It’s no secret the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the biggest shopping events of the year around here. Every summer I look forward to it because it’s the perfect opportunity to start building my fall wardrobe before the season officially arrives. If you’ve been following along for a while, you know the routine—we make our wishlists, plan ahead, and grab those investment pieces while they’re still on sale. It’s become one of my favorite traditions, and honestly, there’s no better time to refresh your closet.
If you’re new to the sale, here’s why everyone gets so excited. Unlike most sales, this isn’t a clearance event. Everything included is brand-new merchandise for the upcoming season that’s temporarily marked down before returning to full price. That means you’re shopping fresh fall arrivals instead of leftover inventory, which is what makes this sale so worth it.
When You Can Shop
| Status | Shop Date |
|---|---|
| Icon Early Access | July 14 |
| Ambassador Early Access | July 15 |
| Influencer Early Access | July 16–17 |
| Everyone | July 18–August 9 |
💡 Tip: Preview the sale before your shopping date and save your favorites to your Wishlist. The best pieces almost always sell out quickly, so having everything ready to go makes checkout much easier.
I always recommend shopping intentionally instead of filling your cart with trendy pieces you’ll only wear once. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the perfect time to invest in quality basics and elevated staples that you’ll wear all fall, winter, and even into next spring.
Best of Denim
Denim is always one of the first categories I shop because so many premium brands are included. You’ll find everything from classic straight-leg jeans to relaxed wide-leg styles, barrel jeans, and everyday denim that works with sneakers, loafers, or boots. Madewell, PAIGE, Good American, Levi’s, and AG always have some of my favorite sale picks.
Jackets & Outerwear
If there’s one category that gives you the most value during the sale, it’s outerwear. This year I’m seeing beautiful suede jackets, lightweight trenches, oversized blazers, quilted jackets, denim layers, and classic wool coats that you’ll wear for years. These are the pieces that instantly make an outfit look put together.
Tops & Sweaters
Nordstrom never disappoints when it comes to cozy sweaters. From chunky cable knits to lightweight cardigans and elevated everyday pullovers, this is one of my favorite categories every single year. Free People, Treasure & Bond, Open Edit, and BP. always have styles that become wardrobe staples.
Dresses
Whether you’re shopping for work, church, date nights, weddings, or everyday wear, there are so many versatile dresses included in the sale. I’m especially loving sweater dresses, knit midis, shirt dresses, and easy transitional styles that pair perfectly with boots, loafers, or sneakers as the weather cools down.
Boots & Shoes
Fall shoes are always one of the smartest purchases during the Anniversary Sale. Knee-high boots, western boots, suede ankle boots, loafers, ballet flats, and everyday sneakers are all worth adding to your cart before prices go back up. Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman, Vince Camuto, and Steve Madden have some really good options again this year.
Handbags & Accessories
If you’ve been wanting to invest in a quality handbag, this is the time. You’ll find beautiful suede shoulder bags, leather crossbodies, everyday totes, travel bags, belts, sunglasses, and jewelry from brands like Coach, Marc Jacobs, AllSaints, and more. These timeless accessories are pieces you’ll reach for year after year.
Activewear
This is the perfect opportunity to replace worn-out leggings, pick up a new matching set, or grab a lightweight jacket for walks, travel, or running errands. Zella continues to be one of my favorite brands for buttery-soft leggings and basics, and you’ll also find amazing deals on Nike, Adidas, FP Movement, Spanx AirEssentials, Vuori, and New Balance. Running shoes are another category I always recommend checking because they rarely go on sale. Whether you’re headed to the gym, traveling, or simply love a cute athleisure outfit, now is the perfect time to stock up.
Beauty & Skincare
During the Anniversary Sale, I always look for jumbo sizes of products I already love, limited-edition skincare bundles, makeup sets, and salon-quality hair tools that rarely go on sale. Whether you’re replacing your everyday moisturizer, trying a new serum, or finally splurging on that hair dryer you’ve been eyeing, this is the time to do it. Beauty sets also make amazing gifts, so I like grabbing a few now and tucking them away for birthdays and the holidays later in the year.
Home & Travel Favorites
One category that doesn’t get enough attention during the Anniversary Sale is home and travel. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your luggage, bedding, or everyday home essentials, this is one of the best times all year to do it.I always browse the travel section because you’ll find great deals on luggage sets, weekender bags, travel organizers, packing cubes, and carry-ons from brands that rarely go on sale. Whether you have a fall trip planned or you’re already thinking ahead to holiday travel, it’s a smart time to invest in pieces you’ll use for years. The home section is another hidden gem. Cozy throws, luxury bedding, plush towels, candles, kitchen essentials, and small home upgrades are all included in the sale. It’s the perfect excuse to give your bedroom or living space a little refresh before the cooler months arrive.
Designer Finds
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is also one of the best opportunities to score designer pieces at a rare discount. If you’ve been waiting to invest in a quality handbag, a timeless pair of sunglasses, or elevated accessories, this is your chance.I always browse brands like Saint Laurent, Coach, Marc Jacobs, AllSaints, Longchamp, and more because these classic pieces never really go out of style. A beautiful leather handbag, designer wallet, or everyday sunglasses are the kinds of purchases you’ll use for years, making them well worth the investment. If there’s a designer item that’s been sitting on your wishlist, don’t wait too long—these are often some of the first pieces to sell out during Early Access.
This sale always feels like the unofficial start of fall for me. It’s the perfect chance to refresh your wardrobe with timeless pieces you’ll actually wear instead of impulse purchases that end up sitting in your closet. I love focusing on elevated basics, quality denim, versatile layers, and accessories that make getting dressed so much easier.
As always, I’ll be sharing all of my favorite finds, daily deals, and restocks throughout the sale, so be sure you’re following along on Instagram, checking my LTK, and watching my Stories because things sell out—and restock—fast!
Happy Shopping!
xoxo,
Jena
