I Want an Expensive-Looking Fall Wardrobe—38 Elegant Nordstrom Items I'm After

With a Nordstrom gift card burning a hole in my pocket, I've been venturing deep into the retailer's drop-downs the past few days. It's such a great time to shop—the new-season novelty of fall fashion is at its peak, and the occasional cooler mornings have me ready to start thinking about things like light layers and suede and closed-toe shoes.
I'm happy to report back that Nordstrom is currently a treasure trove of rich-coded fall finds, from trending designer accessories to under-$100 items that only look expensive. I discovered refined skinny Toteme belts and elevated black Reformation dresses, polished Topshop trousers and chic Mango suede shoppers. So far, I've managed to cull my wish list down to these 38 elegant Nordstrom items guaranteed to elevate everyday outfits without breaking a sweat.
Last fall proved that column skirts were what our wardrobes needed all along.
Here come two pairs of kitten-heeled slingbacks because they're just that elegant. First in a more subtle mock croc…
This satin shirt tucked into belted faded jeans is very '90s elegance.
If you thought a pair of cargo pants couldn't be elegant, you thought wrong.
Here to normalize pairing chunky sweaters with long tailored shorts as we head into fall.
I recommend buying this vegan-leather trench before you realize you need it.
I can't stop thinking about this immaculate draping.
It's also worth noting that Longchamp's Le Pliage tote comes in burgundy.
It's the brown patent leather that really does it.
For when you feel like being elegant from the comfort of your sofa as you binge the first five episodes of Emily in Paris.
A mock-neck bodysuit is a regular bodysuit's more elegant older sister.

Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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