Aviators are a timeless shape that never goes out of style — another investment pair worth grabbing while they’re marked down.

Bags I Tried & Left Behind

Two really pretty faux-leather bags from JW PEI that I loved the look of but didn’t end up needing — sharing in case they’re just what you’re after.