What to Buy at the Nordstrom Sale: Tops, Shirts, Sweaters, Pants and Dresses

Returning to the Nordstrom Sale, which is now open to all cardholders, we’re focusing on wardrobe builders that can be used to create work and casual outfits.

I’m noticing something interesting from other blogs and creators during the sale. A lot of them are basically recreating the Nordstrom site.

One site I follow just linked to every single pair of Mother Jeans for sale. There’s no curation, just a bunch of links, so it’s just as overwhelming.

I don’t understand how that is helpful, but I guess it works for them.

I want to simplify everything because there’s a lot you don’t need.

So I broke items down by category and highlighted the top three, with a few extra offerings sprinkled in.

Unfortunately, we are only at the start of day three, and everything is selling out; at least, everything I like for you is selling out, which is really frustrating.

I’m hoping they restock because we are still in the cardholder-only days. But, people order multiple sizes and send things back, so popular items can’t reappear in inventory.

I’m not saying this to create some false sense of urgency. I just woke up this morning and a ton of items I wanted to share are already gone.

As always, throughout the article, I share some unfiltered thoughts on the Nordstrom Sale this year.

This year, their coat and shoe selection is strong (we featured those on Monday); I was happy to see so much variety in their jeans, and they have plus-size options in most items I wanted to feature.

But as you’ll see below, what’s good is really good, and what’s bad is stupid.

And don’t get me started on their bag selection this year; it is an utter disappointment. I’m not even dedicating a feature to them.

Tanks and Shells

There is a nice selection of hard-to-find layers.

I’m always looking for these in the fall, but what is usually available looks like underwear, and sometimes, you need a first layer with more to it.

Halogen Cowl Neck Sleeveless Top

I like the look of this cowl neck, you can wear it alone your under a blazer.

UPDATED: SOLD OUT in regular sizes

Plus size available here.

Hammered Satin Sleeveless Cowl Neck Top

I love this traditional cowl neck available in black or white available in XXS – XXL.

Lovely base layer for a suit jacket, open front sweater or wear on its own.

This will probably sell out too, it’s priced well at under $40.

If you need it, consider grabbing it in both colors.

Available in plus size here.

Raw Edge Check Crepe & Chiffon Tank

The sale has offered versions of the Raw Edge Tank for the past few years and they are always a hit.

They are just what I’m talking about, a tank that doesn’t look like underwear.

Available in black and white here, I’m ordering both colors.

Blouses

Halogen Floral Long Sleeve Wrap Front Blouse

This is just so pretty, love the print, love the cut.

Just the thing for a simple black pants outfit to the office.

Smocked Hem Wrap Front Top

I am ALWAYS looking for blouses like this in the fall so I picked this up to wear with black coated jeans and regular blue jeans on date or girls night.

Available in XXS – XXL for $52.

Garden Geometric Print Blouse

There’s much to love about this blouse from Reader’s Favorite brand CeCe.

The shape is different, feminine yet structured. (Two thumbs up!)

And the pattern mixes blue and black, which is SO versatile. When I talk about a pattern that looks like texture – this is what I mean.

Wear it to the office with your favorite black pants or jeans for a casual night out.

Available in XXS – XXL for $46, also available in pink.

Sweaters

To be totally transparent I struggle with this category, because, frankly, you can find most of their sweater styles on Amazon for the same price if not less and equal quality.

And on the other end of the spectrum, I’d rather buy the same priced cashmere from Everlane or Quince.

So keep that in mind if you navigate the sale on your own.

I did buy three sweaters that I could work for you too.

Wrap Cardigan

I like a wrap top, and this sweater option is lovely.

Most of the time, a wrap style sweater or cardigan is too long and has too much fabric.

This one is just right and will be super cute with jeans and booties.

Available in XS – XL, in a few colors (selling out quickly) for $46.

Turtleneck Sweater

Every Nordstrom Sale I buy at least one Treasure and Bond sweater.

I like how they feel, fit and the price is fantastic.

I picked up this one in burgundy, also available in black, white pecan for $39.99.

Cameron Ribbed Crop Cardigan

Just a simple, well made cardigan (that you can wear as a layer or on its own), in three colors, perfect for jeans.

On sale for $65 in XXS – XXL.

Shirts

Long-time readers know I talk about buying the best you can afford, with an understanding that just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s the best.

Quality and price don’t always scale together. Sometimes we end up in what I call “stupid pricing land.”

A great example is this COTTON shirt from Lafayette 148, a brand I’m very familiar with from my years of working with private clients.

A COTTON shirt is on an Anniversary sale for $558.

It’s the arrogance for me; let’s throw numbers at the wall and see what sticks.

Anyhoo, you know I love crisp buttons; they are not for everyone, and if they don’t fit you well, don’t bother, but I love the three featured below that are updated, nice quality, fit, and priced … normal.

Stripe Oversize Cotton Poplin Shirt

Why spend $600 when you can spend $44 and look the same, and less stuffy?

Another Treasure & Bond piece, perfect for a work from home outfit or on the weekends.

Wear with jeans and you favorite white sneakers or ballet flats.

Available in XS – XL, this is oversized so go down one if you want less fullness.

Pleat Detail Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt

If you already have a few classic white button ups, consider one with a some interest.

Like this cotton poplin style with pleating at the waist and pretty cuffs. It’s an easy and affordable piece to really elevate a jeans focused look.

Available in XXS – XXL for under $50.

Caslon Chambray Shirt

A chambray shirt is a transition and fall wardrobe staple.

This one from Caslon is better priced than what you’ll find at J.Crew and it’s soft and drapey.

Available in XS – XL.

And the plus size option is here.

Pants

The sale has a great selection of pants, so anything you are in the market for, they have.

Below are my top four picks.

Stretch Knit Trousers

Readers love these knit trousers from NYDJ, available in regular and petite on sale for $78.

Also available in plus size here.

Houndstooth Check Pants

I have been looking for a houndstooth check pant to share with you for YEARS.

Scoop this up before it sells out, the pattern in both timeless and back on trend. Pair with your favorite black or white top, it also looks great with red, or burgundy.

And these are on sale for $65!

Also available in plus size here.

Flare Denim Pants

Ladies, these are TROUSER JEANS!

Remember them?

Dressier than a jean but the same vibe, nice for the office to your wardrobe some variety.

Also available in plus size here.

Straight Leg Pants

You are going to want a pair of chocolate brown pants this fall.

In fact, trend reports are showing that brown is going to be a huge color for fall and winter, which is is welcomed new for someone like me, who looks better in brown but wears black because it’s more available.

This simple pair of straight leg pants from Vince Camuto will hit at our around your ankle, and come in sizes 00 – 16. Size down if in between.

Also available in plus size here.

Dresses

The dress selection everywhere as been so bad for so long I actually don’t know what I want in a dress any more, but the peasant-y, floral tent dress is hard pass, and I don’t want a micro mini.

I did find two dress I think are fantastic, both are from Tahari.

Side Knot Stretch Crepe Dress

If you need a better basic black dress to have on hand, this one is lovely, with a flattering V-neckline and side ruching.

Also available in a pretty teal in sizes 2 – 16 for $76.00

Side Tie Long Sleeve Wrap Coat Dress

I am 100% behind the coat dress.

I love the contrast between the length of the sleeve and skirt, and the way it pulls in your waist.

10/10.

Available in sizes 2 – 16 for $107 – will be super chic to wear around the holidays with fun, sparkly shoes.