OK, folks — we’re in the home stretch of my first Nordstrom Anniversary Sale order (yes, still on the first order as stragglers trickle in), and today I had a little fun with a few more pairs of shoes that have serious potential. Because of that serious potential, I have a feeling these things are selling out from under us as we speak, so I’m going to keep this uncharacteristically short and get right into it.

Sneaker Boots, Mules & Pointed-Toe Booties: 3 Cool Pairs Of Shoes + 3 Ways To Style ‘Em

Keep reading for three more pairs of shoes I’m debating adding to my fall wardrobe (in addition to the Paul Green Booties we’ve already discussed) — and, in the vein of really maxing our bang for the buck, I also included a glimpse into the styling versatility of each one. 

1. Marc Fisher LTD Unno Pointed Toe Bootie

booties (TTS) | jeans (TTS) | cami (TTS; this year’s version) | joggers (TTS)

These got loads of coverage in my NSale Denim roundup, so it’s clear they’re a winner with a wide variety of jeans (they literally look good with everything from skinnies to mom jeans to cropped boyfriend jeans). The leather is buttery soft, and I’m genuinely loving the ivory — it feels so fresh, glam and a little mod, but it’s still super wearable. They’re also available in black, snake print and a totally gorgeous “wine” crocodile that I’m sorely tempted to pick up, as well. (I love how oxblood can be dressed up to be sultry as hell or pushed a bit more into the rock n’ roll fray.) I found the fit on these to be true to size — and they’re surprisingly comfy. I’m wearing my usual 8.

2. Cole Haan Paula Perforated Loafer Mule

mules (TTS) | jeans (TTS; or similar here, size up) | sweatshirt (similar)

I have a love/hate relationship with mules. I want to love them, but sometimes I find them so hard to keep on, or I end up doing a subconscious shuffle of sorts while wearing them (that Chris will inevitably point out with a subtle why are you walking like that…? once we’re already too far from home to turn back). SO. Expectations for these were low, but I’m pleasantly surprised. The perforated leather is really comfortable and forgiving, even on the wider part of my foot where my genetic bunions like to announce themselves, and the footbed is nice and cushiony — as I suppose I should have expected from Cole Haan. They do have a bit of a slipper vibe, but I’m not sure I’m at all against that. In fact, I’ve become so accustomed to slippers as daywear that I appreciate the gradual transition to real footwear that these provide. So in sum…I think I love them…? Also available in tan and a dove gray. Wearing my usual 8.

3. Timberland Dausette Sneaker Boot

sneaker boots (TTS) | joggers (TTS) | sweatshirt (similar) | jeans (TTS)

These Timberlands are so fun and chill, with classic Timberland vibes but a lighter visual weight (they’re also physically lighter, too). They’re comfy and cool, and if you’re into ’90s streetwear vibes at all *raises hand!* (or even in the market for a boot that feels equally at home in both city and light outdoor environments), I feel like there could be a spot for them in your closet. Just like all the shoes covered in this post, they fit true to size. Also available in black.

Clearly, these three couldn’t be more different from each other, but the brilliant thing is that they’re all pretty dang versatile when it comes to styling. Loungewear worthy of the grocery store? Yep. All-purpose jeans and a tee? Check. Something that could stand up to date night or (physically distanced) drinks with the gals? That, too.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Still In Stock: Booties, Mules & Sneaker Boots, Styled 3 Ways 

Just to quickly show off each pair’s potential, I styled up each of the shoes with three different looks: 1) an Elevated Loungewear look 2) a Casual Denim look and 3) a Date Night look. You’ll see some of the same pieces used repeatedly for the sake of simplicity (my own little dressing room capsule wardrobe of sorts! — but also, NSale fatigue is real) — and honestly, some of the looks are more successful than others, but folks — you get the gist. 

