Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026: My Strategy + Best Basics by Seasonal Palette
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is almost upon us—and if your inbox looks anything like mine, you already know. 😉 If you’ve been shopping this sale for years (as I suspect many of you have), you know the drill, so this year I’m skipping the basics and getting straight to how I shop it with intention—and without getting swept up in the hype.
My take hasn’t changed: the sale can get over-hyped, but it’s still worth a look. Unlike typical sales clearing out past-season merchandise, this one features new fall arrivals, so you get first pick of the good stuff. And this year’s selection feels…solid. Fewer “hold the phone” pieces, but some good, wearable finds that can add dimension to a fall wardrobe. I call it a win if I come away with a couple of real keepers, plus a few essentials—lingerie, hosiery, beauty staples—at a nice savings.
Here’s How I’m Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
LIPSTICK | WATCH | LOAFERS | BAG
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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 14 depending on your Nordy Club status. Check your account information for your status and access date. “All Skate” access (everyone else) starts July 18.
Narrowing the Field: Shop by Category & Brand
👉 There’s SO much in this sale that aimless scrolling gets overwhelming fast. I start with categories, and use the dropdown menu to search by item types, (e.g. Jeans & Denim, Shoes, Coats & Jackets, etc.). Within each of these sections you can select sub-categories to narrow your search further.
👉 Then I take a look by brand. Some of my favorites in the sale this year include Vince, rag & bone, Eileen Fisher, Veronica Beard, Frame, Frank & Eileen, Paul Green, MOTHER, Vionic, Sam Edelman, Madewell, AllSaints, Tory Burch, Aquatalia, Caslon, Treasure & Bond, Barbour, Theory, Halogen.
PRIMER | BRACELETS | SHOES | BAG
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👉 If something catches my eye, I add it to my Wish List in my size (or multiple sizes if I’m unsure). That way, when I’m eligible to shop, I can just move it right into my cart without having to search for it again. And if something I had my eye on is sold out, I keep it there—popular items are often restocked during the sale, so checking back periodically can help me snag “the one that got away.”
A note about inventory: over the years, I’ve found the pieces that tend to sell out quickly are often either the most eye-catching styles from popular mid-range brands, or certain classic denim styles. So if I’m prioritizing, I’ll add those to cart and purchase first, and save the “house brands” (e.g. Nordstrom, Caslon, Halogen, Open Edit, Treasure & Bond) for later, as those often are more deeply stocked. Your mileage may vary.
BOOTS | BLUSH | WATCH | EYESHADOW
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First Round Picks: Versatile Basics (With Seasonal Palette Recommendations)
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.
Notes:
- I haven’t seen any of these in person yet, so can’t address sizing or fit.
- I’ve included seasonal color recommendations for some items based on online images, but IRL colors may vary. Not sure of your seasonal palette? Come see me for a Personal Color Analysis!
- You can shop my full Anniversary Sale edit HERE.
Jackets & Coats
There are so many great looking jackets and coats in this sale! Here are a few standouts that caught my eye.
Ponte Knit Blazer – $329.99
I’m always on the lookout for polished jackets and blazers that don’t read as “corporate.” This one—in a travel-friendly ponte knit—delivers.
This color looks like a nice mid-navy that should work across all seasonal palettes.
Gathered Detail Suede Jacket – $232.99
There are several suede jackets in the sale, but this one has been featured prominently in their marketing. A softer and more feminine take on the standard suede jacket.
Springs & Autumns, this lovely warm cognac color is great for you!
Longline Rain Jacket – $129.99
Plaid and check pattern jackets and coats are popular and often sell quickly. Here’s a cute rain jacket in a subtle, wearable check pattern.
This colorway is pretty neutral, so can work for Springs, Autumns, and most Summers. There’s also a warm, light mustard color, should work for most Springs and Autumns.
Barbour Casual Jacket – $199.99
There are quite a few nice Barbour pieces in the sale, including this zip-front jacket, a versatile, wearable, transitional-season piece. Also available in Plus.
This olive is great for Autumns, other colors available.
