What I Bought At The 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and Why
I drove three hours south to shop the 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…not because I needed more clothes, but because I wanted to sort through the chaos for you.
There’s a lot of noise during this sale, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or talked into buying things just because they’re marked down. But instead of rounding up every “top pick,” I’m sharing what I actually tried, loved, and brought home.
These are pieces that reflect where I am right now. My taste has evolved, my weight has shifted, and I’m looking for fewer pieces in black with a more grown-up, quietly elevated aesthetic.
Many of these are investment pieces. They may not all be right for you, and that’s okay. I have another round of try-ons coming soon, which are more budget-friendly and may be more in line with what many of you may be looking for.
For now, here’s what made the cut for me and why.
This Vince Smocked Top is made from a 54% cotton, 45% nylon, 1% spandex blend that is lightweight but substantial. I’m used to this type of smocked fabric being as clingy as Saran Wrap…but this is not, and drapes on the body beautifully. The all-over texture actually minimizes lumps and bumps. I paired the top with this matching pull-on midi skirt that, again, does not cling.
These are both in a sophisticated graphite shade, which will go with so many other colors in my wardrobe. I plan to wear it now with sandals or casual sneakers and with tights and boots in the fall. I expect to belt it and will definitely layer a warm sweater or vest for colder weather. I think it will look good dressed up or down, and the pieces can be easily worn separately. The pricing on these pieces is so good that I couldn’t leave them at the store.
Here is the same scoop-neck top paired with these Vince high-waist crop cigarette pants in the same graphite color. They have a front seam which elongates the look of your leg and a 29″ inseam which is obviously not cropped on me…in fact, I folded the hem under once.
As I’ve mentioned in other posts…I’m tired of everything being cropped, but I love the ease of being able to snag full-length pants without having to find petites or have everything hemmed. There is a method to my madness 🤣. These pants fit beautifully, but they do seem to run small, so I bought a size 10. The fabric is a nice, thick cotton/nylon blend with 10% elastane, so they have plenty of stretch for comfort and won’t bag out.
Another cropped score for my short legs 😁. These Vince crop leggings have a 26.5″ inseam, which is a perfect length for me. They feature a hidden, side-zip closure, ensuring the tummy area remains smooth. The fabric is a thick (ponte-style) fabric with 10% elastane, which feels fabulous on. These run small, so I bought an L because skinny leggings are never my preference.
The Veronica Beard cardigan seemed to be flying off the racks. It’s a chunky, 100% cotton stripe with silver buttons, which works well for now and will continue to do so well into fall. The cropped length makes it a great proportion with wider pants or skirts as well. I didn’t bring this cardigan home, but it’s in my cart as I consider what else I need for fall.
The colors are a bit off in this photo because these pants are a deep blue…as are my Mephisto Wedge sandals. Here are the same Vince leggings, this time in Coastal Blue, which I also purchased. I’m styling them with this Vince short-sleeve sweater, which is 90% wool and 10% cashmere. To be honest, it’s much softer than I expected from wool, so it’s a very nice quality. This sweater comes in 4 great fall colors.
On the right is the Vince wool and cashmere cardigan in heather gray. I’m wearing a large, which feels a bit sloppy, so I would probably opt for the medium. I think it runs true to size. As with the short-sleeved sweater, the fabric is super soft and lofty. It comes in 2 other colors.
These Rag & Bone Harlow straight jeans are not part of the Nsale, but I brought them home anyway. They’re described as mid-rise, but they have an 11″ rise and hit right at my waist…so go figure. They are part of the Nsale in this nice, darker wash, which I prefer for fall anyway. I had to order them because they were already sold out of my size at the Bellevue store… How does that happen so quickly?
I’m wearing them with this Vince Block stick cardigan, in soft white. It’s a cotton blend that feels cozy and chunky, but not heavy. I’m seeing a lot of this open, crochet-type weaves in sweater jackets these days, and this is a particularly nice one. I have the sleeves turned up a few inches, but the body is nicely cropped. It also comes in black. I didn’t buy it at the time, but it’s in my cart, so I may order it because it’s one of my favorite shades of soft white, and it’ll double as a light jacket.
This Vince long cabled cardigan is available in off white, a rust shade, and charcoal. Both Nordstroms I shopped at only stocked it in the white…and I want the charcoal. It’s very soft, cozy, and oversized. I’m showing the small size, which I’d buy. The XS fit well, but it didn’t have the slouchy, oversized fit that it was intended to have. I love the intricate stitchwork, cozy softness, and v-neckline.
This Reiss wool blend double-breasted coat is stunning! The double-faced wool is unbelievably soft (it feels like cashmere) and drapey. I’m wearing a Black 4 on the left, which is way too snug, and a Camel in 6 on the right, which fits perfectly. I’ve been trying to avoid adding more black to my wardrobe, and the camel isn’t the best for my coloring, so I decided to order it in this stunning blue…which neither store stocked. It’s double-breasted but only has buttons at the waist, which keeps the look sleek.
Have you shopped the Nsale, and what are you looking for?
I love everything! I’ve got to get to this sale! Really love the cigarette pants.
They fit beautifully!
This was a dangerous post for me today! Thanks for the great suggestions. I had originally passed on the blue cardigan sweater because the website showed a different blue than it showed in your photo. And the denim! I got both washes. And several other items too…..haha. It really does make a difference to see your try on posts.
I’m really glad I was able to shop so early! I hope you love them too
I love seeing what you bought and really appreciate your detailed descriptions. Info on websites is lacking details and/or is not accurate. Like…..When did 11” become mid rise?!? Or maybe it’s just my shape but 11” isn’t mid rise on me. I wish the rise was always listed with a numerical value.
