A Savvy Shopper’s Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
It’s that time again…the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is about to begin, with early access for cardholders starting in a few days. I know it can feel a bit overwhelming, so today I’m sharing my approach for navigating the sale with intention: how I zero in on the pieces worth considering, and how I avoid getting sidetracked by the hype.
I say this every year, and it still holds true: while the Anniversary Sale can get a bit over-hyped, I do think it’s worth a look. Unlike typical sales that clear out past-season merchandise, this one features new arrivals for fall—so it’s a chance to get first pick of the good stuff. And this year’s selection feels stronger than it has in a while. I usually consider it a win if I find a couple of real “keepers.” It’s also a good time to stock up on essentials—think lingerie, hosiery, and a few beauty staples—often at a nice savings.
How to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
The sale preview is already online. If you are a Nordstrom cardholder, you’ll be able to shop the sale first, as early as July 8 depending on your Nordy Club status. (Check your account information for your status and access date.) “All Skate” access (everyone else) starts July 12.
The good news is, you have a few days to go through the preview and bookmark your favorites. If you have a Nordstrom account you can save favorites to your Wish List, and easily add them to your cart when you have access to shop.
MASCARA SET | BRACELET | SHOES | BAG
Follow these steps to find your best sale picks:
When you first open the sale Preview, it can be a little overwhelming! So I’ve developed a few strategies to help you refine selections and find what you need.
👉 Make a list. Are there items you need to replace or refresh? Gaps in your wardrobe? You can use the filters on the Nordstrom product pages to refine your search by item type.
If you’re planning to shop this sale, what types of items will you be looking for? Let me know and I’ll be on the lookout.
👉 Then, search by your favorite brands. Some of the brands I usually check for first are:
- Eileen Fisher
- Madewell
- AG
- Frank & Eileen
- Halogen
- Caslon
- Open Edit
- Vince
- Theory
- Cole Haan
- Paul Green
- Hanky Panky
- Rag & bone
- Avec les Filles
- Cinq à Sept
- Veronica Beard
- L’Agence
- Nic + Zoe
TRAVEL SKINCARE SET |SUITCASE | SNEAKERS
👉 Next, I’ll do a broader search by category. For example:
- Ankle boots
- Jeans
- Women’s jackets
- Weatherproof footwear
- Sneakers
- Cashmere sweaters
- Beauty gift sets
- Hosiery
Finally, I may wait a day or so to clear my head, then I’ll do what I call a “stream of consciousness” lap, just scrolling through broad categories (e.g. Clothing, Shoes, Beauty, Accessories) to see what catches my eye that I might have overlooked. (I’ve actually found some of my best Anniversary Sale purchases this way.)
And I’ll also take a pass through the store early in the sale, to see if anything jumps out at me.
👉 I know it can be frustrating when your favorites sell out quickly, but don’t get discouraged. Inventory may be tight on some items, but if something you wanted is sold out in your size or preferred color, bookmark it or keep on your wish list, and sign up for email notification of restocks, or check back periodically. Many early online shoppers will order multiple sizes or colors of an item and return what doesn’t work. In addition, I have a theory that popular products often get restocked right ahead of pubic access, so the items you want may become available again.
First Round Picks: Versatile Basics
My own strategy to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is to focus first on versatile basics. And these are a few pieces that stood out during my first few passes through the sale. Some of these may sell out quickly, so keep on your wish list, and sign up to be notified by email if sold-out favorites come back in stock.
Jackets
Bouclé jacket – $112.99
How sharp is this little military-inspired bouclé jacket?? 😍 Style it casually with jeans or go Smart Casual over trousers or a dress. Sizes XX-Small to XX-Large, also in Tan.
Knit Peacoat – $218.99
I was so jazzed to see some of these Frank & Eileen Mini-Belfast jackets in the sale! (I have one from a prior season that I wear almost daily!) They’re machine washable and hold up well.
For you Autumns (and some Springs) there’s also one in Redwood. I recommend sizing down; they do run a little large.
