Welcome to The Great Try-On. With spring on the horizon, we seized the opportunity to try on the best pieces from our favorite brands at Nordstrom and documented the process. We believe that the most foolproof way to shop online is to see how an item looks IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to some successful spring purchases.
The older I get, the more intentional I am about the pieces I purchase. Can I style it in multiple ways? Can I wear it for more than one season? Is this too trendy? Does it feel like my style? These questions all run through my mind as I pull clothes off the racks or click "quick view" when I'm online shopping. Lately, I've been able to answer these questions immediately because Nordstrom's eponymous private brand launched new arrivals for spring, and I'm swooning. The pieces are timeless, luxe, and extremely versatile. Nordstrom didn't stop there, though. Nothing in the entire collection is priced over $400, and many pieces are size-inclusive up to a 4X. I looked at 624 pieces and picked 10 items to try on and style for you below. If you want to see the three looks I created along with my reviews, keep scrolling.
Utility Jumpsuit + Sandals
My review: Transparently, I rarely go for utility jumpsuits, and not because I don't love the style. I'm a fan of utility-style pockets, colors, and silhouettes, but they're often a miss on my body type. I'm no designer, but it must be difficult to craft one piece that's supposed to fit both the top and bottom halves of someone's body perfectly. Leave it to Nordstrom to make an impressive utility jumpsuit that's an actual hit. The top fits me without any gaps between the buttons or awkward pulling along the chest. I'm 5'4", and the pants drag slightly, so I plan to wear this look with kitten heels next time. I love how excessively wide-leg and flowy they are, too. I could wear this look just about anywhere, and it checks off the three C's: comfortable, confident, and chic.
T-Shirt + Trousers + Mules
My Review: As much as I love relaxed trousers, I only own one pair, which I've worn to death over the past few years. It's been quite the struggle finding styles that fit my thighs and hips perfectly and don't bunch up in the crotch area, so I was elated when I tried Nordstrom's wide-leg trousers and they were a perfect fit. They're loose but not baggy, cream but not sheer, and office appropriate but not too corporate. The pleats add to the relaxed feel and are stitched down to avoid random pulls or folds.
I styled them with a plain white tee and these black mules that stole my heart the minute I put them on my feet. I'm still gasping because, despite their designer look, they're under $100. The heel is the perfect height for commuting into the city and treating the office like my own personal runway.
Maxi Dress + Cashmere Sweater
My review: My spring and summer motto is, "When in doubt, wear the maxi dress." I hope that my friends and colleagues are fully prepared to see me wearing this dress to the office, happy hour, weekend errands, and even semi-formal evening events. The higher neckline and cinched detailing elevate the simple black silhouette. I typically style A-line dresses for more formal occasions, but this fabric feels versatile enough to wear with these woven flat sandals or even a sneaker on a chill day. I draped an oversize wool- and cashmere-blend sweater over my shoulders for warmth and a pop of color, but I could easily put the sweater on over this dress for a completely new look that feels fresh and fun.
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