What I Bought at the 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2025

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open for EVERYONE to shop!!!

Overall, I feel like the sale selection this year is better than last year, but I do feel like the jeans and activewear aren’t as good. So, today I’m going to share what I think is actually worth buying, since I’ve tried on a LOT of clothes from the sale.

My goal is to make it EASY for you to shop so you don’t have to try on hundreds of items, handle loads of returns, and deal with shopping disappointment if stuff sells out. You can scroll through pictures below or watch my try-on video on Youtube; it’s also embedded below.

SIZING TIPS: I am 5’1″ and 120 lbs, with muscular legs and glutes. I’m also breastfeeding, so I have a 32D chest size. I typically wear a 25 or 26 in jeans and an XS or small in tops, so I noted sizing by each item to help you shop.

Make sure you’re on my email list to get styling tips for what you buy and get on my restock text list if you have your eye on something that’s already sold out. (Hit send when the word ‘nordstrom’ populates in your text composer. Or just text ‘nordstrom’ to 336-554-7262.)

The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds in Every Category

There are over 5,000 items included in Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, so it can be a bit overwhelming to shop. Below are my top picks from shopping in person, along with other things I plan to buy that they didn’t have in the store.

I put the categories that have the best selection first – tops & sweaters, dresses, shoes and kids. It tapers off from there, but there are still gems in every category.

Tops & Sweaters

The tops section of the Nordstrom Sale was surprisingly good this year! Here’s what I bought today.

• Frank & Eileen Rleaxed Button Up – the most perfect button-up ever. You can’t go wrong with anything F&E – it’s one of my favorite brands ever (read my Frank & Eileen review here). Runs large. I got an XS. See it on me here.
• Frank & Eileen roll-neck sweater – I own this in cream and love this striped version. Runs large. I got an XS. Wearing this sweater here.
• Frame The Pointelle Wool & Cashmere Cardigan – I love when a top has special detailing that makes it better than basic. This fit beautifully and felt special vs. a simple cardigan. See the XS on me here.
• Norah Contrast Cardigan – I absolutely loved the detailing down the front, which makes it super slimming too. I’m wearing it here.
• Veronica Beard Stripe Rib Polo – I tried on a lot of polo tops and this one was my favorite since the others were cut a little too deep. Here’s how I styled it.
• Frame Striped T-Shirt – Perfect fit, classic shirt, a great investment for my closet. Runs very small. I went up to a medium. See it on me here.
• Shaker Short Cardigan – This affordable cardigan will get a lot of wear, layered over a white tee, over my shoulders or just buttoned up and worn on its own. Wearing this cardigan here.
• Open Edit Luxe Sculpt Rib Sweater Tank – Every year they have a tank that I love so much that I buy it in every color. This is this year’s! I bought all three colors. The neckline is so flattering and it’ll be cute with jeans, skirts, under blazers, worn casually or to work. Runs small – size up. See it on here.

Dresses

Last year’s dress selection was rough—nothing really stood out—but this year is a different story. There are so many good options, and I came home with a few I love and was very torn on a few others. Here’s what I bought:

• Veronica Beard Puff sleeve-belted denim shirtdress – Gorgeous. TTS, but I sized up to a small because the XS was a little tight in the chest. See my try-on for this dress here.
• Frame Banded Jersey Dress – This was so much better in person. I wasn’t even going to try it on considering the price and because it just looked meh, but I loved it as soon as I put it on. TTS – I got an XS. See how I styled this dress here.
• Steve Madden Lace Maxi Dress – If you have a fall wedding or trips to the mountains with a date night in the mix, this is the dress to get. So flattering and comfortable. TTS – I got an XS. Wearing this dress here.
• Polo Sweater Midi Dress – This was the very first thing I tried on because I was so excited about it. I wanted to try an XS but they didn’t have it, so I got the small and I actually think it’s perfect since too tight in this style would be less flattering. See it on me here.

They didn’t have these in store so I plan to order them.

• Mini polo sweater dress – so cute for business casual or mom life.
• Poplin belted shirtdress – splurge but that style is timeless and that brand typically fits like a dream

(If you are specifically searching for dresses, check out my post with the best Tuckernuck dresses – their selection is always good.)

Women’s Shoes

This year’s shoe selection is so much better than last year!!! There are lots of great boots but the flats are just so so. Be sure to save the ones you want in your size to your wishlist so you can check out right away since shoes sell out FAST. I’m typically a 6.5 or 7 and noted the sizes I got in everything.

