Unlike the rest of the team here at TME, I actually shop the Nordy sale from the comfort of my own couch (cough, because I live 7 hours north of anywhere, cough). And while it totally feels a bit like I’m cheating, there actually are some downsides (enjoying coffee and donuts while the beautiful FedEx human delivers my boxes is NOT one of them, heh).
A major con is that not everything arrives in time to show off on this post — like this gorgeous cable sweater or these extremely funky (i.e., rad) boots I’m desperate to slip my feet into — but they are still worth an honorable mention. I just have a feeling those are going to be special.
Sweaters, Jeans & Jackets In Coastal Tones & Cozy Textures: A Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022 Try-On
What caught my attention in this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is actually entirely opposite of years past. It was easy to skip the activewear (but don’t skip Nike’s trainers or ON Cloudflow running sneakers — both are longtime faves and completely worth snapping up), as well as dresses and accessories.
So, where did my attention go? The sweaters, a handful of jeans and a few special jackets.
But, OH, the sweaters. We’re talking beautiful sweaters — some statement, others a cold-weather classic. A few investments, a handful of steals. But all of them are worthy of a look, and maybe even an addition to your closet, if I do say so myself.
1. Sea, Sky & Sailor Stripes: The Prettiest Blues
I have a deep love for all things coastal- and beach-inspired, which is probably why I was unintentionally drawn to so many shades of blue in this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Summer tones? Meet cozy fall layers.
Monochromatic In Shades Of Blue
Two of the very last items I added to my cart — on a whim, not from my carefully curated wish list — ended up being some of my most favorite. Funny how that works, right?
The Mia High-Waist, Raw-Hem Flare Jeans by Joe’s Jeans are, simply put, tall-girl perfection. With an inseam coming in at 33 1/2 inches, it skims the ground on my 5’9″ tall (and long leg) frame. I run between sizes 28 and 29 in jeans, and a size 29 fit like a glove. The jeans are SOFT, comfortable on my waist and a fantastic dark wash for the colder months.
And the Topshop cardigan? The blue is even better in person. The sweater isn’t long but also isn’t necessarily cropped, either. Instead, it sits right at the waistline with a perfect slouchy silhouette.
I’m going to be honest here, I was very excited for this organic cotton button-up top from Rails, but in person it was just…a shirt. The material was very thin, a button popped off the cuff when I was taking it out of the package, and even though I ordered a size up in hopes of having it be oversized, the shirt just fit across my back and shoulders. It doesn’t seem worth the “hand-wash only” label, though it does get points for organic cotton-gauze, which, in my opinion, is one of the best materials ever. It’s pretty, but…I own better.
Not a flop? The rag & bone Retro sneakers. Epic, comfy, worth scooping up (and there are sooo many good colors to choose from).
RE/DONE’s jeans sell out lightning-fast every year, but you can buy this same style in different washes elsewhere: Here’s a dark-wash version for winter (and, hey, also on sale), or this is the same RE/DOne style but made in a rigid 100% cotton composition. And here’s another 100% cotton pair in two different wash options (on sale)!
Arguably the top I was most excited for, the AllSaints V-neck sweater in this blue tiger stripe was just what I was hoping for. It’s oversized (I’m wearing a medium) and cozy, and has an epic raw-hem effect that AllSaints seems to be adding onto a few of it items this fall. I’m a MAJOR fan.
I can’t imagine the Nike Air Max sneakers will last long in the sale. The shoes are made from 20% recycled materials and are designed completely around their cushioning. So, uh, yeah, these sneakers are incredibly COMFORTABLE.
Striped Sweater + White Sneakers
Treasure & Bond surprised me with their sweaters this year — I really, really like them. I actually ordered quite a few striped sweaters in general, but the rest of them were delayed in shipping. But, honestly, this one is so good that if it were all I had for stripes this fall, it’s top-notch. The Treasure & Bond cotton sweater is soft, slouchy and really easy to tuck (score!).
I have no idea why I haven’t tried Levi’s ribcage jeans before…these fit my body perfectly! These jeans make me feel good. In full transparency, I find them to be much thinner than other Levi’s brand jeans I’ve owned in the past, buuutt I also haven’t purchased a pair in quite some time. So whether it’s just the recent composition they’ve gone with, or specific to these Levi’s, I’m not sure. The plus side? They’re softer than normal.
