It’s that NSale time of year!! The sale officially opened and the entire team and I have been in full-on dressing room selfies mode, trying on all things and pulling together all of the fit notes we can manage. Trying things on is always so dang useful – I’ve already ruled out one jacket I thought was going to be my top pick (hint: it’s only for the tall).
The preview dropped last week, and through pouring rain and tropical humidity, our team hunkered down in the office and perused. And now that I’ve actually tried it all on??? Confirmed: this year’s NSale is a good one. Like…the best it’s been in years! This graphic tee is still a top pick (haha OBVIOUSLY), and the Barbour jackets in the Nsale this year are just as thrilling in person as they looked online! (Fun fact: I like my Barbour jackets better than my Burberry trench coat – they’re freaking GREAT.)
Fall Layers & Outfit Inspiration: Cool Jeans, Gorgeous Coats, Leather Jackets & Boots
Per usual, the cashmere sweaters are pretty few and far between (whatever, it’s been that way for years – I’m over it), but the one category that was really disappointing was the activewear. Everything was made from that new-ish, silky-smooth stuff, and I’m more of an old-school cotton sweatsuit kind of girl, and there’s literally only one option (matching top, here).
The jackets overall are THE most exciting category in the 2026 NSale. In addition to the Barbour jackets, there’s a selection of leather jackets that offer exactly the upgrade I’ve been needing, and there are some seriously cool twists on denim, too. We really did a pretty thorough deep dive in our NSale Cheat Sheet – the jacket section is easily my fav. 🙂
(ps. A HUGE thank-you to Lori at KOP Nordstrom – thank you for all of your help!!)
1. A Bunch of Favorites: Ivory Wool Coat, Faherty Cotton Sweater, Levi’s + Woven Ballet Flats
jacket (S) | sweater (M) | jeans (30 x 30) | flats (6.5) | bag | ring
Okaaaaaay. This is the exact outfit I want to wear, like, every day this fall. The LaMarque Scarf coat is 100% wool and 10000% gorgeous and soft, the Faherty cotton sweater is thin and drapey and – arguably – one of THE MOST underrated pieces in the entire sale. I couldn’t believe how good it is in person! The Levi’s are classic 501’s, but I went up a couple of sizes to get a really slouchy fit (I still need to hack them off with scissors – they’re too long). And that bag is a perfect shape – both casual and sleek, so it ended up going with basically everything.
2. Mother Sweatshirt, Adidas Sprinter Shorts + The Most Comfortable Ballet Flats In The Sale
sweatshirt (M) | shorts (M) | flats (6.5) | bag | ring
The ONE PIECE that shocked me the most – in this entire try-on!! – are these Vionic flats. They are beyond comfortable. The footbed is some sort of cork-feeling thing, they have arch support and they *almost* feel like I’m wearing Birkenstocks. That said, a word of warning: the mary jane strap is velcro. This bothered me zero, but I know some feel strongly about it. (more strong opinions on shoes + boots here)
Also, I still can’t believe these sprinter shorts – almost always sold out at Adidas – are in the sale. Love ’em.
3. Just Call Me Jane Birkin
sweater tee (S) | coat | jeans (29) | boots | bag | ring
This is my longtime favorite trench coat (waterproof, it’s Barbour), with the coolest freaking high-rise jeans, and the BEST fall twist on summer’s straw bag. I wasn’t sold on it during the preview period, but after trying on all of the outfits…I can safely say that this Vince bag is my favorite bag in the sale.
4. A Playful Cardigan, Graphic Tee + VERY Comfortable Ballet Flats
cardigan (XS) | tee (S) | jeans (30) | flats | bag
This Free People cardigan is basically 100% cotton (the acrylic is just in some of the embroidery) and I love it SO MUCH. But the other important piece to talk about are these SHOES. These Paul Green ballet flats are incredibly comfortable. I can’t remember the last time I found pointy-toe ballet flats that fit this well out of the box, and were this comfortable. (They also come in black leather…but I didn’t like them nearly as much as the suede).
