A Guide To The Best Fashion Gems From Nordstrom’s In-House Brands

There are myriad reasons why Nordstrom remains a reader favorite: The retailer boasts a wide range of editor-approved picks from budget-friendly wares to high-end designer duds, online deliveries and returns are supremely easy, and at any given moment there are deals aplenty to be scored. But what also makes Nordstrom such a key destination for style seekers is its plethora of in-house fashion brands, which allow shoppers to discover and cop the latest and greatest trends at a fraction of the price. Nordstrom calls this conglomerate of in-house brands Nordstrom Made, and it’s comprised of lifestyle capsules like Nordstrom Signature (luxe goods), Zella (activewear), Open Edit (sophisticated styles), and others.

A Nordstrom Made rep tells us that all the styles designed and released from these in-house brands have been developed at Nordstrom HQ in Seattle and come directly from customer research and feedback — which may be why many of these items tend to have such highly-rated reviews. In essence, these are pieces that shoppers feel are missing from their wardrobes and have asked for. “[We want to get] a better understanding of what’s most important to our customers when they shop and we evaluate everything from quality to value to corporate social responsibility,” a Nordstrom Made rep tells R29 over email. Another consumer-driven initiative is to offer customers more transparency on sourcing and production for in-house goods.

A few examples of the products of this ever-evolving feedback loop: workout leggings made from sustainable materials, versatile cashmere sweaters priced affordably, sharp suiting pieces you can wear day-to-night, and wedding-guest cocktail attire made to fit an inclusive range of sizes. In other words, the exact kind of things you’ll want, right where you want them. But you don’t have to wait till you’re looking to fill a gap in your wardrobe to enjoy all Nordstrom Made has to offer. Ahead, we’ve taken a closer look at all of Nordstrom’s in-house women’s fashion brands and included our editor’s picks for each.

Nordstrom Signature

Nordstrom Signature is where you’ll find luxury basics and premium essentials like cashmere sweaters, detailed button-up shirts, sweater dresses, and more. The price points tip towards the higher end, but what you gain from investing in these wares are sophisticated and generally trend-agnostic pieces that are bound to age elegantly over many years.

Shop all Nordstrom Signature

Halogen

Described as “made to mix,” Halogen is where you’ll find mid-range pieces that are especially great for building upon a capsule wardrobe. The styles you’ll find here are a mix of trendy and classic, such as sweaters with puff-sleeve details, a cropped pea coat, and faux leather pants.

Shop all Halogen

BP.

If you’re looking for even more budget-friendly trend items, BP. is the place to be. The items at this in-house brand are playful, youth-oriented, and bolder than the other labels — there are plenty of bold statement pieces to discover for well under $100. You’ll find ’90s-inspired cargo pants, pleated mini skirts, knee-high boots, and more.

Shop all BP.

Treasure & Bond

The style pieces at Treasure & Bond are just as trendy as Halogen or Open Edit, but what really sets Treasure & Bond apart from other in-house labels is that each purchase supports a cause that empowers young people. Currently, Nordstrom Made gives back 2.5% of net sales from Treasure & Bond to orgs committed to supporting unhoused youth. If you’re a conscious shopper, Treasure & Bond is the brand for you.

Shop all Treasure & Bond

Open Edit

As one of the newer in-house brands at Nordstrom Made, Open Edit is zeroed-in on size inclusivity (pieces range from sizes XS to 3X), traceability, and releasing wardrobe essentials “made for possibility.” Work-from-office folks can expect lots of smart suiting pieces and day-to-play skirts and dresses. For the WFH crowd, you don’t wanna sleep on all the chic and cozy loungewear.

Shop all Open Edit

Caslon

Caslon is all about ease and relaxation by way of natural fabrics, comfy silhouettes, and things you can throw on and go. But make no mistake: Caslon is far from sloppy. Pieces like waterproof Chelsea boots, striped dresses, and slouchy sweaters are a perfect mix of cosmopolitan and preppy. These are highly wearable pieces that help polish up your casual look.

Shop all Caslon

Zella

One of the most popular Nordstrom Made brands has to be Zella, home to all of Nordstrom’s in-house activewear (and athleisurewear) pieces. This portal is where you’ll find customer-favorite workout leggings, joggers, sports bras, sweats, and more — all at reasonable price points that won’t leave sweating.

Shop all Zella

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 or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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18 Fresh Takes On The Classic Ballet Flat

As far as fashion stalwarts that stand the test of time go, beautifully crafted handbags are a common favorite — as are classically tailored overcoats and cashmere separates. For some people, it’s a good pair of shoes, particularly handmade, hand-stitched, buttery-soft ballet flats. After spending far too much time over the past year perusing the upcoming season’s selection of fine footwear, it’s clear to me that ballet flats are not only making a comeback but also have a whole new look. Where once there was only leather options in neutral shades, now there are radiant hues, dazzling embellishments, and funky prints.

