Nordstrom’s 2020 Anniversary Sale has officially kicked off, and it’s time to prioritize what we’re vying to add to our carts before items begin selling out (the rush!).While the sale looks a little different this year, it’s chock-full of its usual fabulous pieces that can be worn year in and year out (with the addition of plenty of cozy options to get us through this winter in isolation). I was able to stop by Chicago’s Nordstrom store and (very, very safely) check out some of the things that are discounted this year. To absolutely no one’s surprise, my wish list grew by multiple pieces, and the entire experience reminded me just why this sale is so damn good.
These are the things I tried on, accompanied by plenty of opinions on everything from fit to feel. (Unless I state otherwise, I’m wearing a size small in everything.)
Every year for the sale, Nordstrom releases that year’s version of this suede BlankNYC jacket (and the faux-leather one below). I bought this jacket last year and I truly wear it to death. I reach for it at least once a week, and the color paired with both light-wash and black denim is incredible for fall. If you’re only looking to buy one or two things, I absolutely couldn’t recommend this more. I know I’ll be wearing this for years to come.
The same goes for this jacket. I bought mine four years ago during the sale and still wear it all the time when the temperatures are chilly (I actually own a much more expensive leather moto jacket as well and am always surprised to find myself reaching for this one just as much, if not more.) There is truly nothing bad you can say about it—it’s amazing quality (it doesn’t feel stiff or artificial like many faux-leather jackets can), the fit is perfect, and it can go with anything. It’s a fool-proof buy.
This blazer was one of the first things that caught my eye in the sale, and it did not disappoint. It’s the perfect oversized option to wear all fall and winter long, and the length and fit are ultra-flattering. If I didn’t already own so many blazers, this would be a no-brainer purchase for me.
This is something I hadn’t seen online, but when I saw it in-store, I couldn’t wait to try it on. This is an amazing basic to add to your cart during the sale. It’s thin enough that it can be worn under jackets or your parka without sweating to death, but the subtle puffy sleeves and higher neck make it exciting enough to wear on its own too. I generally wear a size small, but I am wearing an extra small here, and it fits perfectly.
This year, Nordstrom added tons of cozy items to the sale, all of which are perfect to stock up on for the long, quarantined winter ahead—and this sweater is no exception. It is incredibly soft and is perfect to invest in if you want a few loungewear items that feel more like real clothes for work-from-home days.
I had my eye on this fun, sherpa North Face jacket, and it was even cozier in person. I could see myself wearing this all. the. time. It’s like the North Face jacket I had in middle school but adult and chic and strikes that perfect, mid-warmth level of jacket that you need for October and November.
I can’t say I’ve ever tried a pair of ponte paints on before, but this pair made me kick myself for having never picked up some for work. They are exactly the same consistency as a legging but look like a real, sophisticated trouser. Paired with any color of sweater and a pair of booties, these could be a perfect fall uniform (and dare I say they’re comfortable enough that I could actually see myself wearing them to work from home).
As we’ve established about a million times before, I love a puffy sleeve, so I couldn’t have gotten my hands on this faster. I found this super flattering and, again, unique enough that I could throw it on with jeans and feel like I’m actually wearing a real outfit. This material is super soft, and I love the shade to have a winter white moment.
I never have shopped the athletic wear during the sale, so this year I made a point to try some out. Everything I have on here is Zella, and boy, it was good. This jacket is one of my top priorities to buy during the sale—it is so thick and flattering and is one of those things I always wish I owned. This higher-necked sports bra is also incredible—super easy to be paired with some high-waisted leggings and worn as a top. And lastly, these are fool-proof black leggings. All of these items are hyped for a reason: they’re amazing quality, and since athletic wear hardly goes on sale, this is the time to get them.
I snagged this cropped Topshop sweater with visions of wearing it with leggings to work from home in mind, and it didn’t disappoint me. It’s super soft and I love that it’s cropped but not too cropped. It’s a perfect opportunity to swap out some old sorority sweatshirts for an option that’s a little more adult.
These sweatpants are one of the most unique materials I have ever felt—they literally feel like a legging turned into a pant. I felt very put-together in them, which is something sweatpants don’t ordinarily make you feel.
I’ve been dying to try this style of Levi’s for a while. They’re pegged as a wider fit than a classic straight leg, which I was excited about for my legs that are prone to making a straight fit look more like a skinny. Oh man, did I love these. They’re very high waisted, which I was worried about as I have a shorter torso, but I was obsessed with the fit from the second I put them on. These are, dare I say, the jeans of my dreams. 10/10, one of the things I will absolutely be purchasing. More
