How to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (and what’s on my wish list)

It’s just about that time again…the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kicks off this week with early access for cardholders. Today I’m sharing some of my strategies for making the most of this sale (without getting overwhelmed or losing focus).

While this sale can be over-hyped, I do think it’s worth checking out. It features new styles for fall, so it’s not the same picked-over stuff we’ve all been looking at for the last few months. There are always some good finds in the mix, though I’ll admit the past few years’ selections overall have been a bit “meh.” So I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find quite a lot of Wow items worth a closer look. Usually, if I come away with 1-3 “keepers,” I consider that a success. And aside from clothing and accessories, there are usually opportunities to replenish lingerie, hosiery, and beauty favorites at reduced prices.

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 11 depending on your Nordy Club status. (Check your account information for your status and access date.) The “All Skate” access (everyone else) is July 17.

The good news is, you still have some time to go through the preview. 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.

Here’s the strategy I use to get the most from this sale:

👉 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:

👉 Next, I’ll have a list of any specific items I might be looking to replace or update, and will search by category. For example:

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.

👉 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 check back periodically. Returns and restocks happen throughout the sale period. With the shift toward shopping more online rather than in stores, there will be more tendency for people to order multiple sizes and return what doesn’t fit.

I’ve added more of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks to my SHOP page, and will be updating throughout the sale, so do check back regularly.

What’s on my wish list (so far)…

Jackets

I’ve spied quite a few very good looking jackets; here are a couple I’ve added to my list:

I’m always on the lookout for good knit blazers, and this green one looks to be right in my Spring palette! (Could probably work for some of you brighter Autumns, too.)

IMO, this little cotton jacket punches well above it’s weight, price-wise. It’s so nice to see some styles that are more shaped and fitted; this one looks like it would be very flattering. There’s princess seaming in the back. It’s available in several colors, though I’m partial to this “sequoia.” Sizes XX-Small to XX-Large. Plus here.

Sweaters

I know it’s hard to think about sweaters in the middle of summer, but there are some really nice ones in the sale…

This argyle v-neck cotton cardigan is just too cute to pass up! (And my guess is this one will fly out the door once the sale starts.) Sizes X-Small to X-Large.

Vince always does such lovely sweaters, and I have my eye on this classic v-neck style in a wool & cashmere blend. Two other colors available (both good for you Summers.) Sizes XX-Small to X-Large (in my experience, Vince sweaters tend to run large).

Pants

Chocolate brown is one of my preferred neutrals, but isn’t always widely available, so I’m trying to pick up a piece here and there when I can. These pants are a cotton blend, and have a versatile slim-straight cut. Sizes 0-16.

Shoes

I’ve been looking to replace an older pair of leopard print loafers for some time, but never found the combination of style and print that appealed to me. These might just work…and they’re under $100 during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Also available in Cream and Black leather.

These little western-style booties are mighty cute, and they’re from Paul Green so they should be mighty comfortable too…

Accessories & beauty

I’m loving a bracelet stack these days…these stretch bracelets with gold and amazonite beads should layer well with my other pieces.

I’ve strayed away from more statement earrings in recent years because my lobes can no longer tolerate heavy ones. But I’m curious to see whether these cool hoops might be light enough to wear comfortably (especially with extra support backings like these).

I’m a big fan of Sunday Riley C.E.O. brightening Vitamin C serum, and have been wanting to the try the Good Genes exfoliator. So I’m going to take advantage of the sale price on this set.

Don’t forget to check out my SHOP page for more of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks HERE

And I’ll be updating throughout the sale, so do check back!

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14 Comments

  1. Such helpful information and shopping strategies! I really like the fitted cotton jacket. So many jackets and blazers are boxy these days which doesn’t work for me so thanks for sharing it. I will start adding things to my wishlist today…

  2. Hi, Susan!
    Unfortunately, the links in the composite photos aren’t working. Help, please? Thank you!

    1. Hi Margee, thanks for letting me know. They seem to be working fine for me, what happens when you click on them? Are you on a mobile or desktop?

  3. Thanks Susan! As always, you have a great eye. Question: I never bought Vince pants before but I don’t see a size chart with those brown pants—it says TTS but does Vince usually run small?

    1. Hi Sally, thanks! I haven’t purchased any Vince pants in a while. I’ll report back once I’ve had a chance to try these.

    2. Hi Sally—I’m jumping in to say that I’m a big fan of the Vince brand, and in my experience their pants run TTS or even a little large. If in doubt, order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit; Nordstrom has a generous return policy. P.S. I have my eye on those brown trousers, too!

  4. Glad to see jackets that are not boxy & oversized. I love the little collarless cotton jacket and happy to see it comes in olive. Thanks for the tips. I’ve not tried shopping this sale as I’ve never lived near a Nordstroms store and am unfamiliar with most of the brands. I may give it a try this year.

  5. Hi Susan, I’m not sure if it’s a problem with the link to Nordstrom or because I reside in the Vancouver BC area however it will not direct me. Any suggestions?

    1. Hi Elizabeth, I’m so sorry…Nordstrom at one point had a separate Canadian website and the US links didn’t work there. I’m checking with them to see if there’s a way to get links to work for those in Canada.

  6. Thanks Susan! I am having a hard time finding ankle boots that aren’t pointy/narrow. They are so uncomfortable on my feet. Have you found any?

  7. Hi Susan! Just wanted to pop in and share a few things. I wore a green shirt to church (I sing in the front) and a lady (who was wearing nice colors) came up to me afterward and said — you should always wear that color! LOL! It was interesting. I will keep this blouse! It was a thrift find, and just on the leafy and brighter side of an olive green. I knew I looked good in olive.
    Also, yesterday I watched the Instagram video you did with Annie and Ivana and it was very enjoyable. I feel more knowledgeable about my style type — like Annie, I am very likely an adventurer/girl next door/natural/gentlewoman type. It has helped me realize where I might differentiate some of my looks from what you are doing as a gamine. For example, I like the idea of leopard print, but it’s always a little too far out and exotic for me to go big into it, even though the colors are good. Maybe I will find the right fit but when I’ve tried the animal prints have been too dramatic for my girl next door vibe. Yesterday I thrifted two pieces in a great cinnamon color, somewhat inspired by the video.
    Oh I also learned how you pronounce, une femme d’un certain age. It’s not how I was imagining it as a Midwesterner. LOL.
    Hope you are having a lovely summer day!

  8. Providing lists by brand and category with links was so, SO helpful! Thank you, thank you!

    I want a makeup mirror with bright light leaning more white than warm.
    Do you have the simple human makeup mirror? If so, can you provide feedback about the lighting?

    Thanks for such a well organized post.