The best part is that the simplicity of a ballet flat works year-round. Your summer footwear collection might consist of heeled sandals, lug-sole loafers for fall, and knee-high boots in the winter. However, ballet flats are as essential as your daily white sneakers. When shoes as good as these come along you, embrace them with open arms. See for yourself by shopping the 18 best ballet flats ahead.

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.

Frame Le Sunset Square Toe Ballet Flat, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Ganni Black Scrunchie Ballerina Flats, $, available at SSENSE

Guilhermina Square-Toe Ballet Flats, $, available at Anthropologie

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat, $, available at Everlane

ASOS DESIGN Links Chain Point Ballets In Black Velvet, $, available at ASOS

Zara Embellished Fabric Ballet Flats, $, available at Zara

Badgley Mischka Tenley Embellished Ballet Flats, $, available at Saks OFF 5TH

J.Crew Zoe Ballet Flats In Leather, $, available at J.Crew

Repetto Cendrillon Flats, $, available at Free People

Charles & Keith Textured Ankle Strap Ballerina Flats, $, available at Charles & Keith

Sam Edelman Felicia Ballet Flat, $, available at Sam Edelman

Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina, $, available at Mansur Gavriel

Chloé Lauren Leather Ballet Flats, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Tory Burch Georgia Ballet, $, available at Tory Burch

Loeffler Randall Leonie Caramel Crystal Ballet Flat, $, available at Loeffler Randall

Coach Alina Ballet, $, available at Coach Outlet

Margaux The Demi, $, available at Margaux

Cole Haan Cloudfeel All-Day Ballet Flat, $, available at Cole Haan

Schutz Arissa Square Toe Ballet Flat, $, available at Nordstrom

Mansur Gavriel Square Ballerina Flats, $, available at Shopbop

ASOS DESIGN Lora Square Toe Ballet Flats, $, available at ASOS

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove, $, available at Everlane

Margaux The Demi, $, available at Margaux

Mango Elastic leather ballerina, $, available at Mango

Zou Xou Eugenia Flat, $, available at Zou Xou

Schutz Arissa Square Toe Ballet Flat, $, available at Nordstrom

Khaite THE LOGAN FLAT, $, available at khaite

Loeffler Randall Leonie Lambskin Bow Ballerina Flats, $, available at Bergdorf Goodman

thewhiteribbon Pearl Ivory Leather Ballet Flats with Satin Ribbons, $, available at Etsy

Christian Louboutin Mamadrague Square Toe Ballet Flat, $, available at Nordstrom

H&M Suede Ballet Flats, $, available at H&M

Reformation Buffy Ruched Ballet Flat, $, available at Reformation

Staud Tuli Ballet Flats, $, available at Shopbop

aeydē Gina leather ballet flats, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Flattered Polly Leather Creme Flats, $, available at Tuckernuck

Intentionally Blank Watson Flats, $, available at Garmentory

Hush Puppies Naomi Slip On Leather Ballet Pump, $, available at Verishop

Madewell The Cory Flat in Leather, $, available at Madewell

Soludos Yebo Vegan Ballet Flat, $, available at Soludos

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9 Biggest Vintage Fashion Trends — According To Resale Experts

Over the weekend, the final Manhattan Vintage Show of 2022 (see you again on February 3-4, 2023!) drew a crowd of fabulously dressed folks that stretched out the door of the Metropolitan Pavilion and down the block. Occurring three times a year, the resale event — which features 90 of the country’s top vintage dealers — draws everyone from designers and costumers to trend forecasters, collectors, and secondhand fashion lovers. 

“The show-goers are so bold, and I think they have a true sense of fashion that’s fresh and original,” says Amy Abrams, Manhattan Vintage’s owner and producer. “They’re in head-to-toe-vintage, and with such perspective! It’s really exciting to see, and I’m constantly inspired!”

But it isn’t just the stellar street style that makes Manhattan Vintage Show the must-attend shopping event of the season. Rather it’s the treasure trove of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories —  from the three-piece sparkling Halston suit set (ready for Studio 54!) showcased at Deals on Designers to the bamboo-handled Gucci bags or the perfectly worn-in overalls with hand-embroidered patchwork — that entice attendees every year. 

With vintage clothing more popular than ever, certain fashion trends naturally emerged from booth to booth — corsets, statement coats, etc. Still, all vendors emphasized the importance of shopping according to one’s personal style rather than chasing after what’s trending on TikTok’s #ArchiveFashion.

“If you look at the community here at the Manhattan Vintage Show, you’ll see people selling all decades and styles, and everyone is thriving in their particular niche!” says Greg Urra of Vintage Black Label.

Still, if you’re not sure where to start your vintage shopping journey, ahead, nine trends that are currently popular with shoppers, according to Manhattan Vintage Show vendors.

