Nordstrom released a collection of exclusive and limited edition items with Nike on their website for Fall 2021. Here's my favorite and least favorite picks!
New York City's (along with the rest of the country's) expectation of shifting from remote work to in-person work in the near future is having a big impact on fashion and consumerism. Nike's collections with Nordstrom (available here) seems to try and combine the best parts of athletic comfort and current trends to feel appropriate for activities besides working out.
The best parts of this collection offer comfort and aesthetically pleasing designs in terms of silhouettes and patterns, while remaining functional for daily life. That said, many of Nike's newest releases feel impractical as sustainable wardrobe pieces. Much of it feels like a cheap homage to Y2K trends that will inevitably cycle out soon. There's also an obvious attempt to distance itself from its unsavory history involving sweatshops and fast fashion, that ultimately makes Nike seem completely greenwashed. Nature-centric graphics, phrases about being ecofriendly, and the occasional use of recycled content isn't enough to separate the brand from their business practices. Notably, this collection also isn't very cohesive. While there's obvious connections between the Y2K pieces and eco-friendly apparel, the design styles feel like they range from streetwear brands to competitors like Vans.
the best:
Blazer Mid '77 High Top Sneaker
This pair of high top sneakers has unique details from cork stripes, tortoiseshell inspired logo plate, and botanical embroidery. These will work great as the weather gets cooler as it allows for warmer socks but can be paired with a cropped pair of casual pants or even under a kick-flare style! The colors and style will work in the spring and summer, too. As a bonus, it's made with recycled materials, a shift many brands are making towards sustainability.
Athletic wear dresses have been rising in popularity over the last few years, and Nordstrom x Nike has an option with a flattering silhouette in numerous colors! While I like this violet / taupe version because of it's versatility, it's available in black, coral, and a lighter pink too (are you noticing a theme in this collection yet?). The best part? It features a bodysuit inside, so theres no need for an extra layer underneath or wearing spandex for security! I could easily see this paired with a denim jacket and lug sole boots. It could also be layered with a slim fitting turtleneck over top to cover the logo, making the dress function as more as an a-line skirt.
This silhouette is flattering and the pants seem both functional and comfortable. Women's pants tend to lack pockets, but this pair has plenty, of easily accessible storage and not just on the back! It features belt loops too, allowing for a more custom fit. The tapered leg allows for low top shoes like the image, or high top boots because they'll tuck right in. In the winter, this could be worn with another layer underneath for warmth if desired. This combined with a structured top, even as simple as a white t shirt would look put together and effortless.
Sportswear Futura Mini Backpack
I purposely search for bags that are as practical as possible. I prefer bags that will hold up to a lot of weight, offer compartments for organization, and are easy to wear. This backpack feels like it hits every one of those points! It has two side pockets that cinch, internal storage with zippers, and the small zip pouch on the outside. It has keyring loop on the inside so you can find them easily among everything else you put in your bag. The top handle makes it easier to move around or hold in your hand, or it can be worn on your back as intended. The navy color works well with so many color palettes, but is beyond a basic black or brown bag. Even better? This comes in a tote bag version too!
Sportswear Women's Fleece Hoodie
I'm a huge fan of how the logo looks on this piece. It has a unique airbrushed effect that makes it subtle, but it's still easily recognizable. It comes in two colors that are popular right now, a neutral peach-beige color and a sage green. Outside seams tend to feel somewhat gimmicky to me as they're part of a passing trend cycle, but I think these are subtle enough to create visual interest and feel intentional, without overwhelming the hoodie and making it feel like solely a trend piece. I think this hoodie offers a lot of unique details but is still easy to wear with a variety of casual outfits- with a preferred style of jeans whether it be skinny, straight leg, or flared out. I can see this working well with patterned pants, too! Like a houndstooth print or pinstripes. Something like a black or indigo denim jacket could look great in contrast.
This jumpsuit is out of my personal comfort zone, but I think this piece is too great to not be included. I love the geometric print, while it's an all-over pattern, its cohesive and all in the same color palette. That means while it creates visual interest, you can add additional elements without it being overwhelming. I think white platform shoes, similar to the model would work well, and a black turtleneck and black structured bag would feel cohesive. Because of the warm gold tones, gold accents on a bag or earrings would feel like a cohesive look. Because of the shoulder straps rather than sleeves, a layer over top of the jumpsuit could be possible without seeming too bulky, exposing only the lower half as a cool printed pant.
the worst:
This midi skirt had potential, as the a-line cut and high waist are great for many people. However, it lacks a lot of functionality. While the drawstring is a great element, this skirt would've looked less like ill-fitting basketball shorts if they were tucked on the inside as many athleisure brands do. The zipper pulls on the pockets seem like a hassle, as they're in a position to be caught on items easily. White nylon in general tends to create shadows and lay in unflattering ways, especially if the pockets have items in them. The bottom cinch pulls feel unnecessary and I can imagine them hitting the lower part of the wearer's leg as they move.
I definitely understand the Y2K homage to party cups with the color scheme and font choices. Unfortunately, the entire shirt feels like a poorly designed advertisement catering to a current fashion trend that will definitely die out. The evident greenwashing, as Nike has never emphasized sustainable business or production practices is borderline... embarrassing. If you're looking for a Y2K inspired graphic t shirt that also emphasizes a love for the environment, it makes more sense to buy one secondhand. Its only redeeming trait is that it's made with some recycled fibers.
Women's Everyday Training Ankle Socks
$18 for one pair of socks that aren't entirely cotton OR compression socks feels like a scam. Especially considering the hard to match color scheme and ruffle detail that could've been used as an accent if ankles were generally a focal point, especially in the winter. Unique socks can undoubtedly be a great part of an outfit! But for this price point and style, these socks miss the mark.
The reflective quality for runners and as a safety mechanism in general is one I think more shirts could benefit from! That said, this color scheme, especially for fall and winter, feels out of place. They're difficult colors to match as well, because of their hue. They don't allow for a monochrome green and purple look, and typically neutral colors would seem to out of place alongside them. The horizontal and broken up stripes can create an illusion of a less flattering fit. It seems almost like an almost-snakeskin print, but pixelated. The logo in the middle is difficult to decipher, and there are few occasions I want strangers staring at my chest trying to figure it out! The back's racerback isn't the same width as the shoulder straps which is odd, and requires another layer for support to be underneath the top.
Write a comment