How TikTok Is Fostering A New Generation Of Fashion Archivists

Book cover use of this asset requires approval. Please contact your Account Representative. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Guy Marineau/Condé Nast/Shutterstock (11822611v) Vivienne Westwood Fall 1993 RTW runway show. Naomi Campbell Vivienne Westwood Fall 1993 RTW, London, UK – Mar 1993

Secondhand luxury shopping has never been more mainstream. Credit a rising interest in sustainability or the increase in pandemic-fueled online shopping, but thrifting for designer pieces has reached an entirely new pitch.

And within that world, a specific trend has emerged: archival fashion — pivotal pieces in fashion history, such as Vivienne Westwood’s corset, Raf Simons’ bomber jacket, and early 2000s John Galliano-designed Dior. This isn’t just any old vintage shopping. These are pieces that have helped solidify designer careers and are highly sought after. Though wily collectors long knew to sniff out archival pieces, more and more casual shoppers are joining their ranks. Increasingly, they’re broadcasting their finds on TikTok using #ArchiveFashion.

Over the last two years, the Gen Z-beloved platform has allowed budding fashion archivists and fans of fashion history to find a community where they can learn, trade tips, and show off their closets. Unlike marketplaces like eBay, TikTok allows users to have a direct line to interact with each other in a candid way. As a result, the #ArchiveFashion tag has over 14 million views. Whether it’s sharing knowledge about archival fashion (i.e. rare Prada bags from the 1990s) or showing viewers where to find pieces, what to buy, and why to buy them, archival fashion enthusiasts have built a thriving community on the platform.

Twenty-three-year-old Landon Annoni is leading the pack, with over 94,000 followers. The Californian collects and archives fashion from musicians and pop culture icons. It all started when Annoni bought his first archival piece in the year 2016: a chiffon horse-printed top that Stevie Nicks wore during the Buckingham Nicks tour, as well as on Fleetwood Mac’s first tour with Lindsey Buckingham in 1975. Since then, Annoni has collected the Gareth Pugh costume that Lady Gaga wore to the 2013 Artpop album release party and the dress that Harris Reed made for Harry Styles’ Vogue cover shoot, among others. 

@landonsarchive

Anyone @stevienicks fans out there? 🎩 ##fleetwoodmac ##stevienicks ##fashion ##1970s ##70s ##music ##hippie ##myjob ##icon ##fyp ##foryoupage ##foryou ##iownit ##f

♬ original sound – Landon’s Archive

“All the pieces I have are one-of-a-kind, and [as] there are over 15,000 outfits I have amassed, I can’t even choose a favorite,” says Annoni. “The video that people have reacted to the most would be the BTS ‘Life Goes On’ music video outfits! The BTS Army was flipping out that I owned those. They were so happy to see they were being taken care of, which made me feel good about what I do.”

Annoni started posting on TikTok purely to share how he was archiving clothing, but he has since found a niche community eager to have conversations about the craft of collecting. “There are definitely TikTokers that archive some amazing couture pieces,” he says. “TikTok is different from any other platform because they push [your content] to certain audiences to fit what you do. You get to meet and interact with new people every day, which I really enjoy.”

Fellow collector and Sacramento, California resident Ryan Kwong, 26, posts videos featuring pieces from his closet including Haider Ackermann FW14 reversible silk bombers, Raf Simons AW17 disturbed knit cardigans, and Balenciaga FW17 square-toe harness boots. 

@rottenclosetryan

The Haider heads will know what this beauty is. Wow. ##haiderackermann ##archive ##archivefashion ##fyp ##grailed ##grails ##haul ##mensfashion

♬ t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l – WILLOW

“Instagram was failing me as a platform, and honestly, I just wanted to have fun posting content without feeling the pressure of being conventionally ‘cool,’” says Kwong, who runs his own fashion brand.

For many, posting about archive fashion is deeply personal, as content creators tell stories about what they wear and why. Ari Avi, 27, a retail buyer from New York, posts videos of some of her most treasured pieces, from brands like Simone Rocha, Comme des Garcons, and Undercover. In one of her videos, she wonders aloud if what she does counts as “archiving” or simply “being a shopaholic.” 

“Like many others during the pandemic, I was completely consumed by TikTok,” she explains. “I was mostly watching funny videos with nostalgic references and cooking, and I barely saw fashion videos. If I did, it wasn’t quite my same wavelength.” 

