What I’m Loving in Nordstrom’s New Arrivals Right Now
I’ve been scrolling through Nordstrom’s new arrivals, and I’ll be honest… I spotted more puffed sleeves and florals than I was expecting. Which, fine. Spring is spring. But I kept scrolling, and I’m glad I did. Once you get past the very enthusiastic ruffle situation, there are some genuinely good pieces in right now.
I pulled together the ones that actually stopped me…a mix of brands I check regularly and a few that just caught my eye for a specific reason. Nothing in here requires a wardrobe overhaul. These are pieces that slot in, do their job, and make getting dressed a little easier. I freely admit that a few are in my cart.
Nic+Zoe
I’ve been a fan of Nic+Zoe for years, so I always love to check out their new arrivals.
CROSSHATCH LINEN BLEND PANTS IN 8P / ICONIC TIE FRONT BUTTONDOWN size M
These linen pants caught my eye the moment I got off the escalator. The print is fun and feels perfect for sunny days. This 8P is the perfect length for me to wear with wide, flowy legs. They’ll be great with sneakers, flats, or my low-wedge sandals. These have an elastic back waist and side pockets (always love those), in an indigo multi-print. I’m thinking these might be great for my trip overseas because the print hides wrinkles and the legs allow airflow.
I tried them with a tank top, but wasn’t keen on the look. Then I added this front tie shirt, and I loved the combo! The buttondown comes in regular and petite sizes, XS-16W. The fabric has a slightly nubbled texture, and the front tie adds great shaping.
This fringe jacket is a cream tweed with a snap-front closure, princess seams on the back, and fringe edging. This knit fabric feels more like a cardigan but has the soft structure of a blazer. The medium was sold out in my store, so I’m wearing a small, which is a bit too snug. This also comes in petite.
I’m wearing it with these ankle-length bootcut jeans in a soft paper white. They’re pull-on style in a super soft cotton blend with plenty of stretch. The inseam on these is 28″, which is a bit longer than ankle length on me, which I prefer.
This is the kind of lightweight sweater that ends up being more useful than you expected. The texture gives it some interest, so it doesn’t just sit there looking basic, and the rolled sleeves keep it from feeling too neat or fussy. It’s an easy piece for those in-between days when a tee doesn’t feel like enough, but a real sweater sounds like too much.
This little geometric shift dress couldn’t be easier to wear. It simply slips over your head and has side pockets. Another great little machine-washable dress that would travel well.
Eileen Fisher
They had this double-breasted denim trench coat on a mannequin, and it looked fabulous. It’s a deep indigo with a deep pleat at the center back, giving it a swing shape.
I always appreciate a skirt like this because it takes very little effort to wear well. The A-line cut gives it shape, the linen keeps it seasonally appropriate, and it works with the kinds of tops many of us already own. Add sandals, flats, or even a sneaker, and you’re done.
I saw these white pants in the store, and the quality is beautiful. The cotton-blend ponte knit is substantial, so it hangs nicely with a zip fly and a hook-and-bar closure. They have a 27.5″ inseam, and if you need petites, I found them here.
Eileen Fisher’s pleated silk is amazing, and this dress shows it off beautifully. The fabric has graceful movement, packs like a dream, and gives the simple A-line shape a more polished feel. It’s easy enough for daytime, but with the right shoes and jewelry, it would work just as well for dinner or travel. It also comes in black.
Spring Shoes
Birdies is known for comfort, and this woven flat has the same cushioned feel the brand does so well. The shape is simple and easy to wear, while the woven satin gives it a slightly dressier look than a basic flat. It’s a nice option when you want a shoe that looks polished but can still handle a full day on your feet.
I’ve had very good luck with Margaux sandals, and I appreciate that they come in narrow, medium, and wide widths in sizes 35 to 44. The MX Sandal has a very clean, understated design that goes with nearly everything, so it’s an easy choice for everyday wear with dresses, denim, skirts, or relaxed trousers.
Pikolinos is another brand that tends to get comfort right, and this sandal looks easy to wear for long days. The crossover straps keep it secure, the adjustable strap helps with fit, and the low cork-textured wedge gives you a little height without much pitch. It’s a practical, everyday sandal that still looks nice with summer dresses or pants. It comes in 5 colors, but this one is selling out fast!
