Fall Outfits

We interrupt our regularly scheduled content to bring you our top picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  I went back and forth about covering the sale since it’s starting to feel like gratuitous consumerism rather than the special occasion so many of us remember it as. BUT I asked over on Instagram who is planning on shopping and enough readers raised their hands. 

From experience, the sale can be overwhelming. So we are breaking this post into five parts, starting today with pieces for work. Tomorrow we will focus on casual, Wednesday accessories and Thursday our beauty picks. We’ll wrap up the week on Friday with whatever is left, like coats, and splurges. 

Before we start, it’s important to know that this post is not sponsored but if you click and purchase something from our links we may receive a very (very, very) small commission.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Workwear Picks 

Jacket, $85.90  |   Skirt, $49.90  |  Tank, $99.90  |  Heels, $79.90

From July 12th – 18th the sale is limited to cardholders only.  I am NOT a person with a dozen store credit cards, but I do have the Nordstrom card, and the benefits are decent. Basically, you receive points that turn into “Notes” which are just credits for future purchases. They frequently have double or triple point days designed to help you earn more.

I should be better at leveraging those days considering how much I spend every year, but I drove to spin class in my flip flops on Friday and flat out forgot my sneakers, so I have to get other things in order before I can micromanage my shopping strategy.

Is the sale worth it? Yes if you know what you need. I have done well over the years because I know the brands that work for me, and have spent on a few better designer pieces included in the sale. 

Will I be doing dressing room selfies? That’s a hard no.

Today’s post is not about me. To come up with our recommendations, I searched the sale for pieces you’ve let me know you are always on the lookout for, and reviewed our reader’s purchase history, to create a curated list of options.

As always, we’re including plus and petite within our roundups. Keep in mind just because the item is shown in a missy sizes, they still may have extended sizes within the size scale. 

Because they order limited quantities, items sell out fast so they can create a sense of urgency. Most items are not restocked. When they are restocked it’s later in the season. 

Blazers

Blazers for work are a no brainer. I ordered this Halogen double-breasted blazer for its playful, casual plaid. I’ll wear it with boyfriend or dark wash skinny jeans and booties in the fall since work is casual for me. But you can dress it up with your favorite trousers and either a heel or a loafer. 

If a single button blazer is more, your speed try this check pattern for under $90. Both options are available in missy, petite, and plus. 

Looking for a classic, wear-with-everything basic? Pick up this traditional single-breasted blazer available in five colors. Size range is XS- XXL. 

Pants

There are some great deals on pants, especially for the office. I rounded up all the reader favorites I could find. A special call-out on these Vince Camuto ankle pants that are under $50, and these high rise ankles in four colors in plus size for under $60. They are both fantastic staples. 

Scroll below to see a few more, well-tailored bottoms that have a subtle pattern that helps add some visual interest to otherwise flat looks. And if you are feeling like shaking things up, these tie waist bottoms are available in a feminine pink that works as an unexpected neutral. 

Skirts

In the skirt category, if you need a basic skirt, don’t miss this knit option in missy and plus for under $40. But I’m really loving this plaid midi skirt (featured above) to wear with anything from fitted sweaters or a basic white tee. Be sure to alter it to hit at the most flattering spot on your leg. 

Dresses

Surprisingly, there are too many fantastic dresses. I picked up this Vince Camuto dress to get me through some end of summer meetings and this burgundy Tahari dress I can wear now and well into the fall. 

For my sleeve loving readers, have no fear, you have tons of options too. Consider this Tahari for under $90, also available in plus, and the always easy to wear and comfortable Eliza J made a lovely bateau neck dress that you can dress up or down. 

Suit Collections

Back when I was a stylist, I always enjoyed working with our handful of clients who needed proper suiting. I love the look of a well-tailored suit and how powerful it makes women look and feel.

