It’s that time of year again.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is just around the corner, and if your inbox is anything like mine, you’ve probably already been bombarded with “must-have” lists, influencers filling shopping carts, and countdown timers telling you to buy now before everything sells out.
Take a deep breath.
The Anniversary Sale can absolutely be worth shopping—but only if you have a plan.
The beauty of this sale isn’t buying more. It’s buying better.
Unlike traditional clearance sales, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale offers brand-new fall merchandise at sale prices before everything returns to full price. Early Access begins this week for Nordstrom cardmembers, but right now is actually the most important part of the sale.
Now if you are saying, just show me the picks!….scroll down to the bottom of today’s post for what I shopped and links at both Nordstrom and the Nordstrom Rack!
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 Shopping Dates
The online preview is live, making this the perfect time to build your Wish List before your shopping window opens.
Early Access Dates
- Icon Members: July 14–17
- Ambassador Members: July 15–17
- Influencer Members: July 16–17
- Everyone: July 18–August 9
Don’t skip the preview.
Adding items to your Wish List now means you can check out quickly when your shopping date arrives instead of panic shopping because everyone else is filling their carts.
After years of covering – and working – this sale, I’ve learned that the smartest shoppers aren’t the fastest—they’re the most intentional.
Before You Shop, Shop Your Closet
This is always my first step.
Before I even open the Nordstrom website, I take inventory of my own closet.
Do I actually need anything?
Is there a gap I’m trying to fill?
Would this replace something that’s worn out?
Or am I simply chasing that little dopamine rush that comes with buying something new?
Sometimes I discover I already own three versions of what I thought I “needed.”
My Golden Rule: If It Isn’t a “Hell Yes,” It’s a No
This rule has saved me thousands of dollars over the years.
If I don’t absolutely love something—if I can’t picture myself wearing it over and over—it stays in the cart.
Especially when it comes to fashion/trend pieces.
Why? Many of the more “trendy” clothing and shoe styles that don’t sell out during the Anniversary Sale eventually make their way to the sale racks in September, often at a lower markdown, and by then, you may have moved on.
And for those of us living in warmer climates, let’s be honest…
That gorgeous cashmere sweater or suede boot may spend the next four months hanging under a garment bag until November.
By then, you may have completely different ideas about what you want for fall.
Buying something because it’s on sale is rarely a good reason to buy it.
Shop by Category—Not by Browsing
One of the easiest ways to overspend?
Browsing.
I only shop the categories where I know I need something.
Need new athletic shoes? Go directly there.
Looking for great savings on bras? Reviewed by me earlier this year along with over 2000+ online reviews – my go-to bra by Honeylove is now $45.99, reg $69. For all sale panties, socks, bras – head on over to lingerie.
Need a coat or jacket? Only shop coats.
I don’t wander into handbags if I don’t need one.
I don’t browse denim “just to look.”
The fewer temptations you put in front of yourself, the easier it is to stick to your budget.
Filter by the Brands You Already Love
This is probably my favorite shopping tip.
Instead of scrolling through hundreds of products, immediately filter by:
- Your size
- Brands you already know fit you well
- Colors you’ll actually wear
I know which brands consistently work for my body and lifestyle.
That’s where I start.
What Is Worth Buying During the Anniversary Sale?
There are some categories that I think truly shine during this event because they rarely go on sale.
These are the items I look for first:
- Bras and underwear. Filter by size and brand here.
- Athletic wear from brands like Vuori, Varley, and SPANX. Great buys on core pieces like the popular The SPANX Air Essential- perfect for travel – set, in 3 colors: wide leg pant (here) | 1/2 zip sweatshirt (here)
- Quality footwear, like Paul Green – the Eddie Combat Boot is in my wishlist – or the popular (and personal fave!) New Balance 327 sneaker in white/black (here), in sea salt (here). Need to replace your HOKAS? Check out what’s on sale (HERE).