5. A Wool Scarf Coat & Baby Blue Cashmere
coat (S) | sweater (L) | jeans (29) | boots | bag
This is that exact same LaMarque scarf coat, but in brown. This is the prettiest shade of brown I have ever seen. I’m wearing it with rag&bone’s low-rise denim, which is the softest, most lightweight denim. I sized up one size for a ton of 90’s style slouch – they’re great. Highly recommend.
For more deets – check out our deep dive on the best + worst coats in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
6. A Chic Rain Jacket & Polo Cardi
jacket (6) | cardigan (M) | jeans (29) | bag | boots
Yup, the Barbour Suri is just as good as I had hoped. The fit is pretty TTS. While the US 4 fit just fine…I preferred the US6 (my usual size) to get that perfectly oversized look.
Layered under this jacket is one of my favorite pieces – a Polo Ralph Lauren navy cardigan, with the coolest collar. It’s 100% cotton, and also fits pretty TTS (I sized up one for slouch).
7. Winter Girlies, I Found Your Puffer Jacket
jacket (M) | cardigan (S) | jeans (28) | boots | bag | ring
Gang, the browns in this sale are SO good: the Faherty sweater, the LaMarque scarf coat and now…this Vince puffer. It’s an absolute stunner, and the detachable knit collar is so French-girl-cool.
Also, this Madewell bag looks soooooo much more expensive than it actually is. I love it.
8. rag&bone Jeans + That Staud Sweater Get Overshadowed By This BAG
top (M) | jeans (29) | boots | bag
Here is a PERFECT example of why I love this Vince bag so much: literally summer straw bag vibes, but sooooo good for Fall.
Sidenote: I had to size up in this Staud sweater. The small was LITERALLY a crop top. Boo. All our NSale sweater wins and fails are here.
9. I Wasn’t Gonna, And Then I Did: Free People Pippa
jacket (S) | pants (M) | flats
So. Um. The colors are brighter in person than they look online. All of which contributed to me hesitating even more. But then I actually tried this stupid jacket on and…I love it. Like lovity love love love it.
Also ignore how dumb these poplin track pants look atm – they will look AMAZING once they’re hemmed. Which, based on historical data, will likely not be until 2029, but a girl can hope. 😉
10. How I Do Sexy Going-Out Outfits
top (S) | jeans (30 x 30) | heels (6) | bag | ring
Giant, ripped jeans? Check. Swingy top-I-can-eat-in? Check. Cute “heels” with a 1″ heel? Also check.
Honestly, tho, this Vince top looks MUCH better IRL than in this photo – it’s freaking GREAT. One of my favs from this sale.
11. More Stripes & A Trench (Or Call Me Jane B, Part 2)
jacket (6) | top (S) | jeans (29) | boots | bag | ring
When a formula works, it works. A few things to note:
- This polo is bananas sexy on everyone.
- These Mother jeans are low rise – don’t be scared, but I do like sizing up (they’re rigid denim, but soft and will stretch with wear).
- Full transparency: these boots were gifted, but I am under zero obligation to post about them, and less obligation to actually like them. That said…I LOVE THEM. The heel is as high as I’d ever be willing to go, but I am willing because the footbed is padded, squishy, and suuuuuper comfortable. These boots also feel a little more modern than most ankle boots. Highly recommend.
12. Working Girl Leather Skirt
tee (S) | skirt (M) | boots (7) – not in NSale | bag
I would, in fact, have worn this entire outfit to the office during my Lockheed Martin days. A leather midi skirt is one of the most underrated pieces for work wardrobes. And this one is great – real genuine leather, super soft and comfortable, with a kicky, almost flirty hem. I love it.
13. A Preppy Puffer (in Cable Knit) + Destroyed Denim
jacket (S) | top (S) | jeans (30 x 30) | shoes (6.5) | bag
I will never not love me some super destroyed denim (especially Levi’s) and THIS is exactly why: it does wonders for super preppy pieces. Also, this cable knit jacket is freaking GREAT. I had been eyeing it in the preview, but these types of jackets aren’t always as good in person, so this one was a reallllly nice surprise – Linzi loved it, too! This shade of camel makes me look a little dead, so I also ordered the navy – that’s the one I think I’ll be keeping.
