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What to Buy at The Nordstrom Sale: Basics, Coats and Shoes

Over the past few years, the Nordstrom Sale has been so-so. But this year, it’s pretty good and an opportunity to stock up on basics you love, fill in some wardrobe voids, and maybe pick up a splurge at a better price. 

The sale, however, is utterly overwhelming, and there’s a lot of stuff you don’t need. I spent several days combing through every single item in every single category until my eyes hurt. 

Post Schedule

To cover the scope of the sale, I take three days to highlight specific categories. I started doing this last year, and readers like the organized approach. 

I do the work for you so you can take advantage of the special pricing without spending a ton of time searching. 

Today’s post is broken down by Basics, Coats, and Shoes.

Tomorrow I’m sharing top Workwear, Reader Favorites, and Splurges.

Then, on Friday, I’ll wrap things up with Beauty, Jewelry, and Bags.

If you are new to our site, welcome! What you’ll notice is that I don’t do a big try-on haul showing off my purchases.

Because I don’t find that kind of post helpful. Instead, my recommendations are both data-driven and based on all your requests. 

As always, all sizes are included when available. 

When Can You Shop

To overcomplicate things, Nordstrom restricts initial access to cardholders who are further broken down by category. If you have a Nordstrom Card, you can log into your account to see your status. The more you spend, the earlier your access.

Non-cardholders can start shopping on July 15th. 

If you can’t shop just yet, I recommend creating a “Wish List” on the Nordstrom site.

This way, once you have access, you can flip everything into your shopping cart. By design, the sale is meant to sell out, and it does, every year. 

This year, your best bet is to shop online. And if you do place an order, have some patience; if last year repeats itself, we’re not dealing with Amazon-type shipping. 

Please remember, unlike some sites, I am not affiliated or sponsored by Nordstrom. I do, however, receive a tiny commission if you purchase through one of the links below. All opinions are mine. 

Let’s get started. 

The Nordstrom Sale Basics

 

Wacoal Convertible Strapless Bra, $45 |  Wit & Wisdom, Ab-Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans, $49 | KUT FROM THE KLOTH Coated High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans, $65 |  Halogen, Raw Edge Tank, $29 | Treasure & Bond, Turtleneck Sweater, $39 | 

Wit & Wisdom, Ab-Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans, $49 – a fantastic alternative to skinny jeans. Not that there is anything wrong with a skinny, but this one, by Wit & Wisdom is a long-time Reader Fave and part of the sale. Available in regular an petite. 

And if you’d like a new pair of skinny jeans, don’t miss this wardrobe staple, also by Wit & Wisdom that everyone loves

Looking for premium denim?

I like the Mari High Waist Straight Leg from AG. And I’m giving these jeans by MOTHER a try to see what the fuss is all about. 

SPANX Perfect Pants, $89 – these were a top Reader Fave in 2021, perfect for work or weekends. You can also grab a new pair of their classic style faux leather leggings. These sell out every year, and $65 is the best price you’ll find. 

At the end of last year, Banana Republic had a pair of coated jeans and our readers went nuts for them.  They give the same look as faux leather but are cut like a jean. If you missed out on them, KUT from the Kloth has an under $70 pair in the sale, available in black or chocolate that you might love

Halogen, Raw Edge Tank, $28 – love this raw edge tank, in black or white as a basic layer under long cardigans and blazers, I also like the pink option. 

Treasure & Bond, Turtleneck Sweater, $39 – I would own this sweater in every color, makes the perfect base for a jeans/sweater/booties fall outfit.  It is oversized but also runs big so go down if between sizes.

Underwear – one of my complaints about the undergarment selection in the sale is that that color options are too limited. They are not skin tone inclusive and I don’t recommend spending on a purple bra since t’s not versatile enough.

But they do have our Reader Favorite Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra for $45

I’m a big fan of Hanky-Panky underwear, usually the neutral colors are not included in the sale but they are this time around so I stocked up. 

Finally, I discovered True & Co last year and this bralette is the most comfortable bra . I especially like it under sweaters in the fall. 

Nordstrom Sale Coats

 

THE NORTH FACE Women’s Rainsford Jacket, Retail: $139, Sale $109 | TREASURE & BOND Knit Blazer, Retail: $99, Sale: $65 | CLUB MONACO Halli Belted Wool & Leather Coat, Retail: $459, Sale: $299 | REISS Elise Wool Blend Longline Coat, Retail: $590, Sale: $395 | 

In my opinion, Coats are one of the sale category in the sale that always shines. You can find real savings on something you actually need and get more out of your budget.

Below are all of my recommendations: 

Jackets and Coats

CLUB MONACO Halli Belted Wool & Leather Coat, Retail: $459, Sale: $299  There’s nothing I don’t love, black, structured, leather trim, immediately added to cart. Available in XXS – XL. 

THE NORTH FACE Miss Metro II Hooded Water Resistant Down Parka, Retail: $320, Sale $240. If you’re in need of a new puffer, always wait for the Anniversary Sale before you buy anywhere else. This year’s deal is this long, water resistant hooded parka, in black, white or grey in sizes XS – XXL. 

THE NORTH FACE Women’s Rainsford Jacket, Retail: $139, Sale $109. Another option from The North Face, I love this in the green. Great price, super chic, will last be stylish and practical for year to come. 

REISS Elise Wool Blend Longline Coat, Retail: $590, Sale: $395. The first really beautiful coat I ever bought was from REISS. I wore it for years and it served me so well. Worth every penny. This longline coat is stunning and timeless and a fabulous value. 

