When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is my favorite online shopping event of the year. It lasts until August 4 and is one of the best times to save on popular 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 sharing what's absolutely worth it and what you should skip from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
5 best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals:
These standout sneakers got our hard-won award for the best budget walking shoes for women after our writer walked over 70 miles to find the best of the best.
We love Vacation and this shimmer oil is one of our favorite products. It's paired with Vacation's signature scent perfume, which smells like being at the pool in July.
This hairdryer offers super fast drying time and a multitude of attachments so you can style your hair multiple ways with just one tool.
Naturalizer is one of our style team's favorite brands when it comes to comfortable shoes, especially heels. This pump has arch support, a cushioned insole, and a classic style that will take you from the board room to the ballroom.
This version of our favorite Arizona sandal is outfitted with extra large buckles. It's on sale for nearly $40 off a special Burnt Orange colorway as part of Nordstrom's sale.
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 even was a Dyson AirWrap up for grabs, but it was exclusive to cardmembers shopping Early Access only. Fortunately, there's also an exclusive bundle on sale for Prime Day, too!
Shop all beauty and skincare exclusives.
Shoes
Whether you're after running shoes or high heels, you're bound to find great savings on a fresh set of kicks on the most popular styles from Nike, Naturalizer, Adidas, 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.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected].