14. French-Girl Double Denim
jacket (6) | top (S) | jeans (29) | boots | bag | ring
If you scroll wayyyyyy down this post, you’ll see that this double denim move gets repeated with other jeans as well. It’s the top – it’s flipping GREAT. 100% cotton, under $50, and reminds me of a top from Sessun (think: fancy French brand).
15. Fall Stripes & Straw
sweater tee (S) | jeans (29) | boots | bag | ring
I am nothing if not a creature of habit, and this creature loves herself some stripes & straw. Usually reserved for summer, I am THRILLED to figure out how to keep on repeating this uniform well into fall.
16. Once Again, I Apologize For These Poplin Pants (#shortgirlproblems)
top (L) | pants (M) | sneakers (6.5) | bag | bracelets (not NSale)
Guyssssss. Just…trust me on this, ok? Trust me that if you mix a plain ‘ol black sweater with these pants and then add oxblood sneakers, the result will be GOOD. Eventually. Like, after hemming.
17. My New Favorite Tee
top (S) | jeans (29) | boots | bag | ring
For obvious reasons (SHHHHHHHHHH!). Nuff said.
18. My Little Nod To Copenhagen Style
sweater (M) | rugby shirt (M) | jeans (29) | boots (7) | bag | ring
Stripes on stripes and bright colors? Why the heck not? (Both tops are 100% cotton, btw.)
I love the bright, 70’s blue wash on these Madewell jeans – they hold up really nicely to brighter, more saturated hues. And the Veronica Beard kitten heel boots are the prettiest ankle boots in the sale – I LOVE them.
We (obviously) have strong opinions on jeans when it comes to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale… and always. Click here for our break down of all the jeans we loved and for the ones that didn’t make the cut.
19. Just A Girl-Next-Door Dress
The Staud dress is such an absolute stunner – I love it!! Warning: if you carry weight around your middle [S raises hand] than you are definitely going to need to size up in this dress.
Want the full scoop on dresses & skirts in the sale – what we love (and what we don’t)? Check out our deep dive here.
20. The Coat, Boots & Bag Combo I Love For Fall
jacket (S) | top (M) | jeans (28) | boots | bag | ring
This is the leather jacket that I had declared The BEST Thing In The Sale and I stand by it!! One trick I like to play in the NSale – to get myself ready for fall – is to pick my favorite coat, and then work to make sure I have at least ONE bag and shoe pairing that looks really good with it. And then I can rotate out the top & bottoms, and the outfits all still come together. This is one such combo (and that Veronica Beard ‘gardener tote’ – my words – is just as good as I had hoped).
21. Go Team!
jacket (S) | sweater (M) | jeans (29) | boots | bag | ring (not in NSale)
Does this 100% cashmere sweater remind me of my old cheerleading sweater? Yes. Do I still know the routine to my high school’s fight song? Also yes.
ps. That windbreaker is super lightweight, and, zipped up, had fun hoodie vibes. I got a bunch of compliments on it in the dressing room – such a happy piece.
22. This Skirt Exceeded All Expectations
sweater (L) | skirt (M) | heels | bag | earrings (Not in NSale)
This lace skirt is just Nordstrom brand, but it looks (and feels!) designer. I swear it can hang with the likes of Alice+Olivia and L’Agence…in fact, it’s as if Milly & Fleur du Mal had a baby. I love it so.
23. If You’ve Been Wanting a Rugby Shirt…This Is The Best
top (M) | jeans (28) | boots | bag | ring
I actually own this Faherty rugby shirt in another colorway and freaking LOVE it. So when I saw that it was in the Nsale (in several different colors) I was THRILLED. I sized up for extra slouch/arm length. Faherty Brand, btw, is owned by the coolest wife-and-husband team, and their stuff is always really thoughtfully designed and really high-quality. I love it.
