What to Buy From the Nordstrom Sale if You’re Plus Size

It is that time of year, the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! I really only shop from Nordstrom during their anniversary sale, I skipped it last year but this year I think it is worth shopping. Full transparency, I am not a cardholder! Online, Nordstrom has a really good plus-size assortment. I take full advantage of their online sales with plenty to choose from, because their in-store plus assortments are sparse! I could have gone crazy and picked everything that I thought was cute. But, I only selected items I am actually considering, that I would actually wear, that I have or are practical deals. Being curvy, foundational pieces to build multiple outfits with is key. We have less options and having a strong palette to start from is so important. It allows us to create more looks! There are some essentials that are worth snagging right now (aka Barbour, Fall Basics, and Spanx). I curated this group of items based on three checkpoints: does it capture classic style? Is it an essential? Is it worth it? Each item in my roundup below hits on all three. 

THE DETAILS: Early access for select card members is open now (as of August 4th). The Early Access Preview is available to everyone right now. Early Access will open for all card members on August 13th, then the sale opens to the public on August 19th.

WHAT TO BUY: Staple pieces that will go a long way. Brands like Barbour and Spanx rarely go on sale, and they are some of the high quality brands that carry plus. Good shapewear, a classic jacket, and a pair of smoothing leggings are a MUST. Most of all, aim for QUALITY, VERSATILE BASICS. DO buy something if you love it and if you can think of more than one way you’d wear it (like a jacket, I can see myself wearing it with jeans or over a cute t-shirt dress). If you want to get an investment piece, now is the time! 

WHAT I WOULDN’T BUY: Anything that is out of budget. It can be tempting to see a lot of collages and want everything, but stay in budget and use this as an opportunity to get what you need. I’d wait on once in a while, occasion, or specific scenario pieces “I could totally see myself wearing to a wedding!” lol. I do that sometimes, but, you catch my drift. Don’t buy things that you are on the fence about. Also, maybe don’t buy something just because it is on sale. Ask yourself, “would I like this if it weren’t on sale? Or did the price catch my eye?”

1. SPANX LEATHER LEGGINGS

$64, originally $98.

I got my first pair of Spanx leather leggings last winter and I am not sure what took me so long. These are absolutely incredible and look super polished when paired with a cable knit sweater, camel blazer, or white button down and loafers or flats. They are classic with a twist and became one of my most-worn items. These are a MAJOR steal and if you walk away from here with one thing, it is to get these leggings. They are fitted, size up one.

2. CLASSIC BLUE BUTTON DOWN

$39, originally $69.

The ultimate layering piece that you can wear now, and wear later. I like this shirt brand because it is a little less structured and there is no gaping in the chest. I do not have this specific shirt, but I have another one from this brand and think its great quality for the price point. You can wear as is, under a sweater or blazer, or over a white tee like a jacket. Also great to have a polished shirt on hand for zoom meetings.

3. PREPPY PLAID BOYFRIEND BLAZER

$73, originally $119

This reminds me of what a modern-day Rory Gilmore would wear in the Fall in New Haven (anyone?!). Two years ago I invested in a plaid boyfriend blazer and find it to be not only cute, but NECESSARY. I wear mine weekly and in every which way. I wear it to work with a bodysuit, button down, over a black dress, and with denim. It MAKES any outfit with zero effort. BB Dakota is a reliable plus brand and I love how this blazer elongates. The fact this is under $75 blows my mind!

4. STAPLE CREAM SWEATER

$25, originally $39

I already added this to my cart. I love a dolman or drop sleeve on plus bodies. It makes things flow so nicely and this sweater is casual but still elegant. This also comes in a handful of colors, but I think the cream is VERY versatile and can be worn year-round. As much as I love statement sweaters or unique layers for Fall, it’s the basics that keep things going.

5. QUILTED BARBOUR JACKET

$189, originally $300

In case you missed the launch last year, BARBOUR. MAKES. PLUS. SIZES. Can I get an AMEN?! This is #1 on my wishlist, because I outgrew my current Barbour (from 2009!). A classic, timeless and preppy jacket that is super coveted, now comes in plus. The quilted version IS ON SALE. I am almost speechless, but I have to write something. So, I have had my Barbour jacket since 2009, prior to that I had the same Barbour since childhood. These jackets are constructed to last and are incredibly worth it. You probably won’t have to purchase another one for years and years to come. These never go on sale!

6. GRANDPA STYLE LONG CARDIGAN

$50, originally $89

I am in love with this cardigan! A long cardigan is very practical for the Fall season because it can truly act as a light jacket, but you can also layer it under a trench or coat later on in the colder parts of the season. This cardigan is very clean and it comes in grey too! Similarly to the plaid blazer, I like how longer pieces look on plus size or curvy bodies, I think they accentuate our curves well!

7. LUXE PAJAMA SET

$39, originally $65

I love these pink stripes! I mentioned earlier this week in my loungewear post that it is so important to love what you’re lounging in. Pajamas are no exception. Quality matching sets can usually run ~$60+ and these are on sale for $39. I cannot stress enough that plus size sleepwear does not need to be frumpy! Plus size women do not have access to cute and coveted brands like Lake Pajamas, so these are a fun similar find!

8. SPANX MID-THIGH BODYSUIT

$49, originally $98

MY FAVORITE SHAPEWEAR IS INCLUDED IN THE SALE! My mom gave me this bodysuit for my rehearsal dinner and I still have it, love it, and use it more than any other plus size shapewear in my closet. I find this style to be ideal. You don’t get any of those dreaded back lines from the seams of shapewear shorts. The only caveat is this is not ideal for strapless or spaghetti strap dresses, but it works for most dresses, t shirt dresses, under a skirt/shirt, even under jeans, they’re amazing.

9. MEDIUM RINSE HIGH RISE DENIM

$65, originally $99.50

I’ve had a lot of hit or miss experiences with plus size denim. Kut from the Kloth is a new-to-me brand and I am OBSESSED with this pair. These come highly recommended from a girlfriend of mine and every time I’ve seen her in them, I ask, WHERE ARE YOUR JEANS FROM? These are in my cart and you cannot go wrong with a classic, clean and quality pair of denim. The price point is great for the quality.

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