I Tried On All the Spring Trends at Nordstrom—These 6 Were Worth Ringing Up

By now I'm sure you've heard, but there is a Nordstrom in New York, and it's one of the best things that has happened to me as an editor and a shopper. It's always nice to pop into stores to actually see the products we're always writing about IRL, and now that there's a Norstrom in NYC, I finally have a place where I can do some research for all of you and some personal shopping for me. Today, I was on the hunt for some really wearable spring trends to add to my wardrobe. I definitely had a few in mind that I wanted to hone in on during my search, and not to any Nordstrom lover's surprise, I was able to find exactly what I was looking for and then some. 

I originally set out to find some light leather layers and maybe a few suiting separates, but I was greeted by so much more than that. Naturally, I wasn't able to buy all of the spring trends I tried on, and nor should you, but if you're also in need of some seasonal newness, the edit here should do just the trick.

Ahead, check out my photo dressing room diary of all the spring trends that were worth ringing up from my latest Nordstrom haul. 

1. Cardigan Tops

We've been talking about cardigans for what feels like forever here at Who What Wear, but that's because they are the knitwear trend that just won't quit. I spotted this Reformation cardigan top the second I walked into the store and knew it had to be mine. It's perfect for layering but also for a springtime night out. The fit is exactly how you would want it to be, allowing for just enough of a peekaboo moment alongside the buttons. 

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2. Roomy Trench Coats

Trench coats are such a classic. They don't even really feel like a trend anymore, but season after season, we see so many come down the runway it feels weirdly like a crime to not at least discuss them as something that is "trending." This season, I am investing in roomier trench coats. There's something about sizing up that makes a trench, even this $150 Topshop one, look so expensive. 

Shop the trench:

3. Suiting (Even If It's Just the Pants)

Ever since last fall, I have been investing in suiting separates of all kinds, from trousers to vests to blazers. When I spotted these Topshop pants on the rack, I wasn't sure how they would look on, but I was honestly blown away. I love a slouchy trouser moment, and these really stood out to me. The pleating at the top is a nice juxtaposition to the wider leg, making them feel both relaxed and tailored at the same time. 

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4. Light Leather Layers

Light leather layers! My favorite spring trend in case you were wondering. This might be because I'm lazy and have been wearing leather all winter and fall so this is a very easy transition for me, but it's also because I think it's really chic. Once I grabbed the Topshop trench, I spotted this Frame one, which is way out of my budget, but I love self-sabotaging, so here I am wearing it and clearly crushing over it in the dressing room. Someone send help. 

Okay, but in all seriousness, if you are able and willing to invest in a top-quality trench coat, this is the only one you should consider. Everything from the color to the way it fits both open and closed makes it 100% worth ringing up. 

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Before having to put this trench away for good, I wanted to try it on with one more outfit. This Nanushka vegan-leather dress was just the thing I needed for a complete leather-on-leather spring look. 

Here is the dress without the trench. I love that it's sleeveless because that means I can layer it over a T-shirt, a button-down, a sweater, and more. I'm predicting this will quickly become a major seasonal wardrobe workhorse for you if you end up buying. 

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If you're looking to not spend an arm and a leg on a light leather moment, this $118 blazer is for you. I threw it on right when I walked in the dressing room, which is why it's pictured with my own clothing underneath. The double-breasted style gives it a bit of class, and I, again, recommend sizing up for it to reach maximum expensive-looking potential. 

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If you know me, you know I'm a sucker for a weird top. This one really fits the bill. I love the striking print and the little slit detail at the top gave me all the feels. 

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Curious to see what it would look like under that leather blazer, I tried them on together as an outfit and voilà—a full look. 

5. Shorts Suits

Shorts suits, and long shorts in general, are the future, and this Staud suit was exactly what I had been looking for. Here, I styled them with a pair of knee-high boots and was really into the look as a whole. The great thing about this suit is that I loved the fit of each piece individually as well as together, meaning I am really getting the most bang for my buck when purchasing the duo. 

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6. Boudoir Detailing

Get ready for lots of images of this dress because I was obsessed with it. The funny thing is, I almost didn't even try it on because of how plain it looked on the hanger, but I'm so glad I did. There isn't actual boning in this dress, but the stark seams on the bodice make it look as so. 

I am someone who really doesn't enjoy going braless, but in the effort of transparency, I didn't need to wear a bra with this dress, and I felt beyond comfortable and supported. Here is a close-up detail shot of the top part of the dress to really show off that boudoir essence.

Unfortunately, this Staud dress isn't available on Nordstrom.com yet, but I linked to it below on Staud's site. If you prefer to make all your purchases at Nordstrom, I don't blame you—you just might have to wait a couple of days or you can waltz into the Nordstrom in New York and buy it right now. 

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*Honorable Mentions*

Now onto the honorable mentions section—a small curation of items I tried on that I couldn't categorize into a trend group but were still worth talking about.

I really need a good black dress right now. I have been searching for a cool LBD but really had not even one inkling what I was looking for. I saw this Rixo dress hanging on the rack and thought, okay, cute, love a turtleneck dress. But then I twirled it around and saw the open back with that delicate crystal strap and almost fell to the floor. 

This is the dress from the front. I love the slit (looks weird with my socks though, sorry) on the leg and the knit is so fine in the best way. I think this dress is special because if you wear this with, let's say, that Topshop trench coat over it, it would look like your average sweaterdress—in a good way! 

BUT you can also treat this as an occasion dress because that back is worth all the occasions in the world. Another piece that really is giving you the most for your money. 

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I think this Topshop dress is so cute. It fits extremely well and is very stretchy and comfortable. I could wear this to work all day and feel like I'm in pajamas—that's how soft it was. The tie detail around the waist gives this that knit-on-knit look while further enhancing your waist. 

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Here is one more Topshop dress before you go. This one is a no-brainer if you ask me. For $60 you are getting an easy cocktail dress, a timeless LBD, and a frock you can throw on all season long with strappy sandals. You're welcome. 

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