Nordstrom Anniversary Finds: 7 Looks You Need To See Before They Sellout

Here's a way to wear a cropped third piece. Pop a cropped blazer or moto jacket over an A-line dress like this one. Your bottom half looks longer this way; you look taller. If this cropped sale blazer isn't available in your size, I'm sharing some other options to achieve the same look..all from the Anniversary Sale!

A long cardigan is another third piece that offers warmth and texture to your dresses. Leave it open. Don't go past your mid-thigh with a cardigan and a dress or risk looking frumpy. A skinny belt around the waist would add another interesting element to this look. That bootie is just right for this midi dress. The key to this combo is wearing a bootie that hugs the leg to keep the look sleek. There needs to be a little space between the top of the boot and hemline of the dress. I always prefer some sort of a heel with a dress too. It can be low, high, stiletto, block-doesn't matter-just make sure it's a heel. Another option would be a knee boot that fits the leg, has a heel, and ends under the dress fully covering the leg.

Among this Rails Anniversary group is a plaid blazer, slightly over-sized. I like the mix of the feminine floral dress and the masculine topper. Typically I prefer a large print/pattern paired against a smaller print but this works too. It works because the colors in the dress are the same colors as in the blazer. From a distance, the blazer would look like a solid gray and therefore doesn't compete with the florals. I hope that makes sense to you. 

One of my favorite shares from the yearly NSale is a Vince topper of some sort. This wool & alpaca blend jacket is a winner! So toasty and cozy, you'll reach for it time and time again. Wear it with your denim and your dresses too. It also comes in black. I'm wearing a medium here because the smaller sizes were sold out in the store I was shopping, but it's actually true to size, relaxed. I actually like it oversized here too.

The Cody houndstooth check double breasted blazer adds sophistication to your wardrobe. This Frame cotton dress (for instance) is cute on its own, but looks professional with the blazer addition. As with most blazers, this can be worn with trousers, jeans, blouses and graphic tees. This is a medium weight layer that's great for mixing up your looks when traveling this fall/winter too. It's by Rails, a brand known for quality and an all-American aesthetic... on sale for $219.99, going up to $348 later. I'm wearing a small, true to size. 

These jeans! Typically Veronica Beard bottoms are a bit too slim for my body, but these...THESE! I was pleasantly surprised by the way the stretch lifted and held me in. The pockets and yoke are in the right place and size and I love that faded black wash! The cropped flare shows off your pretty shoes. I am a size 4/small and go between two sizes in denim (a 26 or 27). The 27 was a perfect fit in this Carson flare. The jeans and blazer get a little brighter with the addition of this slim fit stretch silk blouse in tea berry. A silk button-up is always in style, always classy.  

A cigarette pant is made for oversized blazers and button-ups. It is the perfect companion to this season's hot shoe trend-the loafer. Show a little ankle with this style OR tuck a slim boot under the hem. This high waisted pant is stretchy and FITTED, yet heavy enough to slim and smooth. I sized up and they were a win! They come in two colors. If you don't love your bottom, stick with the darker shade.