In the early days of the pandemic, Avi remembered looking up hashtags for Undercover and Sacai on TikTok, but only finding sneakers rather than runway-focused content. Later, a video about Japanese designer label Hysteric Glamour showed up on her For You Page (TikTok’s version of the Explore or Discover page), and it inspired her to post a Comme des Garçons one.

@ariannasclosetarchive

my first ##margiela ##maisonmargiela ##tabi ##margielatabi from AW14 🖤 ##fashion ##closettour ##tabiboots ##TikTokGGT ##archivefashion

♬ Rhinestone Eyes – Gorillaz

Part of the appeal of archive fashion on TikTok is that it’s educational. There aren’t very many platforms where you can hear people who buy unique fashion pieces talking about them casually and in such an open way — many of these people say how much they paid or how they found these pieces, embodying a transparency that was until recently unheard-of in the world of collecting.

“Initially, I just wanted to share my collection because I’m really passionate about it… but as I posted more videos, more people started asking me questions and I thought, I can use my platform to help others develop their own collections,” she explains. Avi often talks about where and when she bought things, and tries to encourage others to search on the secondhand market for pieces they love — often without having to pay the original retail prices. 

“It took me around eight years to curate my collection, which may be surprising to some, but it really takes time to find the right pieces,” she says. “My mom always told me patience is a virtue, but I never thought it would apply to finding vintage Prada.”

Londoner Millie Adams, 23, who runs Studded Petals Vintage, posts items she sells, from knee-high Dior boots to Versace Fall 1994 leather jackets, as well as finds she intends to keep for her personal archive. Her most viral video (780k views) is of her unveiling a 1980s Christian Dior wedding dress (which she bought when she was “very, very single”). The rarest piece in her collection is a museum-quality 1988 Vivienne Westwood gold corset.

@studdedpetals

The rarest piece we’ve ever had…Vivienne Westwood 1988 corset ##archivefashion ##viviennewestwoodcorset ##viviennewestwood ##unboxing ##fyp

♬ Peaches – Justin Bieber

“I’ve always had a love of high fashion and especially appreciate pieces from the ‘90s, so getting into the vintage resale business was a natural progression and a great way to fulfill my love of these items without hoarding just for myself,” Adams reasons. “I love to share my rare finds with everyone and I love knowing they’re going to other fans of archive fashion.”

For some, archive fashion is a way to interact with other fans around the world who they wouldn’t necessarily encounter in real life. Avi even connected with a childhood friend she once went on a cruise with and a neighbor who turned into a great friend on the platform. 

“In the beginning, I didn’t see very many TikTok creators [focused on archive fashion], but after I started posting, the For You Page showed me so many different people worldwide with amazing collections and style,” she says. “Before, I wasn’t really trying to show off my collection on Instagram, I was just wearing my clothes. On TikTok, however, I wanted to fill a gap in content I hadn’t really seen, and wanted to show a different facet of fashion.”

At the end of the day, the fact that an item is rare or designer is beside the point. “The outfits are often outrageous, memorable, and larger-than-life,” says Annoni. “Connecting an outfit to a specific song or point in your life and being able to own and hold it is a feeling I cannot describe.”

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Why Are We So Obsessed With “Ugly” Shoes? Psychologists Weigh In

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 01: Suzan Mutesi is seen wearing Crocs shoes with Jibbitz charms at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021 on June 1, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/WireImage)

After depriving myself of any opportunity to spend money on things that weren’t absolutely unnecessary for about a year, I finally decided to break my “nothing new” shopping approach and purchase the absolute ugliest pair of Crocs I could find: Realtree Baes, a platform version of the brand’s traditional clog covered in camo print. They arrived at my door a week later, and I haven’t taken them off since.

I’m certainly not alone in my newfound love of “ugly” footwear. While many people scoff at some of the latest shoe styles — Bottega Veneta’s Puddle Boots, Christopher Kane’s Z-Coil sandal, Balenciaga’s many styles of Crocs, etc. — many more are taking out their credit cards. 

“Ugly fashion attracts attention because it is different,” explains Carolyn Mair, Ph.D., a cognitive psychologist who specializes in fashion. We tend to ignore “normal” or average objects since we know how to process them, she says, but we pay more attention to complex or unusual objects — ugly shoes included. 

