Yep, you read that right: I’m bringing you ALL the cozy and soft jackets to nap in this year, in addition to other comfy (and cute) finds from the 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
What? You don’t nap in your jackets?
I get it… I actually don’t take full-on naps in my jackets either (most days), but it IS a useful little test question when you’re trying on a bazillion clothes from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and wanting to make sure everything you bring into your wardrobe is uber-comfy.
I mean…I refuse to even wear JEANS that aren’t stretchy and comfy (that I could, theoretically, nap in). So, let’s extend that test to other classic wardrobe pieces too. If they’re not “nap-worthy,” I end up not wearing them, and they just hang in my closet looking beautiful. Not good.
My Three Main Take Aways From This Year’s NSale:
- The classic comfy closet-staple wardrobe pieces (including jackets you can nap in) are the true winners.
- The stretchy jeans and sneakers are GOOD.
- I’m personally saying no to all the bags in the sale — SUCH a disappointment.
P.S. Be sure to head on over to our Ultimate Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for even more NSale coverage (bookmark the page — we’re updating daily).
Great Jeans, Zella Faves & LOTS Of Soft Coats: A Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-On
A quick shout-out to a few pieces before heading into the selfies.
I went into the store absolutely SET on not buying these, but couldn’t resist when I saw them in person. Wearing them now as I type this. Size down a full size.
This simple wrap jacket makes all your comfy basics look more put-together and polished (I’m in love with the ivory).
Eileen Fisher fans go ahead and put this beloved mock neck tee and her merino wool crewneck sweater in your cart. The necklines are perfect, the drape is on point per usual, and they’re both great comfy layers under blazers or coatigans.
Zella fans, get these in black. Even better in person. I liked the size medium for the right amount of slouch.
Now for the disappointing news.
In the past I’ve scored amazingly chic and playful bags in this sale. Not this year.
The bags were a HUGE disappointment — no chic rag & bones, no playful Clare V.’s, and the AllSaints bags are fine, but none truly wowed me. I ended up wearing my own bags (not part of the NSale) instead as I was doing my try-ons. MUCH better.
If you want something else exciting from this year’s sale, my top “exciting” picks are the most beautiful pair of shoes in my closet (that aren’t necessarily “nap-worthy”, but they ARE walkable “enough” – as long as you’re not adventuring across the city), this new style from Zella (keep scrolling for TONS of Zella selfies), as well as this 100% cashmere sweater (under $130) in the most GORGEOUS color for fall and winter.
Who’s ready for some selfies?! And of course all the fun details of the comfy fall goodies that came home with me.
For reference with the selfies: I’m 5’2, 140 lbs, pear-shaped.
1. Pick A Comfy Top Layer (Jackets & Coats You Can Nap In)
So for several years in a row, I’ve done a cardigan edit for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The sale always has a great selection of cardigans from brands we love (i.e., this Vince stunner). But in reality, my enthusiasm for traditional cardigans has been waning, morphing into a passion for coat-cardigan hybrids, aka “jackets you can nap in.”
I can’t stand structured stiff coats and blazers. Ugh. Even saying those words make me itchy and uncomfortable and make me want to break loose from SOMETHING!
So soft jackets it is…
A. Soi & Koa Wool-Blend Belted Wrap Jacket
You guys, I’ve been searching for a comfortable gorgeous wrap jacket like this. This type of piece makes the most basic of comfy outfits look polished and put together. Such a pretty shawl collar and the tie stays tied (unlike some of the other belted wrap coats I’ve tried).
Coat (S) | Sweater (S) | Jeans (29) | Bag (Not on sale)
Coat (S) | Sweater (XS) | Jeans (29) | Bag (Not on sale) | Shoes
The wrap jacket in black is chic and versatile, but I fell in love with the ivory (not as practical…but DANG it’s pretty…and comfy).
Sizing: The XS fit, but I like the fit in the arms of the S better so I can layer sweaters underneath comfortably.
Left: Coat (S) | Sweater (S) | Jeans (29) | Bag (Not on sale) | Sneakers
Right: Coat (S) | Sweater (S) | Jeans (6) | Bag (Not on sale) | Sneakers
B. Vince Boucle Wool & Cashmere Cardigan
This cardigan-coat has a very similar stretchy comfy cozy vibe to the double-breasted Vince ones I also tried, but with cleaner lines and a longer length. I LIVED in last year’s version all fall last year. DEFINITELY nap worthy. And this year’s colors are even better.
Coat (XS) | Top (S) | Jeans (29)
This charcoal looks almost tweed-like and I anticipate the taupe/off-white one will make all the gorgeous fall olives and burgundies that are everywhere pop! This material does pill. Pilling, however, doesn’t bother me so much with these types of stretchy delicious soft jackets.