- Wardrobe basics, like Frank and Eileen, that you’ll wear year after year. I‘ve had my eye on the Frank and Eileen Tipperary knit coat for over a year now, and since I’ve never caught it on sale, I did pick it up in “Toasted” (a camel color) to replace my ancient Uniqlo camel topper. Reg $398, now $265.99. Based on reviews, I went with my regular size small in this one. The popular Belfast Knit Peacoat, a shorter, hip-length version of this knit coat, is available in this gorgeous new dark green color, now $233.99 (HERE)
- Premium Denim: If you are like me, and have been eyeing the Rag and Bone Miramar “sweatpant jean” and doing the sale dance, she’s now $131.99 (reg $199) HERE, and I did pick this up with the Frank and Eileen knit coat. The FRAME Le Palazzo (click here for my ASB review + outfit photos), now $185.00 (reg $278) HERE, for barrel lovers, the AG “Hattie” is now $169.99 (reg $255) in a 4-season wash HERE and KUT has added front seams in a dark wash to the popular “Meg” jean, now $74.99 HERE. I want to mention – NOT on sale – but my most favorite jean right now is the MOTHER Lemon Twist jean (styled below). She is a cross between a barrel and a flare and feels so fresh and updated. I own this jean in cream, and it is my go-to right now. You can check her out here in all washes, also in petite “lil lemon twist”, HERE
- Accessories like a classic leather belt, or a silk – I am really loving skinny scarves to tie on your neck, in your hair, or on your bag, like THESE by Lost Pattern for $34.99 (vs. Longchamp for $150!) – or a cashmere scarf which can go 3-4 seasons wear. For regular price belts, I have been wearing (THIS, above right) leather braided “Isabel Marant vibe” belt in rust all summer long, $55, HERE
- Jewelry – Monica Vinader has a large selection of pieces on sale. You know I love her rings, earrings, and of course, my favorite Goddess Pendant Charm, now $106.99, and Nura Cross Over ring with sparkling lab-grown diamonds (here).
- Handbags – if you need one
- AWAY Luggage – my ** FAVORITE BRAND! ** is a part of the Anniversary Sale in 2 gorgeous colors: oxblood red and tawny tan. If I needed a new set, this would be it! I personally own three pieces: the Bigger Carry-On (reg $345, now $257.99), Medium Flex Suitcase (reg $395, now $295.99), and Everywhere Duffle Bag, not on sale, but the Everyday Tote is on sale to coordinate with either luggage sale colors (reg $98, now $72)
- Beauty value sets if they’re products you already use, hair or beauty tools and devices, or fantastic deals on gift sets like this 3-piece demi candle set from Voluspa for under $40.
Tap arrows to scroll, tap on any photo for details
Don’t Forget About Nordstrom Rack
Here’s a little secret…
Before I spend much time on the Anniversary Sale, I almost always check Nordstrom Rack.
It’s often where I find incredible deals on the foundation pieces I wear right now—basic tees, denim, knit tops, layering pieces, and everyday essentials. Like (THIS) short-sleeve faux leather Veronica Beard dupe from DKNY, reg $149, now $12.97! Or (THIS) beautiful raffia bag from Sam Edelman, was $265, now $76.97, also from Sam Edelman, the Elaina Tote – perfect for work – is now 71% off at $69.96 (was $245). Just in, the Cortina wool/cashmere Scarf Neck sweater in black and ginger (khaki/tan) from Rails. Was $288, now $86.97 (PRESS HERE for black, HERE for ginger)
Sometimes the best purchase isn’t the newest arrival.
It’s the beautifully made staple you’ll wear this evening.
A Few of My Favorite Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks
After sifting through the sale, here are a few of my favorite finds. These may or may not be the most talked-about pieces or the items everyone is rushing to buy. They’re the ones I think offer the best value – a few tried and true- that caught my eye, fill real wardrobe needs, and have the potential to become hard-working favorites in your closet for years to come.