24. These Leather Pants Are Hot*
sweater (L) | pants (6) | boots (7) | bag
I love that these leather pants are full-length, and in a trouser-ish silhouette – it feels so much more fresh and modern. If you carry weight in your midsection, size up (the size 6 – my usual size – was fitting a little snug in the waistband).
*sexy-hot? Yes. Warm-hot? Also yes. Which one came first to mind? Well, I’m menopausal so….
25. Just A Cute Outfit For Running Some Errands
crewneck (M) | jeans (28) | flats (6.5) | bag | ring
Gang, those AG jeans – if you haven’t seen them yet – are great. Here they are with some of my fav pieces, in an outfit I will likely be wearing a ton this fall: those wildly comfortable ballet flats, Vince’s straw fall bag, and a cute sweatshirt. Done.
Reports From The Dressing Room…
Hey guys – it’s the morning of the NSale, and it’s D here, reporting from the dressing room. We’ve got S inside, trying on a bunch of stuff, so I’m going to be dropping a few pics here as we go.
Give A Lady-Like Cardigan Some Edge
cardigan | jeans (30) | flats (not NSale) | bag
At first, our reaction was – Oh, this is definitely a very lady-like cardigan. But then, Shana put on these ripped Levi’s jeans with her usual mesh ballet flats and a bag with some texture + black detailing, and that cardigan got interesting, fast. It’s also super cozy and well-made, so points for that!
Might be inspiring me to bring back my ripped jeans, too…
A Slouchy Sweater + VB Jeans
sweater (M) | jeans (29) | boots (7) | bag
First up: that Staud sweater that we think is gonna sell out fast. Shana tried it on originally in a small, and it was reallll cropped, but sizing up to a medium was the move. Has such a great slouchy fit in the arms.
The Veronica Beard jeans run a liiittle small (consider sizing up one size), but feel like high-quality denim that’s surprisingly soft. Not stretchy, but does have a little give. Great if you want to wear crop-tops, too (that rise is high).
Date Night, Elevated
top (S) | jeans (28) | boots (7) | bag
Abby and I immediately ooo-ed when Shana put on this Vince top. I believe Shana’s words were “Oh my god. Amazing. Love.” Same with the AG jeans – love.
A Wool-Cashmere Puffer + Sweater Tee
puffer (S) | sweater tee (S) | jeans (28) | boots | bag
So, yes. Online I thought this puffer was giving Michelin Man. BUT, I’m eating my words now – in person it’s super cute and soso soft. As for what’s under the puffer…we ended up loving that Vince cotton-cashmere tee. But, don’t size up! (Shocking, I know).
The Puffer We All Fell In Love With
coat (M) | jeans (28) | boots (7) | bag
This Vince puffer might be my personal fave thing that Shana tried out today. The cool-toned brown almost has a vintage wash to it, and it’s just such a fun take on a puffer with the dramatic knit collar. We loved it in the cream color, too.
Tailored, Wool & Slightly Blue
This was our top wool coat pick going into the sale after the preview dropped. In person it’s a lot less blue than it is online (still a gorgeous switch from our usual navy, black, and camel), and it’s more tailored than cocoon-shaped. Super soft + great quality.
MOTHER Knows Best
crewneck (M) | jeans (30) | flats (not NSale) | bag
Of course we couldn’t pass up on the MOTHER graphic crewneck. Great quality, and the type of thing we’d reach for often. Love, love, love that vintage wash with the baby blue, too.
The Favorite Daughter, Obviously
crewneck | jeans (6) | flats (7) | bag
Another cozy crewneck (naturally). The color is even better in person, and the crop is great. And, those under $100 jeans elicited a “Wowww” from us in the dressing room. If you’re on the shorter side like S, these hit at the perfect length for her 5’3 self. (more under $100 budget-friendly finds here)
What Shana Actually Wears In Vermont
sweatshirt (M) | joggers (M)
Yes, this is a gray hoodie and gray joggers, but it’s not just any gray hoodie and gray joggers. They’re Polo Ralph Lauren (that embroidered guy adds a little somethin’), but they’re also incredibly soft.
