Hey hey, #NSale peeps! I must admit, at first glance I was like, “Hmm…is this NSale preview too similar to that of years past?” BUT then I began crafting this edgy + sporty capsule wardrobe, and it’s gotten me super-stoked for the sale. I started putting together some of the outfits below and was like, “Oh, yes, this collection is very me and I’m excited.”
I noticed new twists on my longtime favorites — including the AllSaints Balfern moto jacket (in denim!! what?!) and Nike (those Waffle One sneakers, tho) — as well as lovely, classic pieces from some of my most-loved brands like rag & bone. (I’m looking at you, striped zip-up sweater and Retro sneakers I’ve wanted forever.)
I think this is my sixth year covering (and shopping) the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and like my teammates, I have learned a few things — the most important thing being…stick to your own fabulous style. And if you have a similar sporty-slightly-edgy style? Then hang on to your butts, friends, because I’ve got some fun fall outfits below for ya!
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022 Capsule Wardrobe: Sporty…With An Edge
What I get most excited about during this sale — beyond the clear the inspiration for fall outfits — has to be the jackets and coats. Oh, yes. There were so many cute outerwear finds that I couldn’t even include everything I wanted to in my capsule below (this Zella Premier Performance blazer and this Pendleton New Castle coat being two of them).
But have no fear, I was able to squeeze in four stunners for you here. Haha. Gah. For me, it’s the jacket that makes the outfit, honestly. The AllSaints Balfern denim motorcycle jacket is up there for sure as a do-not-miss. (If you’ve been here in years past, you know it’s my absolute favorite moto jacket, and…I may have two of these already, heh.) Another gorgeous find that revealed itself toward the end of my roundup was the Bernardo faux-fur aviator jacket. LOVE. And the sneakers. The sneakers. I love how they add that sporty touch to otherwise edgy looks. My favorite aesthetic, for sure.
OK, let’s get to the looks, shall we?!
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Outfit Idea 1: When You’re Feeling Badass (But Also Cozy)
I feel like this is the look I’m always going for: edgy but make it feel like I’m still in bed? Haha. This honestly describes me To A Tee, in more ways than just fashion. I adore this look (that aviator jacket, right?) and will be doing my best to try on this exact combo for you next week. If you haven’t tried out Paul Green lug-sole boots yet, now’s your chance. They are SO incredibly well-made. And this Aimee Kestenberg bag is the same one I got last year. I adore it and carry it all the time! It’s the perfect size, and I love the versatility to go from shoulder bag to backpack.
Sweater | Jeans | Jacket | Sunglasses | Bag | Boots
Outfit Idea 2: School Drop-Off + Errands
Attention: These cute plaid trousers are pull-on. Yep. I know. They’re also under $50. I’ll forever love a plaid pants + sneakers combo. That rag & bone sweater will be mine too. I love a classic stripe, and this style will be good for years, so an investment here is worthwhile. A trench on top (Sam Edelman coats are consistently awesome, btw) really pulls the look in a chic direction (a trick I adore for fall.)
Sweater | Trousers | Necklace | Trench | Sneakers | Bag
Outfit Idea 3: Brunch In The City
Oh, yes. You have to know I was excited to see a white blazer in the sale (ok, it’s technically cream color.) Folx…it is my favorite piece to transition into and out of warmer months. It freshens up darker pieces so well and goes beautifully with lighter pieces too. I’m hoping this one is as good as it looks in person, but I’ve had real success with Topshop pieces in the past.
Blazer | Tee | Jeans | Boots | Sunglasses | Bag
Outfit Idea 4: When You Just Can’t “Real Pants”
These Nike fleece sweats are one of my most beloved items. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now, and they are thick and amazing and don’t wear out. I often “just can’t with real pants” during wintertime. I will be repping this exact look. Notice the trench-coat trick again — it’s my secret weapon.

Sunglasses | Trench | Sweater | Pants | Sneakers
Outfit Idea 5: Travel Day
Oh, hi, speaking of Nike…I do love my neutrals but couldn’t resist the amazing pop of color in these Nike Waffle One sneakers. Gah. So good. They look interesting with mesh fabric on the sides, but that makes them even more unique and cool in my book. I’ll pair them with some cute socks. I’m hoping this polo sweater is a good one because I’m still not over the half-zip style (and don’t think I ever will be). Give me a collar moment. Trench coats are so versatile style-wise for travel. I took mine to NYC this spring and it was perfect. Again, the trousers have a stretchy pull-on waistband. YES.
Trousers | Sneakers | Sweater | Trench | Sunglasses
Outfit Idea 6: Dinner + A Movie
And last but not least, I did find this fabulous Treasure & Bond sweater dress I’m excited to try out. And gah. I could have included this AllSaints denim biker jacket in every look. I think it’ll be super-versatile but a nice switch from full-on leather (though my beloved black leather version is also in the sale!). And I couldn’t forget a piece from my beloved Clare V. That foldover clutch bag is so adorable…slightly sporty but so chic. Love the tan mixed with all my black pieces.
Jacket | Dress | Clutch | Boots | Necklace | Sunglasses
My #NSale Shopping Strategy
Before I go, I wanted to jot down my strategy for this year really quickly in case it’s helpful to any of y’all. After years of shopping this sale, what I find myself focusing on most are the high-end jackets, coats, shoes and bags from my favorite brands (as I mentioned above). I spend my dollars there and then don’t mind having fun with a few lower-priced, trendy pieces from brands such as Treasure & Bond, Topshop, Blank NYC, etc. when it comes to tops, sweaters and sometimes jeans.
For me, I hang on to my outerwear, boots, sneakers and bags, but I tend to get tired of my sweaters, tops and sometimes jeans after just a season (typical Aquarius, I guess). Those are the pieces I have fun trying out with trendier styles and then pairing with my solid classic finds like the coats (gah, this Bernardo camel number this year) and boots (like the Paul Green I included here.)
What fun, eh? If you’ve spotted any pieces I missed that we’d both love, definitely let me know in the comments, friends. Happy browsing! Be sure to check out our Nordstrom Sale Cheat Sheet for all our favorite finds and updated info throughout the sale.
See you soon for dressing room selfies!
xo,
L
Would love for you to say hi over on my Instagram @laurajansenstyle, where there are mostly odes to snacks, OOTDs, travel and everyday mom-life-stuff in Portland, Oregon. xoxo
And, this one’s for the Pinners…
