I Tried on the 63 Best Cheap Items at Nordstrom—I Would Buy These 15

It’s your girl, back at it again raising salesperson suspicions
in the Nordstrom dressing room. That’s right, I spent this weekend
trying on a zillion items at my local store and taking my sweet
time (despite many concerned knocks) documenting the best pieces
for you. A couple of months ago, you may recall I sent a Nordstrom
dressing room dispatch from the famous Anniversary Sale. That
sale may be over, but if you’re still cruising for a steal,
there’s a secret section called “Great
Deals on What You Love” that often has delightful sale finds.
Or, if you’re ready to look toward the new season like me, I’ve
got a brand new crop of affordable fall offerings below.

My intention for this story was to seek out “cheap” pieces under
$100, and while the majority of my finds do clock in under that
price point, I couldn’t resist showing you a few more slightly
expensive picks, too. Without further ado, let’s get to
it—there’s a beautiful $59 cocktail dress, a trench coat worth
taking home, and a cardigan I couldn’t help but style two ways, all
waiting for you.

You
know those outfits that just feel easy, like you could wear them
for an entire day, come home, and not want to strip them off your
body immediately? This is that. I am really feeling the ’90s
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy vibes. I prefer to style this cardigan
with just a couple buttons (my stomach likes to be out ‘n’ about,
okay?), but it would also work well worn open as a layer, or
buttoned up all the way like the model below.

I
will forever love an all white outfit, so I had to include a
picture of how the designer Arielle Charnas wore the cardigan.

I
saved the chicest for first.

This
is the skirt I’m wearing above in a small. You can barely tell in
this image, but this skirt isn’t solid black, it has very small
satin-y dots throughout, which add a nice dimension to
the piece.

And
just in case you aren’t yet convinced that you need this sweater,
here’s a pic of it looking darling dressed down with jeans. I’m
wearing an XS.

Well,
isn’t this fun! Fashion girls are way into V-formation tie-dye
right now. Our UK editor in chief has been wearing a dress
featuring this print nonstop, and Proenza Schouler’s take on the
trend has been spotted on countless a street style star. This guy
is mesh, but I felt like my best seamless nude bra (I swear by
this one that has amazing reviews) looked great underneath, so no
need for a camisole. This is a small, which fit fine, but if I
wanted more of a smooth, tight look, I’d opt for an XS.

Also
of note, the thumb holes! I love using a top’s thumb holes when
you’re layering a jacket on top because the pattern looks cool
sticking out of the outerwear sleeves. You also can just ignore
them like I did in the dressing room picture.

Leave
it to Reformation to have nailed the fit of their bodysuits. Is
there anything more pleasing than that super-smooth tucked in look?
Methinks no. I styled it here with the same black slip skirt shown
above.

The
little cap sleeves kill me.

I’m
into the concept that functional items should be a bit fun. When I
wear my current raincoat, it looks like I escaped from a hiker’s
convention in Portland. It’s utilitarian and not incredibly chic.
That’s why this leopard number caught my eye. Why not channel your
inner Fran Drescher and add a dose of fun to your next dreary
day?

Paging
Party Kathy (my “fun” alter ego), there’s a rainstorm that needs
your attention! I’m wearing an XS, which had plenty of room for a
sweater underneath.

I’ll
also add that the high-gloss coat doesn’t have to just be for
inclement weather. I would easily wear it while the sun is shining,
too.

I
call this sweater lavender love fluff. This special knit looks way
more expensive than it is, and you can’t help but smile at the
color. For extra fashion points, pair it with colored pants or a
skirt. I’m picturing it with my pair of deep red silk trousers.
This is an XS, which was perfect for me.

If
purple isn’t your thing, the brand also offers a rich emerald
green, too.

The
biggest fashion moment for fall is the bourgeoisie trend, and
the best way to get the look is with a plaid blazer. You know what
to do.

Clearly
I’m feeling myself. I blame this very cool blazer. Wearing a size
small by the way.

Just
in case you were concerned that the arms were sewn to be perma
pushed up (why for the love of fashion do designers do that?!), I
assure you they come down and look great styled both ways.

Anyone
who knows me knows I’m a trousers girl at heart, so I grabbed
these to try these on in a size small. From the paper bag waist to
the contrast stitching and cargo pockets, these are legit the
perfect office pants. I’m planning on wearing them to a big
meeting, and I bet no one would guess they retail for $65.

Wow,
somehow I almost got natural-looking light in this photo. All the
better to show you these awesome pants.