Here’s what I bought:

• Sam Edelman tall boots – I got a size 7, in the wide calf. Shockingly comfortable and a timeless boot. See these on me here.
• Veronica Beard sneaker mules – I got a size 6.5. Shockingly SO comfortable. I’m wearing these here!
• Steve Madden Pointed Mule – So beautiful in person! A perfect work shoe. I got a 7 in brown suede. See them on here.
• New Balance 530s – I got a 7 and they were a little loose but the 6.5 was a tiny bit too tight so I erred on the size of bigger. Wearing here.
• Veronica Beard Black Booties – I got a size 7.
• Margaux Downtown Boot – EEEK! Seriously amazing these are on sale! I got these last year and they’re pure perfection. See them on me here.

What I already own and love:

• On Cloudmonster – I own these in two colorways, as well. They’re my most comfortable walking shoes (see them on here) and they’re cute enough for athleisure. You can find cute athleisure outfit ideas here.
• Dolce Vita Slim Pointed Toe Ankle Bootie – One of my most-worn booties for years. I have the pecan suede in a 7.
• Dolce Vita Knee High Boots – These were gifted to me by Dolce Vita and I love the tie detail. So elegant. I have a size 7. See them on me here.
• New Balance 327 – I love these shoes and own them in 2 colorways already (in a size 7). I’m wearing these here.

See the rest that I like in the gallery below – I removed anything I didn’t like when I tried it on so the gallery will look different if you’ve scanned this post previously! See the rest of the NSale shoe selection here.

Purses

The purses this year are actually really good. I bought this:

• Madewell Suede Shopper Tote – I missed this in the preview but loved it in person. I was torn on the brown or navy and went with navy since I have lots of brown person! A great fall mom-life purse or work tote without the designer price tag. See how I styled this purse here.

I’m ordering this:

• JW Pei Suede Clutch – I didn’t see this in the preview but love it!!! So fun for date night or quick errands. Love the longer strap too.

I already own these:

• Longchamp Large Le Pliage City Tote – I own the size down from this one, but if you need a larger-than-average bag, this is a great brand. See mine here.
• Madewell Mini Shopper Tote – I own this in leather and use it almost every single day. I’m already regretting not buying the suede too. I didn’t see it in person but my friend got it, and I was immediately jealous. It’s the perfect size bag for day-to-day. You can see this purse on me here!
• Madewell Medium Essential Leather Bucket Tote – They’ve sold this bag for multiple years in a row because it’s a classic shape and style. If you don’t have a simple leather tote, start with this one! Madewell leather is beautiful at a friendly price point. The Madewell Bucket Tote comes in a few other colors too.
• Olga Berg Woven Clutch – I own this in cream and may buy the black too if it restocks. I’m so picky about clutches, but this one is perfect. Not too dressy, not too casual, not too weird. See mine here.

I didn’t buy these after seeing them in person.

• Dolce Vita Leather Shoulder Bag – this was smaller than I was expecting so I didn’t buy it but if you want a date night bag, it’s fun.
• J.W. Pei Shoulder Tote – I own this in the mini size, and I love the shape and quality for the price. I didn’t get it because it wasn’t big enough for my laptop but it’s a great size if you don’t need to tote your computer around.

Baby & Kids

There are always great baby and toddler finds in the sale so if you’re expecting or have young kids, pay attention. The Nordstrom sale is one of the best times of year to get a pricey stroller and/or car seat on sale.

I already own all of these:

• Nuna Convertible Car Seat – we have 4 of these — Two in my car and two in Tommy’s since it transitions from the infant to toddler to forward-facing little kid phase.
• Doona Convertible Car Seat Stroller– worth every penny. If you’re on the fence – get it. I wish I’d bought mine sooner – read my Doona review here.
• UppaBaby stroller — read my review of the UppaBaby Vista stroller here.
• Thule Jogging Stroller – if you want to run with your kids, snag this while it’s on sale. I like it better than the BOB Jogging Stroller – read my Thule stroller review here.
• Nanit Bundle – We’ve used this baby monitor ever since we had Thomas and have one in each boy’s room+ one in Boone. I love being able to check on them from anywhere and the nightlight feature is great for middle-of-the-night feeds. However we don’t use all the bells and whistles with that bundle so if you want just the monitor, it’s cheaper to buy the Nanit from Amazon.
• Solly Wrap – my favorite carrier for the itty-bitty baby phase. Ahhh I miss my tiny newborns! I’m wearing the Solly Wrap here.
• BabyBjorn Mini – I got this with Charles after a friend recommended it. The Solly became difficult once he got a little bigger but the regular Bjorn carrier felt intense. I liked this from like 3-9 months and then I used the bigger Bjorn after that. See Charles in the Babybjorn here.
• WAYB Pico Forward Facing Car Seat – this was gifted to me by the brand, and I haven’t tried it, but I feel like it’ll be super helpful for visiting Boone and putting in my in-law’s car rather than moving our car seat back and forth! It’ll also be great for trips to Utah.
• Slumberpod – a must if you travel with little ones and have to share a space. It blacks out their crib so you can have the lights on and don’t need to stumble around them in the dark.
• SkipHop Activity Center – we used the older version with both boys – it was a must in our house! I like the new version better – it’s a little more aesthetically pleasing. 🙂
• Cybex Libelle Lightweight Stroller – I have this, but I do NOT like it, despite the 5-star reviews. It feels so cheap and it doesn’t sit the boys up enough. Thomas always looked so uncomfortable in it. This looks like a newer version but I still wouldn’t risk it.
• Baby Bjorn Bouncer – so much better than the giant baby swings — it’s easy to move around, collapses flat and both boys liked it better than the electric swings.