Cotton Twill Swing Jacket – $59.99
This lightweight jacket is great for cool evenings and transitioning into fall. I like that it can be buttoned all the way up for a funnel-neck look.
Also available in light Olive and Navy, sizes XX-Small to XX-Large.
Packable rain jacket – $139.99
An unlined, packable hooded rain jacket like this one is perfect for transitional season travel. Comes with a matching pouch for packing.
It’s offered in several neutral colors. Per sizing notes, it runs small, so you may want to size up to be able to layer up underneath. Sizes X-Small to X-Large.
Sweaters & Cardigans
Basketweave collared cardigan – $249.99
This good-looking cotton blend cardigan from rag & bone is another versatile transitional season piece. Wear on its own or as a top layer. Sizes XX-Small to X-Large. (I usually take an X-Small in this brand’s tops.)
This moss/olive color is a good one for you Autumns!
Relaxed merino wool v-neck – $178.99
Merino wool is great option for travel and transitional season wear. This Blue Spruce color is a good one for you Winters and Blue Autumns. Also available in “Wren” (taupe) in sizes XX-Small to X-large. (These sweaters run quite roomy, so I’d suggest going down 1 or even 2 sizes..)
Also in Plus HERE.
Cashmere crewneck – $98.99
A wardrobe staple, this classic fit sweater is offered in several colors. Sizes XX-Small to XX-Large.
Also in Plus, HERE.
Cotton-blend Shaker stitch cardigan – $65.99
Nautical & nice for summer-to-fall wear. Also available in rust with black stripes, sizes XX-Small to XX-Large.
Longline open cardigan – $52.99
I know many of you love these long cardigans, so wanted to flag this one. It’s available in several colors, but this “Forever Blue” is a good one for you Summers.
Sizes XX-Small to XX-Large, and Plus HERE.
Johnny collar sweater – $65.99
I really like the contrast trim on this collared cotton-blend sweater! Also available in ivory, sizes XX-Small to XX-Large.
Jeans
You can always find some good denim options in the Anniversary sale, though some of the most popular styles tend to go quickly. For a classic, versatile jean it’s hard to go wrong with a straight-leg style.
The O.G. (Levi’s 501) – $64.99
501 fans will appreciate this classic dark wash! Sizes 23-32 with a 30″ inseam.
Popular straight leg with stretch – $139.99
These Paige “Cindy” jeans are always a best-seller. I like this versatile mid-blue wash, and clean, broken-in-but-not-distressed look. These have a bit of stretch for comfort. Sizes 23-34.
Ex-boyfriend jeans – $163.99
This “ex-boyfriend” style is one I’ve worn regularly for the last few years. They’re easy to style and a nice marriage of slim and slouchy. I like this wash: a little bit faded, but not too distressed.
Back in Black – $171.99
A girl does not live by blue jeans alone, and if black jeans are in your repertoire, these Frame “le Sleek” jeans are a good option. I like the softly washed black, which I think would be easier to wear year-round than a jet black.
Sizes 23-34.
Always well-rated – $78.99
This NYDJ “Marilyn” style (here in Plus) has been a perennial, and I think this dark-ish blue wash is versatile and timeless.
Shoes
As always, some of the best finds are in the shoe department! There are boatloads of great sneakers in the sale, but today’s edit features a few other versatile footwear styles.
Snazzy loafers – $79.99
Sam Edelman loafers always get good marks for comfort and style, and I’m really liking this slightly ruched look. Several colors available, but I think this chocolate brown and the Burgundy suede are both standouts!
Wear-now-wear-later comfort – $59.99
These Ilse Jacobsen slip-ons are always a fan favorite, and I thought this leopard print was a fun addition! Also available in three solid colors.
Dial up your casual outfits – $219.99
I love how a slingback shoe adds instant polish to denim or other casual looks. These from Vince caught my eye, and are also available in black leather and beige suede.