SAM EDELMAN Water Repellent Double Face Cotton Blend Trench Coat, Retail: $190, Sale: $124. You can never go wrong with a classic trench and this one is perfect and at a great price. Available in sand (featured above) and navy, in sizes XXS – XL. 

Blazers

OPEN EDIT Fitted Blazer, Retail: $79, Sale: $49.90. A simple, classic, go-with everything black blazer, for just under $50. Yes, please. Available in sizes XS – XL here, and plus size here. 

KUT FROM THE KLOTH Milana Faux Suede Moto Jacket, Retail: $129, Sale: $85.99. Moto jackets are always popular around here in the fall. This one by KUT from the KLOTH is lovely and available in four fabulous colors in sizes XXS – XXL. 

TREASURE & BOND Knit Blazer, Retail: $99, Sale: $65. Featured above in Brown Temple, this is a no brainer for fall. I love the depth of color, and how well it will pair with everything from casual jeans to tailored black pants. 

Nordstrom Sale Shoes

This year, there’s a lot of options you just don’t need. The sandals are weird looking, and the heels are really, really high.

Which is fine, I guess, because there are some great boot options. 

BLONDO Tasel Waterproof Block Heel Bootie, Retail: $149, Sale: $99. Blondo makes a fantastic, casual waterproof bootie. This one is a must have, available in black, tan (above), chocolate or white. 

BLONDO Dixie Waterproof Boot, Retail: $179, Sale: $119. Another Blondo option is their take on a Lug Boot, available in three colors, by favorite being the Cognac. 

AQUATALIA Brigitte Luxe Bootie, Retail: $495, Sale: $299. A brand that is always worth the spend is AQUATAILA, and they don’t always get included in the sale. These are waterproof, stain resistant, and beautifully made. 

NATURALIZER Reid Reed Riding Boot, Retail: $249, Sale: $165. The return of riding boots makes me very happy. And this pair from comfort brand Naturalizer combines modern style with function. Available in brown or black. 

AQUATALIA Cambria Weatherproof Riding Boot, Retail: $595. Sale: $380. But if you have the budget the deal on the AQUATALIA riding book is incredible. 

DOLCE VITA Solow Western Boot, Retail: $170, Sale: $109. If you want to hop on the Western trend without busting your budget, this cute pair of boots from Dolce Vita will pair with everything from jeans to dresses. 

Or you can grab their tall option here

BCBGENERATION Hawti Pointed Toe Pump, Retail: $99, Sale: $59.99. If you can manage a high heel, I love the mix of classic design with stud detail on the footbed.

SAM EDELMAN Uma Knee High Boot, Retail: $250, Sale: $160. I cannot explain how challenging it is to find a clean-lined, knee high boot with a small slim heel. So if you are on the search for something like this, grab it now. These pair beautifully with skirts and dresses, or layer over leggings and skinny bottoms.  

BRUNO MAGLI Bibi Flat, Retail: $325, Sale: $219. Finally, I adore these flats from Burno Magli. This is the kind of sale item I’d like to see more of, a lovely splurge, with timeless style that really adds to your wardrobe. These run small so size up. 

52 Outfits in 2022!

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What to Buy at The Nordstrom Sale: Basics, Coats and Shoes
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Megan Kristel

Megan Kristel is an entrepreneur, working mom, and former personal stylist. Tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of women online, she founded The Well Dressed Life as a resource for other professional women.

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Kristina

Thursday 7th of July 2022

Side note: I've noticed lately I haven't been getting all your emails. When I come to the blog I see previous posts from week I wasn't emailed about! :)

Megan Kristel

Friday 8th of July 2022

Hi, I just checked our database and you are on our email list and according to our records you've opened everything that we've sent out. So I'm not sure.

ShaRee

Monday 10th of August 2020

So very frustrating that they sell out before I even get a chance. I can’t buy until Thursday😩

Megan Kristel

Tuesday 11th of August 2020

I really is frustrating, but keep your items on your wish list, sometimes they restock when things run out this early into the sale.

Gerin Canin

Monday 10th of August 2020

Just a note for y'all wanting to buy the Spanx faux leather leggings- if in the future you need to have alterations/repairs, it is just best to buy another pair. Trying to alter them made them unwearable for me, and the tailors I used ar ones I have been using for years. They just didn't fit right again after the alterations

Marcie Friesen

Monday 10th of August 2020

Thank you for doing this! I am just curious... do you do anything like this for the less fun Canadian site??

Megan Kristel

Monday 10th of August 2020

Hey Marcie, Unfortunately, right now I don't have the bandwidth to do both. I'm hoping, as we grow with time, that I'll be able to better serve our friends up north, but right now, it's just me and I'm barely pulling all this off. :)

Karyn

Monday 10th of August 2020

Love the way you plan to approach this; thank you! That saves hours of scrolling......!

LINDA Lane

Monday 10th of August 2020

This is not overkill! Glad you are covering it all, as you have very good style sense! Love your blog

Megan Kristel

Monday 10th of August 2020

Thank you!!! I appreciate that :)

Deanna Debrecht

Monday 10th of August 2020

I love shopping the Nordstrom sale - it always gets me excited for fall! I have time set aside this week to play in my closet and put together new outfits inspired by my favorite sale pieces :) Thanks for slugging through the thousands of items to help narrow our search. Just for fun, I sometimes sort the items by price from high to low, to see what the designer items look like...am often surprised by the "unwearability" of some of those pieces!

Megan Kristel

Monday 10th of August 2020

This year, there are so many truly "unwearable" pieces!!! Thank goodness they balance it with some good stuff too :)