My 56-Year-Old Mom Wants a Chic Closet Refresh—7 Nordstrom Must-Haves I Sent Her Way for Under $576

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A woman in a yellow collarless jacket, a mini skirt, and black flats; a pair of women in NYC; a woman wearing cigarette jeans, a button-down shirt, and a black leather jacket
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Ever since I started as a shopping editor, my mother has outsourced all her shopping to me. This year, I expect it to be no different. Today, over breakfast, she excitedly asked me for a New Year's closet refresh. Of course, I said yes. What was supposed to be just breakfast turned into a shopping spree, and we logged on to Nordstrom's website and went to work.

In our scrolling, we stayed cost-conscious, with most of our final picks coming in under $100. The goal was a chic Nordstrom closet refresh on a budget. This winter, I've spotted a chic cardigan trend that features covered buttons. So naturally, I convinced my 56-year-old that it's a must-have. And what looks fabulous with a cute cardigan? Cigarette jeans—the once-dated denim trend that is quickly regaining popularity within the fashion set.

Here are seven gorgeous, affordable Nordstrom finds perfect for upgrading your wardrobe in 2026. You'll find standout sweaters, elevated basics (looking at you, V-neck shirts), and the best ballet flats.

Half-Zip Sweater

A pair of women in NYC

(Image credit: The Style Stalker for Who What Wear)

My Pick

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Black Ballet Flats

Woman in a yellow collarless jacket, a mini skirt, and black flats

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

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Cigarette Jeans

Awoman wearing cigarette jeans, a button-down shirt, and a black leather jacket

(Image credit: The Style Stalker for Who What Wear)

My Pick

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Covered-Button Cardigan

Woman in a pink cardigan over a green crewneck sweater

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My Pick

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Cropped Jacket

Woman in dark rinse jeans, brown crop jacket, and black hobo bag

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My Pick

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V-Neck Shirt

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - AUGUST 04: Jeanette Friis Madsen wears white v neck jumper, laced beige dress, black white striped pants, bag outside Freya Dalsjø during Copenhagen Fashion Week day one on August 04, 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

(Image credit: Getty Images/Christian Vierig )

My Pick

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Midi Skirts

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Josephine Hadjiloucas
Josephine Hadjiloucas
Assistant Shopping Editor

Josephine Hadjiloucas is a New York–based writer. She first interned at Who What Wear UK in 2024 and later joined Who What Wear U.S. as an assistant shopping editor after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in 2025. When she isn’t covering the latest Gen Z trends or updating her under-$100 Nordstrom wish list, you can find her browsing the racks of NYC’s best vintage stores or rewatching Moonstruck for the 50th time. “Snap out of it!”