By drawing the viewer’s attention, she adds, ugly fashion becomes fascinating. “It may be considered aesthetically unpleasing,” she says, “but it’s this exact feature that appeals to others… Wearing something different that draws attention could be interpreted as risk-taking, which may be perceived as exciting, adventurous, and fun.” 

PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 10: Alejandro Acero wears neon yellow / green rain “Puddle” rubber ankle boots from Bottega Veneta – Made with Biodegradable Polymer, with a Monobloc Chelsea boot design upper, and bulky rounded toe, on May 10, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Iterations of conventionally unattractive shoes have been making waves in fashion for years. Christopher Kane debuted Crocs for his Spring 2017 runway collection back in September 2016, followed a year later by the first Balenciaga x Crocs collaboration in October 2017. Dad sneakers (or grandpa sneakers) have risen in popularity in the street style circuit, with shoes like the Fila Disruptor and Balenciaga Triple S becoming cult favorites amongst fashion’s elite. And let us not forget we’ve entered the Golden Age of clogs, with many designers putting their own spin on the clunky footwear that was once the province of Dutch field workers and Brooklyn moms. 

A year-plus of social distancing and time spent at home due to a global pandemic has only given further rise to the popularity of ugly-yet-comfy footwear. While going out was no longer a thing, we ditched high heels for easier-to-wear styles for our masked-up trips to the grocery store. According to online retailer Klarna, there’s been an 872% increase in searches for “Crocs” since last June, and a 391% increase in searches for “clogs.”

As far as fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen is concerned, the dearth of social interactions since early 2020 has us looking to our wardrobes to help us engage more than ever. Wearing something that may be considered a conversation piece is a way to connect. 

“If you and I have been indoors, and we haven’t had in-person interactions, going outdoors and wearing ugly footwear like the [Balenciaga] Croc stiletto will cause people to look at our feet, and they will begin to engage us,” she says. “Then we’ve gained our social points for the day.” 

Even as the world begins to open back up and many of our lives return to some sense of normalcy, ugly footwear shows no signs of slowing down. Remember Isabel Marant’s iconic Bekett sneaker from the early 2010s (which some refer to as the OG ugly footwear)? It’s back and will cost you a cool $770 per pair today. Birkenstocks and Tevas are also enjoying an extended moment of glory, thanks to designer team-ups. But while there’s no denying that we’ve become pretty obsessed with heinous shoes, the question is why? Novelty alone is not enough to explain the fact that Italian label Avavav’s unseemly finger feet boots are almost entirely sold out. 

According to Dr. Matt Johnson, founder of consumer psychology blog PopNeuro and host of the neuroscience and marketing training program Neuromarketing Bootcamp, the answer comes from the ways our choice of footwear can affect us on a deeper level. “The brands we buy and the clothes we wear have a deep impact on our mood and our behavior,” he says. “Some of this comes down to the item of clothing itself: how it feels on us, and how we think of ourselves while wearing it. We come to associate specific moods and mental states with specific items, so much so that when we put them on, we’re instantly transported into that state.”

Dr. Mair adds that this tendency to invest a garment with greater meaning is known as “essentialism,” or “an intangible property that makes an item unique.” In the case of clunky, bulbous styles like clogs, she says that some may believe them to send out a more welcoming message to others: “We tend to interpret round, curved shapes as soft, warm, and approachable, and jagged shapes as hard, cold, and potentially dangerous.” 

So is ugly footwear here to stay? According to the experts, it is. Dr. Johnson mentions that throughout the pandemic, we’ve grown accustomed to the comfort of spending time at home — and the comfortable, ugly shoes that come with that. As life begins its slow return to normal, a few nostalgists may be excitedly dusting off their towering heels, but many of us will never look back. 

“While people will ultimately ditch the sweatpants as they begin to head out into the world, the emphasis on comfort will likely remain,” Dr. Johnson says. “This may mean that traditionally uncomfortable heels may give way to more comfortable competitors.”

However, if it were only about comfort, we’d all be laced into matching Adidas Boosts. The instinct toward the ugly “comes back to differentiation,” Dr. Johnson adds. “People don’t want to just look good, they also, crucially, want to look different.” Crocs fit that bill, but they also fit another even more narrow category of items: So uncool that they’re cool. 