Striped Peacoat
While most jackets in the sale failed to interest me, I loved that this double-breasted peacoat from Avec Les Filles was actually navy in color, giving me nautical-chic vibes (it wasn’t until after ordering that I realized the word “sailor” was in the name). The jacket has a silky interior lining and is mid-weight. I think my favorite part is the medium length — not cropped but not wildly long.
2. Manifesting Sandy Beaches & Sunset Pinks
If you know me, you know I have a love affair with the color pink, and I was pleasantly surprised to see so many pink tones in the sale. While I’m not at all afraid of a hot-pink tone, the shades for fall are dusty, smokey pinks, which totally makes sense (aaaand I love them).
Soft, Slouchy Sweaters
While this smokey-pink AllSaints cashmere-blend sweater was the first to go out of stock, the sweater also comes in cream and dark green (I actually almost chose the green; it’s gorgeous).
The sleeves and bottom have that raw-hem effect making the sweater more badass than your average fall top, and it also has a ribbing feature down the top of the sleeves I was immediately drawn to. I went with a large for a slightly oversized look!
Topshop came out swinging with its polo sweater: it is outrageously soft and feels like wearing your favorite blanket (but, err, better-looking). I’m wearing a medium, and it’s naturally oversized (you could consider sizing down). It’s so good, I even want the lilac color.
The dramatic polo is a theme I’ve seen in many sweaters in this year’s sale…hence, the sweater you’ll see next.
This Marlie Pullover sweater from Free People shocked me. SHOCKED me.
Something about the material in photographs made me think it would be thin and itchy, but it’s actually very thick and incredibly comfortable. The cuffs are extra-long but are super-cute folded like I have here, and it’s very tuck-friendly. I’m wearing a medium, and it’s naturally oversized. The best part? It comes in four colors, and that gorgeous Pebble shade is tempting me.
This sweater is Free People’s Swim Too Deep turtleneck. It’s one I actually grabbed in last year’s sale, and have kept and worn more times than I can count (which says something)!
It’s that quintessential cozy fall sweater I think every wardrobe needs. Dramatically oversized, you could easily size down, but I prefer my true size (medium) so I can wear it with leggings too!
Let’s not beat around the bush, I did NOT think the Shaker Stitch Cardigan from Vince was cute online. But it’s 100% cashmere, and I was very curious, so I threw it in for good measure. Thankfully, this one is so much better in real life. The cardigan is very lightweight, feels like a good, classic cashmere, and though I’m wearing the sweater out so you can see the full length, it’s is sooo much better tucked into your jeans.
Lighten Up: A Fresh Take On A Leather Jacket
jacket | tee | jeans | sneakers
My exact thoughts on this AllSaints jacket when I saw it:
“A pink leather jacket….a PINK leather jacket?! A pink…LEATHER….JACKET?!”
I was done for. And because I knew AllSaints has a good reputation for its leather jackets, I felt like it was a good buy. I was riiiiight. The photos online gave two different shades of pink, which is always so confusing, but I was happy that the jacket was a subtle, light tone in real life. I’m around a size 8 (-ish) in tops, but I sized up to a 10 based on reviews (and I’m very happy I did).
jacket | sweater | jeans | sneakers
If pink isn’t your thing but you love this jacket (cause OMG, it’s a lifelong piece, for sure), you can also scoop it up in cream. Orrrr go with AllSaints Balfern design, which comes with a little more hardware and is available in a classic black, deep berry (so gorgeous) and light gray.
jacket | sweater | jeans | sneakers
The sweater I have tucked under the AllSaints leather jacket is not to be missed. This Nordstrom Signature cashmere-blend hoodie is nothing short of luxurious. If you’re a majorly into hoodies — like moi — this is such an easy way to keep the style and comfort but take it up a few “chic points.”
3. Vibe: Slow Mornings & Sun-Kissed Browns
When I think of fall, I think of dreamy brown hues. And there were a few pieces available in the perfect shades that were a no-brainer for me to scoop up.
100% Silk Pajamas
Listen, leveling up my sleep-apparel game is one of the better decisions I have made in my adult life. Sleep is just more fulfilling in silk. Not just any silk, but washable silk (hello, easy!).
