Fall Fashion Finds at Nordstrom: Embracing Plaid and Animal Print

A Seasonal Style Update

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. Thanks for supporting the brands that work with AWSL.

With the fall season unfolding, I decided to explore Nordstrom to curate a collection of outfits that beautifully reflect the current trends. Notably, plaid and animal print are both capturing attention this autumn. However, it’s not just about wearing these patterns; it’s about how we incorporate them into our everyday wardrobes. Simply pairing them with classic staples—like jeans or solid sweaters—can make them feel much more accessible and versatile.

Getting dressed in the fall doesn’t necessitate a complete wardrobe overhaul. Sometimes a fresh silhouette, a unique texture, or a striking layer can breathe new life into the outfits we’ve worn season after season.

Chic and Stylish Layering

Caslon Swing Denim Jacket & Kut From the Kloth Coated Flare Jeans

One trend that’s hard to miss this fall is the swing-style denim jacket. I stumbled upon this Caslon jacket, which stands out with its raglan shoulders, bell-shaped sleeves, and a contrasting faux suede collar. Composed of 99% cotton and just the right amount of stretch, it provides both comfort and style. I opted for a medium size, which fits almost perfectly, with the jacket offering a lovely balance when paired with a close-fitting top and narrow-leg bottoms.

To complement the jacket, I selected Kut From the Kloth’s coated flare jeans. Their matte finish adds a touch of edge to the outfit, featuring a high waist and shaping pockets made from a stretchy modal-blend fabric. I chose black since the chocolate brown version seemed to be flying off the shelves. The slim fit at the top beautifully mirrors the flare below the knee, creating an ideal silhouette.

Embracing Color and Pattern

Halogen Cabled Cardigan & Wit & Wisdom Plaid Wide-Leg Pants

In my quest for comfort and style, I discovered a combo that pleasantly surprised me: the Halogen cable cardigan paired with Wit & Wisdom plaid trousers. The cool-toned brown of the cardigan is perfect for the season, crafted from 100% cotton—it’s an easy-to-wear option for those sensitive to wool or cashmere. I love the V-neck design, which is ideal for showcasing necklaces, especially when layered over wider bottoms.

The plaid trousers are not something I usually wear, yet the subtle navy and ginger snap pattern adds just the right amount of interest. Featuring soft fabric with a bit of spandex for stretch, they won me over despite my initial reservations about front pleats. Their design ensures a flattering fit without added bulk, and the option for both regular and petite sizes makes them accessible for all.

The Allure of Plaid

Bagatelle Knit Jacket & Wit & Wisdom Patch-Pocket Jeans

Plaid continues to dominate fashion this fall, making its way into various styles. The Bagatelle jacket caught my eye for its soft colors and relaxed aesthetic. Unlike traditional woven jackets, this piece is a stretchy knit that offers both structure and comfort—a perfect blend for transitional weather.

I styled this jacket with Wit & Wisdom’s patch-pocket jeans in a lovely forest moss shade. The green complements the understated tones of the plaid, creating a cohesive look. The cotton and lyocell blend, combined with thoughtful design to prevent gapping, ensures a fantastic fit and smooth silhouette.

Mixing Textures

Caslon Leopard-Print Cardigan & Corduroy High-Waist Pants

Soft textures and patterns elevate any outfit, and the Caslon leopard-print cardigan brings an element of chic elegance. Made from a blend of wool and cashmere, it’s supremely soft without any itchiness, giving it a fitted shape that flatters. This muted animal print makes the bold pattern feel balanced and not overpowering.

Pairing it with Kut From the Kloth corduroy pants adds an interesting texture combination that’s perfect for fall. The brownie color of the pants harmonizes beautifully with the cardigan, while their stretchy design caters to comfort. On top, I chose a Halogen faux fur peacoat, which is not only soft but also versatile enough to layer over a casual outfit for a touch of glam.

The Statement Jacket

Nordstrom Cropped Animal-Print Jacket & Wit & Wisdom Straight-Leg Jeans

Finally, I discovered the Nordstrom cropped animal-print jacket, whose design features raglan sleeves that gently flare into bell shapes. The stand collar adds a polished touch, while the blurred gray-and-black print offers an elegant twist on a classic pattern. Although the medium size felt a little large on me, the playful vibe of this jacket makes it a standout piece.

To ground this ensemble, I opted for Wit & Wisdom’s Sawyer straight-leg jeans in deep indigo. These jeans offer a classic silhouette that’s versatile enough for various outfits, ensuring a perfect match for the statement jacket without feeling overly styled.

The Perfect Fall Wardrobe

As the fall season invites us to play with textures, prints, and styles, Nordstrom’s selection makes it easier than ever to refresh our wardrobes. Whether leaning towards the rich tones of plaid or the bold allure of animal prints, there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Are you a fan of these patterns? What are your go-to pieces for fall?