The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: My Edit
Curated Just for Us
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is beginning to open for top-tier cardholders and opens to the public on July 12th.
It’s always one of the most-shopped sales of the year, but it can also feel like a bit of a frenzy. I’m curious to see how fast things sell out this time around. In recent years, it’s felt like Nordstrom under-buys certain pieces to create that “get it before it’s gone” urgency. And while I get the strategy, I think a lot of us are just... a little over it.
Every year I say I’m going to skip covering the sale—or at least not go so deep. And then every year, you shop it, I shop it… so here we are.
A quick note before we dive in: Nordstrom is not a brand partner of mine. Over the years—first as a personal stylist and now through this platform—I’ve sent them millions of dollars in sales, and they still have no idea who I am. I get zero special treatment, which is totally fine. In fact, I prefer it this way—it means I can be as honest and critical as I want to be, without worrying about keeping anyone happy. This coverage is in no way sponsored.
I’m also not an ICON-level shopper. The quality across some of their in-house brands has dipped, and my local store just isn’t what it used to be (see I can say whatever I want) — so I’ve pulled back a bit. I’ll be shopping online when I get access on Wednesday.
You also won’t see a big try-on haul from me. I order online because the store is usually picked over after the first wave of shoppers, and by the time my boxes arrive… we’re all a little tired of talking about it (lol). You’ll see what I end up keeping in our weekly outfit roundups, but the whole rushed try-on haul just isn’t my thing.
That said, using our links before you check out is the best way to support the business. It helps me continue to create content like this—and it’s allowed me to pause (hopefully for good) on sponsored posts. So if you do end up ordering, thank you for using our links. It truly makes a difference.
I put together a full guide over on The Well Dressed Life—and it’s a big one. If you want the full overview, it has everything I think is worth considering: if you need it, if it fills a gap, and if it fits your budget. I also share some more unfiltered thoughts over there, too.
Everything is also organized on my ShopMy page if you want a more straightforward way to shop, which we’ll keep updated throughout the sale, because inevitably, we miss a few gems on the first pass.
But here on Substack, I wanted to keep things more curated. These are the pieces I really love, have on my wish list, or would buy if they were on my shopping list.
Think of this as the list I’d send a friend: a little elevated, well-edited, very me—and probably very you, since you’re here. :)
I’m shopping a bit more than usual this year since I’m rebuilding my wardrobe. I’ve actually been holding off on a few things, knowing the sale was coming, so I’m treating it as a chance to fill in the blanks with better pieces I’ll wear on repeat.
I’ve broken everything down into a few categories: everyday basics worth investing in, standout staples I can’t stop thinking about, and a handful of fun extras that add a little spark. Some are even a little extra—in the best way.
❤️ If you found this helpful, clicking the little heart at the top really helps this community grow. And if you know someone else shopping the sale, feel free to forward this their way!
Best of Basics
The basics are usually one of the strongest categories in the sale—and this year is no exception. I’m really happy with the brands and styles included, especially for denim and elevated essentials.
That said, these tend to be the first to go. Mother Denim—one of my all-time favorite brands—sells out fast even at full price, so I expect their pieces to disappear early. If something catches your eye here, don’t wait too long.
These are pretty self-explanatory—just classic, wear-with-anything, wear-anywhere pieces, better quality finds you’ll turn to again and again.
AG Brinley Mid Rise Classic Straight Leg Jeans – $163.99 (After Sale: $245 | Save $81.01)
MOTHER The Kick It High Waist Straight Leg Jeans – $185.99 (After Sale: $278 | Save $92.01)
Vince Raglan Sleeve Wool & Cashmere Crewneck Sweater – $229.99 (After Sale: $348 | Save $118.01)
Nordstrom Crewneck Cashmere Sweater – $98.99 (After Sale: $149 | Save $50.01)
Madewell Back Pleat Classic T-Shirt – $27.99 (After Sale: $48 | Save $20.01)
Lauren Ralph Lauren Belted Wool Blend Wrap Coat – $239.99 (After Sale: $370 | Save $130.01)
MAISON de SABRÉ Tall Leather Soft Tote – $279.99 (After Sale: $419 | Save $139.01)
COACH Pebbled Crossbody Bag (Nordstrom Exclusive) – $229.99 (After Sale: $395 | Save $165.01)
Veronica Beard Kelby Bootie – $329.99 (After Sale: $495 | Save $165.01)
New Balance 327 Sneaker (Women) – $79.99 (After Sale: $99.99 | Save $20.00)
Jenny Bird Full Volume Hoop Earrings – $74.99 (After Sale: $138 | Save $63.01)
Our Top Picks
A top pick can absolutely be a basic—some of my favorites show up in both sections. But a top pick can also be what I’d call a secondary basic—the pieces you add once your core essentials are covered.
This list reflects the items I’m most excited about, based on a mix of savings, style, and how likely they are to sell out.
A few standouts: I mentioned I’m replacing my Barbour jacket this year, and I really like the navy option included in the sale.
I definitely don’t need these block heel sandals from Loeffler Randall—but maybe I do? They’re stunning.
The striped Rails sweater immediately went on my list (no surprise there), and so did the Barbour turtleneck sweater—the one I’ll be wearing in the mountains… not skiing.
And I absolutely love the Mini Leather Soft Tote from MAISON de SABRÉ. In fact, there’s a surprisingly great selection from the brand included in the sale this year.
Best of Statement Pieces
These are the standout pieces that instantly elevate an outfit—or lean a little more into splurge territory. A bold coat, a great shoe, a pop of texture or color—just one can make everything else in your closet feel more current. This is what you reach for when you’re feeling good about your core wardrobe and want to add some personality.
A few standouts: the Lauren Ralph Lauren suede jacket is absolutely stunning. And the Nomad Drop Earrings by Dean Davidson are the kind of piece I’m always looking to share—gorgeous, unique, and not $1,000.
The Flutter Sleeve Cotton Sweater by Treasure & Bond is darling and under $50, and I also love their Eyelet Cotton & Linen Button-Up Shirt for $65. Both feel elevated but easy and are in natural fabrics.
That’s my curated take on this year’s sale—what I’m actually excited about, what I’ve added to my cart, and what I think is worth considering if you’re shopping.
If you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown—including every category and sizing notes—you can check out the full guide over on The Well Dressed Life.
If you found this helpful, please tap the little heart at the top—it helps more women like us discover this space. And if you know someone who’s also shopping the sale, I’d be so grateful if you shared this with them.
Thank you, as always, for being here and for supporting what we do. ❤️