I’m always amazed by this sale! My Nordstrom store rarely has the items on my wish list, but then I stumble upon some real gems, and as I start putting together outfits with these finds, I can’t help but envision all the possibilities. This year, I managed to strike a perfect balance between work and play with all of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale finds.
Let’s start with the perfect alternative to jeans: cargo pants. I fell in love with a stunning copper pair from Cinq A Sept last year, and this year they’re available in an amazing green shade — they’ve been the highlight of my wardrobe. But since these aren’t at my store, I found a fantastic and more affordable option: these BP cargo pants.
P.S. Our Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is updated daily. It features all our best recs, so be sure to check it out (& bookmark it) when you’re done here!
Fall Outfits With The Perfect Work-Play Balance: A Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-On
I have three takeaways from this year’s NSale…
- Jeans can take a break. While there are some amazing ones — like these Joe’s Trouser Jeans that fit like a glove — jeans don’t feel like something I want to wear as often as I used to. We can add a rotation of other types of pants, like cargos and casual trousers. These Eileen Fisher Ponte pants are a great option for both comfort and style.
- Rails knows how to make a button-up, and they last forever. I’ll show you three in this post.
- The sneakers are so good. I had to snatch these P448 right away — see these if you prefer silver and gray instead of ivory and gold.
Maybe not a takeaway, but also worth sharing: I love these Aquatalia boots as a pair of walkable high heels and these red pointed-toe boots from 27 Edit. So if you’re looking for booties, start there.
For reference, I’m 5’1″ tall and typically wear a size S in dresses and tops, as well as a size 27 in jeans.
1. Chic Cargo Pants For The Office (& Date Night)
Top (S) l Pants (S) l Sneakers l Bag
BP surprised me with the most affordable and cute pair of cargo pants (also in black and green). I went into the Nordstrom sale looking for a pair like this — not joggers of which I already have two pairs I love, including these silky ones by Cinq A Sept that are in the sale in a gorgeous green.
While I’m still looking for a higher-end version, this is a great pair to see how I’d styled them up. The twill fabric with the subtle sheen makes these cargos easily dressed up for work or ready for play.
Fit Notes: The fit of these BP cargo pants is a little straight, so they feel a bit snug around my hips, and I’m wearing a S (I’m 27 in jeans).
LEFT: Shirt (XS) l Pants (S) l Boots l Bag // RIGHT: Top (S) l Pants (S) l Sneakers l Bag
The All Saints tote bag in the first and third outfits is essential. Its size, color options (including Orchid Red and Black), and the two carrying options make it a workhorse in your wardrobe. You’ll see how throughout the post it went with everything I brought home.. The little detachable pouch inside keeps your essentials away from the rest.
2. My Favorite Pants In The NSale
When I tried on the EILEEN FISHER Ponte pants and blazer, the combination wasn’t my style, but the pants alone are perfect. The polished Ponte fabric makes them suitable for work, while their drape and comfort make them versatile for casual settings too. Scroll down for more outfits featuring these pants.
Fit Notes: These pants run big, so I sized down to a XS. They also come in black, but the green was my choice.
Top (S) l Pants (S) l Sneakers l Bag
This Free People long-sleeve top is slimming, comfortable and sexy. I love to wear this kind of top with my wide-leg pants because it creates an hourglass shape, and the V-neck elongates the neck. It’s one of my essentials as a petite person. Size up, though, if you want more length.
3. Cropped Puffer Vest? Yes, Actually.
LEFT: Vest (S) l Pants (S) l Bag // RIGHT: Vest (S) l Pants (S) l Sneakers l Bag
I’ve never been this thrilled about a vest, especially a puffer vest. However, since the NSale Preview, I’ve been envisioning one with loose pants and jeans. Although I’ll eventually have to layer it with a long-sleeve underneath, I can’t wait for a slight chill to wear it as a stand-alone top.
The white vest on the left is made of corduroy and also comes in a gorgeous dusty blue. The green vest, which also comes in black and brown, is nylon with a subtle texture. I adore that both have drawstrings for customizable adjustments to suit your preferences.
4. All The Pretty Button-Up Shirts With Great Texture & Subtle Prints
Shirt (XS) l Pants (S) l Bag
Rails excels at crafting button-up shirts. I had one for five years and recently passed it on to my sister in flawless condition. One quick note before I go in-depth with each button-up: Size down. I’m wearing an XS.
The blue Rails button-up above, made from organic cotton, is incredibly soft and feels like a cloud. It’s a versatile top that can be worn over a swimsuit or paired with favorite shorts and summer pants, transitioning seamlessly into fall. The organic cotton pairs well with those EILEEN FISHER Ponte Pants for a work-appropriate ensemble. Although I would prefer a more saturated color to complement my complexion, the soft and beautiful hue still holds its charm.
LEFT: Shirt (XS) l Jeans (27) // RIGHT: Shirt (XS) l Jeans (27) l Bag
Left: Rails Textured Satin Button-Up Shirt: This particular brown shade looks fantastic on almost anyone, complementing various complexions effortlessly. The crinkle satin material adds a touch of distinction, setting it apart from regular satin and creating a unique texture. It feels wonderfully luxurious. Additionally, the well-designed cuffs and collar give a polished appearance, while the overall fit falls beautifully for a casually elegant look.