“It’s a confidence move to wear Crocs, as if saying, ‘I’m so cool that I can wear these ugly shoes and still be cool.’ Or better yet, ‘I’m so cool, I can make Crocs look cool, ’” posits Dr. Johnson. That stands even when there are multiple versions storming up and down the block. Though, as Dr. Karen adds, once enough other people start adopting the “ugly shoe,” it starts to shed its irony and become “pretty.” 

Whether you’re a lover or a hater, a comfort seeker or an ironic flag-waver, the ugly shoe will likely continue to grace runways, streets, and our social feeds for seasons to come. If you’ve been contemplating buying a pair of your own, there’s no better time to dip a toe in. May I suggest Crocs? 

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Katie Holmes Wore Sweatpants With The Sandals Everyone Loves To Hate

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 29: Katie Holmes is seen walking in SoHo on June 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

On Tuesday, Katie Holmes was spotted in SoHo looking not the least bit phased by the current heatwave in New York City. For the comfy-casual look, the Dawson’s Creek alum paired a black muscle tee with khaki-colored joggers, a matching baseball cap, and the summer shoe fashion loves to hate: Birkenstocks. Specifically: black, leather 1774 Arizona sandals with silver hardware.

This isn’t the first time the actress has worn the controversial shoe style. When she’s not wearing her go-to pair of Gucci loafers, she’s often in Birkenstocks. This same time last summer, she was seen donning the sandals on the streets of Manhattan with an LBD from Maison Mayle and a gold charm belt. In August, she wore them again, with a monochrome gray tank-jeans combo and a coral pink bag. Between then and now, she’s worn Arizona sandals with midi denim skirts and wide-leg jeans, proving that they truly are the perfect match for any warm-weather outfit. 

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 29: Katie Holmes is seen walking in SoHo on June 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

Holmes is joined by a long list of people that wear the German footwear brand. In the celebrity world, this year, Kaia Gerber has been spotted on more than one occasion wearing her fuzzy Arizona sandals with socks and leggings post-Pilates in Los Angeles. Ashley Olsen, Tracee Ellis Ross, Dakota Johnson, and Gigi Hadid, too, have been known to dabble in the “ugly” shoe style. 

If you haven’t already, join the ranks by shopping the Arizona sandal in all its forms, below.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Madewell’s Knocking 25% Off A Slew Of Summer Bestsellers

What’s in Madewell’s secret sauce? Whatever the brand uses to spike its togs with universal appeal is nothing short of magic. And, try as we might, we just can’t seem to stop browsing the site. As of today, it's gotten even trickier to tear ourselves away — because, for a limited time, Madewell’s hosting a 25% off sale event that's chock full of must-have summer styles — and you have until 11:59 PM on June 30 (that’s tomorrow) to use code FLASH to get in o the action.

The cool-but-casual retailer always seems to have our number with its selection of trust-worthy jeans, cute fruit jewelry, summer-ready sandals, and easy-breezy dresses that don’t skimp on function. Click through to peep a selection of our favorite slashed-price scores ahead — and know that there’s plenty more where that came from (for a limited time).

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Madewell Court Sneakers in Colorblock Leather and Nubuck, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Cattail Tiered Dress, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Large Paperclip Chain Necklace, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Linen-Blend Knotted Midi Skirt, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Striped Chapman Sweater Tank, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Beaded Fruit Chain Necklace, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Sidewalk Low-Top Sneakers, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Marled Shaw Button-Front Sweater Tee, $, available at Madewell

Madewell The Transport Saddlebag: Woven Strap Edition, $, available at Madewell

Madewell MWL Retroterry Dolphin Shorts, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Beach Cape Scarf, $, available at Madewell

Madewell The Plus Momjean in Harman Wash: Raw-Hem Edition, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tank, $, available at Madewell

Madewell The Boardwalk Lace-Up Sandal in Leather, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Embroidered-Sleeve Popover Midi Dress, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Gingham Seersucker Ruffle-Strap Button-Up Tank Top, $, available at Madewell

Madewell 10" High-Rise Skinny Crop Jeans in Sheffield Wash, $, available at Madewell

Madewell The Lianne Slide in Woven Leather, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Lightspun Beachside Shirt in Tie-Dye, $, available at Madewell

Madewell The Canvas Camden Tote Bag, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Denim Rolled-Sleeve Shirt in Lunar Wash, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Wooden Chunky Small Hoop Earrings, $, available at Madewell