You look SMASHING in the skirt and top! Thanks for your time and effort. So appreciated. hope you’re feeling much better.
Thanks Linda, I am improving so I think it was a sinus infection and the medication is working. I have a long torso and 11 is high on me!! Go figure
Love your choices. I so miss Nordies. I loved their Vancouver store. Cocktails after shopping a real treat
You look lovely in the graphite top and skirt. I agree that graphite is a good neutral dark color for those of us with pale cool complexions. I don’t have anything in black except one pair of slacks and one pair of black wash trouser style jeans. You have scored on the things you have chosen. They unfortunately are way out of my budget even on sale.
Great post! It is so refreshing to see someone being honest about the Nsale and showing what they actually bought, not suggesting what people should buy because they believe it is a “good deal”. I only ordered 2 things from the Nsale this year that I needed. Most of the Nsale does not fit my lifestyle, which has become more casual post pandemic. No one where we currently live dresses up at all. My dressier clothes are now only for when I go to Europe. I would rather save money for traveling than have a closet full of clothes I don’t wear.
Your selections are beautiful on you! The 1st outfit is absolutely stunning on you! I love your sandals!
Your try ons look nice on you!
I had early 7/9 access but am waiting to go for my appt 7/15
I used to buy so much at this sale! Recently retired and trying to be more purpose driven with clothing purchases!
I have to say i love the catalog this year! Reminds me of when mom and I when i was in jr high+ would earmark many pages to plan our shopping trip!
Great memories!
I was quite disappointed by this year’s N sale; historically I’ve found several Eileen Fisher pieces at great prices, but I was underwhelmed by the EF selection this year. Also no Longchamps Pliage which had been an annual fixture of the same. Maybe these brands have peaked? And hardly anything in petite sizing, alas.
I look to this sale to add pieces to my wardrobe that I otherwise might not be able to afford; this year’s splurge was to have been a pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes which are already sold out (& which will hopefully be restocked).
The bloom is off the rose (so to speak) with me in terms of the Nordstrom sale! But plenty of other places to spend money…btw Bellevue is my mall!
Great choices! All look very nice! I don’t shop the Nordstrom sale much anymore but man I loved it when I was working! It seems different now, but I still love Nordstrom!
Absolutely Love the first outfit on you, wish I had somewhere to wear it! I live in a rural area, but love fashion.
Love the Vince outfit on you! Have an appointment with a personal shopper on Sunday so am anxious to see what she has in store for me!
Have fun!
You did a good job, Jennifer, with your special new outfits. Enjoy them! We’re heading to Vancouver in a few weeks for a cruise to Alaska and returning for a week in Vancouver & Vancouver Island. We’re from San Antonio so looking forward to cool weather! Thanks for all your work in doing this Blog for us “older” women!
Have fun! It sounds like an amazing trip.
Good Morning Jennifer, I love that you posted what you bought at the sale. That wool/cashmere cardigan is amazing. I brought home three big bags and I think my favorite purchase is this Faherty sweater: https://www.nordstrom.com/s/sunwashed-organic-cotton-fisherman-sweater/
Thanks to you, I also purchased my first pair of Wit and Wisdom jeans at a very good price, and you’re right – great jeans. I bought a very similar Camel Reiss coat at last year’s sale. The pockets are different, great coat and I feel like a million bucks when I wear it.
Loved looking at all the classics/foundation pieces you tried on. So interesting at the range of sizes that you needed – “almost” an XS through a L. You’re lucky to be near the Bellevue store. I have a nearby Nordstrom, but the inventory is too limited for good sizing selection. That Vince top and skirt will be so versatile. Your jeans and pants comments are very helpful. Great post!
I’m hoping to snag some Wit and Wisdom jeans!
They have a great selection online but neither store I visited carries the petites which I find very frustrating.
Miss having a dedicated Petite depth. With stock grouped together. Was much easier to shop than wandering the store looking for Petite items.
Jennifer, all the items that you previewed above look amazingly fantastic. Thank you for showing me what fashion can be at my age. I really smiled as I was scrolling from photo to photo. Your hard work and effort for your presentations is very much appreciated!
Thank you! Carolyn
I felt just guilty sharing my shopping so I’m glad you found it helpful.
I purchased the Rag & Bone Harlow mid-rise jeans in the dark wash, and I love them. They’re the perfect high-rise, straight leg, dark wash jeans I’ve been trying to find for several years. I’m not sure what’s going on with the description on Nordstrom’s website, because the actual inseam is 29 inches, not 32; and the fabric seems stretchy for only 1% elastane. I’m hoping the stretchiness will keep them from bagging out after a few hours of wear.
They’re great jeans! Those website descriptions are not helpful to me
I absolutely loved the two piece outfit. You looked simply amazing !!! The price point was out of my budget but I have to tell you I was tempted. I also liked the cigarette pants and that too was too much for me to spend.
Jennifer, nice post today! Thank you. By the way, I think that graphite is a much easier color to wear than black. It seems softer than black – don’t you agree? That first outfit in graphite is stunning on you and, as you mentioned, those pieces could be used in many different ways to create a variety of outfits.
Yes, the graphite is much softer and more flattering on cool, paler complexions like mine… which is why I bought those 3 pieces in it. I seldom find it and love to wear it in place of black.
Great looking clothes and as always you wear them beautifully! I’m sure these pants and leggings/pants are priced fairly for fabric and workmanship, but they are a bit beyond my budget. Still, you look great!
The first outfit (top/skirt) is STUNNING on you! On a less happy note, the Riess coat is sold out in most sizes already. Hopefully it will restock by tomorrow!
Oh no! I do hope they bought lots to restock because it’s gorgeous!