My Friend Gave Me a $TK Budget to Give Her Fall Wardrobe a Chic Update—8 Nordstrom Pieces I Sent Her Way

My friends outsource all their shopping to me. So, it was no surprise when my bestie called me up, curious about a fall closet update. She happens to be one of the chicest people I know—thanks to my keen fashion sense and her ability to make anything stylish. With a budget of $625, I set out to find eight elevated fall pieces that undoubtedly complement what you already own and extend your wardrobe well beyond the autumn months.

Two words I’d use to describe her style are minimal and effortless. I drew on my experience as a shopping editor, as well as my passion for elevated basics. I turned to Nordstrom, one of my go-to places for fall fashion. From their in-house labels to standout brands like Mango, Reformation, Madewell, and Levi’s, Nordstrom is a fashion person’s dream. Coming in slightly under budget, here are eight chic fall pieces that are sure to upgrade any fall closet.

Trusted Trench

My Pick

Caslon

Cotton Trench Coat

More Trench Options

London Fog

Hooded Single Breasted Maxi Trench Coat

MANGO

Classic Belted Trench Coat

Lands' End

Squall Waterproof Modern Trench Coat

Stovepipe Jeans

My Pick

Levi's

Wedgie Straight Leg Jeans

More Straight-Leg Jeans

Nordstrom

High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Nordstrom

High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Reformation

Jax Super High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Rollneck Sweater

My Pick

A fall closet isn't complete without a sweater, so of course I was sending this rich mocha knit her way. The folded neck and wide hem make this the perfect oversized knit for a breezy autumn day. I’d totally style this with some black wide-leg trousers and suede flats.

More Rollneck Sweaters

Nordstrom

Wool & Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater

Chinti & Parker

Relaxed Roll Neck Wool & Cashmere Sweater

Nordstrom

Oversize Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater

Classic Button-Down

My Pick

MANGO

Cotton Button-Up Shirt

More Button-Downs

MANGO

Stripe Button-Up Shirt

MANGO

Stripe Button-Up Shirt

Madewell

Mixed Stripe Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt

Low-Profile Sneaker

My Pick

Dolce Vita

Serina Sneaker

More Sneakers

Dolce Vita

Delaney Sneaker

adidas

Gazelle Lo Pro Sneaker

Jeffrey Campbell

Aleta Sneaker

Suede Tote

My Pick

MANGO

Oval Stud Canvas Shoulder Bag

More Suede Totes

JW PEI

Large Kiana Faux Suede Tote

Madewell

Oversize Suede Shopper

Madewell

The Mylie Suede Shoulder Bag

Crewneck Tee

My Pick

Nordstrom

Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt

More Crewneck Tees

Madewell

Perfect Crewneck T-Shirt

AllSaints

Lisa Crewneck T-Shirt

Madewell

Supima Cotton Rib T-Shirt

Wide-Leg Trouser

My Pick

Open Edit

The Icon Trousers

Ending with my favorite of the eight fall pieces: a wide-leg trousers. These under-$100 Open Edit trousers are the perfect bottom for a kitten heel and off-the-shoulder top ensemble. Not to mention, they fit right in with the big pants trend of 2025.

More Wide-Leg Trousers

Nordstrom

Pleated Ankle Pants

Caslon®

High Waist Wide Leg Ponte Pants

Nordstrom

The Lennox Wide Leg Trousers