I'm Nordstrom's Associate Fashion Director—These Are the 8 Fall Items I Think Are Staples


Building that fall shopping list may be top of mind for you with the seasonal switch fast approaching. We’ve shared a range of key fall trends for the season and wanted to expand on that for further inspiration. Enter Linda Cui Zhang (center above), associate fashion director at Nordstrom.
As a key member in Nordstrom’s fashion office, guiding trends and style direction for the retailer, Cui Zhang has a critical eye and pulse on what matters in fashion. On that note, she has a shopping list filled with the key fall trends and items she deems as essential for a chic wardrobe.
Keep scrolling for Cui Zhang’s fall edit, complete with shopping and visual inspiration.
Separates and Accessories in Shades of Brown
"Warm, earthy neutral colors is a softer alternative to black. From cognac to espresso, there’s a shade of brown for everyone. I recommend focusing on outerwear, a bag, or boot to integrate this ‘new neutral’ tone into your wardrobe." — Cui Zhang
Knee-High Boots
"Enhance an outfit with a pair of tall boots. A tall boot extends the line of your leg, offering a sleek complement to skirts and creating a streamlined silhouette." — Cui Zhang
Preppy Pieces
"Whether it's a laid-back stripe polo or sophisticated patterned separates, the preppy look is cool and suitable for multiple occasions." — Cui Zhang
Pretty Heels
"Refine your style with a classic ladylike heel to sharpen your outfit. It brings a dash of femininity to professional attire and a polished finish to occasion dressing." — Cui Zhang
Romantic, Flowy Pieces and Boho-Chic Finds
"Embrace the free-spirit style with flowing, romantic pieces paired with bold accessories and denim. Chemena Kamali at Chloé has masterfully revived the boho-chic sensibility trend." — Cui Zhang
Sneakers
“Go for a sporty yet minimalist vibe with ultra-low-profile sneakers. They’re perfect for adding an athletic touch to your everyday style." — Cui Zhang
Shearling/Suede Items
"Texture and tactile fabrications like suede and shearling add dimension to your wardrobe. A suede jacket or shearling coat can top off your fall look. I’m eyeing ones from Vince, Saks Potts, and Toteme. Small pops in a suede bag or shearling shoe brings a cozy touch to your outfit." — Cui Zhang
Ankle Boots
"Find the perfect balance with an ankle boot that toes the line, literally. The multipurpose style can elevate a casual look or add a touch of edge to a formal ensemble." — Cui Zhang
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 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 retailers 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.
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