As a loyal Theory fan, they are my go-to when I need to be suited. This gorgeous suit (jacket/pant) is classic and modern. It would work in the spring, summer and early fall on the east coast and all year long on the west coast.  (Their sizing is all over the place, so be sure to try on and don’t worry if you have to size up – I do.)

If you need to replace your traditional black suit, this Boss pantsuit (jacket/pant) is a show stopper. It’s made with tropical wool, which means you can wear it all year long, in any season.

But the real knock-your-socks off suit is this stunning emerald capsule that includes a jacket, pant, dress, and coordinating tank. 

Layers

Simple tops and layering pieces for work are always a challenge. The sale is offering some options but nothing with a WOW factor. There are, however, a few basics to freshen up what you already have, like these Vince Camuto and Boss sleeveless tops. 

Most of the items below are under $50, are available in plus size and will work under a blazer, sweater or paired with your favorite bottoms. 

Shoes and Boots

I found the shoe department the most underwhelming of the sale. There are, however, two shoes I’m excited to share. First, our Reader Favorite Sam Edelman Half d’Orsay pump is under $80 and available in four classic colors. 

Second, perhaps the best deal of this entire post are the Aquatalia Water-Resistant Booties. If you walk to work in the elements or spend anytime outside when the weather is wet and miserable, these booties are a game-changer. They are an investment but one you will be happy to make if your budget allows.

A big thank you for everyone’s patience this past week.  After my grandmother passed away, I was hit with a nasty upper respiratory infection that I’m still battling (thank you pregnancy immunity), had to fly to Miami for a quick work trip and then had to take a few days off for the funeral. I never want to take advantage of your inbox, and since I could barely form a thought, I didn’t think sending out half cooked content was a good idea.

The last couple of weeks have been a lesson in doing the best I can, and how that’s going to look different depending on the situation. I’m delighted to be getting back into the swing of things and getting set up to take a bit of a break when the baby arrives.

I’m excited for today’s post because it’s stylish and practical in so many ways.  A few readers have asked about pattern or plaid pants, and how to wear them to work.  The challenge I found was finding one that was wearable and classic yet updated.  When it comes to prints and pattern on a bottom, you want it to be subtle.  You don’t want it to be the first and only element you notice about the look.  Instead, it should enhance your overall outfit without being overwhelming.

I decided on these T Tahari straight leg trousers (available at Bloomingdales) for a few reasons.  First, the fit.  I’ve always had great luck with T Tahari pants, they just work. When I worked with clients I turned to them over and again. I think they are a bit on the short side on the model.  I would take the hem down about an inch.  Because these are menswear inspired, be sure to have a break at your shoe.  This just means that the bottom of your pant hem slightly puddles on the top of your shoe. Proper tailoring is extra important when it comes to patterned bottoms because the pattern will highlight even the slightest imperfection.

 

Key Piece: Pants, $98

Left: Sweater, On Sale, $105  |  Heels, On Sale, $62  |  Coat, $148

Right: Sweater, $35  |  Boots, $495  |  Coat, $148

 

When buying a memorable piece (i.e., anything not a basic), it’s helpful to be able to wear it a few different ways.  This prevents the item from hanging in your closet, barely worn.  Today, we broke it down into two simple looks that use some new pieces and a few that will look familiar.

For the first look, I used this lovely burgundy tie top sweater.  It’s different, with an open neck and feminine tie detail.  I so appreciate J. Crew this season, in both styling and size options.  This sweater goes to a 2x and is available in three additional colors.

For the shoes, I used these Marc Fisher block heel pump in black suede.  The suede complements the texture of the sweater and the pant, the block heel gives support and comfort, and the pointed toe helps elongate the line of the leg.  They’re pretty much perfect.

For the second look I opted for this cozy Old Navy sweater that landed on our October Reader Favorites list. With the holidays upon us, you might have a few office days when you have to get dressed, but maybe you’re just cleaning out files and getting organized for the New Year.  For those kind of days this outfit is comfortable but still professional.

