One thing I’ve learned shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is to expect the unexpected. Every year there’s something fresh and interesting and — usually — a little out of my comfort zone.
Instead of labeling pieces right off the bat as “too quirky” or “not my usual style,” I’ve learned to lean in to these interesting pieces. For me, it’s about focusing on a few unexpected and interesting pieces I truly love — these are the pieces that often become a wardrobe staple for years to come. And I’ve found that the Nordstrom sale is the perfect place to expand my comfort zone. I always find something new and interesting to add to my forever closet.
(Need more NSale finds to add to your forever closet? Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, where we’re dropping all our top recs.)
10 Unexpectedly Good Outfits Expanding My Comfort Zone: A Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-On
In this year’s NSale I found several “tried-and-true” pieces (like wide-leg jeans and Nike platform sneakers), but I also took the liberty of going bold with a matching bright blue Farm Rio outfit, a blazer mini dress, and more than a few standout statement pieces (like these cargo pants with a starry twist). For me, this is the year I finally say yes to the Veronica Beard clogs I’ve been wanting to try for years.
1. The Boldest Blue
Top (M) | Pants (M) | Sandals (8)
Well, hello, beautiful Farm Rio pant suit. How ever stunning you’re picturing this Farm Rio outfit to be, multiply it by about 10. Because the colors and embroidered details are even more stunning in person than you could possibly dream without seeing them. All of the extra details, like the button sides on the pants and latch-hook buttons on the top, are even more magical in person. I can’t get over how gorgeous the embroidered details are and how well everything fits and flatters my figure. This whole outfit is — by far — a 10/10. I have zero complaints and got about 100 compliments while I was wearing this look.
2. The Sexiest Mini Dress
OK, without a shadow of a doubt, this was by far my favorite dress that I tried on in this year’s Anniversary Sale: French Connection’s Whisper Double-Breasted Blazer Dress. I mean, it’s gorgeously sexy while also being sophisticated. The fabric is nice and soft and has the perfect amount of stretch, so when you bend over, your modesty stays in tact. I loved pairing this black dress with the black-and-white Dolce Vita cowboy boots, which add a little pizzaz and street cred. I dare you to try and not turn heads while wearing this outfit.
3. Stars & Stripes
Striped Button-Up (M) | Pants (M) | Nike Sneakers (8) | Belt Bag
Meet my new favorite pants of the summer: twill utility pants. I never considered myself much of a star fanatic, but there’s just something about how the stars are placed on these pants from Pistola — which just so happens to be one of my favorite brands for pants, rompers and so much more. I love how effortlessly they pair with Treasure & Bond’s oversized button-up.
4. Sneakers, Everyday
Sweater (M) | Pants (M) | Sneakers (8)
In a not-so-distant past, I used to be a teacher, and an outfit like this is one I’d be wearing on the regular. It’s comfortable, professional and easy to move in, if you catch my drift. Plus, I just think it’s a super-cute outfit. Oh, and of course, Nike has a way of worming a new pair of shoes into my cart every year. Because while I have the Nike Court Legacy sneakers already, I definitely don’t have the platform version, and I definitely MUST have them now.
5. Just Jeans & A Tee
Tee (S) | Jeans (28) | Nikes (8)
I feel like this T-shirt was made just for me. This retro-inspired “Got get ’em tiger” tee from MOTHER is exactly up my alley. I love the vintage vibe and color — it’s a whole vibe, and just makes me happy to wear it. I have to confess, MOTHER makes some of the coolest retro-inspired tees ever. I also love the ankle-biting length of these jeans that just adds to the retro vibe of this whole look.
6. When In Doubt, Plaid
Tee (S) | Blazer (M) | Jeans (28) | Sneakers (8)
This Free People blazer practically fell into my lap in the dressing room. I didn’t think I would like it because it looked a little too boxy, but as soon as I tried it on, I knew it was coming home with me. I love the warm colors; they give off that ’70s retro vibe. I love how this whole look came together — I ended up feeling a little bit like one of Charlie’s angels in this outfit, which made me pretty darn happy.
7. Cropped Blazers & Clogs
Cropped Blazer (M) | Black Camisole (M) | Jeans (28) | Clogs (8)
I love this entire look. I’ve especially been on the hunt for a cropped blazer, so I’m happy I finally found one. I think a cropped blazer is the perfect outerwear look for the office — the three-quarter sleeves and slightly cropped silhouette allow for movement in a way that a full-length blazer doesn’t. I also love the versatility of this jacket: You can pair it over a dress, wide-leg trousers, cargo pants and even jeans. It’s an easy way to take a normal everyday outfit to the next level.
8. An Office Edit
This Reiss sweater dress is, hands-down, one of my favorite dresses from the entire NSale (and it’s not just because Reiss is one of my favorite brands ever). Its clothing is always so high quality, and the details go above and beyond. For example, the tonal buttons on the collar subtly elevate this rib-knit sweater dress by creating a shawl collar. Also, similar buttons hug the left side of the dress, so you can button or unbutton them as you please. Paired with an oversized blazer or that leather AllSaints moto jacket, and you have one badass outfit.
9. Running Through A Field of Flowers
This floral Madewell dress was one of the first pieces I picked out to try on. It’s giving Disney princess vibes. I love the print, the textural, embroidered bodice, and the button snaps, as well as the sweetheart neckline. It’s perfect to do some twirling and frolicking in a field of flowers…so there’s that too.
10. That ’70s Girl
This whole look is giving me “9 To 5” vibes, a la Dolly Parton. And I’m here for it. I love how easy-breezy this Charles Henry wrap dress is. It snaps in on both sides, so there’s no worry of overexposing yourself, but I love the ’70s-vibe tie wrap as well, especially when paired with the Veronica Beard heeled clogs. After I’ve stumbled to the kitchen and poured myself a cup of ambition, I give this look a solid 10 out of 10.
Well, that’s it for me! I hope this post proved helpful! Good luck to all of you Anniversary Sale hunting! May all your fashion dreams come true! Until next time, you can find me on Instagram, @jessbobess, where I share more of my everyday style, silly jokes, and a ton of video content of my newly adopted dog, Gus!
Cheers,
Jess
