May15
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The coats are the reason to shop this sale. (If you need dates, early-access details, and what’s worth buying beyond coats, my full Nordstrom Anniversary Sale guide has all of it.) The best deals are always on denim, coats, and sweaters, and this year’s coat section is the best I’ve seen in a while — timeless styles, and a lot of brands I already own and love. I wrote down my unfiltered thoughts while I browsed, so if you want the long version, it’s over on Substack. I’m ordering my top contenders the morning my access opens (7/15) and will update this with try-on verdicts, photos, and what I keep versus what I send back the minute the box lands.
I’m sharing my top picks by category — and you’ll notice I’m heaviest on lightweight jackets and rain coats. In the South, jackets for transitional weather and rain jackets are easily worn the most, while a heavy coat sits in the closet waiting for the 2-3 truly cold weeks we get.
If you’re not sure what you need, do what I do each fall: take note of which outfits you struggle to pair with a coat or jacket, then shop for that gap — and make sure the basics are covered.
Rain Coats
Lauren Ralph Lauren Waxed Raincoat w/ Corduroy Trim
This is my top pick of the entire coat selection and probably the entire sale. Everything about it is perfect for a timeless wardrobe – the dark olive green, the corduroy collar, the functionality. And, it’s under $200. I’m ordering the XS and Small and will return whichever doesn’t fit.
Barbour Arla Waterproof Hooded Jacket
Barbour can do no wrong in my book. Everything they make is gorgeous. I especially love the plaid detailing on this one and the metal snaps and hooks. I find Barbour runs small so I plan to order the small, rather than my usual XS.
The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie
I head to the gym after school (or camp) dropoff and always throw a layer on. Most athleisure jackets are too heavy / not breathable enough for the humid South but this looks perfect. Plus, it can double for a golf jacket in the fall.
Trench Coats
A classic trench coat works with everything – jeans, a dress, leggings and a tee. And in the South, trench weather is most of our winter anyway.
London Fog Double-Breasted Trench Coat
I’ve owned this trench for nearly 15 years. If you don’t have a trench coat, prioritize this purchase. Size up if you’re on the fence.
Lightweight & Transitional Coats
Lauren Ralph Lauren Houndstooth Quilted Barn Jacket
This has poor reviews, but I’m going to order it and test it anyway since I don’t have a quilted coat I love. I like that this looks warm but doesn’t create extra bulk. I’m sizing up to a small in this.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Hooded Cotton-Blend Coat
Another Ralph Lauren beauty. The leather detailing near the cuffs makes me absolutely swoon. This is my #2 pick from all the coats. I’m ordering an XS and Small. I’ll report back.
Bernardo Cotton Stretch Twill Jacket
I was gifted this by the brand and I love it. I bought a similar version during the sale last year — that cost about 3x as much – so if you like the look but prefer a budget-friendly option, Bernardo is a great option. Size down if you’re between sizes.
Suede Coats
Levi’s Relaxed Fit Faux Suede Dad Bomber
Suede is having a moment this fall and I much prefer it over the leather bomber jacket trend that’s back. I like the dark color of this and the relaxed feel since most of my day-to-day style is casual. I’m ordering a small since oversized will be better in this style. It’s under $100 during the sale, which definitely makes it a sell-out risk.
Sam Edelman Faux Suede Jacket
Now this is a gorgeous option that I’m not sure I can justify, but I’m buying it anyway. It definitely leans dressier with the collar and minimal detailing and cinched waist. It will become the hero of any simple outfit (jeans + tee). I’m ordering an XS.
Puffer Coats
There aren’t a lot of great puffer options in the sale this year, but these are two standouts. The first one leans more casual and the second is a chicer option, so just get the one that feels like it’ll work best with your wardrobe and life.
Sam Edelman Diamond Quilted Puffer w/ Faux Fur Hood
This coat would be lackluster without the faux-fur hood. Since I don’t have a short puffer that fits me well (having kids changed my body shape), I’m ordering this to see how I like it. It might be too shiny but I’ll have to see it in person to decide. I’m ordering a small so I can layer over sweaters.
Avec Les Filles Tie-Waist Puffer Coat
I own a similar tie-waist coat from this brand (a leather, fur-trimmed beauty) and it fits perfectly. The tie waist is a thin leather cord (an Avec Les Filles signature style), which makes this feel unique compared to other belted coats.
Dressy & Statement Coats
When you don’t know what to wear to a holiday party without ruining your outfit, these are the answer.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Wool Blend Cape
I don’t need a cape… or DO I? This is so fun, gorgeous and very niche. But if you attend holiday parties or anything dressy in the winter and never know what to wear over your outfit, now you do. I’ve always worn a cropped feather jacket for my holiday jacket, but I’m getting this option too and praying it doesn’t drown my 5’1″ frame. I’m ordering an XS.
Lamarque ANCA Wool Scarf Jacket
If you didn’t get a scarf coat last year, here’s your sign. They’re fun, practical, and mine got more compliments than almost anything I wore last year. Plus, if you constantly feel frazzled with all the plates you’re balancing with work and motherhood, the scarf is one less thing to keep track of since it’s attached. This one is an investment, but the style is one you’ll wear for years.
Lamarque Linnea Faux Fur Coat
I’m a sucker for a fur coat. While this comes in two other colors, the chocolate brown is by far the prettiest option. I’m picturing this with skirts, jeans and maybe just around the house to make my family treat me like royalty.
Honorable Mention: Leather Coats
AllSaints Sofi Leather Bomber
Leather is having a moment, but I’m not here for it. If you are, this is the best one of the sale that won’t make you look like you stepped out of a bar in 2012.
What I Predict Will Sell Out
After 15+ years of watching this sale, the coats that go first are almost always the cropped, mid-weight styles under $200 — versatile enough to reach for all season. Here’s what I think will disappear fast this year:
- Lauren Ralph Lauren Waxed Raincoat with Corduroy Trim
- Lauren Ralph Lauren Wool Blend Cape
- Sam Edelman Diamond Quilted Puffer with Faux Fur Hood
- Levi’s Relaxed Fit Faux Suede Dad Bomber
- Lauren Ralph Lauren Hooded Cotton-Blend Coat
If one of these is on your list, don’t wait. Order it now and let Nordstrom’s backorder feature catch you if your size is already gone. If you don’t have access to shop yet, make sure they’re on your wishlist so you can check out quickly. And, having things on your wishlist also will alert you when something is restocked in your size (make sure you have the Nordstrom app downloaded for that to work.)
Coats come back in stock a lot since sizing can be tricky. I let Instagram and my text list know about restocks first, and I’ll send more sale updates via email — join my newsletter here.
Still browsing? I’ve gone deep on the biggest categories, with sizing notes on everything I own:
- Best Jeans in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale— every pair I own and how they fit, plus the sizes that sell out first
- Best Shoes in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — heels, sneakers, and boots, tried on
- Best Baby Gear Deals in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — the car seats and strollers worth waiting all year for
- Best Beauty Deals in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — the hair tools I use every day, clean skincare that’s in the sale, and the best sets
Shop Nordstrom Sale Coats
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