Funnel-Neck Jackets! Suede Boots! The Top 6 Fall Trends I Sampled from the Nordstrom Sale

      The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially underway! As a longtime Nordstrom shopper and fashion editor who has reported on this sale for several years, I can confidently say that this time is particularly impressive. Just last week, I visited the NYC flagship store to preview the deals and try items on, and in a shopping frenzy fueled by the sale, I ended up bringing back armfuls of products to my fitting room. I'm typically not an impulse buyer, so during a major sale like this, I prefer to stock up on essential wardrobe staples that I'll wear frequently. That’s why I want to highlight six trendy fall essentials I’m currently shopping for to wear starting in August. The most savvy shoppers I know always plan ahead by taking advantage of summer sales to kickstart their fall wardrobes, and that’s exactly what I did. Nordstrom has included many fantastic fall-ready items in this significant sale, and I’ve identified the trends that will anchor all my outfits for the upcoming season. Below, explore and shop the key fall 2026 trends available in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—from funnel-neck jackets to suede boots—along with my styling ideas and exact picks for each item.

      Funnel-Neck Outerwear: Barbour Suri Showerproof Jacket ($260)

      Dark-Wash Jeans: Reformation Cary Slouchy High Rise Wide Leg Jeans ($124)

      Suede Boots: Staud Western Wally Boots ($330)

      Striped Tees: Pistola Alba Cotton T-Shirt ($65)

      Cropped Pants: Vince Mid-Rise Crop Flare Pants ($265)

      Slouchy Bags: Madewell The Shopper Tote ($159)

      1. Funnel-Neck Outerwear

      Wearing: Rails Blake Jacket ($190); Reformation Cary High Rise Wide Leg Jeans ($124)

      Funnel-neck outerwear is definitely one of the must-know trends for fall. Designers continue to innovate on this high-neck silhouette, suggesting it has lasting power. I was pleased to find a variety of stylish funnel-neck options in the Nordstrom sale, ranging from leather bombers to sporty windbreakers like the Rails jacket shown. With two toggle closures at the bottom that create a cool sporty shape, the rich color is appealing too. It would pair nicely with lace-trim shorts and sandals while it’s still warm, and I can already tell it will work well with denim for fall, which is a huge plus. My choice: Rails Blake Jacket

      Wearing: Barbour Suri Showerproof Jacket ($260); Vince Mid Rise Crop Flare Pants ($265); Nordstrom Maddox Mesh Flats ($50)

      I couldn't decide on just one funnel-neck piece, so I quickly gravitated towards this Barbour jacket upon entering the store. Its cinched waist creates a chic silhouette, and I appreciate the double zipper feature that allows for an open bottom half. I styled it with cropped flared pants and ballet flats, but I can easily see it becoming my go-to layering piece for leggings and sneakers during early morning Pilates sessions and walks in Central Park. Barbour is a brand I value for its high-quality outerwear, so having it on sale is always significant. My choice: Barbour Suri Showerproof Jacket

      Shop more funnel-neck outerwear:

      - AllSaints Ryder Suede Jacket

      - Avec Les Filles Belted Trench Coat

      - Open Edit Crop Trench Coat

      2. Dark-Wash Denim

      Wearing: Rails Blake Jacket ($190); Reformation Cary High Rise Wide Leg Jeans ($124); Staud Western Wally Boots ($330)

      Dark-wash denim was already at the top of my fall 2026 shopping list, so I was excited to spot this chic pair in the Nordstrom sale. The Reformation Cary High Rise Wide Leg Jeans fit perfectly, and as someone who is very particular about denim, I can attest that these have a relaxed, classic wide-leg feel. They provide a roomy fit through the legs and deliver a polished appearance with a beautiful dark rinse that looks even better in person. My choice: Reformation Cary High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

      Shop more dark-wash denim:

      - Levi's Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans

      - Treasure & Bond High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

      - Joe's The Margot Straight Leg Jeans

      3. Suede Boots

      Wearing: Avec Les Filles Faux Suede Bomber Jacket ($59); Nordstrom Leather A-Line Midi Skirt ($200); Staud Western Wally Boots ($330)

      We need to discuss suede boots, as they are one of the standout categories in this sale. I’ve been wanting to invest in Staud Wally Boots for a few years because I keep hearing friends rave about their comfort, so I naturally grabbed a pair immediately. Yes, they are as wearable as advertised. My selection is this subtle Western design with a lovely suede finish. The details, like the elongated toe and perfect heel height, convinced me. I envision