I’m just bought the DOONA Convertible Stroller Trike since they didn’t have it in the store. I regretted not buying it last year, so I’m getting it! And I bought these kids New Balance sneakers for my 4.5 year old.

Jackets & Coats

I loved the jacket and coat selection, but they didn’t have many at the store in my size. So, I’m ordering some of these… I need to narrow it down because even on sale, they’re SO pricey. But my coats definitely need a refresh since so many of mine don’t fit since having kids and, uh, it’s kind of important to be able to button or zip a coat. 🙂

• Belted Wrap Coat
• Navy Ralph Lauren Peacoat
• Crop Trench Coat
• Veronica Beard Corduroy Trim Dickey Jacket
• Open Edit Tie Waist Blazer

See the Nordstrom Sale coats and jackets selection here.

Jeans

The Nordstrom denim selection didn’t blow me away this year, and in person it was even more disappointing. The colorways were mostly what I didn’t like – many leaned acid or stone wash with a brown tinge, which I don’t like. I liked the fit of a lot of things but not the colorways so I definitely plan to order jeans online since they have more options.

I only bought the Paige High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – they are absolutely gorgeous, and worth the price tag considering they’re a timeless style in a classic wash (see them on me here). They do have stretch, so I was torn between a 25 and a 26, but they only had a 26. I’m really hoping they don’t stretch out but maybe order both sizes to try if possible. (I’m going to order the 25 online to compare.)

I already own these and love them:

• FRAME trouser jeans – size up (my 26 is too tight). See these on me here.
• MOTHER Hustler Roller jeans – TTS. Size up if you’re on the fence.
• Pistola Lennon Bootcut Jeans – TTS. I have these in pink (see here), blue, and black. They are SO good. I wear a size 25 – size down if you’re on the fence.
• Madewell Perfect Wide-Leg jeans – TTS – wearing these here.
• Frame Le Slim Palazzo – TTS, maybe size up if you’re on the fence.

And I’m going to order these:

• Kut from the Kloth cuffed jeans – this brand was my favorite last year (especially since I’m postpartum) and it’s the most affordable.
• BP Low Rise Baggy Jeans – I’m pretty anti-low rise since I already lived through that in middle school, but I saw these on a friend and they were very cute. Since they’re under $50, I’m going to try them. I’ll report back.

Activewear

The activewear section was disappointing. I didn’t buy anything, mostly because the sizing didn’t quite work on me. But below is what I tried on that I think is worth buying if you’re taller than me or have a smaller chest (I’m 5’1″ with a 32D cup and things just didn’t fit quite right).

• Varley half zip – I loved this and the quality was amazing but the sleeves were too long on me.
• Navy Zella Luxe leggings – Loved the material, but they were too long in the rise on me. See here.
• Zella Tennis Dress – I absolutely LOVED this but it was too tight in the chest, even when sizing up. If you’re smaller chested, it’s SO CUTE. See my try-on here.
• Zella sweatshirt + wide-leg lounge pants – I loved the sweatshirt but the bottoms were too long in the rise. These are just as soft as my Spanx AirEssentials but a lot more affordable. If you’re on the fence in sizing, go up, especially in the pants. The waistband was pretty snug in the XS. See this set on me here.
• Zella Pleated Skort – the waistband was a little too wide on my short torso, but the skirt itself was so cute. I liked that it’s longer in the back. TTS.

I’m going to order these items they didn’t have in store to try:

• Zella high-waist shorts

I attempted to try on these Spanx leggings and couldn’t get the XS even halfway up my legs lol. They didn’t have a small for me to try, but definitely size up 1-2 sizes.

