You know that weird window of time between dropping your kid off at a birthday party and having to pick them up again — just long enough to be inconvenient, but not long enough to do anything productive? I found myself in that exact limbo last weekend and, naturally, decided the only reasonable solution was…Nordstrom.
I didn’t plan to do a full-on try-on session, but things escalated quickly. One “I’ll just pop in to browse” turned into a couple of hours, a solo dinner at the Nordstrom Café (their food is so good), and a camera roll full of fall pieces I couldn’t resist.
The Best Of Nordstrom Fall 2025: A Try-On
Here’s what I tried on during my Nordstrom fall try-on — all comfy, cozy pieces that actually fit and feel good in person. (If nothing else, get these jeans.)
1. The Jeans I Can’t Stop Wearing
I actually have to start with the jeans because I’ve been wearing them nonstop. They’re a barrel style — which, honestly, I never expected to love — but they somehow just…work. They look good with heels and flats, have the most flattering shape, and I’m obsessed with the little studded details (though they do come in washes without them if you prefer something simpler).
jeans (28) | bag | top (m, over 60% off!) | similar cardigan | slides
They’re super comfy despite being 100% cotton — rigid, but not stiff — and the cropped 28″ length is perfect on me. I bought them in-store, so I didn’t see this description until later: “Try on the barrel trend without going to extremes in this pair of nonstretch-denim jeans cropped to perfection.” Honestly? They had me at barrel trend without going to extremes.
bag | tank (m) | mules | jeans (28) | top (m, right) | slides
2. Cardigans That Go With Everything
Ok, back to the try-on. I started in the cardigan section because…of course I did. I’ve loved cardigans for years, but lately I’ve been especially into wearing them as tops on their own. I found two favorites that do that whole cozy-yet-polished thing perfectly.
AllSaints Hearts
I couldn’t resist this one from AllSaints. Hearts aren’t usually my thing — they can feel a little too cutesy — but in gray and black they totally work. I love that a few of them are broken (I didn’t even catch that at first). The alpaca and wool blend is cozy and soft, not scratchy at all, with that perfectly fuzzy texture I want to live in this time of year.
Free People Cropped Cardigan
This one’s the perfect length for almost all of my jeans — short enough to show off the waist, but long enough to avoid flashing any skin. I’m wearing a small on the left and an XS on the right, and honestly, both work depending on the vibe. (I asked on Facebook which color to go with and you guys said gray, hands-down!)
cardigan (s, left, xs, right) | jeans (28)
3. Easy Sweaters for Everyday Wear
After the cardigans, I couldn’t not wander over to the sweaters. (I mean, it is fall…)
Textured Blues
The sweater on the left is 100% cotton, which makes it perfect for that in-between, still-warm weather we’re getting in Chicago (SO not complaining). I love the texture and mix of shades — the blue gives almost a monochrome look with jeans (which I love), but it also comes in green, washed black, and a really pretty cream that shows off the openwork texture even more.
The mock neck on the right is a blend of wool and alpaca, but like the AllSaints cardigan above, it’s not scratchy at all. It does run oversized — I’m wearing a small here, and it fits more like a medium or even a large — so size down if you don’t love that slouchy look. It also comes in a light gray and a pretty ivory that really show off the dimensional stitching and texture even more than the navy.
sweater, left (xs) | jeans (27) | sweater, right (s)
Stars and Stripes
These two were so soft — I loved how cozy they felt even before I tried them on. The star sweater on the left comes in a ton of colors, and even though it runs big, I actually sized up for a more oversized fit. It has this boxier shape that’s kind of fun — different from what I usually reach for — and it even comes in petite sizes. It’s mostly acrylic, though, so if you’re after a higher-quality blend, the striped one on the right is mostly wool with a touch of cashmere and so soft. It also comes in a bunch of solid colors. I stuck with my usual size small in this one and love the raglan sleeves.
left: pants (6) | sweater (l, sized up for an oversized fit)
right: jeans (27) | sweater (s) | bag | sandals
4. The Layering Tee That Works Under (and Over!) Everything
I actually own this MOTHER tee in a bunch of colors and designs, but had never tried it in a solid color — should’ve done that sooner! The fit is spot-on: not too tight through the belly, but fitted enough in the sleeves that they don’t bow out (a total T-shirt pet peeve of mine).
I love that it works both under and over different pieces — perfect for layering under a cardigan for a more covered-up look or over a lacy long-sleeve tee for something casual but still elevated.
cardigan (s, left) | shirt (xs) | jeans (28) | lace top (m)
5. The Bottom Line: Fancy Flares, Velvet Pants, Low-Rise Jeans & Easy Cargos
I don’t know if you can tell, but I have a thing for bottoms with a little something extra — studs, sparkles, beads, embellishments, or a luxe fabric like velvet. And I found some good ones.
