The long-awaited Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Preview — 2021 — is here!! And after spending all “morning” (some of us were up at 3AM…) poring over the jeans, coats, sweaters, boots, sneakers, bags, dresses, sweatpants and — yup — a bodysuit, we’re all starting to get a better idea of where to start.

Over the next week, we’ll be working to complete our wish lists, make capsule wardrobes (right now I have three that I’ve finished and am debating over, for example), and style up key pieces into outfit ideas. Making outfits is my favorite way to determine if I’m actually going to actually wear something or not. (As an example, see 5 cute looks we created from this year’s #NSale pieces.)

Our Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Preview Picks (By Editor)

So. To get you started, here are our team’s top picks from the preview. Remember to bookmark this article, as well as our ultimate guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and come back to us when it’s time to shop!

These are the top three pieces that each editor is coveting the most. Some of these pieces we already own (but you’d have to tear them from our cold, dead, hands we love them so) and some of the pieces are ones we think (hope?) will be closet workhorses in the year to come.

Shana’s Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Picks

1. Vagabond Cosmo 2.0 (High-Shaft Chelsea Platform Boots)

I was hoping my Vagabond Cosmo boots would be in the sale! I’ve been wearing these boots for almost a year now…they’re perfect for making skinny jeans feel a little more modern and fresh. Plus, they’re comfortable and the lug sole means I can stomp around almost anywhere. The only difference between last year’s model (mine) and the Anni sale pair is the extra tab on the front. Not a bad thing — easier to get on, and in keeping with the badass, rugged look.

These boots can also be worn with mom jeans, or straight-leg jeans, too. Just slide ’em up underneath.

2. p448 Thea Sneakers

I splurged on a pair of p448 Thea sneakers in last year’s Anni Sale, and they’re worth EVERY penny. Easily the softest, most cushy sneaker I’ve worn. This Thea style has a slight platform, making them much more flattering on your legs than the average sneaker (wear ’em with bare legs) and they’re foolproof with jeans, too. The sneakers come with a second set of laces if you aren’t into the sparkly thing (you can see the other laces on me).

Both patterns are good…but I’m a little partial to the snake. It goes especially well with that Clare V leopard print bag we’re all coveting (or maybe the small?).

3. FRAME L’Original Jeans

Frame’s L’Original straight-leg jeans are totally calling my name. This style is — supposedly — very similar to Levi’s 501s, but has a bit of stretch. Can’t wait to try them.

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Scotti’s Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Picks

1. REISS Leah Wool Blend Wrap Coat

I said ooh aloud when I saw this wrap coat. I love everything about it from the gorgeous camel color to the tie at the waist (click through to see the photos) to the length and pockets! This one can go with everything from jeans and sneaks, to dresses and heels. 

2. Eileen Fisher Bateau Neck Merino Wool Tunic Sweater

This is the exact type of layering piece I love for fall and winter. Wear this Eileen Fisher tunic over a mini dress with boots or under a moto jacket with leggings…this silhouette works with everything from flares to straight-leg jeans to (gasp!) skinnies. Thin and soft and LOVE that gorgeous color!

3. MOTHER The Insider High Waist Crop Step Fray Hem Jeans

These MOTHER jeans were my favorite denim purchase last year–they got a TON of wear, so I’m drooling over this lighter wash and distressing! I know these won’t need to be hemmed or chopped off, so it makes things easier (they’re obviously longer on my 5’4” frame than on the model). And the fit is SO good–I’m excited to get my hands on these!

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Laura’s Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Picks

1. Bernardo Textured Faux Fur Jacket

Uh, hi. This jacket is GORGEOUSLY cozy. I find, besides the moto jackets, the cozy coats from the NSale are the things I live in each year. I love it styled zipped up like this for a super-modern vibe. I’ll wear it with everything…jeans, skirts…over dresses with boots. Dang. Bernardo makes fab quality jackets and coats. This one will be $99 down from $200!! Top pick.

2. AllSaints Balfern Moto Jacket

You’ve heard me rave about them before. AllSaints leather jackets (especially this Dalby style) are hands-down my favs. I have two now and on sale is the BEST time to snag them. They are incredibly soft, break-in well, wear well and just make anything more rad…timeless edgy go-tos for my closet. TTS and wearing US 6.

3. AllSaints Lock Roll Neck Sweater

So, really, I’m just an AllSaints fan-girl and always go to their pieces first…because GAH. Right? I tried a different funnel neck sweater last year that was just a little too long on my shorter frame. This version with the asymmetrical hem looks AH-mazing. I cannot wait. Just trying to decide which color…

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Linzi’s Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Picks

1. Clare V. Simple Tote

Yes yes yes yes!!! I love all three colorways in this tote, but especially drawn to the cat print—definitely going to try and get my hands on one! Clare V’s bags are stunning, and I wear mine all.the.time.

2. FRAME Cashmere Cardigan

Oh man! 100% cashmere, neutral color, cool sleeves, interesting detail on the back…all my dreams have come true with this cardigan. Will also try this more budget-friendly cardigan option.

3. Aquatalia Dayana Water Resistant Stretch Bootie

The Anni Sale really is truly the best time to get high-quality Aquatalia boots at a significant discount.  Water-resistant, perfect modern square (but not too square) toe, nice high shaft (for any length denim/pants), walkable, and SUPER versatile. I can’t wait to try this gorgeous dark navy, but there are 3 other lovely colors as well.