Madewell MWL Skyterry Raglan Tee, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Boatneck Button-Back Sweater Tee, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Beach Cape Scarf, $, available at Madewell

Madewell (Re)sponsible Lakeline Popover Shirt, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Sunbask Necklace Set, $, available at Madewell

Madewell MWL Knit High-Rise 9" Biker Shorts, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Linen-Blend Track Trousers in Stripe, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Balloon-Sleeve Crop Jean Jacket, $, available at Madewell

Madewell MWL Breeze Drawstring Romper, $, available at Madewell

Madewell Double Hoop Earrings, $, available at Madewell

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A Fashion Editor’s Guide To The Best Things To Buy At Nordstrom

It’s no secret that we have a lot of love for Nordstrom. Since the heritage department store is also an unequivocal R29 reader-favorite shopping destination, you can find us frequenting the site on a daily basis — in search of everything from look-at-me swimwear to crowd-pleasing long sundresses and marked-down designer bags from the Half-Yearly sale. Thanks to our frequent constitutionals down Nordstrom’s digital aisles, we’re well acquainted with its bounty of hidden-gem products and how overwhelming sifting through that selection can be.

If you’re looking to inherit a few new summer wardrobe pieces but don’t know where to start, then you've already landed on the right page. To help guide you through Nordstrom's thicket of appealing options, we've plucked out the winningest wares: activewear from the affordable and stylish in-house imprint Zella; sustainable must-haves from Scandi-chic label Open Edit. Ahead, check off your very own list containing the best things to buy at Nordstrom — evaluated by discerning reviewers and sussed out by R29's dedicated team of shopping professionals.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Nordstrom Brands

One of the retailer’s best-kept secrets is its host of internally designed labels that could alone furnish every component of your wardrobe.

Open Edit

Brand-new on the scene is Open Edit, a Scandi-style brand that gives & Other Stories a run for their money. There’s too much in the pared-back assortment to name — think minimal drawstring slipdresses, strappy, candy-colored slides, and floaty, wide-leg trousers — and sizing in the sustainably-minded collection extends to 3X.

Shop Open Edit

Open Edit Organic Cotton Poplin Oversize Blouse, $, available at Nordstrom

Zella

One of our all-time faves is Zella, an activewear imprint that rivals much pricier brands in style and customer satisfaction.

Shop Zella

Zella Live In High Waist Pocket Bike Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom

BP.

If you remember what this diminutive name stood for in the previous millennium, gold star for you! While trend-driven label Brass Plum has dropped more than a few vowels since its early-2000s heyday, it still delivers on of-the-moment styles at very affordable prices.

Shop BP.

BP. Tie Strap Minidress, $, available at Nordstrom

Treasure & Bond

Nordstrom’s line of chic-affordable staples is also a give-back brand, founded in 2014 with the intention of donating a portion of profits to non-profit organizations supporting women and girls. Right now, they’re allocating 2.5% of net sales to supporting youths experiencing homelessness, through donations to New York’s Ali Forney Center, Covenant House in Toronto, and Youth Emerging Stronger in Los Angeles (to name a few).

Shop Treasure & Bond

Treasure & Bond A-Line Tank Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Halogen

Halogen is Nordstrom's line made to mix and match. The collection includes a range of standout basics from a stylish just-right knit polo to a sleek jumpsuit fit for any occasion.

Shop Halogen

Halogen Tie Waist Wide Leg Crepe Jumpsuit, $, available at Nordstrom

Sale Selects

While Nordstrom’s sale section is a must-visit any time of year — and don’t even get us started on Nordstrom Rack’s addictive tendencies — the retailer’s periodic blowout sales have customers lining up for actually good, limited deals on new arrivals and best-sellers. (ICYMI, Nordy just announced the dates for their stampede-inducing Anniversary Sale, which will start on July 28th.)

Caslon Vivi Slide Sandal

A designer-y slide sandal that reeks of a high-end Italian label is the perfect summer acessory — especially at 40% off.

Shop Caslon

Caslon Vivi Slide Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom

Coach Originals Ergo Signature Jacquard Shoulder Bag

Reviewer AerithFair writes that this throwback-style Coach bag is “so perfect for the money! The bag is gorgeous! It has a slip pocket for my MASK, and I can put my phone in the zip pocket. I keep my keys in a lanyard so I don’t need a key strap. It is perfect for spring and the color is delightful!”

