sweater - nic & zoe, hat - brixton (sold out at time of publication) similar here

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has a habit of sneaking up on us, doesn’t it? What, you mean it’s time to snag discounts on fall / winter clothing already?! But even if it’s odd to consider leather jackets and lug-soled boots when it’s this steamy, the prices may make it awfully tempting! The Sale is a tantalizing trove of autumnal trends – if you’re willing to track them down amongst the 4,000-plus items. Haven’t got hours to spend on shopping? Worry ye not! we’ve waded through the womenswear ‘racks’ and found some of the best busy gal buys this year’s event has to offer. Happy bargain hunting!

Top colors for fall – are beautiful, like a rainbow

tee (sold out at time of publication) - similar here, shoes - cc corso como

leather moto jacket - rachel parcell, leopard shirt (not related to the sale) - nation ltd

tee - frame, cargo pants - paige, shoes - p448 (not related to sale)

One of the first things you feel on clicking “Preview Anniversary Sale” is the warm hug of autumnal hues. Oo, red! Olive! Caramel! They’re all trending for 2020 and can all be found in many guises in the Sale. Olive cargoes are an oh-so-comfy swap for jeans while a caramel moto ticks the boxes on color, cloth and cut. And even if your “color season” isn’t “fall,” 2020 – and the Sale – offer a wide spectrum of shades. Pinks, greys and blues were all big on the runway – and are similarly dominant on the racks at Nordstrom. This is truly a year when there’s sure to be a hue for you – or several!

Fall fabric trends – comfy enough for hanging at home

sweater jacket - j-crew (sold out at time of publication) similar here, tee - sub_urban riot

jacket - theory, cords - l’agence (not related to sale)

Since stay-at-home orders went into effect, we’ve been on a one-way trip to comfyville. Can you even imagine wearing a stiff blazer or tight bra these days? Perish the thought! Fortunately, Nordstrom is on board. They’ve got the feel-good fabrics that are comfy enough for the couch but smart enough for zoom. There are cozy tweeds – what Who What Wear calls, “one of the 9 fabrics that deserve a place in your fall wardrobe,” supple faux leathers that look luxe but feel low maintenance (also on WWW’s list), and sweater jackets. Nuff said. When our jackets have become jumpers, we know we’re in a state of comfort 😊.

Trending fall styles – back to basics…sort of

mixed media sweater - ted baker, shoes - agl (sole at nordstrom but not in sale), jeans - edwin (not related to sale)

leggings - beyond yoga, top - alala (not related to sale), trainers - net-a-porter (not related to sale)

Fall’s hot trends don’t exactly sound avant garde. Sweater vests. Button downs. Knits. Oo la la! But, what they lack in novelty, they make up for with novel details. Those button downs may be built into sweaters for a less-basic, mixed media effect. Knits come in bold hues or balloon sleeves – or both. Even the humble legging is reimagined. Why wear meh matt when you can add sparkle? When it comes to trying the shiny tight trend, I’m going to say, “Nordstrom made me do it!” After all, sparkle (or color or layering) doesn’t curtail comfort – it just makes being comfortable a bit more fun. And who doesn’t need a bit more of that in their lives?

Fashion-forward fall shoes – “comfortable footwear” is no longer an insult

Remember when “comfortable footwear” actually meant something else? It didn’t just mean those are going to feel nice on your feet. It meant those are going to feel nice but look horrid! Ah comfort: how you’ve had the last laugh. Like many trend sites this season, Nordstrom is offering footwear that would make a podiatrist proud. Low, chunky-soled soled boots; square-toed, high-vamp flats; high-top trainers. It’s hard to remember a time when looking trendy was so comfy. It certainly wasn’t when I was a kid. I used to change out of my Clarks and into my stiletto granny boots as soon as my mum was out of sight. Thank goodness mums this season will have an easier time!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale runs August 19 – 30 – with cardmembers getting early access. If you do decide to give it a go, do share your steals with a comment. It would be brilliant to hear what you found!