Editor-Approved Investment Pieces From Nordstrom

Image of various clothing featured in article

KCM/ Nordstrom

From booties to blow dryers, we’re rounding up Nordstrom must-haves worth a splurge. 

My 2023 New Year’s Resolution was to stop buying fast fashion. It’s terrible for the environment, is often made using exploited labor, and is generally terrible quality: I once ordered a “cashmere sweater” from an Instagram ad, which arrived looking like a rat-fur pelt held together with old shoelaces and bits of dental floss.

This brought me to my foray into “investment” items: Instead of buying a disappointing new 15-dollar shirt every week, I limited myself to only items I absolutely needed. All in all, each of these items cost about the same price as 10 fast-fashion pieces — and unlike my old wardrobe, none of them have ripped down the seams, exposing my whole butt in the middle of an Olive Garden.

Since I don’t want anyone else to experience a walk of shame through an Olive Garden dining room, holding a napkin over their backside, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite investment pieces from Nordstrom. I can personally attest that they’re all stylish and sturdy, and will help you follow your resolution to kick your fast-fashion habit for good.

Spanx Luxe Leg Shaping Tights

Spanx tights

Nordstrom

Have you ever left your house lookin’ and feelin’ like a million bucks, only to end up with a run in your tights? Never again, my friends. These Spanx tights are virtually tear-proof, and the non-binding waistband won’t leave you with a giant crease in your tummy when you take them off. Pro tip: If you pair these tights with boots, wear socks underneath to keep your feet from getting sweaty.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Dyson hair dryer

Nordstrom

After years of blow-drying and color-treating, my hair got dangerously close to resembling the scarecrow’s from The Wizard of Oz. Before I went full straw-head, I researched how to undo the damage. I’d read great things about the Dyson, but was reluctant to pull the trigger on such an expensive tool: I’m so glad I finally did. It dries your hair in about half the time of a regular blow dryer, and will leave your hair smooth and shiny. With the help of regular deep-conditioning treatments, it’s helped restore the silky-soft mane of my youth.

Nike Air Force 1 Sneaker

Nike Air Force 1

Nordstrom

The Airforce 1 is the multifunctional unicorn of sneakers: They don’t require breaking in, give you a bit of height, and don’t have that orthopedic look of most comfy walking shoes. They’ve turned me into a “sneaker person” — I’m as shocked as you are, believe me — and I own six pairs in different styles. Pro tip: If you stuff them with newspaper between wears, they won’t crease — and you can even walk a marathon in them (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Jennifer Zeuner Jude Hoop Earrings

Gold hoop earrings

Nordstrom

When I decide to wear earrings, I usually reach for these. They’re hollow and basically weightless, so you won’t have to take them off halfway through the day to give your lobes a rest. They’re statement-making, but the sleek gold design goes with anything. I wear them with dresses, jeans, and everything in between. (Yes, even the Airforce 1s.)

BlankNYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket

woman wearing a leather jacket

Nordstrom

I love this leather jacket so much, that after purchasing mine, I went back to Nordstrom and bought one for my sister. The faux leather is buttery soft, and the mix of the feminine cut with the masculine hardware detailing gives this a little more pizzazz than your regular moto. It’s also available in extended sizes, so even more women will be able to don this treasure.

Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

Santal 33 perfume

Nordstrom

Perfume is one of those things that’s absolutely worth spending some cash on, since a bottle will hopefully last for years. Le Labo Santal 33 is a favorite of celebs and civilians alike, and the scent is gender-neutral, meaning it won’t make you smell like a prissy flower store. Here’s how Le Labo describes the fragrance: “Imagine sitting in solitude on the rugged, wide plains of the American West, firelight on your face, indigo-blue night skies above. There is nothing around save for the soft, desert wind. You. Are. Free.” Since that description is completely unhinged, I’ll cut to the chase: It smells like musky sandalwood in the absolute best way.

Veeda Water Resistant Bootie

Water resistant black booties

Nordstrom

I am so over rain boots; they’re uncomfortable, clunky, and make you look like you’re about to go pull weeds in the mud. But these boots are the Platonic ideal of that overused sartorial phrase, “fashionable and functional.” Whether it’s pouring outside and you need to wade through a puddle, or it’s a bluebird day and you just want to look great, you’ll be a cutie in these booties.

Joe’s The Mia Coated High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

Dark green leather wide leg pants

Nordstrom

When it comes to buying pants with attitude, I’m a real nervous nelly. So when I bought these burgundy leather jeans, I was worried I might never get up the courage to wear them. In a shocking plot twist, they’re now my favorite pants. Since the faux-leather finish is just a coating on top of the pant, they don’t feel like slipping on rubber gloves. And unlike tight-fitting leather pants, the wide leg won’t make you look like you poured yourself into them. I also love that the color’s a fun departure from the standard black leather. 

Andrew Marc Maxine Quilted Coat with Faux Shearling Collar

Long blue puffer coat

Nordstrom

I bought a very similar Andrew Marc jacket in 2012, and it’s still my everyday winter coat. It’s warm, classic, and surprisingly affordable for a cold-weather staple. Plus, it’s simple and chic, with a hint of European charm — and you could easily wear it while strolling around a city in Europe. What more could you ask for?