Shop Coach

Coach Ergo Signature Jacquard Shoulder Bag, $, available at Nordstrom

Nike Pro-Clean Fleece Hoodie

Nike doesn’t often make it to the sale section, but when it does, we pounce — especially if the item in question is a cropped, quick-drying hoodie in a shade of iridescent neon. “Love love this hoodie,” wrote reviewer VictoriaO883447444. “So chic and effortless.”

Shop Nike

Nike Pro Clean Fleece Hoodie, $, available at Nordstrom

French Connection Masha Rib Midi Dress

Glow like a lightning bug this hot girl summer with the help of an un-missable lime green hue.

Shop French Connection

French Connection Rasha Rib Minidress, $, available at Nordstrom

Customer Favorites

Nordy’s best-sellers run the gamut from summer dresses to tried-and-true-footwear, but they all have one thing in common — they’re backed by hundreds of reviews that detail fit, function, and high levels of customer satisfaction.

La Blanca Island Goddess Swimsuit

Over 400 reviewers gave this sleeper swimsuit high marks for its deceptively simple, flattering design and hidden-but-mighty bust support. “59 and feeling really good in this swimsuit,” declared reviewer Momprof94 in their review. “I had about given up on feeling good in a swimsuit ... [but] I feel good and not old in this [one]. It also has enough support without an underwire. I’m both pleased and shocked.”

Shop La Blanca


La Blanca Island Goddess One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Nordstrom

Elan Cover-Up Maxi Dress

The hype surrounding this simple dress is REAL. We couldn’t choose from the hundreds of reviews that the frock has received, but we tried:

NADIA1979 writes: “I bought three different colors [in this dress] after loving the first one so much and I pretty much live in them. I am starting to wonder what I used to wear?! I think this is my most flattering favorite thing I’ve worn since I can remember — it’s nuts I didn't own this sooner. I wish other clothes looked this good on me. In my head, maxis are supposed to flatter the way this does but they never do ... I feel classy and elegant which is now causing me to wear [the dresses] constantly and my husband is questioning if I own other clothes.” After a sales associate went above and beyond to help the reviewer get another color in the dress in time for her honeymoon, the reviewer continues, “I [randomly] said to my husband, ‘honesty is the best policy, and he said ‘No honey, Nordstrom’s return policy is the best policy— honesty is the second-best policy!!’”

Shop Elan

Elan Cover-Up Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Elan Cover-Up Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Birkenstock Arizona Hex Sandal

“[This is] my fourth pair of [the] Arizona style over the last 20 years,” wrote a diehard comfort-footwear fan on Nordstrom.com. “These are more narrow and lighter than my older pairs but soo comfortable! I just put the tightest setting on the buckle but I have a narrow size 9 foot. I ordered a 40 and it is perfect. I got the oiled cognac leather with gold buckles — [a] great neutral to go with everything!”

Shop Birkenstock

Birkenstock Arizona Hex Slide Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom

ASTR The Label Tiered Short Sleeve Dress

“True to size, looks great on,” wrote EmpressVonTusslebunny in her glowing review of this breezy, summer-ready frock. “Sometimes, tiered clothing does not do you any favors. This dress is made of a fabric that is heavy enough to drape well when tiered, yet light enough to feel summery. Warning: [it] will make you want to buy new sandals, too!”

Shop ASTR The Label

ASTR The Label Tiered Short Sleeve Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Børn Beca Flat

This comfort-footwear brand usually gets high marks for foot hugs (in lieu of high style), but this glove-style, high-throated flat resembles what we’re used to seeing on pricier independent brands. Reviewer seattleskylark called the flats “keepers”, noting that the silhouette is “a stylish update for Børn.” They continued: “I just ordered these in two colors and am keeping both! I’m a standard size 9, they fit perfectly and are incredibly comfortable right out of the box.” In addition, they “appreciate the padding that is sometimes absent with flats.”

Shop Born

Born Beca Flat, $, available at Nordstrom

Nike Daybreak Sneaker

Summer wouldn’t be complete without a white sneaker, and luckily Nordstrom has them in droves. Our pick — and the favorite of close to 150 reviews — is this throwback-style Nike kick, updated from the brand’s 1979 Tailwind running shoe. “These red hot numbers will make any outfit instantly cool¯ advised reviewer Minga333. “Slip the kicks on for a super laidback retro vibing cool mom look. Puttin' all the youngins to shame wearing these. Get a pair quick! I already tried buying the tan with the black check but they sold out too fast!”

