Preppy Footwear Is Going to Take Over This Fall—and There's a Ton to Shop at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Paging Taylor Swift

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Preppy footwear for under $165 at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in 2025.
Nordstrom/Design for PureWow

The wait is over: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public through August 3 and features major markdowns on everything from beauty products to designer handbags. Not sure what to buy on sale? A fresh pair classy loafers or cute boat shoes is a great place to start.

Judging from the runways and brands' early drops, I have no doubt that preppy footwear is on the rise for fall—and the Nordstrom sale is packed with a ton of sophisticated options marked down to less than $200. I even found some Sam Edelman leather loafers ($150; $80), which one reviewer says can "elevate a simple outfit," for $70 off.

Ready to step out in style? Here are five posh, preppy picks you can save big on now and wear all autumn long.

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As Gretchen Wieners (a character I could totally see wearing these) would say, these Mary Jane mules are "so fetch." They're also "well crafted and comfortable out of the box," according to one buyer. But I'm not surprised. In addition to an adjustable two-buckle strap, these hybrid loafers feature a leather upper and an easy-to-walk-in low stacked heel. While they're available in several colors, this yellow-and-blue tweed variety definitely offers the most playful take on the preppy trend.

Spring's most surprising footwear trend is showing no signs of slowing down come next season, so bring on the boat shoes. Thanks to a 360-degree lacing system and signature Wave-Siping sole, this style won't have you slipping or tripping, even on wet surfaces. One shopper describes them as a "modern twist on a classic," and I couldn't agree more, especially due to their airy open-weave design that makes them great for transitioning from summer to fall. (Psst: Another buyer confirmed that the woven leather is so soft, you won't need to break it in or wear socks, so it's truly a win-win!)

Searching for some over-the-knee boots that will actually fit your calves? Embrace the equestrian aesthetic with this waterproof leather pick, which several reviewers have reported fits their large and muscular calves perfectly—likely thanks to that stretchy back shaft. The sleek style also boasts a square toe, block heel and lug sole for prime traction and that classic riding boot look. IMO, they're serving Kate Middleton in the countryside vibes.

Considering the fact that burgundy is also already trending for fall, you should consider buying these chunky loafers that feel very Taylor Swift coded while you still can. They feature a leather upper and lining, a rubber sole and a thick, 1.25-inch heel, giving you some extra height without sacrificing comfort. The polished gold hardware also doesn't go unnoticed, giving the shoes an extra-preppy touch.

Between their smooth leather upper and snazzy hardware, these classic loafers are bound to add a touch of refinement to even your most laid-back looks next season. And you don't just have to take my word for it. One reviewer reports, "[I] love it in the fall [to] pair with dresses or jeans to elevate a simple outfit." They also add that they're comfortable and offer good support, so if I were you, I would run to buy these beauties on sale for under $85.



Destinee Scott Editor Bio Pic

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

  • Stays on top of the best sales and deals across the internet
  • Over 3 years of experience in commerce (covering tentpole sales, like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Way Day)
  • Studied Journalism at St. John's University

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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.