You can browse the full NSale women’s active selection here.

Underwear & Bras

This is always one of the best categories to stock up on during the sale. I’m super picky about undergarments, and I really like the Natori bras and Chantelle underwear. They are comfortable and hold up well!

Beauty 

A couple great finds! I LOVE my T3 hair dryer and blow-out brush, and they’re both included in the sale.

Men’s Clothing

Tommy never shops, and if he does, 99.9% of what he buys is from Duckhead. But Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is a great way to refresh his closet with a few items that Duckhead doesn’t carry or to add a little variety. This year’s men’s selection looks really good. There are tons of full suits on sale, shoes, and also great dress shirts. (It’s never a bad idea to stock up on boxer briefs while they’re on sale.)

Smart Shopping Tips to Get What You Want From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is competitive—things sell out fast, and popular sizes go quickly. These tips will help you shop strategically so you don’t miss out on the pieces you really want:

1. Join The Nordy Club (It’s Free!)

If you haven’t already, join the Nordy Club—it’s totally free, earns you Nordstrom Notes (aka store credit), and gets you free shipping. This is separate from the Nordstrom Credit Card.

2. Become a Nordstrom Cardholder (If It Makes Sense for You)

Cardholders get early access, and how much you spend each year determines just how early. Even the basic card level lets you shop before the general public, which can make a huge difference. I only recommend the credit card if you’re a regular Nordstrom shopper and it’s a good fit for your budget.

3. Bookmark the Sale Preview + Build Your Wishlist Early

As soon as the preview drops, start saving your favorites in your wishlist—by size and color. This lets you check out quickly when your access window opens and also increases your chances of snagging restocks.

4. Download the Nordstrom App

The Nordstrom app is your best friend during the sale, especially when it comes to restocks. If you’ve wishlisted a sold-out item, the app can alert you if/when it comes back in stock.

5. Use the LTK App for Easy Browsing

If scrolling through 8,000+ items feels overwhelming, let me do the work for you. I’ll be sharing my picks in the LTK app—just favorite what you like there, then save those same pieces in the Nordstrom app. It makes sale day so much easier. Here’s how to use the LTK app.

6. Shop Your Staples First

Start with the categories that always go fast: denim, boots, coats, and beauty sets. These pieces often sell out on day one. They will re-stock most items with each new “access” so don’t stress if you can’t shop in the first few days.

7. Don’t Wait to Build a Huge Cart

If you know you want something (especially big-ticket items like the Doona Stroller, which basically never goes on sale), check out immediately. Your cart doesn’t hold inventory, so waiting could mean losing out. Since Nordy Club members get free shipping, it’s smart to place multiple smaller orders.

8. Filter by Your Size

Don’t waste time scrolling things that won’t work. Filtering by your size helps you shop smarter and faster.

9. Shop Online Early (Then Consider Store Pickup)

Shop as early as your access allows—and if you have a Nordstrom nearby, opt for curbside or in-store pickup to get your items faster and avoid shipping delays.

10. Don’t Overthink It

If you’re on the fence about something, just grab it. Nordstrom has easy, free returns—better to place the order than regret missing it later.

FAQs

What is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale isn’t just about fall coats and boots—it’s one of the only times you’ll find brand-new arrivals marked down this much. We’re talking 30–65% off across every category, from everyday staples to luxury splurges.

What will be on sale?

• Fashion staples: Think denim from AG, Good American, and Mother, lightweight cardigans, elevated basics, and even designer pieces from Saint Laurent and Gucci.
• Shoes & accessories: Leather bags from Staud and 3.1 Phillip Lim, classic Tory Burch flats, summer sandals, espadrilles, and trending styles like chunky boots and printed mules.
• Beauty deals: They typically have limited-edition sets from ARMANI Beauty, Estée Lauder, and IT Cosmetics.
• Home & kitchen: Le Creuset, Staub, Zwilling knives and more—often up to 50% off or higher.

When is the 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

• Preview (wish-listing only): June 26 at noon ET
  
• Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access (Nordstrom cardmembers):
  
  • Icon status: July 8
    
  • Ambassador status: July 9
    
  • Influencer status: July 10
    
• Public Access (all shoppers): July 12 – August 3

Why It’s Worth Shopping

• New styles on sale: Unlike traditional end-of-season sales, you’ll get huge discounts on new styles for the upcoming season. It’s a great way to shop for fall and winter items (which are often the priciest pieces in a wardrobe) at a major discount.
  
