I couldn’t be more excited to cover the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with The Mom Edit this year. I’ve shopped the sale before and I usually use it as an opportunity to stock up on beauty staples like these dual-ended Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow sticks, the best sunscreen on the market, and my beloved Le Labo Hinoki hand soap and shower gel.

However, at a size 14, shopping online can be intimidating since it’s so hard to know if clothing will work well once it’s actually on my body. Here, I’ve curated five outfits that only include pieces that will ostensibly fit my size 14 frame. Some of the pieces run larger than a size 14 or come in plus sizes, so be sure to check those options out.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022 Outfit Ideas: Iconic ’90s Movies Looks For Midsize Body Types

Of course, the proof will be in the try-on pudding, and I can’t wait to update you on what I love once I get my hot little hands on these pieces IRL next week. Putting together these outfits made me so excited for that back-to-school magic, stomping through piles of dry leaves in boots, and swapping out my sunnies for scarves. Below you’ll find five midsize-friendly outfits inspired by some of my favorite ‘90s films (props to Gen Z for reviving my favorite decade and making it cool again). Bring on autumn.

Outfit 1: Velvet & Satin Inspired By Practical Magic

Practical Magic is an annual re-watch for me. I love to cozy up with a mug of apple cider and laugh and cry all over again with Sally and Gillian Owens. Both of the sisters had enviable ‘90s style, but this outfit idea is specifically inspired by Gillian, played by the stunning Nicole Kidman. In the movie, Gillian wears a luscious crushed green velvet slip dress so here I’ve combined this slinky Satin Midi Slip dress by VINCE in Coastal Blue with a green velvet duster. The AllSaints Y necklace also reminds me of the ‘90s (but updated) with a two-tone twist that makes it very 2022. And, as we all know, mushrooms are definitely a little witchy, so the Kurt Geiger earrings are a must. Complete the outfit with knee-high tan suede boots sporting a suspiciously pointy toe (read: definitely worn by a woman who knows her way around a broom) and a supple leather backpack for all the items you’ll be needing for your next spell.

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Outfit 2: Badass & Sleek Inspired By The Matrix

The Matrix was so unbelievably cool when it came out that I had to watch it over and over. We all stan Keanu for being such a cool dude, but it was Carrie Ann Moss’ style that turned my head. The faux leather leggings by Spanx have been on my #NSale wishlist since last year and I’m crossing my fingers that these fit well (I tried other faux leather leggings last year that shall remain nameless because they had to be returned). I’ve also seen quite a few mid- and plus-size babes on social media trying on this Good American bodysuit and am willing to give this bodysuit a spin even though I’m usually skeptical of how this style might fit my curves. The rounded sunglasses and shiny, sleek down jacket tie everything together. This incredibly fun neon green Kurt Geiger bag gives the outfit that Matrix glow.

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Outfit 3: Dark Academia Inspired By Dead Poets Society

Don’t come for me…I know that Dead Poets Society was technically released in 1989, making it an ‘80s movie. But does time really pass when it comes to….preppy fashion? Either way, the film broke my heart and simultaneously inspired hope in me that handsome, sad young men who loved poetry were waiting for me somewhere on the East Coast. The film also made me long for navy coats, plaid scarves, and loafers that scream: “I read Keats.” The sycamore green color of this AllSaints bag contrasts beautifully with the navy coat. VINCE sweaters are a luxury I’m always on the lookout for and this V-neck cardigan is a classic I would wear for years. Matched with these plaid trousers, you’ve got yourself a perfect dark academia look for fall. See you in the library.

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Outfit 4: Ennui & Rebellion Inspired By Reality Bites

Winona Ryder’s red lips and ripped jeans in the 1994 movie Reality Bites have caused me to grow into an adult with a drawer full of just-slightly-different red lipsticks and a whole lot of denim. Reality Bites captured the ennui and rebellion of the ‘90s in a way that few other movies did, and I plan to revive that spirit of rebellion with a little help from this black plaid babydoll dress that says “feminine-yet-not-interested-in-being approached” and lug boots with which to tower over my enemies. The black denim jacket is the stuff of ‘90s dreams and the hammered link hoop earrings are just plain old cool no matter the decade.

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Outfit 5: Edgy & Handsfree Inspired By Hackers

Personally, I think Hackers is an underrated movie. It’s also possible I think it was better than it was because Angelina Jolie starred in the film and I spent much of high school pining for her from a distance. Her super-short haircut and pouty lips inspired me to ask myself if I wanted to be her or date her (answer: probably both). Either way, I associate this movie with baddie classics like this moto jacket in a gorgeous light grey color, these black jeans (that I have very high hopes for given the “no waist gap” tagline), and these combat boots. Mock necks were big in the ‘90s, and I think this white bodysuit would be perfect to layer under the moto jacket. You’ll probably need this quilted leather belt bag by Rebecca Minkoff as well because, duh, hackers need to keep their hands free.

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Keep an eye out for my NSale try-on, coming soon!

P.S. Our 2022 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale cheat sheet is updated daily — it’s your one-stop shopping guide with all our best recs, so be sure to check it out or head over to our more in-depth Ultimate Guide To The NSale.

-Anne

This one’s for the Pinners…