Sweaters & Cardigans
Tipped Cotton-Cashmere Cardigan – $244.99
Vince always has some really good sweaters in this sale, and it’s hard to narrow down my picks. But I really like the subtle tipped detail on this collared cardi. It also looks like a nice travel-friendly weight.
The dark navy here is good for you Winters, two off-white options also available.
Cashmere V-Neck – $112.99
A classic cashmere sweater at a budget-friendly price!
The light blue shown is great for Summers and most Winters. Other colors in this style:
- Pink Adobe – Summers & Autumns
- Brown Mole – Springs & Autumns
- Beige Beach – Springs & Autumns
Textured Cotton Cardigan – $92.99
I love a structured cardigan! This one in cotton is good for transitional seasons and milder climates. Also in Plus.
Autumns, this olive color looks close to “Moss” in your palette. The “Brown Chocolate” color is great for Springs and Autumns. The navy stripe could work for Winters, though you may want to swap out the gold buttons for silver.
Cashmere Tee – $85.99
You might be surprised by how versatile a short-sleeve cashmere sweater can be!
This one’s offered in a bunch of colors—Winters & Summers, check out “Red Jazzy” which looks close to Raspberry in your palettes!
Jeans (a Neutral for Every Palette)
I consider most dark-to-mid denim washes to be neutral, and wearable across all seasonal palettes.
Miramar Pull-on Jeans – $131.99
I’ve been wearing my Miramar jeans almost non-stop this summer! These are a slightly different style: longer and pull-on. 100% cotton. (I predict they’ll sell quickly.)
“Le Sleek” Straight Leg Jeans – $185.99
A straight leg jean is a perennial that’s easy to style. This one from Frame is popular, and also offered in Petites!!
“Anessa” Wide Leg – $172.99
Here’s another popular style included in the sale that’s also offered in Petites! These are nicely fitted through the hip and upper thigh, with a wide leg that’s not overwhelming.
Shoes
I always find some of the best sale selections in the shoe department, and this year is no exception!
Sleek Loafers – $179.99
I love the classic-but-modern look of these. A friend of mine has a similar pair from Tory Burch and swears by their comfort & style.
Black is for Winters, and the cognac suede works for Springs & Autumns.
Waterproof Bootie – $364.99
I always make a point to check out the footwear from Aquatalia in the sale. I’ve traveled often with their booties, which are waterproof and comfortable for all-day walking!
These are also available in black and lighter brown suede.
Low-Top Sneaker – $89.99
This sneaker style from Vionic has been very popular with my readers. Both colors offered are good for Springs & Autumns.
Retro Trainer – $199.99
I purchased similar rag & bone sneakers in last year’s anniversary sale and they are still favorites!
This crisp navy-and-white combo is great for you Winters & Summers, as well as the red and white option. Autumns & Springs, go for the beige and white.
Next week, 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 5 2025, and has been updated to provide additional tips and relevant product suggestions.
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Wow thank you Susan! these are such great choices! I’m loving my R&B Miramar jeans as well.
I created my Anniversary wish list yesterday – using many of the same techniques: check favored brands first, look at available colors. It’s always fun to see if any of my potential items also ended up on your list. I haven’t tried the Miramar jeans but based on your positive mention, I added them to my list.
I went to my first Nordstrom Anniversary sale in college (as in FIFTY+ years ago!) and it’s very different and yet, the tradition continues. Nordstrom is 125 years old this year and at the front of the digital catalogue, the three Nordstrom scions who are currently involved in executive management wrote a very lovely tribute to memories and traditions of loyal shoppers.
Thank you so much for your work on this.
I have been reviewing and editing my wish list over and over and over again. Your comments about colors and their suggested palettes are very helpful.
I’ve shopped the Nordstrom anniversary sale for decades, some years more than others. I find reliable quality basic pieces that stay in my wardrobe for decades, too.
Great choices! Thank you!
Today I remind myself that with the chaos and anger in the world, if my biggest complaint is that this year’s Anniversary Sale is a bust, I am very fortunate.