Victorian Era

Winning & Losing’s David Moses says that Victorian-era garments (ranging from the 1830s to 1900) like paisley shawls and calico dresses have become popular as of late. In particular, corsets have been big with his buyers: “Fashion is so cyclical and everything comes back around, but sometimes you have to go back really far to get truly inspired!”

Matt Smith, the owner of D Matt Smith Vintage and co-founder of Newburgh Vintage Emporium, agrees. While showing me a Victorian lawn dress — a long white frock with eyelets and lace detail throughout — he said, “This piece is about 120 years old, but definitely wearable today.” 

Nightgowns

In Toots Vintage’s cotton candy-colored paradise of girly, flirty, frilly garments, bias-cut dresses, silks, and eveningwear were the stars. Notably, the shop’s owner Michael Phillips sees nightgowns from the 1930s and ‘40s as a trend to watch: “That’s what I always want to have wherever I go.” 

Recently, the shop has been introducing ‘90s and early ‘00s pieces of the same ilk into the mix because “that period is so hot… Think: Courtney Love and other grunge-style girls wearing elements of lingerie as eveningwear.” 

‘90s Casual

Danielle Coleman of Sisters Vintage says that, just like runway fashion, vintage trends move through a 30-year-cycle, which would explain the popularity of ’90s styles right now.

“When I was a teenager, I was pulling from the ‘70s, and my mom couldn’t believe I was wearing those sailor bell bottoms, just like she wore to school every day,” she says. “[Now] my oldest daughter is almost 14, and I look at her wearing a vintage Nirvana T-shirt, ripped jeans, and Converse high-tops — that’s what’s popular ‘in vintage’ for her — and I wore the same things back in the ‘90s.”

2000s Designers

On the other end of the spectrum, according to Smith, Y2K designers are all the rage. In particular, his customers are clamoring for ‘00s-era John Galliano and Comme des Garçons. “You can’t get things made this way anymore,” Smith says. “There’s still a level of craftsmanship and fabrication — 100% silks, cottons, wools, and other rich, luxe fabrics — found in pieces made in the 2000s that you can’t get today, even in modern designer pieces.”

In terms of silhouettes, he says that buyers are interested in either the boxy styles that defined the fashion of the time, or the second-skin apparel, corsets, and halter tops. 

Sheer Fashion

Ally Bird Vintage’s Alessandra Canario, who has been attending Manhattan Vintage since she was 12 years old, says that the biggest trend she’s noticed of late is sheer pieces and people “having fun with layering sheer of all kinds.” 

The look can be achieved with just about any see-through piece, from gossamer dresses from the Victorian era to 1950s nylon blouses, which Alessandra says are particularly popular in her shop. She’s also seen sheer layering done with ‘30s and ‘40s nightgowns and peignoirs, ‘70s and 80s mesh shirts, and ‘30s chiffon dresses. 

Chain Belts

Greg Urra, the owner of Vintage Black Label —  known for its costume jewelry including clip-on earrings from the ‘70s and ‘80s — says that chain belts are the accessory to be on everyone’s vintage shopping list because they can be worn a multitude of ways — “layered as necklaces, chains, or belts, and they can all hang and drape in many ways.”

He adds, “Plus they’re adjustable for any body type. You can wear them on your hip or on your waist depending on the fit and look you desire.” 

Menswear-Inspired Silhouettes

Sheryl Roberts of Indigo Style Vintage has observed an abundance of oversized pieces bought this season, especially menswear-inspired blazers, worn over printed midi dresses and loafers or brogues and socks, a la recent Miu Miu or Gucci collection: “They’ve made that kind of styling a trend, [though] it’s just borrowed from vintage.” 

Roberts has also noticed her clients gravitating toward “dad jeans.” “They’re wearing the jeans like they have a paper bag waist, and they’re really cinching it in with a belt,” she says. 

Statement Coats

Lexie Griffith of Lexie Butterfly Vintage, which specializes in 1960s and ’70s collectibles, says that tapestry coats are having a moment right now. According to her, the  “Penny Lane style” — i.e. featuring fur on the collars, hems, and cuffs — is especially coveted among shoppers. “I think people are finding that the coat is really the outfit,” Lexie says, “so you might as well have a really funky coat because that’s what everyone is going to see.” 

With this in mind, over the weekend, Lexie pulled a stunning 1960s Country Pacer purple-and-black floral tapestry coat with  bright purple fur around the hem and cuffs and a statement belt buckle from her personal collection to sell: “It seems to be the coat of the moment.” 

Leather Jackets

Michelle Radow, owner of Allegra Vintij, says she’s had high demand for leather coats, both in the ‘80s bomber silhouette and the ‘60s/’70s blazer-like styles featuring lapels and belted waists. “Any color: white, orange, red, green, tan, brown, black — they’re all amazing,” she says.

Mariya Korotko and Paige Wilkins of Deals on Designers agree: “Patent leather is a hotcake right now.”

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