How to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Like a Fashion Editor

As a fashion editor, I come across hundreds of sales each year—and yet, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale still remains one of the best. The annual event offers rare discounts on fresh fall arrivals from brands including Reformation, Staud, and Veronica Beard. All Nordstrom cardholders currently have early access, and the sale (finally) opens to the general public tomorrow, July 18, and runs through August 9.

Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

To help you capitalize on this year’s offering, I’ve consulted with fellow shopping editors and offered a few tips below. One thing we all agreed on: Nordstrom’s standard sale section should not be overlooked during the Anniversary Sale. There, you’ll find hundreds of additional markdowns that don’t require early access to shop.

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Finalize Your Summer Wardrobe

What items do you need right now? Nordstrom’s sale section is full of summer items like sunglasses, dresses, sandals, and shorts, so it’s worth shopping while stock is still plentiful.

Prioritize Staple Pieces

Take advantage of deep markdowns on wardrobe staples that rarely go on sale. Neutral-colored handbags and shoes are typically some of the first Anniversary Sale finds to sell out. Those Coach and Tory Burch bags certainly won’t last long.

Shop Ahead for Fall Essentials

Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is unlike most other seasonal sales. Instead of marking down leftover spring and early summer arrivals, the retailer offers limited-time discounts on new fall styles and transitional staples you can turn to on chilly summer nights.

Find the Best Designer Deals

Be on the lookout for deep discounts on labels that might normally be out of your price range. During the Anniversary Sale, you can save hundreds on Taylor Swift’s Staud dress, Prada sunglasses, Stella McCartney bags, and other investment pieces.

Plan for Upcoming Travels

This year’s travel offering includes popular brands like Tumi, Away, and Béis. Plan ahead for upcoming trips while carry-on suitcases, luggage sets, and other essentials are heavily discounted.

Look Beyond Your Closet

Anniversary deals on home, beauty, and gifts are equally worth your time. For starters, this year’s sale includes Our Place cookware, Parachute bedding, the viral Lola blanket, and other small but impactful home upgrades.

Upgrade Your Beauty Routine

Nordstrom’s markdowns on LED skin care masks and Dyson hair tools are equivalent to those we saw during Amazon Prime Day. Plus, Byredo, Diptyque, Estée Lauder, Oribe, La Mer, Dr. Dennis Gross, and dozens of other beauty brands are offering Anniversary Sale-exclusive sets.

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