It's Official: These Are the 29 Best Pieces We Bought From Nordstrom This Year
There’s only one month left in 2021, which is pretty hard to believe. But that means we’ve been reflecting on the year in fashion and all of the shopping buys that were truly worth it. Curious to find out some of the top-recommended picks from 2021, I asked Who What Wear editors to share their best Nordstrom shopping finds of the year.
So what made the cut? Ahead, we’re sharing everything from affordable basics that we wear again and again to cool, trend-forward finds to designer investment pieces that were worth every penny plus beauty staples that have earned the fashion-editor stamp of approval. Though there have been plenty of items that landed in our carts, these are the 29 best Nordstrom shopping pieces our editors ordered this year. I promise there are so many you’ll be inspired to test out for yourself.
Shop my picks:
Shop Anna's picks:
"Levi's Ribcage jeans are some of my all-time favorite denim because the super-high waist nips you in so well, so I obviously had to add the latest bootcut shape to my growing collection. I particularly like how the dark wash plays well with the subtle flare—it gives them a vintage-looking quality."
"I'm pretty sure 2007 was the last time I owned a pair of Uggs, but they're definitely making a comeback this year, and I can't help but be all over it. These platform mules in particular are what's winning me over. I originally purchased them just to wear to and from my yoga studio, but I'm finding myself slipping them on all the time now, so it's safe to say I'm fully obsessed."
Shop Nicole's picks:
Shop Bobby's picks:
Shop Sierra's picks:
"I spent a lot of time thinking about this purchase, but once I took the plunge, I never looked back. My fitness routine really hit an all-time high this year, and I have exercised nearly every single day. I couldn't have done it without my most comfortable running shoes yet. Since I'm a big treadmill girl, they come in handy."
Shop Sierra's picks:
"As you know, at Who What Wear, we love a good basic, and this one has been such a great addition to my collection. The sailor stripes and polo collar make it a stellar find. On breaks in between my typical sweater-and-jeans routine, I'll throw this on with tailored pants, and I feel brand-new."
"I no longer catch a flight without this skincare product. I am slightly acne-prone, so I usually run away from most face oils, but the Sunday Riley ones do quite the opposite of what you might expect. This one hydrates your skin while treating acne, making it a must-have when you can't bring your entire skincare routine wherever you go."
Shop Eliza's picks:
"I saved up and bought the standard ankle-height Puddle Boots in this green color—adorably called Billiards—a few months back, and I couldn't be happier with them. I wanted a pair for a long time and had a gift card that would soften the blow, so I waited for Nordstrom to receive a pair in a color that I loved. Unfortunately, they've since sold out, but they are selling these knee-high ones!"
"I'm genuinely obsessed with this product. It's the only facial spray that feels like it's actually doing something, and it always gives me a much-needed wake-up call in the mornings before I run. I ran out of it the last time I was at home visiting family and made everyone go to Nordstrom with me to restock."
"Speaking of running, I tried the Cloudswift running shoes from On when they first launched and fell in love with how comfortable they are, as well as how well they protect my feet and knees from impact, which is a big problem when running on city streets. I'll recommend them to anyone who'll listen."
Shop Jasmine's picks:
"I love a good revenge heel, and this Steve Madden pair lives up to my high expectations. They not only look way more expensive than they are, but they're probably the most comfortable heels I own at the moment. One of my best buys of the year, for sure."
Shop Allyson's picks:
Shop Drew's picks:
Next, nine "cool-girl" fashion brands that are having a major moment.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
-
Wow, Moda Operandi and Citizens of Humanity Just Released a Capsule Collection Inspired By Pennsylvania's Dreamiest Farm
In collaboration with Bloom Farm.
-
You Won't Believe the Vintage Treasures I Just Found on 1stDibs, and No, They're Not All Wildly Expensive
The chicest under-$400 fashion and home décor pieces lie ahead.
-
I Live in Brooklyn and Have Laid-Back, Cool Style—Here's Everything I Want From Nordstrom Right Now
Trust me. These items will sell out fast.
-
I Just Found Fall 2025's Biggest Shoe Trends All at Nordstrom
New season, new shoes.
-
I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist—These Are the 8 Fall Items I'm Excited to Wear First This Season
Look chic all season long.
-
The Secret Nordstrom Section that Makes You Feel Like You're Shopping at a Cool Concept Store
From Paloma Wool to Connor Ives.
-
Nordstrom, J.Crew, and Revolve Captured the NYC Summer Vibe With These 38 Pieces
You could call these pieces peak summer.
-
Enjoy Your End-of-Summer Ice Cream Trips in These 26 Chic Pieces From J.Crew, Nordstrom, and Zara
Keep cool without sacrificing style.
-
Let's Not Mess Around—These 30 Amazing New Nordstrom Items Will Sell Out by September 1
Prep that early fall wardrobe.
-
My Mom and I Shopped at Nordstrom, Anine Bing, and J.Crew Together—These Chic Items Got Our Attention
Everything from elevated basics to gorgeous accessories.