I’m a Personal Stylist Here’s What I Always Look For During The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Photo Credit: marinafilatovaaa
Raise your hand if you’ve ever blacked out during a sale, only to end up with a glittery dress you wore once and a random clutch that’s still in your closet… somewhere.
Same.
That’s why I stopped chasing sale “steals” and started shopping sales like a stylist. Instead of scrolling for hours and panic-adding to cart, I ask one simple question: Will I actually wear this more than twice?
Because cute doesn’t count if it never leaves the hanger.
If you’re prepping for something like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (or Prime Day, or any of the 87 “can’t miss” summer sales), here’s what I always look for—pieces that actually fill a gap in my wardrobe, show up in outfit formulas, and help me avoid style spirals down the line.
Not sure what works for your body shape? Take the free Body Shape Quiz to find your fit, then shop with confidence.
What Is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the biggest shopping events of the year—and for good reason. Unlike most sales that mark down end-of-season leftovers, this one does the opposite. You get brand-new fall arrivals and wardrobe staples at discounted prices before they go back up.
Here’s how it works:
Nordstrom releases a curated selection of new-season pieces across fashion, beauty, shoes, and home—all temporarily marked down. Once the sale ends, everything goes back to full price.
Early Access for Nordstrom cardmembers starts July 8
The public sale opens July 12 and runs through August 3
If you’re a Nordstrom cardmember, you’ll get early shopping privileges depending on your Nordy Club status—which means a better shot at grabbing those sell-out items before they’re gone.
Whether you’re rebuilding your wardrobe or just shopping smarter this year, the Anniversary Sale is the perfect time to invest in pieces you’ll actually wear.
1. Elevated Basics I Wear Year-Round
Ribbed tanks, layering tees, longline cardigans, cotton button-downs. These are the real MVPs. I’m not above buying multiples when I find a good one.
Dune Sleeveless Organic Cotton Gauze Popover Top
$88
Luxe Sculpt Tie Back Top
$55
Aimee Denim Vest
$98
2. That One Jacket I’ll Actually Wear
Usually a blazer or a cropped jacket that instantly pulls a look together. If I can throw it over leggings and still feel cute? Add to cart.
The Icon Blazer
$98
Cocoon Sleeve Denim Jacket
$128
Wool Blend Crop Jacket
$189
3. Comfy Bottoms That Still Look Polished
Soft trousers, pull-on wide-legs, straight-leg jeans in neutral washes. Bonus if they look like work pants but feel like pajamas.
Rumi Wide Leg Drawstring Jeans
$249
Meg Fab Ab High Waist Cuffed Hem Wide Leg Jeans
$109
Good Standard Barrel Jeans
$159
4. Shoes That Replace Something I’m Already Wearing On Repeat
My rule: If I wear one pair on repeat, I look for something similar before they fall apart.
Samba OG Sneaker
$100
Miller Sandal
$228
Relan Mary Jane Ballet Flat
$130
5. Everyday Bags That Go With Everything
I skip the trendy minis and hunt for medium-size shoulder bags or crossbodies in my wardrobe palette. If it doesn’t match at least 3 outfits, it’s not coming home with me.
Brooklyn 28 Shoulder Bag
$295
Large Le Pliage Tote
$165
Hana Mini Faux Suede Tote
$98
Kira Diamond Quilted Leather Card Case
$98
6.Layer-Friendly Dresses
Something I can wear solo in summer and layer with tights, boots, or knits in fall. I always peek at the dress section with layering in mind—especially neutrals or soft prints.
Fadrid Ribbed Pleated A-Line Dress
$495
Zip Front Sleeveless Denim Midi Dress with Smocked Waist Detail
$98
Daisy Sleeveless Denim Midi Dress
$99
7. Sleep + Lounge Staples
Matching sets, cozy robes, elevated pajamas—especially if they’re under $50. You know the ones that make you feel put together even when you’re doing nothing? Those.
Cooling 2 Piece Pajama Set - Sleeveless Square Neck Top and Pants
$79.95
Suzanna Pajama Cami And Pants Set
$54.95
Airpiqué Straight Leg Pants
$128
A deal is only a deal if it fits your life, your closet, and your real style—not your fantasy self who lives in a rom-com montage. Save your money for the pieces you’ll wear on repeat, not the ones you’ll forget you bought.
And if you’re prepping for Nordstrom’s sale like I am? Stay tuned—I’ve got a curated list coming soon.
P.S. Still figuring out what flatters your shape? Take the free Body Shape Quiz and start shopping with a game plan.
