I Braved the Nordstrom Fitting Room to Try 30+ Black Friday Deals—These 13 Were the Best

Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Including the cuddliest cashmere you need *stat.*

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

It’s a funny world we live in—or maybe I say “funny” because it’s just so different from when I was growing up and I’m still getting familiar with the changes. I used to actually go to the mall and shop—oftentimes after school to hang out with friends and always on the eve of Thanksgiving (remember a thing called doorbusters?). Nowadays, though, most people do their shopping online, and I get it. It’s easy! It’s convenient! And after indulging in turkey and pumpkin pie, there’s nothing better than nabbing some deals from the comfort of your couch. But, I did something different this year—I went back into the store, as I used to do when I was younger, and shopped IRL.

The store in question? Nordstrom, my all-time favorite that I regularly shop online, but I realized I haven't really taken the time to shop in an actual store in a while. So, I grabbed my husband, who so patiently waited in the “husband’s corner,” as he called it (basically, comfy chairs where husbands were waiting for their wives while they shopped), and scoured through the racks and racks of Nordstrom’s Early Black Friday deals to find, try on, and rate the best of the best.

After a few too many hours spent in the fitting room (hey, at least the lighting was great!) and 30-plus items later, I found the 13 that were too good to pass up on. Some are steals, and some are still splurges (though worth it). Ahead, see the early Black Friday deals you need to get from Nordstrom, stat, from Free People, Agolde, Favorite Daughter, and more.

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Open Edit Cotton Blend Rib Funnel Neck Sweater

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I’m a big Open Edit stan, but this sweater exceeded my expectations. It was comfy and cute, though I recommend sizing down one size, as it does run a bit large. The gray color is beautiful, as is the funnel neck that’s perfect for this time of year.

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Free People Easy Street Tunic Sweater

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

If you want a cuddly sweater to wear while lounging on the couch, this Free People one is it. It’s very oversized, so I also recommend sizing down depending on how you like the fit. Overall, it basically feels like a snuggly, wearable blanket you’ll never want to take off.

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

BP. Compact Rib Crop Baby Tee

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I’m always looking for a flattering, cropped white baby tee, and this one from BP., though not on sale, is definitely worth the $25.

Rails Alta High-Waist Straight-Leg Pants

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I love trousers, but when I saw this pair from Rails, I knew I needed them. The front seam was so chic, and they were so comfy, I didn’t want to take them off. I went with my normal size, but I’d also suggest going up one size if you want a slightly looser, nonchalant fit.

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Favorite Daughter the Meyer Double Breasted Longline Coat

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I’m utterly obsessed with Favorite Daughter, so you’ll find the brand a few times here, but this longline coat was just *chef’s kiss.* The second I sent the photo to my sister, she wanted to know where this coat was from, too.

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Topshop Oversize Double-Breasted Coat

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I was so shocked by this Topshop coat. It looks and feels pretty luxe for the $83 price tag. I also like the oversized silhouette, because I can easily wear it with chunky sweaters in the winter. I went with a size small, which was still pretty big, so you may want to size down depending on your preference..

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Nordstrom V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

When I say run to grab this sweater, I mean run. Nordstrom’s cashmere is seriously among the best for the price, and this standout red V-neck was an immediate ‘yes’ the second I put it on. I mean—just look at it.

Agolde Dame High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

So many celebs wear this brand, and I get it. I own a pair, but after trying these high-waisted wide-leg jeans, I’ll have two because they were so good. They had just the right amount of stretch that they fit comfortably, but still felt flattering and semi-compressive. They also made my butt look great (per my hubby). 

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Vince Lofty Wool Blend Belted Jacket

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

A splurge yes, but a forever fashion? Also yes. This Vince wool-blend coat is just a bit oversized, but it feels slightly more refined than other winter coats I have.

Franco Sarto Khloe Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pump

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I swear by Franco Sarto’s heels, so when I saw these were very generously marked down, I had to get them. The red color is a seasonal must, but the front strap and sensible heel ultimately won me over.

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Topshop Fitted Rib T-Shirt

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I love a simple tee, and this fitted ribbed option from Topshop is that, but with a stylish twist. The mockneck feels slightly more elevated than a classic crewneck, while the curved hem gives it a nice shape. I plan on layering this under sweaters and jackets.

Favorite Daughter the Olympic Flare Jeans

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

I’ve been curious to try these jeans for a long time, and they certainly didn’t disappoint when I finally got my hands on them. The dark wash is so beautiful and elegant, and the fit is impeccable, not surprisingly given everything I already own from Favorite Daughter is amazing.

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Eva Thomas / InStyle

Favorite Daughter the Belle Polo Cardigan

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

This one was a wildcard that I actually ended up falling in love with. I don’t normally wear stripes, but something about this polo cardigan called my name. I love the soft nude color, chunky buttons, and the thick, ribbed hem. I styled it with the Favorite Daughter jeans, but I can also picture this with white or beige trousers for the office.

Below, check out a few more Nordstrom Early Black Friday deals I love (but didn’t try on IRL).

Good American Cotton Blend Straight Leg Pants

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Toni Slingback Pointed-Toe Kitten Heel Pump

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Veronica Beard Alenah High-Waist Slim Straight-Leg Jeans

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Reformation Darcy Off-the-Shoulder Knit Top

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Nordstrom Arazio Kitten Heel Bootie

Nordstrom

Nordstrom