Fashion Editor Math—30 Under-$100 Nordstrom Basics That Pay for Themselves

Fun fact: As an editor who lives for the start of the fall fashion season, I didn't spend much time in New York this September. In between work trips and vacations abroad, I was soaking in the last remaining days of summer as much as I possibly could. Now that I'm back in New York, true chilly fall weather has begun to creep in. Even though this will be my second fall living in a city that *actually* experiences seasons, I've still been unable to master the art of fall dressing on a budget. Sure, I have my trusted array of trendy denim and long-sleeve coats that will make the next few months bearable, but all in all, my closet is still majorly struggling for fall—especially when it comes to my limited budget. Thankfully, that's where Nordstrom comes in.
After spending four hours on the site and doing more damage than I care to admit, I've found the must-have fall essentials well under $100 that'll seamlessly take your closet from summer to fall. With high-heat sweaters, ankle booties, and dark-wash denim I can't seem to get enough of, prepare to live out your Pumpkin Spice Latte, Rory Gilmore–era fall fantasies with these adorable, well-priced basics. Try to resist the temptation to buy every single one of these 30 cute buys.
My jaw dropped when I saw how well-priced this cardigan is.
Cuffed jeans are one of my favorite fall denim trends.
Reformation always has the prettiest tops to wear with jeans.
Invest in some demi-fine jewelry this season you won't ever have to take off.
A bateau-neck tank is great for layering under a slouchy leather jacket.
Here's another Madewell favorite. The brand's leather accessories, including belts, look so luxe.
A French woman walks into Nordstrom… She instantly makes a beeline for this sweater.
A silk skirt is always a necessity when the weather gets colder.
Another pretty knit that would go perfect with some straight-leg jeans.

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
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