• High-quality staples: Think cashmere, premium denim, boots, chic outerwear—investment pieces you’ll wear for years. Some of my favorite investment pieces have been purchases during the NSale. My style in my 40s definitely leans more timeless with investment pieces, so I prioritize items that are typically very pricey, like coats, boots, etc.
  
• Beauty and home steals: Exclusive kits, luxe skin tools, and cozy home décor at great prices. If you have specific high-end beauty brands you love (like Augustis Bader, Charlotte Tilbury, or Armani Beauty), you’ll want to check the Beauty section. The Nsale always has insane deals on beauty brands.

How long is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

It lasts about 3.5 weeks this year, from July 8 to August 3.

When does the Nordstrom Anniversary Aale end??

The last day to shop at these prices is August 3.

What will sell out first?

When the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens, the best items always go fast—so it’s smart to start with the staples that always sell out early. These are typically what go first:

• designer jeans
• everyday boots
• closet basics (simple tees, sweaters, etc.)
• sneakers
• Doona

I would also prioritize investment items you’ve been eyeing and thinking about buying, like the Nuna Car Seat, Doona, UppaBaby Stroller or Zwilling Knives. Then loop back for fun seasonal finds.

Should I Become a Nordstrom Cardholder?

Great question. It’s not a deal breaker not to be a Nordstrom cardholder, especially since the sale does become public, but I’ve been a cardholder for years, and I love it. I will say that there are a lot of cardholders and there are lots of pieces that sell out during the Early Access Sale.

If you have your eyes on specific pieces AND you shop with Nordstrom regularly, it’s definitely something to consider (with my background in finance, I’m not one to casually recommend that you open a bunch of credit cards; in fact, this is the only brand-specific credit card I have). But, if you’ve never shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale before, maybe see what it’s like this year before opening a card.

Whether you get a card or not, be sure to create an account to join the Nordy Club, so you can earn points. Then, you can do a double point day whenever you place your biggest order to maximize the Nordy Cash you’ll earn. The Nordy Club is free and not a credit card – just a rewards program.

Why is Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale Such a Big Deal?

The Anniversary Sale happens once a year, and it’s different than most sales that stores promote. When a store has a sale, it’s typically to get rid of last season’s clothes as the new ones come in, and generally after the sale, things will go on final sale to make sure they get out the door. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale discounts brand new styles for the fall season. And once the sale is over, the prices go right back up to the normal retail value. It’s essentially a pre-season sale. So, you’ll notice a lot of my picks are fall styles.

I typically shop for designer denim, shoes, fall booties, high quality coats and jackets. I also shop for my husband during this sale because (a) he hates shopping and (b) the men’s stuff in the sale is typically pretty good. This sale is the best for brands he loves like Peter Millar, On, Barbour and more.

They also discount baby and kids items that are usually impossible to find on sale, like the Doona, the UppaBaby Vista Stroller, and the Nuna Rava Convertible carseat (I own and love all of those).

Do I need a promo code?

Nope—Nordstrom Anniversary Sale prices are already marked down, so there’s no need (or way) to enter a promo code at checkout. The discounts are built right into the price of the items, online and in-store—just add to cart and go!

Will there be restocks?

Yes—but don’t count on restocks on everything. What tends to restock most are basic or widely stocked Nordstrom-brand pieces. Popular and limited-release items (like designer goods) sometimes stay sold out. Still, returns from shoppers—especially on size-specific purchases—can show up throughout the sale. Two smart tips:

• Make sure your wishlist is created before the sale starts. You’ll only get restock alerts if something is on your wishlist and you can’t add it to your wishlist once it’s out of stock.
• Use the Nordstrom app notifications for automatic alerts on restocks.
• Use the LTK app for restock alerts and price drops. Even after the sale ends, if something you’ve hearted in the LTK app goes on sale, you’ll get an alert. Here are more tips specific to the LTK app.

What is the Return Policy?

One of the reasons that I’m so loyal to Nordstrom is their return policy. They send a free shipping return label in every one of their packages so that you can repack your items and pop them back into the mail easily. No questions asked. It’s almost better than shopping in person because there’s no pressure and you can try your items on in your own home (although I DO really want a Nordstrom location in Winston-Salem)!!

So, the return policy alone is enough of a reason to shop at Nordstrom.  This sale is on new pieces, and nothing is final sale, so you can return anything you don’t love.

Okay, I think that’s it!

Don’t forget to bookmark this post and follow me on the LTK app for updates on my favorite picks throughout the sale. Happy shopping!

Shop the Sale!