Nordstrom’s biggest sale of the year is coming soon! I personally like to have a strategy going in to the sale, which is why I write this post about how to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. In a typical year, the sale starts in mid July and runs through early August. We all know this year is anything but typical! The sale is a bit later this year, and everyone can shop August 19th-30th. However, if you are a Nordstrom cardholder, you can access the sale beginning August 4th! I highly recommend early access if you are a Nordstrom fan. The most popular items sell out quickly, and restocks are not guaranteed. But I can honestly say this sale is worth the hype! Many of my favorite pieces each year come from the sale.
I spoke with the customer service department at my local Nordstrom this week to ask how shopping in person will be different this year. Although I do most of my shopping online, I shopped in person last year on the first day that I was able to (based on my cardholder level) and I look forward to doing the same this year. Here’s what I found out:
- Fitting rooms in my Nordstrom (San Jose, CA) are open. I’d suggest calling ahead to yours to confirm if this is true where you live.
- Some fitting rooms are blocked off to maintain appropriate distancing.
- Masks are required.
- Store hours may be shorter than usual.
- Clothes that have been tried on must quarantine in the back for a certain period of time before they can return to the floor. Given the popularity of this sale, that might mean that in store inventory is more limited than usual.
- That said, fewer people are shopping in person right now, so the customer service agent I spoke with doesn’t think I will have any problem getting a dressing room when I come in. She said their most popular service right now is in store pickup, so I suspect the lines there might be longer like they usually are during the sale.
I hope that helps! Now let’s get to the fun part, my tips about how to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Here are some key categories to keep in mind:
Designer Denim
In my opinion, the softness and comfort of designer denim just can’t be beat. Most pairs included in the sale are $75-100 off and they are the newest styles and colors. I have to say, I had a really hard time narrowing down my denim purchases last year. Ha! But to be fair, I wear jeans daily. Even throughout shelter in place, I have worn jeans almost every day. Nothing against those of you who prefer yoga pants; that’s just never been my thing! One of my keepers last year was these AG boyfriend jeans. I also replace this skinny pair every year. I love this year’s dark wash and finished hem.
Handbags
Whether you’re in the market for a designer bag or a less expensive tote, Nordstrom has you covered! One item on my wishlist is a smaller purse for kid-free outings. Last year, I missed out on a beautiful crossbody by Clare V and I’m determined not to miss out again this year. How cute is this animal print bag?? I also love this classic white crossbody by Tory Burch.
Boots and Booties
With fall fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to stock up on boots and booties! I get complimented on these snakeskin booties every time I wear them. They are comfortable, the heel height is reasonable, and that pattern is so good! This year’s version does not disappoint! I love the detailing on the side of the bootie. Currently I’m in the market for a solid brown or taupe bootie. I love this option from Franco Sarto. Oh and maybe I need this sleek black pair too?!
Outerwear
If you need a new jacket, this is the time to invest! Last fall I stumbled across a gorgeous Theory jacket at Marshall’s that I know will be in my closet forever. Check out this beautiful option at Nordstrom! Literally half price. So classic and gorgeous. I also love this plaid tweed coat and this cute Kut from the Kloth faux suede moto.
Fall Wardrobe Basics
Nothing could be more fall than a cozy sweater and a suede skirt! This sweater is probably one of my favorite items purchased in last year’s sale. I have it in two colors and have worn them both a ton! I’m excited to see that they brought back this sweater as part of this year’s sale. Now I’m going to need it in blue as well! Another one of my faves last year was a tweed midi skirt shown in photo above and also in this post. I’m glad to see a similar tweed mini this year!
Intimate Apparel and Loungewear
Although I’m clearly not lounging on my couch in this photo, this Barefoot Dreams cardigan is so fabulous and soft that I wear it literally everywhere. I own it in two colors and have my eye on the cute spruce color this year… Last year I picked up a cute leopard sweatsuit as well, and this year I have my eye on a cozy half zip hoodie and matching joggers.
A Really Great Dress
My favorite little black dress from this post is an example of a past Anniversary Sale find – so good! I love Rachel Parcell’s twist on a classic LBD (little black dress, in case you were wondering). If you prefer a more classic silhouette, this Eileen Fisher dress looks effortless and would be easy to dress up or down. I also think this fun midi dress would take you all the way into next spring and summer!
A Splurge Item
I went back and forth on this grey Vince cardigan for weeks. Literally. I ended up keeping it, figuring I could sell it on Poshmark if I didn’t end up wearing it much. Wouldn’t you know it’s been my favorite throw on and go item of the past year? This is a great time to invest in a cashmere cardigan or those Stuart Weitzman boots you’ve been eyeing forever. Pieces like this will last for years if you take good care of them!
Makeup/Skincare
Last year I finally jumped on the Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk bandwagon, and I can personally attest to the fact that it is the prettiest nude color! Another item I’m in the market for is a good primer. This one from Becca gets amazing reviews and is officially on my wishlist. I’m also exicited to see this makeup setting spray from Urban Decay in the sale. I’ve been using it for years and am a big fan! You can some of my favorite daily beauty products in this post, although I think it’s probably time for an update!
Kids’ Shoes
August is the perfect time to get a jump on back to school shopping. While I’d like to think distance learning means I don’t have to buy shoes for my kids, that probably isn’t going to pan out. 😉 I buy both boys Nikes or Adidas (two brands that rarely go on sale) during the sale and set them aside for the first day of school. I’m always glad I did this and the boys look forward to picking out a new pair.
If you take the time to think about how to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale by doing a simple inventory of your closet, it will save you a lot of time when the sale starts! This year, because the preview catalog is digital, you can actually add items to your wishlist and be ready to go as soon as you are able to shop! While it may seem odd to be excited about spending money on clothes in the midst of a pandemic, I for one am excited about the chance to do something “normal” and look ahead to the fall. Cheers to one day getting dressed up and going out again!!
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