As the fashion landscape shifts into the rich textures and deeper hues of Fall 2025, discerning shoppers are seizing the moment to refresh their accessory collections with significant savings. Nordstrom’s major fashion markdown event in October has once again proven to be a goldmine for designer handbags, offering rare discounts of up to 50% or more on coveted pieces. The sale spanned the full spectrum of style, from foundational classics by Coach and Tory Burch to highly current trend-driven silhouettes like slouchy suede totes and chic denim shoulder bags from Marc Jacobs and Rag & Bone. This comprehensive markdown positioned the event as the quintessential opportunity to acquire editor-favorite brands and investment pieces without the expected luxury price tag, blending aspirational style with smart, seasonal purchasing.
The foundation of style: classic tory burch and coach essentials
Nordstrom’s sales are consistently the benchmark for securing wardrobe essentials, and the latest event offered substantial discounts on the highly functional yet elegantly classic handbags from Tory Burch and Coach. These brands are beloved for crafting accessories that seamlessly transition between work life and leisure, making their inclusion in the sale an invaluable opportunity for the strategic shopper.
A highlight of the selection was the generous price cut on several Tory Burch styles. The Small Kira Chevron Shoulder Bag, instantly recognizable by its diamond quilting and sophisticated hardware, saw markdowns of up to 30%. This versatile crossbody is celebrated for its unexpectedly spacious interior and its timeless silhouette, which ensures its relevance across seasons. For those seeking a simpler, universally appealing style, the Tory Burch Romy Small Crossbody also featured steep discounts, confirming its status as a closet must-have.
From Coach, durable and structured bags were in high demand. The Coach North Pebbled Leather Tote, in particular, was an excellent find for commuters and professionals. Crafted from enduring pebbled leather, this tote is built to last and is large enough to accommodate a laptop and other work necessities. The combination of high-quality leather and polished hardware across both the Coach and Tory Burch offerings ensures that these purchased pieces will serve as stylish, reliable accessories for years to come.
Trend spotlight: Slouchy suede and chic denim silhouettes
The October sale also provided a fashionable shortcut to adopting the season’s most influential trends. Two of the key textures dominating Fall 2025—slouchy suede and elevated denim—were prominently featured through highly-coveted pieces from Rag & Bone and Marc Jacobs.
The Rag & Bone Large Prospect Tote was a standout piece, embodying the coveted relaxed, bohemian-chic aesthetic of the season. This oversized tote, often presented in rich, earthy tones like praline suede, was marked down by as much as 45%. Its slouchy, yet sophisticated form makes it the perfect accompaniment for transitional fall layering, and fashion editors lauded it for its understated practicality and long-term appeal. Securing this piece allowed shoppers to invest in a top-tier trend without full-price commitment.
Meanwhile, Marc Jacobs catered to a more playful, contemporary aesthetic by featuring bags in denim fabrication. The Marc Jacobs The Clover Shoulder Bag was a strong contender, demonstrating that denim is a major, and increasingly popular, material for luxury accessories. With discounts placing it well under the $200 mark, this piece offered an easy, low-risk way to engage with a key street style trend. Marc Jacobs also included price reductions on other youthful, on-trend favorites like The Snapshot Pochette, perfect for those seeking a stylish bag for quick errands or an evening out.
Affordable luxury: Designer deals under the $100 and $200 threshold
The most exciting aspect of any Nordstrom sale is the ability to acquire genuine designer quality at near-bargain prices. The October event was notable for offering several exceptional pieces that dropped below the rarely-seen $100 mark, broadening the definition of accessible luxury.
A prime example was the Dolce Vita Shelbee Genuine Calf Hair Shoulder Bag, which was discounted so heavily that its final price was only $99. Featuring on-trend leopard print, this bag is a superb accessory for introducing a touch of drama and texture to a fall wardrobe without overspending. The print’s status as a ‘fall-forward neutral’ makes this a versatile and eye-catching purchase. Similarly, compact pieces and small leather goods from brands like KARL LAGERFELD PARIS and other designer diffusion lines also fell into this budget-friendly range.
Further up the scale, the $200 threshold saw excellent value, particularly with items like the Donna Karan New York Valley Stream Convertible Shoulder Bag. Originally priced at nearly $240, the sale price offered a multi-way wearable bag—a highly practical investment that maximizes the versatility of a single accessory, making it an ideal choice for the minimalist or the pragmatic traveler.
The statement makers: Bucket bags and box shapes
For shoppers looking beyond the classic carryalls and into more distinct statement pieces, the sale still delivered compelling discounts. The focus here was on unique silhouettes and bold textures that truly capture attention.
The Veronica Beard Mini Goody Bucket Bag was one of the most aggressively discounted items, with a price reduction of up to 55%. The compact, playful bucket shape, often available in vibrant or unexpected colors, offers an effortless way to inject a pop of seasonal color into otherwise neutral autumn outfits. Its fun, approachable design contrasts with the brand’s more structured offerings, like the Veronica Beard Boxy Shoulder Bag.
For those interested in true investment pieces with deep heritage, even the elusive higher-end designer names made a cautious appearance. Brands like Mulberry, with its Small Soft Bayswater Leather Satchel, provided a rare opportunity to purchase a luxury item with a classic silhouette at a marked-down price. The occasional discount on these “keep-forever” bags from established houses underscores Nordstrom’s reputation as a destination for quality pieces, solidifying that the October sale was not just about momentary trends, but about building a luxurious, long-lasting collection.