I’m a die-hard fan of Lunya’s washable silk, so I was eager to try out Nordstrom’s Romantic Washable Silk Pajamas. I personally don’t think Nordstrom’s set is as high quality feeling as Lunya’s silk sets, but I do find the set comparable to Quince’s silk versions. The Nordstrom ones are a little more thin, though just as soft and wonderful for snoozing. The sale price is an AMAZING time to scoop up a pair (plus, I think this style is way cuter than Quince’s, for what it’s worth).
Also, the slippers. My old UGG slippers have been nearly worn down to holes, so I was eager to get a fresh set. This new pair of suede slippers from UGG are bouncier and softer than any other slipper I’ve worn — run, don’t walk, to scoop up a pair. Seriously.
Brown Sweater + Tan Boots
This Treasure & Bond sweater? I bought it because it was the perfect shade of brown I’d been hunting for. I keep a Pinterest board of my dream colors/pieces/outfits, and this brown has been on there for months. What I didn’t realize is that this sweater would actually be — dare I say it — as good as cashmere. It’s a blended material, including 55% organic cotton, but it comes in just under $40 during the sale, absolute steal. Multiple color options too.
I grabbed the Open Edit zip boots because they actually show as a true camel online (plus the sheen was enticing me). In real life, however, they’re actually a dusty-rose color. Not great if you’re needing a camel boot but, in my case, a super-happy accident. I never knew I needed dusty-pink boots in my life until right now. The zipper is smooooth and doesn’t get stuck at all, which was my biggest concern!
4. Moody Grays & Stormy Black
What’s a fall and winter wardrobe if it doesn’t have a touch of moody to it, right?
Free People, Obviously
The Brookside Sweater from Free People is the one, my friends. It’s the softest sweater in my entire try-on, which is saying something because most of these sweaters are gloriously soft.
This sweater isn’t even new. It’s been released in seasons past, but I’ve always skipped over it. I have no idea why. But when I was searching for gray sweaters, this one felt wonderful with its slight heather-gray appearance. The best way I can think to describe this material: It feels like they actually infused the fibers with lotion.
Is my skin being hydrated while wearing it? Maybe.
The Brookside Sweater is very long, more so than the photos lead you to believe. The back falls longer but in the most flattering drape. I typically don’t love sweaters with a longer back, but something about this one was very…natural. The sweater would be perfection for leggings, and the neckline is wide enough that you can drape it over one shoulder if preferred.
Chunky Lug-Sole Boots + Flares
What I love most about AllSaints Harlee Chelsea Boots is the height of the shaft. I have boots similar to these ones, but with a shaft that is actually quite higher. These hit just at the bottom of my cropped jeans, making it so they don’t have to tuck underneath. Also, the shape of the toe is so modern and rad, and they come in a few colors if all black isn’t your thing.
The Swim Too Deep Turtleneck in black is the second color I own in this Free People sweater from last year’s haul. You know it’s good when you keep both colors and wear them all year long.
Another one I still have from last year? The Vince Cardigan Coat, which you may have already seen a few other contributors rock this year. Last year’s version has a slightly different collar but the exact same composition. It’s so soft and wears like a fantastic cozy coat, more than a cardigan. The coat has been an outfit-maker for me more times than once, so if you’re even thinking about trying it out for yourself — do it.
My end note? Don’t skip the Barefoot Dreams blankets. (This one is my fave. It’s the biggest.) They’re a classic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale item, but my families top favorite every single year. If you have yet to own one, they are worth every penny (but are a pretty penny, which is why you want to scoop one up in the sale). Or if you’re like me, you take the sale as a time to buy a new “fresh” one (as my husband calls it).
So…this is your reminder: Grab a fresh Barefoot Dreams blanket. & Thank me later.
Our 2022 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale cheat sheet is updated daily. It’s your one-stop shopping guide with all our best recs, so check it out or head over to our more in-depth Ultimate Guide To The NSale.
Xx,
Amy
Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from my sleepy little beach town, daily style, makeup favorites, Gilmore Girl binge-athons, and endless cups of coffee – all with a good dose of adorable toddler content, too.
I love the costal look! When I go online now the blue rag and bone sneaker looks very different, did they offer two blue sneakers? I would like the color you have in the pictures. Thank you
It’s the same blue as still listed — but in real life they’re a deeper/bolder blue! My photos here aren’t edited, so it gives a pretty good real life depiction.
Hi Amy! What size did you take in the Topshop cardigan? I love the length on you.
I’m wearing a medium!!