Guys…this…this…this process of wish list-shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview has been — and I don’t want to overstate things — but it’s been glorious. Typically, when I’m pulling together my NSale wish list it’s under duress: find the best jeans, boots, bags, sweaters before everyone else does, buy it, blog it (not always in that order). And the whole #DressingRoomSelfie thing? It’s fun, it’s crazy (8 hours in a dressing room, yo)…but it also feels a bit Reality TV: Can she make legit good outfits from random pieces she’s never before seen? The clock has started: Go! Go! GO!
Best Of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 Preview: The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe
Over the last few years, as Nordstrom’s online sale selection has gotten better and better (and their in-store stock has dwindled), I’ve started grumbling. My#DressingRoomSelfies article, I realized, wasn’t necessarily about my favorite outfits in the entire sale…but more about what happened to be in stock at my local Nordstrom.
Of course, Nordstrom carries seriously good stuff, so I can easily stand by all of those old outfits (and frankly, there were always happy surprises I never would’ve ordered), but I’ve been trying to figure out how to change my general approach for a few years now.
So. For the first time ever, if I could create The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe, made from 100% Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pieces….VOILA.
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1. FRAME Keyhole Neck Polka Dot Silky Party Top
I bought a FRAME silk top in last year’s sale and was surprised by how many times I wore it. It worked for the office, date night, girls’ nights and school functions. I like how it’s both demure and a little sexy at the same time.
2. FRAME Lauren Ruffle-Trim Silk Top
Granted, a girl doesn’t necessarily need both FRAME silk tops, but this one is so drop-dead gorgeous I couldn’t resist. I can also see this one going black-tie with a cool skirt. Both of these tops are interesting, yet have a timeless appeal and are pieces I’d happily have (and wear) for years to come.
3. Free People Catch Me If You Can Top
I’m more than a little obsessed with this Free People top (in both colorways), and I predict this one will sell out pretty quickly. It’s the kind of top I can wear now with denim cut-offs and slides…and later for a night out. I also plan on wearing it with sweatpants while schooling-from-home because — while pretty — it’s also just a soft cotton top.
4. La Linge Bold Stripe Cashmere Sweater
OK YOU GUYS: This is that La Ligne AAA 100% cashmere sweater that I have in both white/navy stripes and burgundy stripes. This is one of my favorite cashmere sweaters of all time. The shape is basically freaking PERFECT: the sleeves are long and cozy, the fit is drapey and long without being tight, and can be half-tucked like a champ.
Also try: Same La Ligne cashmere sweater, but in black/white stripes. Like the white one, fit is TTS.
Under $100 option: I was really impressed with Halogen cashmere last winter, so am planning to snap up Halogen’s crewneck cashmere in that shockingly gorgeous ‘pink compact’. Size up for the best fit.
5. rag & bone Nina High Waist Raw Hem Straight Leg Jeans
Rag & Bone Nina jeans fit me the best. I’ve yet to try the straight-leg version, but I have high hopes. These look just so modern and cool. Fingers crossed.
Under $100 option: There’s a pair of Levi’s 501s in the sale that are probably going to sell-out pretty quickly. I’m a huge fan (I’m wearing my pair as I type this).
6. COACH Trail Leather Crossbody Bag
BE STILL MY HEART. This is the perfect mix of vintage, quirky and classic, and is exactly the kind of bag I will carry forever. One of my favorite pieces in the sale.
7. ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Schoolboy Cheetah Print Slub Cotton Tee
I’m always a fan of the elevated tee — tuck into high-rise denim, throw on a with a pair of sweatpants, slip under a blazer — and this one is perfectly on-trend. I’m sizing up one size.
Under $50: This camo Free People tee is another good buy — super soft, with a fit I love. I’d size up for slouch.
8. rag & bone Nina High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans
These are some of my favorite skinny jeans right now. The high-rise fits me perfectly (and comfortably). Rag & Bone are always pretty slim through the hips and legs…but I find them a little forgiving on my soft stomach.
9. Vince Tie Waist Cotton T-Shirt Dress
I love the idea of t-shirt dresses, but sometimes I feel like I’m wearing a nightshirt. This Vince dress has tweaked the formula just enough to feel like a dress. (And Vince dresses in general tend to be more amazing on than the in the stock photos.) This one is showing lower stock, though, so don’t wait if you are tempted.
Under $100: This Topshop midi sweater dress has a similar vibe, and would be perfect for lounging around the house this winter.
10. Theory Oaklane Wool & Cashmere Trench Coat
This coat looks like the coat of my dreams. I don’t know that for a fact — yet — but I’ve been looking for a lightweight wool, mid-length trench in a perfectly neutral color. The plan is to throw it on like I do with my leather jacket…to take outfits in a different direction.
Under $150: This Sam Edelman topper in camel also caught my eye. Another option that would pair well with the other pieces in the capsule wardrobe.
11. Louise et Cie Lenci Bootie
I picked up a pair of houndstooth booties in a previous sale (two years ago?) and have been impressed with how versatile this print is. They’re often juuuuust the thing to take an outfit next level, and houndstooth is rather trend-proof: it never feels like THE thing, yet it almost always feels unexpected and fun.
These particular booties are similar to a pair of leopard print Louise et Cie boots from a previous year, and I can attest to their comfort and walkable heel. (And these boots also come in a ton of colors, if the print isn’t your thing. On sale for under $100, too.)
12. Cole Haan Vania Half d’Orsay Pump
THESE. I have high hopes for these pumps. The styling is reminiscent of my Vince Clair D’Orsay pumps and I hope these have the same vibe (sharp, cool) when worn.
