I'm a Nordstrom Designer, and I'm Adding These Fall Items to My Wardrobe

Exploring the shopping lists of various industry leaders is always a great way to find inspiration for the upcoming fashion season. Since Nordstorm is a go-to store for many of us, we've decided to show you what one of the retailer's top designers is eyeing for fall. Jennifer Griffey is a designer for Nordstrom Made, which encompasses Nordstrom’s in-house labels like Open Edit and Zella. It's her job to guide design for some of the Nordstrom brands that are front-runners for many shoppers, so we could all benefit from her sharp sartorial perspective.

Below, you'll uncover the fall items that Griffey is adding to her personal wardrobe. (These pieces could also make great additions to your own closets.) So keep scrolling to check out nine of Griffey's chic and versatile picks, plus a smattering of inspiring product recommendations from various Nordstrom Made lines. You just might find a new go-to fall piece.

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(Image credit: Nordstrom)

1. Sweater Sets

"Head-to-toe sweater dressing checks the comfy-cozy and polished-professional boxes, giving you an elevated lounge look. I love the button-through top and flare set with Open Edit. Pair it with a boot or trendy slide and a trench for a complete look that says, 'I'm ready for fall.'"

2. Knit Dresses

"Column or calf-length dresses are the perfect throw-on look for crisp fall days, and they make you look effortlessly put together. Pair with some stylish boots and a big wrap, and you will look Insta-ready."

3. Modern Suiting

"How I have missed a well-fitted suit and a strong shoulder. We are seeing a return to suits for a polished, professional look. Combine them with casual tops or even a bralette to achieve a day-to-night look."

4. Fashion Leggings

"Say hello to fashion leggings: stretchy, slim-fit pants with a little twist that make them more interesting than their performance-wear counterparts. High slits and zipper details keep them fresh and trendy."

5. Faux-Leather Pieces

"Faux leather is fun and adventurous right now. You can't go wrong with a faux-leather legging and a cozy sweater in the fall, but now we also have exciting options like wide-leg pants, dresses, and tees. Wear a head-to-toe faux-leather look, or pair an interesting faux-leather trouser with a bodysuit for a professional and edgy look."

6. Fresh LBDs

"Who doesn't need a little-black-dress update? Pair a mini dress with over-the-knee boots or a midi dress with cute boots and a cozy cardigan for a versatile look."

7. Satin Separates

"I can't get enough satin! After living in my pajamas behind closed doors, I'm ready to step out in something satin. Wide-leg satin pants hold a special place in my heart. They also pair easily with cozy sweaters and trendy slides."

8. '90s-Inspired PIeces

"I'm from Seattle, and I'm an '80s baby. So for me, '90s fashion is more than a trend—it's a lifestyle. Fall and the '90s go hand in hand with flannels and plaids, cropped henley tops, ringer tees, band graphic tees, and preppy sweater vests. Pair all items with wide-leg, destroyed denim and colorful sneakers, and live your best '90s life."

9. Quilted Jackets

"The puffer-coat trend has evolved to include new fashion shapes and quilted textures. These are an awesome top layer and bring attitude to any look. Plus, they keep you warm and toasty! I love these coats with exaggerated proportions or faux leather for an added pop."

Next, check out more chic fall items.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.