14 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks My Mom Had Me Try On

For as long as I can remember, my mom has been my personal shopper. Sure, when you’re a kid, it’s normal to have your parents dress you, but even as I entered high school and college, one of the only people I actually enjoyed going to the mall with was my mom (and sister!). I trust her taste 10 times over and definitely value her opinion when it comes to fashun things. 

So, when Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale dropped, I knew I had to call in her help—not only because I needed her to help me navigate the vast assortment of markdowns, but also because she works at Nordstrom, so she has an insider take on what’s really worth it. I called her up, we browsed the sale’s selection, and she ran through her list of recommendations. I love it all, but to be really certain, I decided to head over to the flagship and try on everything my mom picked out. To no surprise, I was tempted to buy everything (I only wish I didn’t love this Veronica Beard vest so much since it’s still on the pricier side).

Below, check out the mom-approved Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks I tried and loved IRL.

14 Mom-Approved Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

• Cinq à Sept Lyra Hannah Floral Long-Sleeve Mini Dress, $284 (Originally $425)
• Vince Shasta Kitten-Heel Slingback Pump, $220 (Originally $330)
• Trending Staple: Madewell Hannah Rugby Shirt, $65 (Originally $98)
• Rag & Bone Andi High-Waist Raw Cuffed-Ankle Wide-Leg Jeans, $186 (Originally $278)
• Softest Cotton T-Shirt: AllSaints Stevie Long-Sleeve Organic Cotton T-Shirt, $40 (Originally $65)
• Vince Plaid Satin Slip Skirt, $240 (Originally $368)
• Avec Les Filles Striped Pointelle Polo Cardigan, $70 (Originally $99)
• Avec Les Filles Baggy Cargo Jeans, $99 (Originally $149)
• Feel Like Sweatpants: Nordstrom Sleeveless Pleated Sweater Dress, $174 (Originally $259)
• Veronica Beard Orlinda Vest, $400 (Originally $598)
• Perfect Office Dress: Cinq à Sept Lila Stripe Asymmetric Ruffle Mini Dress, $264 (Originally $395)
• Nordstrom Tie-Front Cotton Nightgown, $39 (Originally $59)
• Avec Les Filles Ruffle-Collar Quilted Jacket, $90 (Originally $139)
• Nordstrom Front-Pleat Midi Dress, $99 (Originally $149)

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

Cinq à Sept Lyra Hannah Floral Long-Sleeve Mini Dress

Nordstrom

I loved this one more than I thought I would. The fabric is so billowy and lightweight, and I appreciate that you can tie the waist belt for a more fitted silhouette or remove it for a loose, oversized mini dress. This is one I’ll wear now with ballet flats and well into fall with cowboy boots. 

Vince Shasta Kitten-Heel Slingback Pump

Nordstrom

I’m a sucker for a kitten-heel pump, and this one from Vince is now my latest obsession thanks to the chocolate brown suede looked so luxe. They were immediately comfy out of the box; I went up half a size and they fit perfectly. 

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

Madewell Hannah Rugby Shirt

Nordstrom

Rugby shirts and trending, and if it weren’t for my mom, I probably wouldn’t have tried the trend. However I’m so glad I did because I fell in love; it’s low-key cool, subtly sporty, but it can also easily be dressed up depending on the occasion. This one is also super soft. 

Rag & Bone Andi High-Waist Raw Cuffed-Ankle Wide-Leg Jeans

Nordstrom

I finally get the hype around Rag and Bone’s jeans. These were perfect in every way: They had the right amount of stretch to feel comfy, the cuff adds a stylish touch, and the wash is highly versatile. I sized up but could probably go down on size depending on how I want them to fit.

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

AllSaints Stevie Long-Sleeve Organic Cotton T-Shirt

Nordstrom

Trust me when I say you need this organic cotton T-shirt from AllSaints. It’s buttery soft and just so comfy, I didn’t want to take it off. The loose fit has a cool-girl edge and I loved the crewneck-boatneck hybrid. 

Vince Plaid Satin Slip Skirt

Nordstrom

This plaid skirt has Clueless vibes written all over it—and I love it. I’m a die-hard for a slip skirt, but usually I go with simple all-black options, so this was slightly outside of my wheelhouse. That said, I was convinced I needed it the second I put it on. The fabric flowed so beautifully; no clinging whatsoever. 

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

Avec Les Filles Striped Pointelle Polo Cardigan

Nordstrom

I don’t have a boring mom; I have a cool mom, and this polo is proof. This striped cardigan is going to get so much wear come fall, it’s lightweight but still substantial enough for chilly autumn mornings; the striped pattern is so Parisian chic and the subtle V-neck keeps the cardigan from reading too “grandma.”

Avec Les Filles Baggy Cargo Jeans

Nordstrom

I was semi-shocked when my mom picked these out, but the second I tried them on, I loved them. Heads up: I went down two sizes for a snug fit, but if you want that cool, loose look, I’d go one size down from your usual. There’s ample stretch in this denim, so they’re incredibly comfy, too.

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

Nordstrom Sleeveless Pleated Sweater Dress

Nordstrom

This dress is so me. I’m a sucker for anything pleated—and this sleek Nordstrom dress offers a slightly more structured, elevated version. The sweater material makes it a no-brainer for fall, though it’s lightweight enough to wear right now, too. My advice? Size down.

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

Veronica Beard Orlinda Vest

Nordstrom

I wish I didn’t love this vest as much as I did because it’s $400, but I might just make this my splurge purchase of the summer. The blue denim wash is so elegant, while the silhouette is so perfectly tailored.

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

Cinq à Sept Lila Stripe Asymmetric Ruffle Mini Dress

Nordstrom

This one is flirty and fun and subtly sexy, and I’m certain it’s the perfect daytime or office dress. The striped pattern is a classic, but it’s amplified with bold ruffles all over and a tiered hemline. Dress it down with crisp white sneakers or throw on red slingbacks for a pop of color.

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

Nordstrom Tie-Front Cotton Nightgown

Nordstrom

I’m such a nightgown girl, and I swear I sleep better when I wear something that feels more put together than a raggedy old T-shirt. But this Nordstrom cotton mini is actually too cute to wear to bed—I can imagine wearing this outdoors with flats or cowboy boots in the summer. But heads up: It’s very roomy. I tried a small and could’ve probably sized down to an XS. Big Bonus: it has pockets (!!).

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

Avec Les Filles Ruffle Collar Quilted Jacket

Nordstrom

Don’t hate it until you try it. This Avec Les Filles quilted jacket is a moment—and it’s the perfect statement topper for fall. The green color is beautiful and easily dresses up simple base pieces, but I’d be remiss not to mention the adorable (!!!) ruffle collar. 

Courtesy of Eva Thomas

Nordstrom Front-Pleat Midi Dress

Nordstrom

If you want a no-brainer office dress, I’d point you in the direction of this Nordstrom maxi dress. The baby blue color is so pretty, and the simple design with a subtle front-pleat is *chef’s kiss.* This is another one I’d suggest sizing down in, depending on how you want it to fit. I like it a bit oversized, so I tried on a small (I’m usually a medium). 

Shop some more of my mom’s go-to beauty staples below. 

Slip Set of 2 Silk Queen Pillowcases

Nordstrom

Dean Davidson Ipanema Drop Earrings

Nordstrom

Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ Multi-styler and Dryer Straight+Wavy Hair

Nordstrom

True Botanicals the True Botanicals Effect

Nordstrom

Dior Natural Glow Makeup Set

Nordstrom