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Em’s Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Picks

1. Vince Pima Cotton Sleeveless Dress

I bought what was basically the t-shirt version of this dress in last year’s sale, and every time I wore it, I wished it was a tank dress. So! Wistfully hope and you shall receive? In theory, I actually really like the blush hue this Vince Pima Cotton Dress is available in, too, but I’ll have to see in person whether it’ll flatter or kinda just wash me out.

2. Good American The Feel Good Bodysuit

Not the most exciting, but this easy, foundation piece for sweater season went onto my wishlist right away. I love a cami for layering, but a bodysuit is so easy if you’re doing anything tucked, and the color is pretty enough to wear on its own, too.

3. rag & bone Dre Raw Hem Slim Boyfriend Jeans

Shocker. You know how much I’ve worn my Dre’s since picking them up during last year’s sale (and then indulging in several other washes since, too)–so while I don’t at all need these, I have to highlight them for posterity’s sake. This Pismo wash (which speaks to my Cal Poly Alum heart) is basically a marriage of the two washes I wear most, with the same raw hem I love so much from my original pair and just a hint of distressing. Such an easy-to-wear medium blue, too. (If you’re thinking of adding these to your wishlist, it’s worth noting that I wear my usual size and they are hip-slung and lovely, with room in the seat and thighs. If you want a slimmer fit or you’re between sizes, size down one.)

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Julieta’s Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Picks

1. Vince Collin Knee High Lug Boot

Last year I was sad to notice that lug sole booties didn’t go too well with my short legs, and by the end of winter I discovered high-knee lug sole boots are where my legs shined. I’m ecstatic to see Vince making a pair that looks chic. Something to add to my everyday casual wardrobe.

2. AllSaints Dalby Leather Biker Jacket

Last year I ordered the wrong size in this AllSaints leather jacket, and by the time I tried to exchange it, it was gone in mine. I’ve been coveting it since, and I’m so glad it’s back again this year. Now the question is — deep red, cognac or pink? I’m between cognac and deep red.

3. Faherty Brand Surf Sleeve Stripe Cotton & Cashmere Sweater

This set made me ohh the second I saw it. If there’s something I learned in the past year, it was the power of a good sweater set. The colors, the stripes and how soft it looks. It’s made out of cotton with a touch of cashmere. I would totally wear it with the AllSaints Deep Berry jacket. See the pants here.

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Amy’s Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Picks

1. Blondo Verity Waterproof Bootie

I’ve been having a major moment with the color green lately, and the Nordstrom Sale is filled to the brim with boots and tops in dreamy green hues like this — I’m kinda swooning over here!! These boots are perfectly utilitarian-esque with a touch of chic, and the fact that they’re waterproof means I can actually wear them all season long!

2. Re/Done High Waist Stovepipe Jeans

Re/Done is my absolute favorite brand for jeans, so when I saw a few of them featured in the sale, I actually let out a little squeal. While the ’90s loose is my go-to, I’ve been so intrigued by their other styles! I’m hoping to add this stovepipe style to cart in black-and perhaps the True Indigo shade, too!

3. Avec Les Filles Hooded Wrap Coat

Okay, but the coats? There are a few in the sale that are actually gorgeous. This Avec Les Filles wrap one took me by surprise — I still keep clicking back to look at it. I think it’s the oversized hood that is so striking to me, because it takes an elevated coat and creates a universal tone that allows you to dress it up or down quite easily. That’s the dream!!

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Meredith’s Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Picks

1. MOTHER Denim Fray Hem Bootcut Jeans

After wondering (and finding out) what the hype was about MOTHER Denim through their Weekender and Tomcat jeans, I’m ready for another style. MOTHER’s are always the jeans I reach for first and am ready to add another to my rotation. I LOVE the look of these. They are perfect if you’re ready to graduate from skinnies, but not ready to commit to flares.

2. Karl Lagerfield Paris Pola Studded Chelsea Bootie

I am OBSESSED with all the platform lug soles, chunky heels and general combat boot styles we are seeing in this sale. What drew me to these Karl Lagerfield Paris Booties are the pearl details. A little punk, a little glam, a lil sumthin’ sumthin’. For a less glam, but totally cool bootie, check out these Vicar Combat Boots.

3. Free People Swim Too Deep Turtle Neck Sweater

I love a sweater moment. Truly it was agonizing to choose between this sweater and this jungle cat print cashmere sweater, but the slouchiness of Free People won out. If I could dress as a duvet everyday…I would. Duvet-chic really is my aesthetic. I wore the heck out of my Free People sweater from last year’s sale, and I’m ready for a new one. This comes in a slew of colors, but I’m a sucker for jewel tones y’all.

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Kat’s Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 Picks

1. Nike Sportswear Fleece Sweatpants

You all know how much I loved the Nike Palazzo sweatpants, and shortly after last year’s #NSale, I fell in love with these! I love the lined detailing on the front of the sweats and already own them in the coconut milk color and in black!

2. Steve Madden Hayle Platform Chelsea Boot

I am kind of in love with these boots! They give me slight Prada vibes, and I love the light cream color. They are beyond gorgeous.

3. BARBOUR Ashover Hooded Raincoat

I am quite certain that this Hooded Raincoat might be the sexiet raincoat I have ever seen. You all already know how much I love Barbour jackets, and this one is calling my name. I love the length and the color, and I think it looks so sleek!

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Happy shopping!

xo,

Team TME