Going into my Nordstrom store, I was worried because so few items on my Anniversary Sale wish list were available to try on. I was hoping that I would be pleasantly surprised, and I was.
Just like last year, some of my favorite finds of the NSale were pieces that I’d looked at online, but somehow I failed to imagine the true potential of the item as a piece in my wardrobe (for example, these amazing Western booties).
However, some of my hero pieces were items that I had been plotting to purchase since last year, like the AllSaints Balfern biker jacket. As always, I had my eye on picks that would suit my curves (hello, 4-plus-inch difference between my waist and hips!), so if you’re a curvy or midsize girly, I hope this post helps you shop the sale.
And hey, when you’re done here, head on over to our Ultimate Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, our one-stop shop for all things NSale.
A Curvy Girl’s Guide To Fall Vibes: A Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-On
My wish list had “Modern Morticia” vibes — lots of black and white. Rather than walking out feeling like Mrs. Addams herself strutting into Spooktober, I left feeling like I had a complete and fresh fall capsule wardrobe that might inspire people to say, “Huh, I bet she listens to Johnny Cash and Joan Jett,” when I walk by.
My color palette for this capsule is shades of tan, chocolate, burgundy and olive. Each of the hero pieces I purchased was easy to style into multiple outfits, which makes me feel like I struck the right balance of fun and unique pieces and wardrobe workhorse basics.
1. Cool Cargo Pants
Top (S) | Pants (L) | Sandals (9)
These Urban Outfitters cargo pants were on my original wish list, but they are *so* much better in person. If you’d told me before I tried these on that I would fall in love with low-rise pants, I would’ve scoffed. Not only are these combo cargo/parachute pants comfy, but they’re also just cool looking with the two-tone colorblocking on the pockets. Slouchy and vibey, these pants make me feel like I should lock my bedroom door and turn on Weezer full blast.
The hem of the cargo pants is not too long on me (I’m 5’5″) to wear with sandals, so I pulled my cognac-color Birkenstock sandals into an outfit with this luxe EILEEN FISHER mock-neck T-shirt.
LEFT: Sweater (M) | Bodysuit | Pants (L) | Sneakers (9) // RIGHT: Top (S) | Pants (L) | Boots (8)
I also styled the pants with this comfy, chocolate-color Free People sweater. I love that the sweater is cropped and the pants are low-rise (who am I?!), but honestly, this does show off my waist, which is a look that I like on my body type. If you’re self-conscious about showing your midriff (I am), do what I did and layer a bodysuit underneath the sweater.
2. A Good Pair Of Western Boots
Top (2)| Jeans (15) | Boots (9)
These booties were a total surprise to me when I went in-store. I originally had my eye on a pair of black-and-white, Western-inspired booties by Dolce Vita (still very cool and tempting), but when I tried both on, I thought these Steve Madden boots were both more comfortable (even though the heel is a bit higher on these) and would work with a greater array of fall outfits — without missing out on grabbing booties that had a unique twist.
Sweater (M)| Jeans (32) | Boots (9) | Bag
Paired with a white button-up shirt that hits right at the waist and flare jeans, these booties make me feel like a rodeo queen. With the Free People cable-knit sweater (reversed!) and skinny jeans? I’m ready for a Starbucks run and a day full of errands.
3. Moto Jacket (A Fresh Take)
Jacket (12) | Top (M) | Jeans (15)
Hello, beloved moto jacket. How I have longed for thee. I tried on one of the AllSaints leather jackets last year, but I left it behind to dutifully stick to my budget. This year, she had to come home with me. There are a handful of color options in the sale this year, and honestly, they are all stunning — burgundy, navy, black, and black with silver studs. However, I already have a black leather jacket, and this bone color just looks so fresh to my eye.
LEFT: Jacket (12) | Top (M) | Jeans (15) | Bag | Heels (9) // RIGHT: Jacket (12) | Top (M) | Jeans (32) | Boots (9)
If the outfit on the left says, “I love classic rock,” then the outfit on the right is a tribute to queens and kings of crossover — those legends like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry who were rock ‘n’ roll and country.
The Marc Jacobs pillow crossbody bag is the only bag I picked up at the NSale this year. I landed on this one because of the silver hardware on the bag that I thought would go well with the items I have in my closet, and it does have an optional strap to make it a crossbody bag.
Jacket (12) | Top (M) | Pants (L) | Boots (8)
This outfit just speaks to me — the moto jacket looks so clean and edgy and contrasts wonderfully with those darker, softer, slouchier pants. No ’90s-inspired outfit would really be complete without my beloved Docs.
4. An Interesting (Sexy) Tee
Top (S) | Bodysuit | Jeans (15) | Heels (9)
LEFT: Top (S) | Bodysuit | Jeans (15) // RIGHT: Top (S) | Bodysuit | Jeans (15) | Heels (9)
This sheer long-sleeve tee from AllSaints looks moody and punk rock, and it’s just sheer enough to be sexy for daytime or date night. Here, I’ve thrown the tee over my favorite lacy bodysuit and styled the tee with flare jeans and pointed d’Orsay heels. Be aware that the tee is very oversized — I first tried the large, which was way too big, then the medium, and I finally purchased a size small (not my typical size).
5. An Everyday Sweater + Jeans
This Free People sweater is an unexpected find and wasn’t originally on my wish list. However, Kat tried on the cream color, and I just loved the length of the sweater on her curves. I like to find items that hit at my natural waistline. Some cropped styles are too short for my comfort, but this one hits just right. Plus, it’s just so cozy.
Top (M) | Jeans (15) | Heels (9)
This gray crewneck sweater (also from Free People) was another day-of-shopping find! The frayed edges on the hems are unique, and the material is so very warm (too warm for July, quite frankly!). AllSaints sweaters tend to run large in my experience, and this style was no exception. If you’re ordering online, I would suggest going one size down from your normal size.
6. One Gorgeous Dress
Sweater + Dress Set (L) | Heels (9)
Friends: Do not sleep on this AllSaints dress. For some reason, the product shot online is a bright orange color that completely misrepresents the actual color of this silk slip dress and matching cropped rib-knit sweater. Rather, this set is a beautiful oxblood color that never goes out of style for the fall.
LEFT: Dress (L) | Bag | Heels (9) RIGHT: Sweater (M) | Dress (L) | Sandals (9)
I’m so on board with matching sets, and the outfits I’ve styled here show why I’m so in favor of this trend. Being able to mix and match the pieces in the set just gives you so many options. By itself, the slip dress can be paired with sexy black heels and a handbag for a date night out. Or take this beautiful silk dress and turn it into a lovely midi skirt to wear with comfortable sandals and a cozy sweater.
Top (M) | Dress (L) | Bag | Boots (8)
Last, but certainly not least, I layered my EILEEN FISHER cap-sleeve tee over the slip dress, tied up my combat boots, and snapped this checkered belt bag around my waist. I love that the belt bag adds definition to the waistline, which would otherwise be obscured by the loose T-shirt. Plus, anything black-and-white checkered makes me think of a racing flag and the 1994 song “Shirley” by L7, which in turn makes me stomp around all day long with an overabundance of self-confidence, silently hyping myself up.
I wish each of you as much luck as I feel like I had shopping the sale this year, and, more important, I hope you have the opportunity to shop with someone who brings you joy — your mom, daughter, sister or bestie. Fashion can be so much fun, and I would love for each of you to walk into the fall season feeling fresh and standing a little taller. What hero piece did you snag for yourself this year??
xo,
Anne