The boots are a total splurge but worth every penny. When I would travel to New York, or Chicago in the winter months, these are what I would wear under my pants.  No need to carry an extra pair of shoes.  Just brave the elements, get to the office and brush them off.  They are ideal if you commute via transit to work or navigate a busy city.

Finally, so many of you picked up this wrap coat I wanted to remind you how easy it is to wear.  It’s nice because it’s unstructured, so it will fit over bulkier sweaters. It’s on sale for $85 and is still available in most sizes in two colors.

 

Shop this Post  

We spend time figuring out our style, purging and organizing our closets, and putting together outfits. Then, we throw on a coat, any old scarf, cover up our hard work and head out the door. Let’s take a minute to create a look with our winter coat thoughtfully so when we walk into the office or enter an early morning meeting; our outer layer is as chic as what’s underneath.

For this post, I followed a few guidelines. First, I set an under $500 price point for the coats, all of these ended up being under $400. Next, these are not the coats you wear in a snowstorm. Instead, they are classic, toppers. Some look like a traditional car coat; others are three-quarter length with a tie waist. They are what you would wear to work, and all can be dressed down with jeans on the weekends.

Please click the links for color options and sizes. Finally, they all have wool in them. I can’t find non-wool options I would recommend.

Mix of Grey: Coat, $299  |  Scarf, $59  |  Gloves, $66

A combination of dusty greys is elegant, professional and timeless.  The coat by Banana Republic comes in red, navy and grey (above) in missy and petite and goes to a size 20.  They are calling it a “car coat” but it’s slimmer than a traditional car coat style, so keep that in mind.  I used a tartan plaid that has shades of grey running through it at a great price.  For gloves, these grey gloves are softer than wearing black and on sale (along with a dozen other colors) at Off 5th.

 

Red and Black: Coat, $230  |  Scarf, $25  |  Gloves, $80

This look is the most casual of our line up with a slightly boxy wool felt coat from J.Crew.  I wanted to feature a black and white buffalo check scarf since it’s on trend and love how it looks here.  Depending on where the sleeves of the coat hit you, you may need a longer glove, but if they hit just right, these UGG gloves are the warmest things you’ll ever put your hands in.

 

Cognac and Camel: Coat, $258  |  Scarf, $99  |  Gloves, $156

My favorite combination will forever be shades of neutrals.  We featured this Vince Camuto military inspired coat earlier in the season, so if you pick it up, here’s how I would style it. These cognac gloves (also available in black) make my hear sing. As someone with extra long arms, I appreciate the length too.  You can pair this color with camel (above), navy, black, or dark grey.  For the scarf, I went this ivory wool and cashmere blend at Nordstrom.  I have a few of these in different colors and use them year round.  They are well worth the price (under $100) and make a wonderful gift too.

Navy and Grey: Coat, $320  |  Scarf, $68  |  Gloves, $135

A blazer style coat, done here in a boucle wool for added texture, is a streamlined staple that looks best if you wear mostly pants.  It’s available in black, burgundy, grey and navy (above) up to a size 14.  You can pair many colors and patterns with a navy coat.  Look for a plaid with various shades of blue, winter white, olive can also be lovely, or a heather grey like we did here. It’s kind of sporty, cozy and simple.  For gloves, I like matching the color as close to the coat as possible.  These navy gloves are gorgeous and come in several colors.

 

Burgundy and Pink: Coat, $230  |  Scarf, $150  |  Gloves, $30

The mix of burgundy and pink is updated and feminine, yet still neutral. This wrap coat is by Mango. I find they tend to run small so check their “fit finder” that helps you determine the best size for you. The scarf is such a lovely shade of pink in a size and shape that lets you wrap yourself up comfortably without looking like you took a blanket off your bed.  For gloves, I found these cashmere lined leather gloves on sale at Century 21. They are available in an assortment of colors and sizes, ideal for you or someone on your gift list.