Shop Nike footwear

Nike Daybreak Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom

Designer Discoveries

Don’t shy away from Nordy’s selection of high-end goods — they stock the who’s-who of big-name runway brands from established (Gucci) to new-guard (Simone Rocha) to offbeat (Sacai).

Sacai Hank Willis Thomas Archive Patchwork Asymmetrical Skirt

There’s a reason that this culty Japanese brand inspires such ardor with the fashion flock — we didn’t know that we needed a midi-length skirt composed of archive patchwork prints until we laid eyes on it, either. Now we can’t sleep.

Shop Sacai

Sacai Hank Willis Thomas Archive Patchwork Asymmetrical Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom

Simone Rocha Platform Ballerina Sneaker

“Immediate infatuation,” wrote a reviewer named Tedina of these statement-making Simone Rocha satin platforms. “I’m not in the market for shoes — I’m old and have tons – but THESE!!! Why did I see them? Now I’m $700 deep.” Despite some sizing back-and-forth, she writes, “I’m pleased they’re on my feet — even [in] platform block, they roll [and] don’t stiff-clop for me.”

Shop Simone Rocha

Simone Rocha Platform Ballerina Sneaker, $, available at Nordstrom

Adam Lippes Floral Print Poplin Maxi Dress

Score! We discovered this sweeping floral dress from Adam Lippes in Nordstrom’s treasure-rich sale section. Despite a still-steep price tag, sizes are dwindling, and we can see why — the cotton fabrication makes it an easy, fuss-free option, but the collar and romantic floral print make it feel fancy enough for a special occasion.

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Adam Lippes Floral Print Poplin Maxi Shirtdress, $, available at Nordstrom

Akris Punto Knit Pencil Skirt

In describing the subtle, couture-level craftsmanship of Swiss brand Akris, Business of Fashion reported that third-generation designer Albert Kreimler “simply ‘cannot work with cheap fabrics.’” Nordstrom is an excellent resource for scoring this sought-after brand’s sister label (and even better when it’s on sale).

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Akris Punto Knit Pencil Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom

Collaborations

While Nordstrom is pushing 120, the retailer maintains its youthful glow in part by supporting up-and-coming talent through collaborations, dedicated boutiques, and emerging-designer selections that rival the brand lineups at its edgier counterparts.

Pop-In@Nordstrom

Nordy made fashion-world headlines back in 2013 when they hired buyer Olivia Kim away from then-buzzy Opening Ceremony to curate Pop-in@Nordstrom, a series of limited-run shop-in-shops curated around disparate-yet-rich themes like K-beauty, Paris, pets, and ’90s raves (to name just a few). The latest Pop-In commemorates the 70th (!) anniversary of iconic Finnish lifestyle brand Marimekko with a range of exclusive apparel, accessories, and homewares adorned with the brand’s signature bold, bright, and whimsical nature-inspired motifs. Reviewer Liz Par called these poplin shorts “breezy sweet”: “These lived up to and beyond my expectation,” she wrote. “Fit is great (I'm curvy through the seat and these are flattering). Fabric is lightweight and a very stylish print. Pockets are just right.”

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Marimekko Himmea Melooni Silk Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

SPACE Emerging Designer Shop

SPACE — Nordstrom’s mini-boutique devoted to emerging high-end labels — recently teamed up with leading avant-garde retailer Dover Street Market to showcase an assortment of the latter’s emerging gender-fluid brands. Boundary-pushing designers like Vaquera, Liberal Youth Ministry, and ERL round out the existing assortment of fashion-forward brands — think ACNE, Comme des Garcons, Suicoke, and Peter Do.

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Bode One of a Kind Clear Corduroy Tote, $, available at Nordstrom

New Concepts

Designer brands SVP Sam Lobbhan has brought a host of cutting-edge imprints to Nordstrom through his “New Concepts” pop-ups, including Andre Walker, Bode, NOAH NYC, and Wales Bonner. Hyper-hyped Fear of God — which counts Kanye West, Virgil Abloh, and Justin Bieber among its superfans — is the latest brand to bring its ultra-cool streetwear to the old-school store.

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FEAR OF GOD American All Stars Henley, $, available at Nordstrom

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