I grew up shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale on opening (early access) day with my mom and sister. What started as back-to-school shopping quickly became a tradition, and honestly, not much has changed. I still get that same sense of excitement every July, but today I approach it with a completely different lens.
For those who may not know, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is unique because it’s not last season’s merchandise marked down. It’s brand-new product, released early and offered at a temporary discount before prices return to normal.
That’s what has always made it so interesting to me.
I’ve never viewed it as just another sale. I’ve always thought of it as one of the earliest indicators of where fall fashion is headed. It’s essentially a trend forecast—but one you can actually shop.
This year, I approached it with one question in mind: What pieces feel relevant now but will become wardrobe staples come September, October and into the rest of fall?
Nordstrom’s buying team does an incredible job curating brands and products that reflect where fashion is going. My role, and honestly, the part I enjoy most, is editing that even further. I’m looking for the pieces that feel wearable, timeless, and versatile enough to become part of your everyday wardrobe, not just something you’ll wear once because it was on sale. More than anything, this season feels rooted in longevity. Rich textures. Beautiful tailoring. Elevated basics. Pieces that quietly make getting dressed feel easier.
At this point, I don’t really consider animal print a trend anymore—it’s a neutral.
Leopard has become a year-round staple in my wardrobe, but this fall I’m especially drawn to the pony hair textures showing up on shoes and bags (the zebra dolce vita bag is a big yes from me). They instantly add personality to an otherwise simple outfit while still feeling classic. I also loved seeing more unexpected interpretations, like a beautiful green leopard sweater set that feels fresh without trying too hard.
If I had to choose one texture that defines fall, it would be suede.
In a chocolate color it’s rich, sophisticated, and surprisingly versatile. Whether it’s the Open Edit suede mules, a Vince shoulder bag, or a suede jacket, these pieces elevate even the simplest outfit. A white T-shirt and jeans instantly feel more polished when you add a beautiful suede accessory.
Plaid is making a sophisticated return this season. Instead of feeling overly preppy, the best versions are relaxed and easy to wear. I noticed beautiful plaid trousers, skirts, and knitwear throughout the sale, including a Vince plaid polo sweater that feels both classic and modern.
Whenever I’m shopping, I always ask myself the same questions:
Can I wear this in real life?
Can I style it multiple ways?
Does it make a simple outfit feel more intentional?
Is this something my closet is actually missing?
That perspective comes from both personal style and my experience working on the business side of fashion. I’ve seen firsthand how products are designed, merchandised, bought, and ultimately brought to market. I’ve also learned that the pieces worth investing in are rarely the loudest ones—they’re the ones that seamlessly integrate into how you already get dressed. The overarching theme I kept coming back to was intentional simplicity. Soft tailoring. Beautiful leather. Easy shirting. Rich neutrals. Accessories that do the heavy lifting. Instead, the focus is on pieces that quietly strengthen your wardrobe—the kinds of purchases you’ll still be reaching for years from now.
There’s something especially full-circle about shopping the sale at the Seattle flagship.
I worked the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale when I was 16, running around the sales floor in Special Occasion, helping customers find dresses and quickly learning what people actually wanted to wear. That experience shaped how I think about fashion to this day—not as something purely aspirational, but as something that has to function in real life.
It was also where I first became fascinated by the business of fashion. Watching customers shop, seeing what sold, understanding merchandising, and eventually moving into buying all started there.
So this doesn’t feel like a random sale roundup. It feels personal. I grew up shopping the Anniversary Sale, worked it as a teenager, and now get to come back with years of experience in buying, merchandising, editorial, styling, and content creation. Looking at the sale through all of those lenses makes it even more fun to share.
Below, I’m rounding up the pieces I genuinely think are worth investing in, how I’d style them now, and how they’ll carry seamlessly into fall.
Think polished but approachable. Trend-aware, but never trend-obsessed. The kind of pieces you’ll be happy you bought when September rolls around.
I have been on the hunt for the perfect grey coat. I have found it!
Not fashion but this redlight mask is an immediate purchase.
A moto jacket I need in my closet (and you do too)
Leopard top (bonus points for matching cardigan)
Chocolate suede is the best combo these
I am a sucker for animal print and this purse hit the nail on the head
Never too much animal print is my life motto
Case and point with the zebra STAUD Tommy bag
HELLLO new closet staple!
Love this blue suitcase.
The perfect fall riding boot
I love that these boots are brown with a black sole, it truly goes with any outfit!
Chocolate suede combo strikes again! in this perfect bag
(It also comes in olive green)
Never enough white Tees and this sleeve length is fall forward.
We all need a navy trouser for fall. I would pair this with a navy sweater for a monochromatic look.
The best straight leg sweatpants
GASP - this leopard dress is a need.
This skirt will be worn time and time again
For the colder fall days, love the matching scarf
Cashmere coat! from Polo Ralph Lauren! Say less
It’s a moto jacket fall, they are trending and no better time to buy it than on sale!
Tweed blazer, wear with jeans or a skirt and voila! Pulled together fall fit.
xx
Sara
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