1. Sparkly Jeans
I had to try these on the second I saw the crystal and stud details in-store…even though the price tag made it pretty clear I wasn’t leaving with them. BUT Nordstrom Rack has them right now for just over $200 (they’re $528 at Nordstrom!). Um, yes please. SO fun.
jeans (28, 60% off at Nordstrom Rack!) | cardigan (s)
BTW, I wanted to try this top on from Free People…and it was just a bit too tight for my comfort level, but it looks cute layered under the cardigan I think? Anyway, on to the next….
jeans (28) | cardigan (s) | top (m, runs tight)
2. Velvet Pants
So glad I was able to try these on in-store. There were two styles I was deciding between, and this pair won out. The color totally snagged me, so I was mostly debating between the two fits — and this one just felt right. Both styles come in petite sizing, but I found the regular fit worked better for me. Sometimes I can do a petite, but in this case the rise and overall proportions were smaller — not just the length.
pants (6) | t-shirt (xs, also at Saks)
Both pairs were super similar — same soft, stretchy corduroy fabric and gorgeous color — but the fits were very different once I tried them on. The pair I ended up choosing hits at that perfect spot: high enough to smooth everything out (thanks to the Fab Ab front pockets) but not so high that they feel restrictive. The other pair sat lower on my hips, which meant a little muffin top and not-quite-enough coverage in the back. They were also quite a bit longer — great if you’re tall, but I would’ve had to hem or cut them (or commit to only wearing them with really high heels).
pants (6, left) | shirt (xs) | pants (6, right) **lower rise, longer length, more color options
3. Low-Rise Boyfriend Jeans
Usually I run from anything low-rise, but this pair somehow caught my attention on the hanger. I didn’t try them on right away, but I kept circling back until I finally caved. And honestly? I ended up really liking them. They do run a little small — which is usually the case with lower-rise jeans on me (I size up for a lower rise and down for a higher rise) — but the fit is flattering, and the butt still looks good, which isn’t always a given with this style.
jeans (28) | t-shirt (xs, 65% off!)
Going into winter, the distressing might not be the most practical, but they come in two washes (one lighter, one darker) that I really love.
4. Cotton Cargos
I didn’t think these would work at all, but they reminded me so much of a pair I loved in college that I had to try them. They’re insanely comfortable, and the length is perfect on me — another pair I can wear with both flats and boots. 🙌🏼
I had to show you guys the back because it’s so good: not too tight (which is often the case) and no weird pulling or flattening, even with the elastic waistband.
pants (m) | t-shirt (xs, 65% off!)
I was also surprised by how versatile they are — they somehow worked with everything from a cropped sweater to an oversized tunic to a regular-length sleeveless top. (And they just dropped a ton of new color options to choose from!)
pants (m) | sweater (xs, left) | sweater (s)
6. Mix-and-Match Suits (That Don’t Feel Too Serious)
I have exactly zero places to wear a suit, but I almost left with this one because it was so good. The maroon I’m wearing is low in stock, but it also comes in black (definitely the more practical choice) and a gorgeous vanilla color that’s only available directly from MANGO.
pants (6, also at MANGO) | blazer (s, also at MANGO)
I had to show you guys how the pants fit — high rise with a side zip and no front buttons or zippers to add any bulk, so the look stays super sleek. My usual size 6 was perfect; the high rise fits snugly without any gapping at the waist. SO good. The description says straight leg, but I’d call it more of a subtle flare — it gives just a hint of a ’70s vibe, especially paired with the strong shoulders of the blazer.
t-shirt (xs, 65% off!) | pants (6, also at MANGO) | blazer (s, also at MANGO)
And speaking of blazers, double-breasted styles don’t usually work for me, but this one was spot-on. It looks great with the matching pants but just as good thrown over something more casual — like this skort or even a pair of jeans. (Another reason why I’m thinking the black might be the smarter choice.)
blazer (s, also at MANGO) | skort (m)
7. Miniskorts Are Back (and Surprisingly Easy to Style)
On the topic of versatile pieces…this skort deserved its own moment. It’s the same one I paired with the blazer above, and I love how easily it transitions from polished to casual.
My favorite thing about this particular skort is that it’s not flat across the bum — which means it doesn’t highlight every little bump or line (a problem I’ve had with a lot of other skorts). To me, the best part of a skort is that it keeps things from riding up like a skirt, but I still don’t want super short shorts wedging up my bum from behind. This style totally solves that problem.
And since I liked the design so much, I had to try it in plaid — another fun option, though I think I still prefer the faux-leather vibe. I also forgot to mention it has pockets (yay!) and runs slightly big — I’m wearing a small here and usually wear a 6/medium.
The next skort is more of a traditional style — it looks like a skirt from the front and shorts from the back. The shorts aren’t super tight on this one (thankfully), and I love the color and how easy it is to style with pretty much anything.
t-shirt (xs, 65% off!) | miniskort (m) | sweater (s)
This one runs true to size — I’m in a medium here, which is my usual size and what the size chart recommends.
8. Dresses I Could Wear on Repeat
I’ll never not want to wear a sweater dress once the weather cools down — it’s polished but crazy comfy, and super easy to layer with boots and tights when it gets really cold.
dress (xs)
This one’s less of a bodycon and more of a relaxed fit — but not so oversized that it overwhelms. I love the navy color and the mock neck that doesn’t veer into neck-brace territory.
dress (xs – only few sizes left)
And that wraps up my totally “accidental” Nordstrom try-on. What started as a way to kill time between birthday-party drop-off and pickup turned into an unexpectedly productive solo shopping (and dinner) date with myself. Between the cozy sweaters, surprisingly flattering jeans, and that suit I definitely don’t need but kind of still want…I’d call it time well spent.
XOXO,
Scotti