Right: Rails Wild Cat Button-Up Blouse: I adore this subtle print in the softest and most breathable fabric. Same as the blue one above, it’s a shirt that can go easily from a casual office environment with trousers and heels, to being tied at the waist with your favorite jeans or sweatpants.
5. Team Flare Jeans
Lately, I’ve been veering away from jeans, but there are two silhouettes that I absolutely love: wide-leg and flare jeans. They never fail to make me feel stylish and comfortable whether I’m wearing them dressed up or down.
5A. FRAME Le High Flare Jeans
LEFT: Shirt (XS) l Jeans (27) l Boots l Bag
These flare jeans from FRAME work wonders for accentuating your waistline — it’s truly impressive. The stretchy waistband is cleverly designed to taper in at the waist without any discomfort. The darker wash adds a touch of sophistication, effortlessly elevating any outfit combination. On my petite frame, they’re long, but that’s no surprise to me since I typically require alterations.
A quick shoutout to these 27 Edit Naturalizer boots. The color is rich, the heel walkable, and the style perfect for all your bootcut, flare, wide-leg pants.
5B. Joe’s Flare Trouser Jeans
Shirt (XS) l Jeans (27) l Boots
While I adored the FRAME jeans mentioned earlier, these Joe’s Trouser Jeans stole the show as my top pick. They seamlessly blend with my casual lifestyle, ensuring a minimal cost-per-wear. I love the slight fading, trouser-like legs, the way they hold me in, and the versatile wash. I’m wearing my true size, and aside from hemming them to my height, they’re perfection.
LEFT: Sweatshirt (S) l Jeans (27) l Boots l Bag // RIGHT: Sweater (XS) l Jeans (27) l Bag
This is how I will wear them the most when fall gets here, with an easy sweatshirt or a cozy sweater. And with sneakers of course, once I get them hemmed.
6. A Basic Fleece Sweat Set — But Make It Marigold
Sweatshirt (S) l Shorts (S) l Sneakers l Bag
This was easy — and probably the purchase I’m most thrilled about. I already own this fleece Nike sweatshirt in a gorgeous blue, and the cropped length, ribbed hem, and slightly shorter hem in the front make of it the best sweatshirt I’ve ever owned. And I don’t like sweatshirts. You can size down, especially if you’re petite, to keep the short length.
The fleece knit shorts, same as the sweatpants, are comfortable and elevated thanks to the thick and ribbed waistband. I size down in the pants, but with the shorts, my true size was best to cover my bum.
7. A Reversible Puffer Jacket (The Best Of Both Worlds)
Jacket (XS) l Jeans (27) l Boots l Bag
Faux fur versus shine? Both, I pick both. This Save the Duck puffer is the only jacket I could score at the store, and I love the reversible concept and versatile color. I wish it were shorter for my frame, but I know that’s a hard find. For now I’ll keep this jacket and try it out again once it’s not 90 degrees outside. Btw, the color is how it looks here. The retail pic looks way off.
8. Gorgeous Fall Dresses
I will never miss the opportunity to find a gorgeous dress.
Please know that a lot of the shorter dresses will look amazing with tall boots, but the only issue is that my calves do not fit in any boots right now. Not even the few in my closet that at some point fit. So, for now I love the Aquatalia Boots I’m wearing in most of the photos — even though I’d prefer a tan color instead of the taupe that doesn’t go as well with my skin.
8A. Vince Camuto Bodycon Sweater Dress
This Vince Camuto sweater dress is ribbed, comfortable and beautiful. Perfect for the office, perfect for a date, or to just be out and about. I literally grabbed this as I was walking out of the store.
Dress (S) l Pumps l Boots l Bag
8B. WAYF Ruched Sheath Dress
Disclosure: This WAYF dress is hard to get on, but once it’s on, it looks fantastic. The ruching on the side is so curve-giving and flattering, and the green is a gorgeous shade for any season.
LEFT: Dress (S) l Boots (6) l Bag // RIGHT: Sandals l Bag
8C. Cinq A Sept Ruffle Dress
LEFT: Dress (4) l Sneakers l Bag // RIGHT: Boots l Bag
While this Cinq A Sept dress offers more coverage than my usual preference, it truly is flawless. When you slip into it, you’ll feel like royalty. The fabric, drape and quality are all top-notch. The dress can be worn either cinched at the waist or without, making it ideal for maternity wear or a relaxed tunic-style look.
8D. Floret Studio Floral Side Cutout Dress
This Floret Studio cutout dress is flirty and feminine. The little pleats are very forgiving and give room for more curves. I wish the elastic at the cutouts were a little looser, but overall it’s a beautiful dress.
Besos, Julieta
Do you want to stop wearing black, know what colors make you glow the most, and add some color to your closet? Book your session here. You can also join me on IG (@julietatorresd) for casual-chic outfits. I’d love to see you there.