Sizing: Wearing an XS and still oversized in fit.
Coat (XS) | Top (XS) | Pants (M) | Bag (Not on sale) | Sneakers
Coat (XS) | Sweater (S) | Jeans (29) | Bag (Not on sale)
C. Vince Wool & Alpaca Blend Jacket
These Vince comfy cozy jackets (including the one talked about above as well) are a win every year for me. Stretchy and soft, and I always reach for one of these as I’m walking out the door.
Coat (S) | Top (S) | Jeans (29) | Bag (Not on sale)
It’s a jacket you really WANT to wear. This year’s version is double-breasted, and the buttons add an interesting detail to the otherwise minimalist design. Like the other Vince jacket, this jacket material does pill. Pilling, however, as I said doesn’t really bother me so much with these types of ultra-comfy soft jackets.
Sizing: The XS fit, but I like the slouchier feel and look of the S better.
Left: Coat (S) | Top (XS) | Leggings (M) | Sneakers
Right: Coat (S) | Top (XS) | Jeans (29) | Bag | Sneakers
Left: Coat (S) | Sweater (XS) | Jeans (29) | Bag (Not on sale) | Boots
Right: Coat (S) | Sweater (S) | Jeans (29) | More Similar Bags (Not on sale)
D. EILEEN FISHER Ponte Blazer
Now THIS is a blazer I can get behind (it also comes in black!) I really wanted to love this gorgeous green beauty from Veronica Beard or this L’Agence sweater-blazer, but both were WAY too structured for me.
Blazer (S) | Sweater (S) | Pants (S) | Bag | Sneakers
This Eileen Fisher blazer is not restricitng at all, soft to the touch, with just enough stretch, and a vibe that’s much more me… very easy to wear (and nappable).
Sizing: I’m wearing a S here and although I like the oversized fit (especially over the hoodie), I’d like to try the XS as well before making my final decision.
Blazer (S) | Sweater (XS) | Jeans (28) | Bag (Not on sale) | Sneakers
E. Zella Quilted Hooded Cocoon Vest
Oh boy! I almost didn’t bring this home. I’m not typically a vest person, but I’m so glad I gave it a try. I ended up really liking this vest with all the fun new Zella workout pieces, but also with jeans/sneaks and regular black pants. And it’s SO super soft. Think sleeping bag level comfiness here. It gave me all the squishy happiness vibes.
Vest (XS) | Sweater (XS) | Pants (S) | Bag | Sneakers
Left: Vest (XS) | Sweater (S) | Jeans (6) | Bag | Sneakers
Right: Vest (XS) | Sweater (XS) | Jeans (29) | Bag (Not on sale) | Sneakers
2. Let’s Take A Closer Look At Those NSale Jeans
SO much good denim in this sale. Nordstrom definitely did not disappoint in this category. These MOTHER jeans (that I own in other washes b/c they’re ah-mazing) are leg-lengthening, comfy, and this wash is beautiful for fall, but the surprise win for me was this pair of jeans (particularly with these sneaks). They feel fresher than all the flares I tried (although these under-$75 flares are great if you’re looking).
A. MOTHER The Huster Roller Heel Wide-Leg Jeans
These jeans are not surprisingly ah-mazing. I have them (and love them) in another wash. Nice high waist, MOTHER’s beloved stretchy goodness, and great for tall gals (32.5 inseam), but from experience… I know they work just as well for us shorties. I chopped my other ones off and they’re still fantastic.
Sizing: Wearing a 29 – my usual MOTHER denim size.
Sweater (S) | Jeans (29) | Bag
B. FRAME Le Palazzo Raw Hem High-Waist Jeans
The surprise denim win for me. These were the jeans I reached for most when I was doing my try-ons —which is always a really good predictor for what I’ll wear on repeat in the fall. The wash worked well with all my tops and jackets and for us shorties, I was thrilled to find jeans that are the perfect length for sneakers (yes…they’re designed to be shorter for you tall ladies), but I actually really liked where they hit me.
Sizing: Wearing a 28 – I typically size down from my typical 29 in FRAME denim.
Sweater (S) | Jeans (28) | Sneakers
C. Pistola High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans
I think these are going to be a favorite this fall once I get them hemmed. The detail on the leg is so cool, and I love the way the light wash looks with light tops, light sneaks, and all the light-colored soft coats.
Sizing: Wearing a 29
D. Kut From The Kloth High-Rise Ana Flares Vs. MOTHER Frayed High-Waist Flares
I was definitely drawn more to the wide-leg denim this year, but if you’re searching for flares, I actually liked the under $75 flares better than the MOTHER flares I tried! Stretchy with a nice dark wash and an easy fit.
