My Unfiltered Thoughts on the Nordstrom Sale Preview

I went through all 9,000+ items of the Nordstrom Sale, which I've covered for 15 years. Here's my stream of consciousness on what they're promoting this year to help you shop smarter.

For over 15 years, I’ve shopped and shared online about the Nordstrom Sale, and in the last few years, I've shopped in person on the first day, breastfeeding baby in tow and everything.

While I shop for a living, I ironically hate having a lot of clothes in my closet, so I shop very intentionally for gaps (i.e. things I outgrew, that are stained or torn beyond repair, or that I literally don’t own). Last year was the year I invested in a lot of coats and jeans since my body shape changed so much after two kids. This year, I don’t feel like I have many gaps in my closet so I’m planning to get just a few fun things.

But since I’ve covered the sale extensively for so long, I have THOUGHTS. Here they are. (If you want more of the ins and outs of sizes, quality, etc., I have that covered here.)

Overall thoughts:

• Lauren Ralph Lauren has saved Nordstrom from an otherwise depressing sale selection.

• The tops seem eerily similar to last year but just in different colorways.

• I think I’ll spend a lot less money this year because I’ve shopped smart in the past. (*Pats self on back.)

Jeans - my picks here

• Denim is the usual - Mother, Paige, AG, Wit & Wisdom, Kut from the Kloth.

• Solid options if you need new denim. I do not. But if you do, buy these wide leg jeans, these dark denim beauties, these kickouts. I’ve owned all of them for years.

• Seeing interesting pockets. Exhibit A. Exhibit B. Exhibit C.

• Lots of the same styles as last year.

• Many blue washes that are too blue. I have a visceral reaction to this. Maybe it’s better in person?

• I’m excited to see some Levis in there!

• I need to remember to tell people to size down in the more affordable brands like Wit & Wisdom and Kut from the Kloth.

• But size UP in Levis.

Shoes - my picks here

• Still seeing jellies

• Seeing some mesh, which feels like fall’s answer to summer’s jellies

• Lots of slingbacks. I own and love these block heels and these kitten heels.

• Actually, there are lots of shoes (especially boots) I already own - classics are classics for a reason.

• Loving the loafers. Except the lugsole loafers.

• There are so many styles that I wore in 2012. Like these.

• Corporate TeriLyn would have loved all the work-appropriate shoes

• Minimal fringe. Praise the Lord.

• Still some studs. Hard pass.

Tops - my picks here

• Overall thoughts? So, so bad

• When did Nordstrom start carrying H&M?

• There are so many of the same tops as last year but with very minor tweaks. Another reason to prioritize classic styles!

• Faherty, Varley and Vuori are good at least.

• Free People tops are ridiculous on me. I’m not even bothering this year.

• This basic tee look sgreat. Will it be as good as the best-ever tee, though?

• This Ralph Lauren Polo sweater!!

• Lots of rugby stripes

• The cashmere hoodie that always sells out is back in 3 colors

• Pretty sure I wore this in my 9th grade school photos

• Same Frank & Eileen button-down as last year, but in a worse colorway.

• I’m not making the same mistake I make year after year and buying Caslon. I’m never happy with the fit after a few washes.

Dresses - my picks here

• The dress selection is spectacularly bad.

• Except for this Ralph Lauren shirtdress. She shall be mine.

• And maybe this denim cutie.

• Or this suede beauty.

• Fall wedding guest dress in chocolate brown anyone? Exhibit B.

Coats - my picks here

• Coats & Jackets might be the best section of the entire sale.

• There’s an odd amount of raincoats. Definitely more raincoats than cold weather coats.

• Bernardo, Ralph Lauren, Sam Edelman are winning the coats & jackets section.

• Let’s please not go back to the leather jacket I wore to bars in 2011.

• I don’t need a cape… OR DO I?

• The. Leather. DETAILS.

• Lots of mustard hues this year and I don’t hate it. Exhibit B.

• Oh the green is sexy too.

• I don’t hate this red.

• The black contrast collar on this.

• Oh she’s cute… perfect fall coat for the South.

• I’ve owned this coat for 17+ years and still love it.

• Corduroy trim everywhere. And fur trim.

• It’s giving Royals at Sandringham

• I have an identical blazer I’ve worn for 6+ years and always get asked about it, but have never found one similar - so here you go.

• As my husband says, vest season is the best season.

Purses - my picks here

• My most-used clutch of all-time is on sale! I hate buying clutches since I don’t go out often, but I’ve never regretted buying this.

• Why do I like this bag? I can already imagine my husband’s face if I buy it.

• Guess who’s back, back again. My most-used tote that I bought at the sale last year.

• I thought the East-West shape was extremely impractical until I was gifted this from Cuyana, and I use it all the time. So now I feel justified in buying this.

Kids - the usual. Nuna, UPPaBaby, Stokke. No Doona this year though! Woah.

Men - per usual, not great, except Faherty and Vuori.

Activewear - Meh. Buy Amazon or just buy something nicer. But the athleisure is GOOD, mostly thanks to Varley.

Beauty - my picks here

• The usual. T3, OSEA, U Beauty.

• Oh heyyyy the Dermaflash!!! (I love that thing.)

• If you haven’t upgraded your blowdryer or curling iron, now is the time. I’ve had mine for over 10 years.

• I may need to finally try this eye cream.

• Oh I didn’t realize the makeup brushes I was gifted are nice ones. No wonder I love them.

• So expensive and unfortunately so good, so buy it on sale if you’ve wanted to try it. Same with this.

Bras, Undies & PJs - my picks here

• Sadly, the Natori thongs are not on sale yet again.

• These are a close second for my all-time favorite undies though.

• The best bra ever is on sale. And the best strapless.

• Let this be your annual reminder to replace your bras and undies; they’re the least fun purchase, so buy them on sale.

• Pass on Nordstrom Sale PJs. They all stretch out and get lumpy-looking. (Buy these instead.)

I’ll share more throughout the sale, including new additions + when items restock — and then styling tips throughout the season — in my newsletters. You can get on my email list here. Substack is where my off-the-cuff thoughts will hit.