13. Madewell Remi Mule
I don’t often find mules comfortable (they’re often too stiff), but I keep eyeing these up as the perfect at-home-run-out-to-grocery-store-real-quick type of shoes. Stock on these babies is pretty low, though, so don’t hesitate if you’d like to try them.
If these sell out: I’m going to try these woven slides in tan. They have a similar casual-luxe vibe.
14. P448 C.S.L. Low Top Sneaker
The sneakers in this sale? WHOA. Out of all of the categories, this is the one area where I think the Anni sale really shines this year. There are several pairs from P448 (a brand very similar to Golden Goose,) but I’m currently leaning towards these cool white sneaks with a contrasting black sole (and cool drip-dry detail). They’re just as versatile as any other pair of white sneaks, but more interesting.
Under $100: Sustainable Vejas, one of my fav sneaker brands, has a pair of white sneakers in the Anni sale with oxblood details. Or you won’t go wrong with classic Stan Smiths (with cool, animal print detail).
15. PAIGE Kelly Pointed Toe Boot
Oh geez you guys. These boots harken back to happy, pre-COVID days of strolling around in a pretty dress and chic boots. Those days will be back (eventually) and for that, I highly recommend these boots. They’re the almost exact color of a pair of vintage Frye’s I’ve had forever. Turns out that this cool, reddish-brown is maybe the *most* versatile boot color I’ve ever worn. Literally goes with everything.
The under $100 boots I’ll prob be wearing everyday: Waterproof sneaker boots. They look like my old Vince sneaker boots, but are waterproof. They come in black, leopard and mushroom (which is the color I might try).
16. Topshop Crewneck Crop Sweatshirt
I always feel like sweats are a bit more Real Outfit if they’re paired with a matching (or coordinating) sweatshirt. This one is perfect with those wide-leg, high-rise sweatpants…or any sort of high-rise denim. (I also love cropped sweatshirts because they often layer over dresses well, too, and are more interesting than a cardigan.)
Random other layer I’m crushing on: This Treasure & Bond waffle knit v-neck tee. Can’t…decide…on..color….
17. Nike Sportswear Knit Palazzo Pants
Yes, these ARE high-rise, wide-leg sweatpants. They’re either going to be AH-MAZING or terrible.
If terrible: I’m going with Champion’s slim-fit sweats. They look cute. I’m also intrigued by Free People’s Wide-leg sweatpants. The waistband is the same as my old Free People legging-sweats, but they’ve been updated with a straight, cropped leg.
18. Zella Restore Soft Pocket Leggings
I really like Zella leggings, but typically size up by one. I’m primarily choosing these because they match the Zella top I love (next pic), but they’re not as highly stocked as other leggings, and I’m predicting they sell out fast.
If sold out: These Beyond Yoga leggings are impossibly soft — like, shockingly so — and I’m tempted to snap up both.
19. Zella Restore Soft Longline Bra
I really love the fit of this top. It’s technically cropped, but just long enough that I can wear it with high-rise leggings. Love the sexy back and darker gray color, too. (I wear size medium, for reference.)
If sold out: Beyond Yoga does have a top to match the leggings mentioned above.
Shop The Best Items In The 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Shop My Fav Sneakers In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Boots In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Shoes In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Jeans, Leggings & Pants In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Loungewear In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Workout Gear In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Sweaters In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Tops & Tees In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Coats, Jackets & Blazers In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Dresses & Skirts In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Bags In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Shop My Fav Beauty In The Nordstrom Anni Sale
Be sure to check out our complete coverage of the sale happening over on our Ultimate Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. We’ll be highlighting all our current posts & keeping you updated on all things #NSale.
Xo,
S
Yikes! Holy Hannibal Lecter with that last thingy!
BAHAHAHA! Soooo…I looked at looked at that Zella tank top a bunch of times, thinking, “Hannibal Lecter???” and then I scrolled to the ACTUAL bottom of the post. OF COURSE. So funny – I’ve seen bloggers “modeling” it on IG and it is hysterical. 🙂
As always, obsessed with your recs. Thank you!
Ahhhh thank you!!
Do you know what time the sale will go live? Not date but time. Thanks!
Yes! 9:30AM EST
S, I’m not 100% familiar with Frame so I would really value your opinion on this…I’m thinking about purchasing the Frame Puff Sleeve Blouse and was wondering what size to get…true to size or go up one size? Any thoughts? Thanks.
Ok – I would stick with your regular size. I have a silk Frame blouse in my closet that is XS and I just tried it on and YES: still fits (despite COVID, haha). I threw a little try-on up on TME’s IG stories for you if you want to see it….
Thanks!
Are OTK boots still trending? I’ve heard that we may be back to just knee high boots. OTOH I don’t go anywhere anymore so perhaps “neither” is the real answer.
Well…I don’t think OTK boots are “trending” but I do think they have landed themselves into classic territory. Trends that are horrifyingly practical almost never die (and OTK boots are super practical in winter). Tall boots do seem to be having a bit of a resurgence as of late, but it’s primarily been with dresses and skirts. I AM predicting we start seeing more tall boots over skinnies popping up again…but I don’t honestly think you can go wrong with OTK boots, especially if you live somewhere cold. I have a couple of pairs, and I find that I wear my flat, walkable OTK boots allllllll the time, and my heeled ones pretty rarely. OTK boots are the one reliable way I can make leggings, skinny jeans, or leggy outfits (skirts, dresses,etc) actually warm in the winter. If that helps. 🙂