Bags
This mini tote bag has an easy summer feel, with raffia, leather trim, and just enough detail to make it feel polished. The magnetic closure, interior zip pocket, and optional crossbody strap make it practical as well as pretty.
Madewell’s Signature Woven Shoulder Bag has a fresh shape and just enough texture to make it interesting without feeling fussy. It’s a useful everyday size, has a zip closure, and comes in four colors, so there’s a good chance one will suit your wardrobe.
This Francis Valentine Wicker bag is pure summer charm. The bamboo handle give it loads of personality, but it’s also polished and practical. It comes in four colors and is large enough to carry what you actually need, which makes it feel just as useful as it is fabulous.
By this point in the season, I’m always relieved when the new arrivals start looking like clothes and accessories a grown woman might actually want to wear. Nordstrom has some especially good pieces right now, and I enjoyed pulling together the ones that felt attractive, practical, and just interesting enough. I hope this gives you a few fresh ideas for spring, whether you’re filling a gap in your wardrobe or just enjoying a little browsing from your chair.
Hi, Jennifer. I love how you look in the Nick+Zoe tie-front button-down top and the crosshatch linen trousers. I’m certain that you will garner some admiring looks wearing it if you get it for your upcoming trip. The reason I didn’t comment in response to this post is because I was out shopping for tops and a jacket to wear with the navy blue pleated maxi skirt I picked up from Chico’s last week. Let’s just say that although I learned why so many of the petite clothes I’ve bought over the years didn’t really work out the way I’d hoped they would, it was a frustrating experience. As I’ve mentioned before I need to wear petite sized tops and jackets since I am so very short-waisted. I was initially very happy because more of the stores in my area were offering the same styles in both misses and petite sizing. That lasted until I went into the dressing room. I had seen the perfect jacket on a mannequin as I entered the store and decided to try it on. As I suspected, the waist of the jacket hit my hip line. I was returning it to the rack when a sales clerk asked what I didn’t like about it. I told her it was too long for my short torso and she said that they had the same jacket in the petites section. I headed straight there and tried it on. The length was just right but something was off when I looked in the mirror. It was the same style as the other one but now it looked practically clownish. I went back and got the misses one and tried them both on again. The problem became obvious when looking at the two jackets side by side. The maker had scaled the body of the jacket down for the petite sizes but they didn’t scale down the buttons or the trim on the sleeves and collar. They were all too big and too much for the rest of the garment. I was ready to cry in frustration. I ran the same experiment with some blouses and a few other jackets and the problem was consistent with all of them. I did the same thing in some other stores with the same results. Lesson learned: Scale matters! Not just in sizing but in every aspect of the garment. I wish I would have figured this out years ago. I still don’t have a jacket for the navy skirt but I eventually found a top that was close to what I had in mind along with a white linen Nic+Zoe midi skirt. I also found and bought a lovely navy blue OspreyLondon purse that matches my navy blue Cuban heels perfectly so the day ended on a good note at least.
Scale is critical when you’re petite. Sadly, most brands don’t bother to adjust the details for petites. It is so frustrating.
Adding my “two cents”: I purchased the Nic+Zoe Devon dress in a different print (pink/green geometric) last month, wore it on Easter, and now plan to take it on our summer vacation. The dress was SO easy and lightweight to wear. I could have sized down. 5 countries, different climates, and 3 weeks in an international carry-on-only, so it is quite a packing-and-planning puzzle! I also like Eileen Fisher, but have had trouble with sizing, and definitely need petite. There is a store about 45 minutes away from me, so I think I would like to make a trip and try on a few pieces to get an idea of how they fit me currently, as I love several of the pieces you share here and on the specific Eileen Fisher try-on post.
Love the new haircut!
Thanks!
Hi Jennifer,
So many wonderful things thanks for styling. I love those dramatic black and white pants with the top, so fantastic! I was in Nordstrom yesterday and ordered some make up in a brand they don’t carry in store but online -Victoria Beckham-and it arrived today, with free shipping, so what is not to love!! I am a big supporter of Nordstrom and the Nordy Club. Speaking of Eileen Fisher I bought the new Classic Collar Elbow Sleeve Linen Button Up in Breeze recently from Nordstrom which is a beautiful shirt,gorgeous color, and Eileen Fisher’s organic linen flight jacket to try on at home from Eileen Fisher online with their 25% discount they had recently.Have you seen it? Curious to know what you think of the jacket….I am travelling soon and when I see deals with Eileen Fisher I pounce. All the best.