 1) With Elevated Loungewear

left: booties (TTS) | joggers (TTS) | t-shirt (super similar) | cardigan (TTS)
right: booties (TTS) | leggings (TTS) | logo tee (size up; or here; similar in the NSale) | leather jacket (size up; or similar in the NSale)

These pointed toe booties are, hands down, the dressiest piece that I intend to keep from the NSale and, no surprise here, adding them to joggers or leggings vamps up both outfits exponentially. The one on the left is probably a little Sandy from Grease with an Adidas Sponsorship. Kind of ok with that.

mules (TTS) | joggers (TTS) | t-shirt (super similar) | cardigan (TTS)

This cardigan has been one of my favorite things from the sale so far. It’s thicker and more robust than last year’s version, not as marshmallowy soft but it has a higher quality hand. Wearing an XS here. Stock is running low on a couple of sizes, but if you’re eyeing something with the same overall shape and feeling, I am loving all the warm colors offered in this version (non-NSale).

sneaker boots (TTS) | joggers (TTS) | sweatshirt (similar)

Totally self-explanatory — and yet I’m still talking! Story of my life. This is most likely how I’ll wear these — cozy and casual, but still with an “I care a little bit about fashion…maybe” vibe. Wait, maybe that’s the story of my life.

2. With Casual Denim

booties (TTS) | jeans (TTS) | logo tee (size up; or here; similar in the NSale) | cardigan (TTS)

Someone hand me some huge sunnies and a PSL, because this is as basic as it gets. But friends — basic got to be, well, basic for a reason. The skinnies + boots + cardigan formula works every time and always looks pulled together without feeling like you’re trying too hard.

mules (TTS) | jeans (TTS; or similar here, size up) | sweatshirt (similar)

These mules are just chic, guys. I’m trying to decide if I would like them as much without the perforations, and I genuinely think that’s what makes them feel so cool — and comfy. (No one wants a sweaty mule.) I think in the tan or light dove gray, they’d work almost year-round, too. But I know the thing you’re really after is these jeans, right? Right. So…good news: They are SO good. True to size with just a hint of stretch, but it’s the ragged hem that’s likely to catch your eye if you’re a fan of distressed denim. Bad news? They’re sold out now, but bookmark this link, because they’ll be back. In the meantime, this pair on Amazon is the same brand and style with similar distressing, but at 100% cotton, I would go up a size. 

sneaker boots (TTS) | jeans (TTS) | t-shirt (super similar) | coat (different color / more NSale options)

If Macklemore and a Real Housewife started a fashion line together, this coat would be the signature item. I could wax poetic about it, but it, too, is sold out, so instead let’s focus on how these shoes are just BEGGING for any fuzzy teddy or faux fur coat up top. I’m linking up a bunch of in-stock NSale alternatives below. And if you’re really dead set on this exact style before it’s restocked, Free People still has a couple sizes in a gorgeous oatmeal color. This extra plush Topshop option is really over the top and budget-friendly, too.

Shop More #NSale Faux Fur & Teddy Bear Coats

3. For a Night Out (Or In)

booties (TTS) | jeans (TTS) | cami (TTS; this year’s version) | jacket (if sold out, different color in the NSale; with a contrasting hood; or similar)

Not even going to waste your time here by pretending you need me to tell you how to put heeled booties with jeans. I will, however, waste your time telling you to hunt down this BLANKNYC denim jacket. It’s got a removable hood and is honestly SO freaking good both with and without the hood. It’s still fully stocked in the medium wash denim here (in the NSale!), and with a really cool contrasting black hood here and here. Similar black/black option with sweatshirt sleeves here.

sneaker boots (TTS) | jeans (TTS) | cami (similar or budget-friendly or I love this one) | leather jacket (size up; or similar in the NSale)

This is totally my speed. And honestly, on the coast, even if we were doing date nights out again, you could get away with wearing this just about anywhere without feeling over or underdressed. The cami makes it feel like you tried a little; the rest of it prevents it from feeling like you tried a lot. Easy.

mules (TTS) | jeans (size down one for sizes 0-6; similar) | cami (TTS; this year’s version) | leather jacket (size up; or similar in the NSale)

OK, I am solidly coming around to the mules the more I look at these pictures. They’re simple and sleek and demure in an almost high-fashion way. Plus these Good American Good Waist jeans make just about everything look good. Sizes are going fast! (Size down if you’re a 0-6; TTS for all other sizes.)

So now for the hard part, folks. Keep all three? I could be easily (perhaps too easily) convinced — but right now I’m leaning toward the ivory booties and the mules since the Paul Green Dynamic Boots that I’m almost certainly keeping could play a similar role to the Timberlands. Or maybe swap the mules for a more seasonless color? Something tells me if I dare place another order I’ll just be persuaded to keep even more. Such is the dark magic of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, ha. (And BTW…if you’re still shopping, be sure to stop by our ultimate #NSale guide.)

Chime in, friends!
And, as always, happy shopping.

xo,
Em

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