Sleek & waterproof – $109.99
There’s a really good selection of Blondo waterproof shoes & boots in the sale. These sleek Chelsea boots would be great for travel and day-to-dinner wear.
Accessories
Freshwater pearl earrings – $89.99
I’m a big fan of Monica Vinader jewelry for its modern but wearable aesthetic. These pearl earrings are such a nice size for everyday wear!
Sleek convertible crossbody – $249.99
If your style leans more minimalist, you might like this simple crossbody bag. It looks like a good size for travel, with a wide (adjustable) strap for comfort. Also in black.
Rockstar sunglasses – $171.99
Sunglasses are an often overlooked accessory that can add so much style and attitude to your summer outfits! I love this fun cat-eye style from Isabel Marant.
Colorful woven tote – $254.99
Many of you clicked on this standout tote when I first shared it a few weeks ago. Now that it’s included in the sale, you might want to have another look.
It’s water-resistant, and comes with a matching pouch!
Next up, I’ll be sharing what’s on my wish list. And I’ll be providing updates throughout the sale, so do check back!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale can be a great opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with quality pieces at a discount—but it’s easy to get sidetracked. Planning ahead, sticking to your needs (and style), and avoiding impulse buys can help you make the most of it. Are you shopping the Anniversary Sale this year? What’s on your radar? I’d love to hear what you’re looking for—or skipping—in the comments!
This article was previously published on July 7, 2024, and has been updated to provide additional tips and relevant product suggestions.
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Many thanks for the heads-up on the sale and the tips, Susan. I just discovered the brand Avec Les Filles! They have some lovely jackets and coats that are quite interesting and could work for me– the cotton twill Heritage Peacoat and a plaid double-breasted herringbone trench to name but two. Time to go through the closet and make a list as you suggest! Enjoy the rest of your weekend~xx
Thanks for some ideas. I’m underwhelmed by this year’s offerings — and note that the EF merino v-neck you’ve shown, for example, is actually from two years ago. It can be purchased on resale sites, brand new, for one-quarter of the price. Not sure why Nordstrom is doing this (to clear out old stock?), but last year I purchased an EF blouse during the anniv sale, only to find it had been sold a year earlier for less than what I paid during the sale. I guess my mantra is, caveat emptor — let the buyer beware!
I have also personally gained from Nordstrom’s practice of placing many of the same items on sale again at Black Friday at sometimes lower price points. Don’t despair if you miss an item you loved- there could be a second chance.
Wow thank you for all your creative, hard work to gather ideas for outfits plus tips on how to shop the sale. I love it!!
Thanks, Laura!
Hello
I am planning a trip to Japan next May. It will be along one ending in a 20 day cruise back to Seattle by way of Alaska. It’s a lot to pack for. I’m currently taking one of the popular weight loss injections and hope to drop a size before next spring. Shoes are probably my safest buy right now.
I would love to see articles about what to wear traveling when you are not going to France or Europe.
Hi Cristi, most of the travel wardrobes I share will work for multiple destinations. Check out my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub: you can use the filters for season and trip length to find the articles most helpful for your planning.
Always look forward to seeing your picks. In my first go-through earlier this week, I had flagged the boucle jacket and also the swing jacket…great minds! A couple of things I always look for are Caslon plain cotton v-neck tees; bought a couple last year and they are a nice heavy weight with a little stretch. That’s my go-to “at home” uniform, with shorts or knit pants. And, Natori sports bras, comfortable and supportive for we of the larger busts! I REALLY don’t need any shoes right now, so am trying ignore that section; same with cashmere sweaters, as I live in Houston & usually only wear them when traveling. Except they have a magnetic pull on me!
Ah…this post is not for me as, you will understand.
Greetje
Thanks for the advice. At first the only thing I saw on NAS was my usual sale underwear, then second time through many items jumped on to my wish list. Your comments help in evaluating why I put them on my list. A sale is great, we save money, right? But not if we buy items we don’t really need just because it’s on sale. I’ve done that in the past to my regret.