Getting Ready for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

My first year shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in a store was four years ago when I traveled to Atlanta to stay with my sister. We both shopped the sale until we dropped! We’ve made it into an annual tradition, and it’s one of my favorite trips of the year! This year, I’ll be driving to Nashville to shop the sale there, and my DIL will also be joining us. Since she is 5’3″, I’ve talked her into taking photos for all of my petite ladies.

WHAT IS THE #NSALE

Let’s start at the beginning because some of you might be new to the BIGGEST sale in the fashion industry. The #NSale, or the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, is like Fashion’s Black Friday event. It is your chance to get steep discounts on new arrivals and the season’s upcoming fashions. The sale is not limited to fashion; you can also find fantastic deals on beauty and home brands. This is when I take advantage of higher ticket items like a good winter coat, cashmere, leather boots, and maybe a designer handbag that I’ve been eyeing. I’m talking about brands like Coach, Madewell, Vince, Barefoot Dreams, SPANX, and more. These are all brand new fall items that have been brought to you specifically for this sale, and the savings are usually 30-40% off retail.

WHEN IS THE #NSALE?

Now that you know what the #NSale is let’s talk about WHEN it is. Usually, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts in mid-July and runs until August. This year, the online preview of all #NSale items began on June 26, 2025. If you haven’t already, you will want to create a Wish List, so you can check out faster when it’s your time to shop. Online shopping will open at 12:01 am ET, so set your alarm clock and be ready, and in-store shopping will be during regular business hours. The sale goes live to the public on July 12th, and the prices go up after August 3rd.

DO I NEED A NORDSTROM CARD?

I am not encouraging you to open a Nordstrom credit card, but it has some advantages. A limited number of items will be offered at reduced prices, so the “favorites” get picked over very quickly. Getting early access to the sale is worth its weight in gold! But at the very least, sign up for The Nordy Club so you can earn rewards as you shop. (Here) It is a complete list of all the advantages of having a Nordy Card so you can decide for yourself.

HOW DO I SHOP THE #NSALE

I don’t have a Nordstrom within a four-hour drive of me, so shopping online is usually the way that I always shop at Nordstrom. I highly recommend shopping online because it can be overwhelming. I get sensory overload when I have too many choices and options to look at. Nordstrom has a great feature to this sale called the WISHLIST. This will make checkout way easier and faster than ever before. You choose an item like a new Coach handbag that you’ve been eyeing and click the ADD TO WISH LIST button. When you get ready to shop the sale, you log in to your account, hover over your name, and click on Wish List to see all of your items at once. WOOHOO! This is easier than creating handwritten lists and then typing the names in the search bar. But you will still need a plan, so keep reading.

THE PLANNING IS EVERYTHING

To quote Dwight Eisenhower, “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” We are going into a “battle” for the best savings when can get. So, the first thing that we need to do is start the planning phase.

1. Sign up for a Nordstrom Card

   If you don’t have one, this is the perfect time to grab this card. This card allows you early access, where you have your best chance of getting the good stuff. Nordstrom cardholders get to shop first, so if you don’t have one and you’re a frequent Nordstrom shopper, it’s worth considering, but make the decision that is right for you.

2. Personal Double Points Day

   You earn points every time you shop at Nordstrom, and those points add up to Nordstrom Notes that you can spend on anything (yes, anything!) in stores or online at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and HauteLook. Depending on the type of cardholder you are, you can earn up to 3 points for every dollar spent. If you plan on doing a lot of shopping on the day of the sale, then make sure to schedule that day as your Personal Double Points Day! Then you will earn 2x or 3x the points, which equals $$$$ for you later.

3. Start the PLAN This is when you must decide what you need for the rest of the summer and the upcoming fall and winter. I try to classify my shopping list into categories. Some of the categories that I usually use are Jeans, Shoes, Sweaters, Coats and Jackets, Jewelry, Handbags, and Beauty. To shop, go to the website and click on the Early Access site. Then pick your category and find the items that interest you. Add each item to your wish list, and then rate them in your mind as your top choices.
4. Know Your Size

   Every brand seems to have its own version of sizing. If the items you are considering are ones you are familiar with, then you will know how they fit, and sizing is easy. However, if you are looking at a pair of jeans you’ve never worn, check the reviews first, and then order two sizes if possible. I know this sounds like a pain, but you get free shipping and free returns, so this won’t cost you any more. And, things will sell out quickly, so by the time you realize that you need a different size, they could be sold out.

5. Set Your Alarm

   I know that this might seem crazy, and if you only have one or two items on your list, maybe it isn’t something you need to do. However, if you’ve been dying for a HOT TICKET item that will sell out quickly, then be ready at precisely 12:01 am ET to hit buy now.

6. Shipping

   I have a list for MUST-HAVES, and I add those to my cart first, and then I check out right away. Last year, I did not get something I really wanted, even though it showed that I had purchased it. I found out later that because the computers couldn’t keep up with the massive amount of sales, the items had already sold out by the time my cart was ready to process. So, for my MUST-HAVES, I will check out and also pay for expedited shipping. This will help ensure that my order is processed immediately instead of in a few days. I will pay for the extra shipping only for my MUST-HAVES. I will log back in and place the other orders, but I will use the free shipping option for those.