If
your basic black pants need an upgrade, these are your answer.

I
will be the first to say that I did not expect to find an elegant
cocktail dress (bordering on gown!) at Nordstrom today for $59.
This dress is Chic with a capital C. The editors and I have been
chatting for a few weeks about how tiny pleated fabric (or plissé
if you want to get technical) is trending everywhere. And the best
part about the look is that even if the item is cheap, it’s
actually impossible for it to look anything but expensive.

A
closer look at the texture was mandatory in my opinion. Don’t mind
the mirror smudges around my elbow here, this dress is destined to
go more glamorous places than a dressing room!

I
grabbed an XS, because the fabric has some stretch, and it’s not
very tight around the hips.

Hopefully
you’re as into the plissé trend as I am, because we have another
stunner coming in hot. I don’t think I’ve seen a more elegant dress
under $100. Clearly this would work perfectly for a wedding or an
event with a cocktail dress code, but I’m also into the idea of
wearing it more casually with simple sandals before the end of warm
weather. Since the fabric has stretch, it’s also decidedly more
comfortable than most of my fancier dresses.

I’m
wearing a small but would purchase this in an XS for a more
formfitting look.

To
be honest, I think it looks even more luxurious in person than it
does here on the model!

Welcome
to the above-$100 bracket. I took picks in this category even more
seriously, only including them if they truly were worth the extra
money. Enter: this caramel-colored trench that you will, and I
repeat will, wear at least 1000 times. That is if you purchase it.
What are you waiting for?!

I’m
wearing a small, which was perfect for a slightly slouchy look. The
fabric is also relatively lightweight, making it perfect for
ultra-confusing transitional weather.

The
model image also shows off the slightly satin-y sheen better than
my pictures. Compared to trenches in materials like cotton that
have a more matte finish, I love how this one can go a bit
dressier, too. We all know how hard it is to find outerwear for
more elevated occasions. Sorry, pashmina, your time has come.

Welcome
to the only shoe pick in this whole story! Let’s talk about the
height, just enough for a little boost, but low enough to be as
comfortable as a flat. I also love how the suede material continues
over the heel, rather than a wooden heel. Super chic.

Surprise!
Did you realize these are knee high boots? I love that you can wear
them over and under year jeans. I’m also picturing them under a
midi skirt for a quintessentially fall ‘fit.

I
found they run true to size, and they come in no less than eight
different materials.

This
dress is a little slice of linen perfection. The material is
weightier than you would think, making it perfect for the season
ahead, and I’m quite taken by the tie detail on the arm.

A
little close-up on the details. You can see the lovely linen
texture, too.

I
took an XS, which was perfect given that it’s roomier around the
hips.

Have
you ever meet a sweeter top than this little green ruffle number?
It’s the kind of thing you’ll end up grabbing more often than not
since it will pair so particularly well with your everyday
jeans.

I
don’t wear a ton of color, but I braked hard for this emerald
green. The ruched back also means the fit will hug your body
particularly well. They only had a size ten, so on me it doesn’t
look as formfitting as it would be if you got your correct
size.

It
also comes in a black confetti dot print; I may have to pull the
trigger on both!

This
dress is waiting for you to take it to a fall wedding. Dark florals
are going to be big this season, so why not try the trend with a
figure-hugging pick from Reformation? The ruched bit around the
waist is perfect for highlighting your figure, and the gathered top
with a bow adds a romantic touch.

Here’s
a better look at the pretty bodice. I’m wearing a four, which fit
fine, but might have tried a two if it was available.

There’s
nothing like an effortless Reformation e-commerce shot to make me
add to cart stat.

Now
we’ve arrived at very last little section that is sadly not
shoppable online. I figured I’d still show you just in case you
want to hunt down these finds IRL. This $36 pointelle top from BDG
is so darling. It could go easily from day to night⁠—and
by night, I mean my bed.

Unlike
the above top, this $128 night-out pick is destined for the dance
floor. It’s called the “Hall” top from Reformation, and I spotted
it on a Poshmark if you can’t find it at your local Nordstrom
store. Clearly if you’ve made it this far you’re a fan of Nordy’s
edit; may I interest you in some related content? 13 Celebs Own
These $100 Shoes With Amazing Nordstrom Reviews. 6 Fall Trends
Blowing Up at Nordstrom RN. 21 Useful Items You’ll Regret Not
Buying From Nordstrom’s Latest Major Sale