First Try-Ons: What Arrived Early
Gang, I was able to try on a few pieces that are so freaking good, I could stop shopping now. (I won’t…but I could, haha.)
The Best Thing In The Sale: AllSaints Clay Suede Jacket
AllSaints Clay Suede Jacket (size s) | Barrel Jeans (size 28) | Sam Edelman Heels (c/o) | ring
This jacket is soft, comfortable and absolutely STUNNING in person. The khaki green color is beautiful (and reads more green than the Nordstrom photos show) and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’m wearing a size small, and it’s roomy enough to fit over bulky sweaters. Also, the drawstring cinches if you’d like to change the shape.
AllSaints Clay Suede Jacket (size s) | Barrel Jeans (size 28) | Sam Edelman Heels (c/o) | ring
If You Want A Wool Coat…Hiiii, LaMarque Scarf Coat
Lamarque Wool Scarf Jacket (size s) | Barrel Jeans (size 28) | Sam Edelman Heels (c/o) | Radley Crossbody Bag
This 100% wool coat from LaMarque is…wow. It’s a WOW. Super soft, with the most delicious drape, I was completely blown away. I’m wearing the size small and it’s plenty roomy to fit over bulky sweaters. I probably could’ve sized down one size, but I do love the volume here.
My only issue is that the ivory is stunning, but…so is the brown. And this particular brown made my skin glow (which is weird, because brown typically doesn’t do that)…but it also made Linzi’s skin glow, too. I’m more cool-toned (think: pink shrimp, haha) and Linz is warmer, so that only makes sense if this coat is MAGIC. You can draw your own conclusions.
Lamarque Wool Scarf Jacket (size s) | Ivory Jeans (size US 8) | Franco Sarto Booties (c/o) | Bag
Now, For My Next Trick: Double Denim
Denim Top (size s) | Barrel Jeans (28) | Mary Jane Flats (c/o) | Bag
With the exception of the bag…every piece of this outfit is under $100! And I honestly can’t freaking believe how much I love the top and jeans, especially. The jeans run a bit big (so I didn’t need to size up), and they’re soft and a little stretchy – they’re honestly GREAT.
And this denim top is H&M! It’s 100% cotton, and reminds me of a top from French-brand Sessun I’ve been stalking. I love that this one is designed to be oversized (down to the extra-long sleeves) and has amazing drape. I usually size up in tops these days, but for this one, I was happy with the size small.
The bag is Madewell and it’s freaking SO GOOD. Looks much more expensive than it is (on sale for well under $200).
allSaints Suede Suede Jacket (size s) | Denim Top (size s) | Barrel Jeans (28) | Mary Jane Flats (c/o) | Bag
The ballet flats are cute, comfortable, and under $100. Are they my favorites? Nah. I’ve gotta give them another go – while they’re immediately comfortable, I think something may have started to pinch after a while. I’ll report back.
I also love this outfit with more blue. Like this…
Denim Top (size s) | Barrel Jeans (28) | Franco Sarto Loafers (c/o) | Radley Crossbody Bag
My Favorite Cashmere Sweater: This Cute Polo
Cashmere Polo Sweater (M) | Barrel Jeans (28) | Sam Edelman Heels (c/o) | Radley Crossbody Bag
Gahhhh how cute is this sweater? It’s 100% cashmere, and fits TTS. Because I like it slouchy, I did size up to a medium.
And here’s a better look at those jeans – love, love, love.
And don’t sleep on that Radley bag. It comes in a few sizes, but this little crossbody is perfect. The stitching, the extra compartments – all good. But it’s the gorg blue color that really got me.
One More Leather Jacket, Because It’s Flirty & Fun
Bomber Jacket | Denim Top (size s) | Barrel Jeans (28) | Mary Jane Flats (c/o) | Bag
Good grief AllSaints! The slightly reddish-brown, the flirty little almost-a-peplum/almost-a-ruffle – this leather jacket is soooo fun to wear. It’s also lighter and thinner than you’d expect (in a good way), and the leather is SO soft and smooth. If you sometimes find leather jackets overwhelming…this one is NOT.
