** This post is sponsored by Nordstrom.
I realized recently that my fall wardrobe was missing a crucial component. I was feeling frustrated and bored with my clothes when I went to get dressed in the mornings, which makes no sense, considering that we are right here at the start of a new season… and arguably, the best season for fashion!
Treasure & Bond jacket (S) // Nordstrom cashmere (S) // MOTHER denim (29) // similar boots // similar belt // DIFF sunnies // Coach bag // pendant
Normally I can’t wait to start wearing my fall clothes, but this year I was getting cranky every time I tried to put an outfit together. My simple jeans and sweater combos seemed tired, and none of my layering pieces seemed quite right.
I have a few stand-alone sweaters with stripes or collared details that I love, but I was wearing them over and over again and neglecting a large portion of my closet because I couldn’t seem to complete an outfit with my favorite wardrobe basics.
I finally realized that what my fall wardrobe was missing was some fresh outfit-making jackets.
Leather and suede moto jackets were my go-to for many years, but they’re feeling tired to me these days, and it’s getting too chilly for denim and twill. I’m not into blazers, which are very much on trend right now, so I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking for.
I decided to go to the Nordstrom website and look around because they always have a wide selection of styles and price points, and I found exactly what I was looking for! In fact, I found TWO great jackets that I’ve been wearing on repeat ever since they arrived in the mail last week.
This oversized plaid wool blend jacket has the shape of a bomber jacket, but it’s made of a cozy wool/polyester blend. It’s fully lined, so it slides easily on over my sweaters, and it looks great with thermal tops and t-shirts, as well.
Here’s the outfit I was wearing without the jacket, so you can compare. As you can see, there’s nothing wrong with this. A classic camel cashmere crewneck pullover with a great pair of jeans and western-inspired boots is a great outfit base, and some days it’s all I need.
But now, look at the same outfit with the plaid jacket on top. It’s a whole new level of style. I love how the subtle blue in the print pulls in the blue from my jeans, and there’s also a bit of camel in there, as well.
I wore dark brown Western-inspired boots to bookend the look, and to keep the look casual yet elevated. A belt and bag in complementary shades of brown complete the outfit, and now I feel excited to get dressed and go somewhere.
The other jacket I found is also plaid, but it has a cooler color palette and more of a cropped fit. This jacket has a slightly more rustic appeal, almost veering into the shacket category, but I much prefer the cropped styling on this one.
Lucky Brand Plaid Crop Jacket (S) // Madewell tee (M) // AGOLDE Riley (28) // VEJA sneakers (39) // pendant // hoops // similar bag
The fabric on this jacket is slightly thicker and softer than the one above, making it quite cozy and warm. I also like way the subtle gathering on the cuffs of the sleeves creates a subtle feminine detail.
This time, I went a little more casual with my styling. I wore a grey ribbed long sleeve tee under the jacket, with straight ankle jeans and sneakers.
These jeans are the AGOLDE Riley, a slim straight leg style with a vintage aesthetic. The 28″ inseam allows me to wear them with both sneakers and boots, so they’re proving to be quite versatile.
This tee is super soft and stretchy, and I like it a lot, but it runs small. I would recommend sizing up one or even two sizes.
And my VEJA Esplar sneakers probably need no introduction. The low profile and minimalistic styling complements this casual outfit and keeps it current.
These jackets have instantly revived my fall wardrobe and made putting outfits together fun again. In fact, I’ve also got my eye on this olive green quilted corduroy jacket, and maybe even the solid black version of my Treasure & Bond wool bomber, as well.
If you’re in the same boat, I rounded up some more outfit-making jackets below for your shopping inspiration!
Shop Outfit-Making Jackets at Nordstrom
As always, when you shop at Nordstrom, you get their free shipping and free returns. And don’t forget about their BOPUS (Buy Online Pick Up in Store) and contactless curbside pickup options.
And if you aren’t already a Nordy Club member, be sure to sign up so you can start earning points toward Nordstrom Notes when you shop. You also get to enjoy exclusive perks like members-only access to sales, offers, and events — like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which will be here again before we know it!
