Perfected Modern Classics From Nordstrom

Classics are the backbone of many women’s wardrobes, but that doesn’t mean they need to all look the same. Updated versions of classic pieces keep us from looking outdated, and that keeps us looking current.

This Open Edit sweater has a petite-friendly cropped length and front zip with a classic polo collar style. It comes in three colors, sizes 00-16. The raglan shoulder is a personal favorite because they’re just so much more flattering than dropped shoulders on most women. They require more fabric, so they cost brands more to produce, but they’re well worth it.

Here are some more cotton blend sweaters to perk up your spring wardrobe-

These Coolmax NYDJ slim bootcut jeans are made from a special moisture-wicking fabric that’ll keep us cool in the hot weather. They have a nice high rise and come in sizes 00-18. These classic white jeans fit beautifully and will get tons of wear this summer. What you don’t see in this picture is these Spanx Thinstincts mid-thigh shorts. I haven’t worn shapewear for years but knew I wanted some additional support for my knits and thin pants. I must have tried on ten or more shapers before I found these ones. I love how they smooth everything out, are comfy and don’t show.

Part of what makes a jean flattering, in my book, is the placement of back pockets. Low ones make your backside look long and droopy, and higher ones help your butt look smaller. These ones are well-proportioned and placed high.

These Kut From The Kloth jeans are a high-rise flare in very soft denim. They have an insert down the inside of the leg which gives the flare. This wash is a nice light color for spring, but they’d also look great over booties right now. The inseam is 27 1/2, and the raw hem means you can trim them to the length you need.

My Birdies woven mules are as comfy as I anticipated and then some. The woven leather is soft from the get-go, but the weaving gives them extra softness to stretch. I love the two-tone effect the weaving gives, and the tassel is fun. These are almost sold out in both colors, so I’m hopeful they will restock. I think we may find the best things sell out fast this season, so we need to be prepared to act when we see what we like. I take my regular size in Birdies and never size up in a mule because I don’t like the look of extra insole showing beyond my heel.

This Faherty peasant blouse is a new look for me and one that I’m liking. It’s soft, pretty, and feminine without being too girly or frou-frou. This blouse is a soft white, organic cotton with pin tuck pleats in front, delicate ruffles at the neck and cuff, and has open stitch insets along the armholes and neck.

There’s a lot of delicate detailing going on with this blouse, and I love all of it. The fabric is lightweight, but a nude bra does not show through, which was mandatory for me because a camisole would defeat the whole purpose of wearing something cool in the hot weather. It comes in sizes 0-16.

This classic button-front cardigan is updated with an all-over rib and a modern shorter length. Since I was planning to wear this closed as a top, I sized up to a large. That makes the sleeves longer, but I always fold or push up my sleeves so that it won’t matter. If wearing it open over a tank or blouse, you could go with your regular size. This comes in five colors, sizes 00-20W. Plus size in blue here.

I added this summery pastel necklace made from recycled resin and metal. It weighs next to nothing, so it’ll be perfect on hot days. Resin jewelry comes in some of the prettiest shades with a retro and modern vibe that really appeals to me. They’re often very affordable, making them the perfect jewelry to take when you travel. Here are a few more that caught my eye-

Remember when I told you I would not be wearing pants with the new wide elastic band in the back? I changed my mind when I realized the back of my waistbands are always covered so that they won’t show anyway, and they help make pants really comfy. These wide-leg pants do have that elastic band in the back and a smooth waistband in front. I was also delighted to find these are fully lined because white pants are notorious for being see-through. These also come in black, in sizes 00-20w. Black in plus sizes here.

They’re a pull-on style with pocket “detail” on the sides. The website shows the model’s hand in the pockets, but that’s not accurate because they’re not open; they just look like a pocket. They’re machine wash tumble dry, and the perfect length for me without hemming. I’m wearing them with my low-block heeled sandals, but they also work dressed down with flat sneakers. These sandals come in six colors, sizes 5-12.

Nordstrom is my favorite department store for so many reasons, not the least of which is their incredible customer service with free shipping and returns. Joining the Nordy club here is free and allows you to earn points towards notes you can use to shop, plus you get free basic alterations. They also offer BOPUS, ROTUS (reserve online, try on in-store), and curbside pickup.

Have you started to think about clothes for the warm weather ahead?