More soon, Gang!!
Where I’m Starting: 5 Outfits From the NSale Preview
Per usual, I’ll be going in bright and early on July 14 to start trying things on and shopping. The team will be updating this post in real-time all throughout the day, so this is a good one to bookmark. I (we!) have been doing this a LONG time – over a decade!!! – and I’ve found some serious gems in the NSale over the years.
In fact, longtime readers may remember a few of these favorites…
This isn’t my full try-on, obviously – that part comes July 14 when I actually hit the dressing room. Instead, this is a little insight into which pieces I’m hoping to try on. So. Here are five outfits I pulled together from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview.
More to come!!
Outfit 1: Barbour Raincoat + Nordstrom Cashmere + Slouchy Levi’s
Jacket / Sweater / Jeans / Shoes / Bag
This is one (of the many!!) Barbour jackets I’m excited to try. While this one isn’t waterproof, I’ve found that even Barbour’s water-resistant jackets perform well in the rain. And the lines on this one are SO cool.
Nordstrom’s cashmere sweaters are great – I look for the prettiest color, and then size up 2 sizes for an oversized fit. And I’m always up for perfectly destroyed denim, especially if it’s Levi’s. I’m planning to try these a few sizes bigger so they sit lower and slouchier on my hips.
Outfit 2: Staud Half-Zip + Lightweight Denim + Sneakerinas
These Staud half-zip sweaters have been a longtime favorite of the entire team, and the varsity stripes on this NSale version is great. I already own these tie-waist Madewell jeans (or at least a pair in a near-identical wash), and they’re lightweight, comfy, and really cute – perfect for summer. And if you haven’t yet tried the Adidas Mei sneaker-ballet flats, they’re comfortable, yet vibe like cool flats. I have them in white and black, but love the fall colors (and texture!!) here.
Outfit 3: Mother Graphic Tee + Veronica Beard Jeans + Denim Jacket
Jacket / Tee / Jeans / Bag / Shoes
Okaaaay so THIS is the tee we’re all so excited about!! I’m going to try it tucked into Veronica Beard’s high-rise jeans with the coolest waist detail and play around with Favorite Daughter’s inky dark denim jacket. If that doesn’t work…the suede jacket I’m eyeing should be juuuuuust fine.
Also, there’s something really compelling about this bag – but click through to see. It’s almost like a…fancy gardening tote? You see it, yes?
Outfit 4: The Great Cardigan + Reformation Cary Jeans + Striped Tee
Cardigan / Tee / Jeans / Bag / Shoes
Jeni said this one had ‘cool girl meets cabin energy’ and I like it. That’s prolly my Vermont coming out. 🙂 But I do know that these Ref Cary Jeans are a favorite of both myself AND my sister – even though we have different body types and rarely (never?) like the same pieces. Also, the striped tee is one of rag&bone’s perfectly fitting tees, and the cardigan is from The Great, a brand that’s new to the NSale (but near and dear to my heart).
Fun fact: The founders of The Great are the same gals who founded Current/Elliott, if anyone else used to be a fan (me! I’m a fan!).
Outfit 5: Isabel Marant Plaid Coat + Oversized Rugby Shirt + Kitten Heel Boots
Jacket / Top / Jeans / Bag / Boots
I have this Faherty rugby shirt in a slightly different colorway and LOVE IT SO MUCH. Highly recommend! These dark wash Levi’s are, arguably, one of the best jeans in the sale, the Veronica Beard booties are the EXACT shape of boot I’ve sworn by for the last 5 years (and still going strong) and this blue bag is the one I’m the MOST excited to try. Oh and no big deal, that cozy plaid thing is freaking Isabel Marant. Okaaay….yeah. I’d wear this.
What are you guys most excited to try? Drop us a comment and we’ll try to get some fit notes out as soon as we can (and hopefully save you some time).
xo,
S
