How to Build an Essential Fall Wardrobe at the Nordstrom Sale

Happy Thursday, ladies!  The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is underway.  With temperatures soaring and people going and returning from vacation, it’s really hard to get into that fall mindset that the sale really demands.  After all, it’s fall and winter-centric.  But, because the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is so good for stocking up on the essentials, I thought I’d focus on just that:  how to build an essential fall wardrobe from the sale.

For tonight’s post, I’m focusing on 5 essential fall items:

• leather jackets;
• sweaters;
• boots & booties;
• ponchos & ruanas; and
• knit & oversized blazers.

These 5 items are must-haves for any fall wardrobe, and I’m really like the selection the sale has to offer this year.  So, to keep things simple, I’ve structured the post into 5 sections for each item type above.  In each section, I’ve pulled 5 different items from the sale I have my eye on.  And finally, I’ve pulled an outfit together showing how to wear the item type.

What a mouth full.  And what a project.  But I think it’s going to be worth it.  So, join me now in imagining temperatures dropping as we slip into fall in July.

The Summary

  Today I’m building an essential Fall wardrobe from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

  I’m focusing on 5 key items: leather jackets, sweaters, boots, ponchos, and sweater blazers.

  For each item, I’ve put together a fall outfit featuring that item.  Those outfits consist of both (non-)Anniversary sale items. 

  Also, for each item, I’ve picked 5 of my favorites from the Anniversary Sale.

Build An Essential Fall Wardrobe at the Nordstrom Sale

1. Leather Jackets

Leather or suede jackets are the first items I reach for once the temperature drops. They’re classic, modern, and edgy all at the same time. They add instant chic to any outfit.

Don’t forget leather or suede jackets are an investment that will last a lifetime.

Similar outfit

Board:  Leather Moto Jacket (Halogen) | High Rise Skinny Jeans (Madewell) | Funnel Neck Wool Blend Sweater (Vince) | Kensley Loafer (Vionic) | Colette Leather Crossbody Bag (AllSaints)

Shop the Board

Leather Jacket Picks

Board:  Faux Leather Trim Wool Blend Coat (Ralph Lauren) | Faux Leather Bomber Jacket (Sam Edelman) | Double Breasted Leather Trench Coat (Halogen) | Leather Moto Jacket (Halogen) | Piped Leather Moto Jacket (Sam Edelman)

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2. Sweaters

What is it about sweaters that make my heart go pitter-patter? Well, for one, they’re cozy, and they come in a variety of styles.

Sweaters can be oversized or slim-fitting, turtleneck or crew. What can I say, except they’re the perfect layering piece?

Similar Outfit

Board:  Otterburn Vest (Barbrour) | Georgia Button-Down Shirt (Ralph Lauren) | Cashmere V-Neck Sweater (Nordstrom) | High Rise Skinny Jeans (Madwell) | Top-Sider Koifish Loafer (Sperry)

Shop the board

Sweater Picks

Board: Ridley Funnel Neck Wool Sweater (AllSaints) | Lyle Rib Henley Sweater (Madewell) | Oversized Hooded Sweater (Treasure & Bond) | Marled Funnel Neck Wool Blend Sweater (Vince) | Cashmere V-Neck Sweater (Nordstrom)

Shop the outfit

3. Boots & Booties

Every season, I try to add one pair of boots to my collection. Sock boots and over-the-knee boots are always great options.

Riding boots and booties are classics that are here to stay. But one of my all-time favorites is the Chelsea boot. Frye boots are always a good choice. They look fantastic with blue jeans.

Similar Outfit

Board:  Lock Mock Neck Sweater (AllSaints) | Brushed Plaid Peacoat (Halogen) | Button Front Pull-On Midi Skirt (Madewell) | Fallyn Knee High Boot (Bernardo Footwear)

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Boot picks

Board: Loud Chelsea Boot (Ash) | Fallyn Knee High Boot (Bernardo Footwear) | Solow Western Boot (Dolce Vita) | Original Refined Rain Boot (Hunter) | Larime Suede Bootie (Easy Spirit)

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4. Ponchos & Ruanas

Ponchos or ruanas are the perfect third layer for fall. The difference between a poncho and ruana is that a poncho is slipped overhead. in contrast, a ruana can slide over your shoulders.

Ponchos are loose-fitting, so there are lots of opportunities to layer up. One reason this makes the poncho an excellent piece to wear when the weather transitions.

Fall is full of in-between days when it’s too warm for a big jacket but not warm enough for your t-shirts. Pus, ponchos are perfect for any body type.

Similar Outfit

Board:  Pattern Fringe Ruana (Treasure & Bond) | Le One Flare Leg Jeans (Frame) | Donegal Side Slit Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater (Vince) | Saratoga Western Boot (Lane Boots)

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Poncho Picks

Board: Reversible Wool & Cashmere Travel Ruana (Nordstrom) | Pattern Fringe Ruana (Treasure & Bond) | Blanket Poncho (Treasure & Bond) | Travelling Rib Ruana (AllSaints) | Zip Cashmere Ruana (Nordstrom)

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5. Knit & Oversized Blazers

Knit blazers, half sweaters/blazers or cotigans are all fantastic layers that exude casual chic. Typically an oversized sweater blazer can layer over a bulky sweater with ease.

These are wardrobe staples I reach for time and time again. They also pair with gym clothes, pajamas, loungewear—anything and everything goes with these essentials.

Shop the board

Board: Neville Knit Blazer (Joie) | Stripe Elbow Sleeve Linen Top (Vince) | Le Mini Boot High Waist Jeans (Frame) | Larime Suede Bootie (Easy Spirit)

Shop the outfit

Knit Blazer Picks

Board: Knit Blazer (Treasure & Bond) | Oversize Sweater Knit Blazer (Vince) | Knit Blazer (TopShop) | Drape Collar Knit Blazer (Caslon) | Neville Knit Blazer (Joie)

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