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photos: Alison Cornell
31 Responses
I think the bomber style jackets are so cute!! Love these that you found. XO
Jo-Lynne, Wow! Isn’t it amazing what a jacket will do? I’m with you, I like the look of a styled blazer but just not on my frame. Both of these looks stunning on you but I especially like the first one. Nice work and thanks for sharing. Have a great day! -Michele
I love the plaid jacket! Are you wearing a small or a medium.
Cathy, I believe she is wearing the small. The link is under the pic and it shows (S). Hope this helps!
I love this post! I always strive to put together complete outfits. Being petite is a frustrating challenge! Petite jackets are all I can wear. Petite depts focus on frumpy😕
Love your jackets!
Love!!!!!
Yes,yes, I’m in the same boat. I’m finding my completer pieces are more for Spring and I find myself now just throwing my light weight puffer coat on and going. But, I don’t feel good and also am tired of just a sweater. I really like the colors of the 2 nd one you styled. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks.
Love these neutral but statement-making jackets. I don’t love blazers either; they are occasionally required in my life but I don’t really like wearing them when they’re not. These are a great casual alternative.
Too funny! I have been in the same boat! Sometimes I don’t want to wear a leather jacket, but that leaves a few shackets and I don’t want to wear those either. And I have a few cute “regular” jackets but they’re not warm enough. You’ve given me great ideas.
PS. I would love for you to try some blazers for us and maybe you. Lol. I didn’t think I liked them either, but after Cyndi Spivey styled some and I tried a couple I have found I like them. I like them with straight leg crop jeans. But, mine are more for Spring, so would like to find a Fall/Winter one to wear. I like the longer look sometimes, but also like the Gibson notch collar shorter style they are known for. Maybe you could do a blazer blog post???
I actually have two blazers for my next try-on haul. 🙂
Oh great. 🙂
Ugh! I ordered both jackets. LOL Happy Birthday to me.
LOL, enjoy!
Love that!!
Fantastic outfits! I love all of the jackets!
Although 5’9″ so therefore not a good candidate for cropped jackets and tops, I like your second jacket best and it sounds so comfy! Your camel cashmere top would also wirk with that along with the boots, bag, and belt, all of which I like.
For some reason this skinny leg gal prefers the skinny jeans, but if I had your figure I’d wear your first pair — they’re purfect on you! 😉
Those are cute jackets especially the black one. Jackets are my weakness. Last year I started to like wearing blazers again. My favorite retailer for blazers is JCrew factory. I found a longer houndsooth blazer that fits me perfectly in proportion to my petite size at JCPenney of all places. For jackets and blazers I have to have a petite size with exceptions like Kit from the Kloth. I think one reason I can’t find a lot to like this fall season is everything looks like what I already have except for longer blazers and corduroy pieces.
Wow, I have lots of jackets like this that are in the back of the closet. Time to dig them out!
Yes, indeed!
I love both of your new plaid jackets! I would consider adding one to my closet if I wore more shorter tops or tucked my tops in more often.
I’m feeling exactly like you! I’m not a cropped jacket person, but feeling like I need an overhaul in my cardigans. Everything seems worn, dated or the same. Help!
Love both Jackets! And I agree fall is the best time of year for fashion. It is just a wonderful time of year. I suppose that you are excited about the Eagles!
Well, my boys are, I guess! I don’t really follow football until or unless they get into the playoffs, lol. Then I start paying attention.
Just ordered the Onion Quilted Bomber jacket in black. Ordered two sizes to try. Thanks for recommendation. Excited to add something new. Great price.
Isn’t that one cute? I hope you like it!
This question is for my fellow Canadians…
Does anyone know if we will be able to buy online from Nordstrom, now that Nordstrom.ca is gone. When I ask on the US Site they respond that they do not deliver to Canada. Every other country seems to be available though lol. It just seems strange to me that we are shut out of Nordstrom online and also a little bit frustrating.
Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas. Thanks 🙂
Hi Louise, I don’t work directly with Nordstrom, but I can ask my contact at Collective Voice and see if they know if there are plans to resume shipping to Canada at any point. I don’t know the reasoning behind that decision.
Thanks Jo-lynne, This is much appreciated! I still think there may be an online market in Canada.
Oh just noticed this post is sponsored by Nordstrom so maybe not the right place for this question.