What to buy and what to skip from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, according to a former employee
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here, and it's one of the best sales of the year. Here's what to get excited about and what you can hold off on.
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My favorite shopping event of the year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here, and it's one of the best times to save on the most popular and beloved fashion brands.
I grew up shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with my mom before spending nearly four years working as a sales associate between Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. This has given me a very clear sense of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale bestsellers, what sells out first, and what gets returned. Now, I'm ready to share what's absolutely worth it and what you should skip from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
While Nordstrom Cardholders received access to shop the sale early, the general public can officially shop now. This sale definitely creates a frenzy, and the most popular items do tend to sell out. In the event that the item you want is out of stock, it's also useful to keep it on your wishlist to track if it becomes available again.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends on August 4 after which prices return to normal.
The staples that never seem to go on sale
Starting off strong, I could go into a long list of the categories of items that never go on sale; instead, let's focus on the basics: the Zella leggings I stock up on every single year, timeless boots to kick off fall with, the comfiest and on-trend Birkenstocks. These are the classic items that go on sale just a few times throughout the entire year, and then remain in my wardrobe (and home) for years to come.
Designer denim
We spend a lot of time thinking about jeans, and our team has lots of thoughts about when it comes to the best brands and the best cuts, from the best flare jeans to straight leg jeans, and keeping it classic with the best high-waisted jeans. Some of the most iconic and popular styles from premium denim brands like AG, Frame, Rag & Bone, Mother, Good American, and many more are up to 50% off. If you'll be a little lenient on less wash options, you're sure to find your new favorite pair.
Shop all designer denim on sale.
Lingerie and loungewear basics
Your intimates drawer will thank you when you can scoop up staples from Wacoal, Natori, Chantelle, Hanky Panky and more. The Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra is my holy grail strapless bra, while the Natori Feathers Plunge T-Shirt Bra is a wonderful everyday option. I even spotted some Bomba's ankle socks, which the only other time I see these favorite socks on sale is Black Friday. While no Spanx shapewear is part of the sale, it's a great time to try their athletic offerings or cash in on the cult-favorite Spanx faux leather leggings.
Shop all lingerie and loungewear basics on sale.
Beauty and skincare exclusives
Whether you're after makeup, skincare, tools, or fragrance, do not overlook Nordstrom's beauty-editor-approved makeup and skincare deals. These beauty exclusives are designed to be stocked up on, featuring special sizes and gift sets like a Nars blush duo to a jumbo-sized Augustinus Bader Cream. There's even was a Dyson AirWrap up for grabs, but it was exclusive to cardmembers shopping Early Access only.
Shop all beauty and skincare exclusives.
Sneakers
Whether you're after running shoes or walking sneakers, you're bound to find great savings on a fresh set of kicks on the most popular styles from Nike, New Balance, Adidas, On, Hoka, and more.
Bedding and bedroom essentials
Nordstrom has somehow arranged special prices on essentials even lower than when shopping these designer-favorite bedding brands directly, like up to 30% off Sijo, Boll & Branch, and Parachute.
Trending brands
My wishlist is full of special finds and investment pieces from contemporary brands like Farm Rio, Reiss, Max Mara, Vince, Veronica Beard, and the like. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale does a great job of capturing these brands' quintessential items and offering them at a discount.
Baby gear
Expectant and young parents looking to build their registries hit the jackpot around Anniversary Sale with savings from premium children's brand on big ticket items that rarely tend to go on sale.
Candles
Nordstrom is one of my favorite places to buy candles. Top brands like Capri Blue, Diptyque, Voluspa, and Nest offer great sampler sets. Stock up on your favorite scents or grab some to put aside as gifts.
4 things to skip from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Nordstrom-Made brand clothing
For a long time, most of my closet was comprised of Halogen, Caslon, Open Edit, Treasure & Bond, and Chelsea28; in fact, much of it still is. I do love the quality, value, and designs from these brands. However, most of these items will still be on sale come the next Nordstrom sale in October, and the discounts may even be deeper. If there is a piece you love and feels special, go for it. Mine was a geometric print Halogen satin skirt that was sold out in my size by 12:02 a.m. when I was able to shop my cardholder tier. But don't be surprised to see trendier pieces and even some basics back on the rack during the next sale cycle. Of course, there are exceptions to everything, like a great leather jacket or this pajama set.
Winter coats
It's the dead of summer; unless you live somewhere cold and need a coat right now, you're not going to be missing out on savings on cold weather staples from Bernando, Avec Les Filles, or Sam Edelman in a few week's time.
Handbags
Sadly, I always find the handbag offerings to be basic and lackluster. It's the same rotation year after year from Coach, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, AllSaints, and Kurt Geiger, many of which can be found at Nordstrom Rack almost any time of the year. My exceptions to this are luggage (Tumi, Beis, and Monos) and the Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Tote Bag.
Designer sunglasses
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is full of Gucci, Saint Laurent, Tom Ford, and Ray Bans sunnies galore. While very tempting for those after luxury, give it a few months, and you can likely find the same or similar shades at Nordstrom Rack for around $150.
What are the discounts like?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale uniquely positions itself as an opportunity to shop the upcoming season's trends at a temporary discount (usually about 33% off), plus cop savings on items that almost never go on sale and snag exclusives on items released just for the event.
When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
The 2024 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open to everyone from July 14 until August 4. Nordstrom credit card holders were able to shop as early as July 9.