7. Shop early and often

   I’ve already mentioned that you need to shop as early as possible, but you must keep checking back often to see if additional items have been added to the sale. Usually, as items sell out, new items are added to take their place. So, checking back regularly will help you find the best items.

8. Sell Out Risks

   There are always items that are everyone’s favorite, so those sell out quickly. Certain brands are historically known to sell out quickly.

My Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Preview Picks

Turtleneck Merino Wool Sweater

I’ve grabbed a Turtleneck Merino Wool Sweater the last few years during the NSale! They are great for those fall days in late September and early October whenever I’m ready to pull out my fall clothes, but alas, the weather is still too hot now. This one from Eileen Fisher comes in a few different colors, including this pretty wren shade. I currently have a few of these. I grab them every year, but they sell out FAST!!

Short Sleeve Sweater

I know it’s hard to think about fall fashion in the middle of July, but this sale is my favorite time to look for fall clothes! This Short Sleeve Sweater, is perfect for those days when it’s too hot for the long sleeves, but still too chilly for your summer wardrobe. It comes in three different colors. Add them to your wishlist now!

High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

You can find quality items from really big brands at great prices, so don’t forget to check out the jeans! I loved these High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans and thought they would look nice over a heel, booties, or loafers for the office! You can find all kinds of pants and jeans here.

Short Sleeve Cashmere Sweater

This is the time to stock up on tops and sweaters, gurls! I LOVE Short Sleeve Cashmere Sweater, and I’m picturing all the ways I could wear it right now. It comes in four different colors in sizes XXS to XXL.

Slingback Kitten Heel Pump

It never fails that I’m ready to switch over to my fall shoes before the weather is ready! A backless mule is a great transition shoe when you’re ready to hang up your sandals, but the temps are still too high outside to pull out your boots. This Slingback Kitten Heel Pump features a flared kitten heel for a hint of height! It comes in 4 colors, but the saddle brown might say fall a bit louder. Regardless, I think the black is my favorite!

Mid Rise Classic Straight Leg Jeans

Slip into these clean, casual-looking Mid Rise Classic Straight Leg Jeans made from premium low-stretch denim. I love the versatile medium wash with lived-in fading and distressing. They’d look great on any evening, in summer or upcoming fall!

Large Le Pliage City Tote

I’m picturing this Large Le Pliage City Tote jammed packed with farmer market goodies and pastries for the rest of summer, and then with a jacket for those chilly evenings in fall and added warmth in winter! Looking for more wallets or handbags? You can find the rest of the NSale selections here!

Dorothea Bootie

These Dorothea Booties have a square toe and angular heel frame, this Chelsea-inspired bootie is a versatile addition to your cool-weather looks. They are from Steve Madden, who never fails at an aesthetic that’s an effortless blend of cool and edgy.

‘Ab’Solution Raw Hem High Waist Bootcut Jeans

These Skyrise Raw Hem High Waist Stretch Bootcut Jeans are a rock retro style in slim-fitting bootcut jeans featuring a superhigh waist, comfy stretch, and ‘Ab ‘solution powermesh panels that mold and hold! Talk about support! Women with all body types seek out Wit & Wisdom clothing, particularly the brand’s famous “Ab-solution” jeans, which offer slimming, shaping, and lifting in all the right places.

Malin Suede Hobo Bag

You gurls know I love investing in designer handbags, and this sale is the perfect time to do it since Nordstrom carries brands like Dolce Vita, Coach, Tory Burch, AllSaints, Longchamp, Kate Spade, and more! This Malin Suede Hobo Bag comes in a gorgeous pecan that will look great with your fall booties and belts, and it’s almost $100 off during the sale. You can also grab it in chocolate; yum! Here is where you can find splurge worthy designer bags at the NSale!

Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

These nude Pointed Toe Slingback Pump are perfect for any look! Not only do they have a block heel, the sleek pointed toe, but also the added embellished horsebit front. The horsebit snaffle is not only trendy, but also a classic look. Also, I think that’s the first time I’ve ever used the word snaffle, lol!

Crinkle Finish Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress

Can you think of a more picture perfect fall dress than this Crinkle Finish Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress? Regardless, the fall vibes are strong! This dress will hide frumpy underlayers on those chilly days, but also the short sleeves are perfect for the end of summer with the fall transition.

Long Sleeve Wool & Cashmere Blend Sweater Dress

Soft as a cuddle and twice as cute, this Long Sleeve Wool & Cashmere Blend Sweater Dress flaunts a tie waist and legendary warmth coming from a wool-and-cashmere blend. Often sweater dresses are bulky and make you seem bigger, so that’s why I love the tie waist! It’s an easy, adjustable fix for a classically flattering look!

See More of My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Preview Picks:

Stay tuned for my Inside The Dressing Room Picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

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