Those of you new to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, check out previous post with an intro to the sale.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to everyone starting at midnight tonight online and tomorrow the 19th in stores! Every year there are strengths and weaknesses to NAS and dominant trends and colors. The sale can be overwhelming in terms of pure volume. By knowing the strengths/weaknesses you can stick to shopping departments that will be more worthwhile.
Here is my overall assessment of this year’s sale:
- Strengths
- Leather Jackets – Great selection this year in a variety of cuts and colors. There’s cognac, black, white, burgundy. Whether you love leather jackets or shopping for your first one, definitely take time to try them on.
- Professional Wear – Plenty of pencil skirts, designer suits and blazers, and work appropriate blouses to choose from. If you work in a business professional environment you will want to check out this year’s sale, especially if you’re in the market for a new suit.
- Jackets – In addition to leather jackets, denim, lightweight cotton, sweater jackets, and bombers are in. They come in a variety of non-black colors which is great for those of you wanting to add color or tired of the usual black blazer.
- Plus-size – Plus-size offerings are getting better and better each year and this sale reflects the improvement. The jean selection is particularly spectacular this year. Fun tops and jackets are also available.
- Athletic wear – Nordstrom’s brand, Zella, doesn’t disappoint. Their zip-up, fitted jackets are flattering on all body types and the colors are beautiful. The quality and fit rival Lululemon and for better price points! If you workout or love the sporty look, definitely check it out!
- Boots – I’m putting boots under strengths AND weaknesses this year. Strengths because there is a large selection, especially knee-high boots. You’ll find designer boots to be especially on-target this year.
- Leather Jackets – Great selection this year in a variety of cuts and colors. There’s cognac, black, white, burgundy. Whether you love leather jackets or shopping for your first one, definitely take time to try them on.
- Weaknesses
- Accessories – Scarf and accessory options aren’t superb this time around.
- Handbags – Smaller bag sale selection this year and nothing stood out as spectacular or inspiring. I would pass on bags and hold out for better options later in the season.
- Sweaters – In the Fall I live in sweaters so was slightly disappointed in the poor selection this year. There are exceptions to the rule though and I’ll spell those out in upcoming posts.
- Boots – For the most part I found the boots to be lackluster in terms of style options. Color choices are mostly the usual black and brown. But of course there are exceptions and I’ll fill you in a future post.
- Accessories – Scarf and accessory options aren’t superb this time around.
- Trends
- Bomber jackets – The bomber – Short zip-up jacket, usually with pockets and slightly oversized fit is still in this upcoming Fall season. This is a modern, fresh alternative to blazers/cardigans. Check out baseball style bombers and more professional options in an assortment of colors.
- Pencil skirts – Halogen skirt is back in a variety of colors as well as other color-blocked pencil skirts.
- Oversized tops – The slightly oversized, bulky top is in. Breezy poly-blend tanks and blouses or bulky sweaters/shirts can be found.
- Booties – Ankle boots and booties are still in. Whether you want suede, buckles, heels or flats, you’ll find options.
- Fitted dresses – Lots of sheaths, form-fitted dresses in a variety of colors.
- Leather and faux leather accents – Whether it’s leather trims around zippers, leather down pant legs, or leather shoulder accents, this year is the year to get your leather fix!
- Bomber jackets – The bomber – Short zip-up jacket, usually with pockets and slightly oversized fit is still in this upcoming Fall season. This is a modern, fresh alternative to blazers/cardigans. Check out baseball style bombers and more professional options in an assortment of colors.
- Colors – Dark, rich purples, and burgundy are the standout accent colors this year. Neutrals are mostly cream/white, black and grey . You won’t find as much color this season but of course it’s not totally absent. Bright red and teal pieces can be found.
I’ll be updating this post as I continue to assess and analyze the sale items. In upcoming posts, I’ll also provide my sale picks based on my shopping experience and from styling clients. Have you shopped the sale? What are you noticing?