If you don’t already own MOTHER flares (and you’ve been wanting a pair of classic MOTHER denim) this IS a good price for MOTHER jeans. The wash isn’t my favorite, though, for the colors I typically wear, and I was drawn much more toward all the wide-leg denim for fall.
Sizing For Kut From The Kloth: Wearing a 6 – size down from your typical denim size
Sizing for MOTHER Flares: Wearing a 29
Left: Sweater (S) | Jeans (29) | Sneakers
Right: Top (XS) | Jeans (6) | Shoes
3. What’s New With Zella’s Athleisure?
SO much, you guys. SO much! Although the Live-In Joggers are in the sale for the millionth year in a row (I have 3 of them and wear them to dance class and workouts on rotation)… there are some fun fresh new pants that I’m eager to incorporate for workouts and general wearing out and about.
The colorways this year are also quite nice for a neutral (but not boring) mix and match situation. Note: My new “active uniform” is going to be these jacquard tanks with these pants in black (cinched for parachute-y style or worn loose as a wide (but not too wide leg…they’re perfect.)
A. Adjustable-Leg Cargo Pants
My new favorite pants. They hit just a tad lower on the waist than the similar Athleta ones. I like the cinch-ability and cute black and white tie. And the comfort…of course.
Vest (XS) | Top (S) | Pants (M) | Sneakers
Top (S) | Pants (M) | Sneakers
Here’s a look at them cinched at the bottom as well as not-cinched. You can tell they’re wide-leg (not cinched), but not TOO wide leg that they overwhelm.
Sizing: Wearing a M (I’m typically a M in Zella pants)
Left: Tank (XS) | Pants (M) | Bag | Sneakers
Right: Tank (XS) | Pants (M) | Sneakers
B. Cargo Joggers
The go-to Zella joggers get an update! Cute cargo detailing and cute colors that mix and match easily.
Sizing: Wearing a M (I’m typically a M in Zella pants)
Tank (S) | Pants (M )| Sneakers
Left: Vest (XS) | Top (S) | Pants (M) | Sneakers
Right: Jacket (XS) | Tank (XS) | Pants (M) | Sneakers
C. Studio Luxe Seamed Leggings & Live-In Joggers
Are these leggings totally new? I don’t think so. But they’re new to me. I’m not usually a legging gal, but I’ve been wearing leggings more for certain workouts and I like the seamed detailing on these. AND that they were soft, stretchy, easy to slip on, and I didn’t have to wrestle my body into them.
Sizing: Wearing a M (I’m typically a M in Zella pants)
Tank (XS) | Leggings (M) | Sneakers
And look at these exciting new Live-In Joggers!!!! Just kidding. The live-in joggers on the left are DEFINITELY not new. Oldies, but goodies. And they’re not going anywhere.
Left: Tank (XS) | Jogger (M) | Sneakers
Right: Jacket (XS) | Tank (XS) | Leggings (M) | Sneakers
4. Add Just A Few More Shoes…
I don’t know what boots I’m going to wear this fall and winter, so instead I did a lot of my try-ons with clogs and sneakers. TONS of good sneaks in the sale, but these Adidas and these New Balances are the ones that came home with me.
A. New Balance & Adidas Sneakers
Left: Tank (XS) | Pants (M) | Sneakers
Right: Top (XS) | Jeans (29) | Sneakers
B. Veronica Beard Clogs
The most beautiful shoes in my closet. They aren’t necessarily “nap-worthy”, but they ARE walkable “enough” — as long as you’re not adventuring across the city.
Left: Top (S) | Jeans (29) | Clogs
Right: Tank (S) | Jeans (6) | Clogs
C. Marc Fisher Platform Boots
And these are the boots that are actually pretty comfortable but give me a ton of height when I’m wanting to wear longer denim.
Sweater (S) | Jeans (29) | Boots
5. Nighty Night With The BEST Pajamas
Annnnnnd, when you’re ready to get in bed for your nighttime sleeping situation (not just a nap)… these. I am a HUGE Eberjey Fan and this plum with white detailing is SO pretty, in addition to being buttery soft and indulgently fabulous for all the zzzzz’s.
That’s it, guys.
An ENORMOUS thank-you to Lori, our personal shopper at Nordstrom King of Prussia, for helping Shana and I with our in-store shopping excursion. If you’re local to Philly, Lori is the BEST! We couldn’t have done it without her help!
For updates on my my most recent articles, top picks from the sale, and more selfies…I’ll do my best to keep this link updated!
-Linzi