I tried that jacket on today. It’s fabulous but my size was sold out. They have a great collection this month!
Hah! I bought the same Nic & Zoe fringe jacket in cream tweed for my trip to Ireland and I am loving it!
Those white and denim printed pants and the white tied blouse are absolutely the best.
I love your new hairdo.
Diane
Thank you!
Checking in from UK – do you actually buy most of this, Jennifer?
And do you have any “rules” such as one in = one out to keep your wardrobe manageable? Genuinely interested – thanks!
No I just try most of it on for readers to see. I only buy if it fits my style. I clean out my wardrobe quite frequently because I get overwhelmed with having too many options.
Love the choices you found today!
The dresses are just perfect
Hi Jennifer, I am so with you on the puffs and ruffles, also bows, flounces, flutter sleeves, and tiered skirts. Eeks. At 5’2′. I’m also not a fan of drop shoulders on my knits or sweaters. I have to stay fairly trim to look grown up! Thanks for looking out for us, and for the comical phrasing you pop in to your posts. Enthusiastic ruffle situation, indeed! Very fun!
It’s worse this season than I’ve seen in a while! I was quite shell shocked after a few days at the mall.
Some great choices Jennifer! You look great in those printed linen wide leg pants and top. It is different and yet the style is basic. It will be comfortable to wear this spring and summer. Did Susan do your colors while you were at the San Francisco conference? I’m curious because you seem to love a lot of black or black and white. Yet you look lovely in Spring colors not Winter. Did you find that your colors have changed from previous years? I know they are guidelines not guardrails. My coloring looks like yours and I’m a light Summer. I can wear some Spring colors in the summer.
Our colors only adjust slightly as we age, but you do not change season. I am a true summer. Cool and soft but can wear medium intensity. Susan and I work with different systems entirely. I did not have her do my colors.
I wear black because I like it.
Hi Jennifer, very cute finds, but one brought me to a pet peeve. The Nic + Zoe shirt also comes in French Blue, but the buttons are white. I think white buttons on color shirts really limit what jewelry can be worn. The blouse is $128, so it isn’t a bargain item. I like buttons the color of the shirt so they blend in and leave you free to accessorize without limits. Jo
I’ve seen white shirts with blue buttons and it was intentional so I suppose it’s what you’re most comfortable wearing. I tend to agree with you Jo.
Love those Nic and zoe pants
I love Nordstrom. You found some really nice things for spring 🌼
Nordy’s has always been one of my favorite places to shop.
Oh me too!!
The tiefront blouse and the fringe jacket look great on you! Although, you look great in everything!
Thanks for showing clothes that work for ladies of a certain age!
Puff sleeves, ruffles and flowy huge dresses make me look like little bo peep 😀.They ate everywhere! Thank you for the tailored ideas!
Same! I’ll be on the hunt for us.
Cute, cute, cute!
I hear you about the lack of sleeves on dresses. I am broad shouldered and the current style of puffy sleeves and ruffles makes me look like a linebacker. I really love a 3/4 sleeve and that is one early 2000s trend I would like to see return. I would love to see an article about sleeves and how they work with body types! Thank you as always, Jennifer.
I have broad shoulders and couldn’t agree more! I am so tired of the little girl puffed, ruffled, tiered trend for dresses. I walked into a woman’s department yesterday and was appalled at the lack of variety.
And I can put in a vote for your ‘On My Radar’ section…I have been finding Calvin Klein dresses true to size, good lengths for me, and very flattering lately!
Love the blue and white pants too, very nice for a party or reception..
Thanks Susan!
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for the ideas a few weeks ago on wearing bead necklaces. I dug out several strands I had in the bottom of the drawer and have worn a couple of them. Theyre a nice colourful alternative to a neck scarf. They were too short to wrap around my neck 4 times, but too long when only wrapped 3 times, so I put them round 3 times and used a matching elastic hair tie to wrap around them to shorten them slightly. As I have hair that’s long enough to cover the back of my neck, I don’t think it was too obvious!!
I did also think of attaching a clasp to them but this would take more time and effort!
Also just wanted to say, in the interest of sustainability and affordability, you can pick up some lovely handbags at the op shops rather than buying new ones.
Best wishes,
Judy
Great idea Judy!