There’s only one month left in 2021, which is pretty hard to believe. But that means we’ve been reflecting on the year in fashion and all of the shopping buys that were truly worth it. Curious to find out some of the top-recommended picks from 2021, I asked Who What Wear editors to share their best Nordstrom shopping finds of the year.
So what made the cut? Ahead, we’re sharing everything from affordable basics that we wear again and again to cool, trend-forward finds to designer investment pieces that were worth every penny plus beauty staples that have earned the fashion-editor stamp of approval. Though there have been plenty of items that landed in our carts, these are the 29 best Nordstrom shopping pieces our editors ordered this year. I promise there are so many you’ll be inspired to test out for yourself.
I won’t leave home without this lip pencil. The Pillow Talk shade is a perfect match for me and really helps to define my lip shape. It also comes in another darker shade.
I actually bought these Prada kitten heels in black, but I wish I’d ordered the orange color.
I’m addicted to Byredo’s handwash in the suede scent, and though the price tag is steep, it’s worth every penny. Enough so that I’ve replaced my bottle three times now.
“Not to be dramatic, but I think this might be the ribbed tank to end them all. The soft fabric and wide ribbing make it look and feel quite elevated, and of course, being a bodysuit, it gives the perfect tucked-in look.”
“Levi’s Ribcage jeans are some of my all-time favorite denim because the super-high waist nips you in so well, so I obviously had to add the latest bootcut shape to my growing collection. I particularly like how the dark wash plays well with the subtle flare—it gives them a vintage-looking quality.”
“I’m pretty sure 2007 was the last time I owned a pair of Uggs, but they’re definitely making a comeback this year, and I can’t help but be all over it. These platform mules in particular are what’s winning me over. I originally purchased them just to wear to and from my yoga studio, but I’m finding myself slipping them on all the time now, so it’s safe to say I’m fully obsessed.”
“I love these Birkenstocks so much I can’t believe I ever lived without them. Imagine taking your most comfortable pair of shoes and adding super-soft, shearling lining.”
“If you’re looking for the perfect pop of subtle lip color that’s easy to apply on the go, this is for you.”
“Not all brow pencils are created equal, and if you’re wondering whether Anastasia’s is worth the hype, it is.”
“You just can’t go wrong with Nike Air Force 1 sneakers. The all-white pair is a go-to in my rotation.”
“I love my sweatshirts from BP—super comfy and easy.”
“I have to echo Nicole’s statement above. I can’t believe I ever lived without my shearling Birkenstocks. They changed the game when it comes to my winter style.”
“I spent a lot of time thinking about this purchase, but once I took the plunge, I never looked back. My fitness routine really hit an all-time high this year, and I have exercised nearly every single day. I couldn’t have done it without my most comfortable running shoes yet. Since I’m a big treadmill girl, they come in handy.”
“As you know, at Who What Wear, we love a good basic, and this one has been such a great addition to my collection. The sailor stripes and polo collar make it a stellar find. On breaks in between my typical sweater-and-jeans routine, I’ll throw this on with tailored pants, and I feel brand-new.”
“I no longer catch a flight without this skincare product. I am slightly acne-prone, so I usually run away from most face oils, but the Sunday Riley ones do quite the opposite of what you might expect. This one hydrates your skin while treating acne, making it a must-have when you can’t bring your entire skincare routine wherever you go.”
“I saved up and bought the standard ankle-height Puddle Boots in this green color—adorably called Billiards—a few months back, and I couldn’t be happier with them. I wanted a pair for a long time and had a gift card that would soften the blow, so I waited for Nordstrom to receive a pair in a color that I loved. Unfortunately, they’ve since sold out, but they are selling these knee-high ones!”
“I’m genuinely obsessed with this product. It’s the only facial spray that feels like it’s actually doing something, and it always gives me a much-needed wake-up call in the mornings before I run. I ran out of it the last time I was at home visiting family and made everyone go to Nordstrom with me to restock.”
“Speaking of running, I tried the Cloudswift running shoes from On when they first launched and fell in love with how comfortable they are, as well as how well they protect my feet and knees from impact, which is a big problem when running on city streets. I’ll recommend them to anyone who’ll listen.”
“Call it my guilty pleasure, but my Skims bra with the matching cotton boxers has become one of my favorite purchases of the year. They’re so comfortable, and whenever I wear a second-skin top or a mesh dress, they’re my go-to undergarments.”
“I love a good revenge heel, and this Steve Madden pair lives up to my high expectations. They not only look way more expensive than they are, but they’re probably the most comfortable heels I own at the moment. One of my best buys of the year, for sure.”
“I treated myself to BY FAR’s Micro Cush mini bag, and I don’t regret it at all. It’s such a fun bag, and I find myself wearing it anytime I need a little pick-me-up.”
“More often than not, since the weather has cooled, I reach for these clogs as I’m running out the door. They’re so cozy but somehow they don’t make my feet sweat (perhaps because they’re backless).”
“The quality of these pajamas is so good—as good as ones that are double the price. They come in so many colors and prints (although I’m partial to black), and I’ve washed them lots of times with any pilling.”
“I don’t typically lounge in leggings, but these are the exception. They’re ridiculously comfortable, especially when paired with an oversize sweatshirt.”
“Market Director Bobby Schuessler introduced me to Nordstrom’s Open Edit brand, and I immediately bought this oversize poplin shirt. It’s basically my uniform now.”
“I got these pajamas last winter and have worn them at least once a week since. They are so comfortable, no matter the season.”
“Who What Wear editors and readers agree Nordstrom’s best-selling Zella leggings can’t be beaten. I often find myself reaching for this pair over pricier ones. They’re comfortable and don’t lose their shape, no matter how many times I wash them.”
“There’s no such thing as too many cashmere sweaters. I have this Nordstrom brand one in multiple colors—it makes a great gift, too!”
“Marc Fisher’s Yale Chelsea Boot has been a wardrobe staple of mine for years. They go with everything and are both easy to walk in and stylish enough to wear almost every day—I think I’m on my third pair now.”
