The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds (What I bought & what was meh)

I drove 1.5 hours to Charlotte last week to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I tried on over 50 items — shoes, denim, dresses, activewear and coats — to help you get the cutest things (and I shared what’s just meh).

There are over 5000 things included in Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, so it can be a bit overwhelming to shop. I shared my honest thoughts below and whether it’s worth buying. And, I posted even more on my LTK page, i.e. every single thing that I tried on! And I’ll continue to share tips on my my Instagram Channel all about the Nordstrom Sale for more shopping help throughout the sale!

If you want to see my entire try-on haul in video form, watch everything on my Nordstrom Sale IG highlight here. I also have a Nordstrom Try-On video on YouTube you can watch (also embedded below).

I shared how I styled everything I bought on LTK here.

The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds

I’m sharing everything I tried on in store and I’ll continue to add if I buy anything else online. For reference, I’m 5’1″ and I think around 125-130 pounds. Note that I am breastfeeding and have a fairly large chest right now (like DDD), so that impacts how tops fit. In most jeans, I’m typically a size 27, so I noted if these are True to Size (TTS) based on that.

For shoes, I wear a 6.5 but almost always go up a 1/2 size in sneakers and boots, so I noted what is TTS based on a size 6.5 or if I sized up to a 7.

Okay, here’s my top picks. Let me know if you have questions on anything!

Women’s Shoes

This year I wanted to make sure to find some cute sneakers for athleisure outfits, as well as some dressier shoes for church and work. I ended up with 6 pairs of shoes (the first six shown below), and I’m SO excited about all of them. I included a few others that were comfortable but just weren’t my style, but they may be worth considering if they are your style.

On Cloudmonster Running Shoe

I did not expect to love these as much as I do. I’m not into Hokas and these definitely give Hoka vibes, but I think they’re so much cuter (I have always preferred On over Hoka, both for style and comfort). These are insanely comfortable and make a simple black athleisure outfit pop. I went up 1/2 size in these.

New Balance 327 Sneaker

I own these in the black & white colorway and wear them non-stop, so I’m excited about this neutral option that will go with everything. These are my go-to shoe for travel since they’re stylish and comfortable enough to walk miles in. I went up 1/2 size in these.

Steve Madden Katie Platform Slide Sandal

Honestly, I kind of shocked myself that I loved these but I couldn’t get over how comfortable they were. They’re SO cushioned. I feel like I’ll wear them most around the house and with athleisure but I could see them working with certain rompers and dresses. I bought my usual size in these.

Sam Edelman Farrah Kitten Heel Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

I’m not usually into kitten heels, but these days, with two young kids, these are more practical than the traditional pump I wore when working in finance and banking. I especially love the plaid colorway. These will be cute with dresses, skirts and jeans. They’re a tiny bit snug (just because of the material) so if you’re on the fence, size up.

New Balance 990 Running Shoe

These are very popular! I’ll keep you updated on my IG Nordstrom Channel if/when they sale out. I’m surprised I like these as much as I do but they’re fun and comfortable (and very on trend). I went up 1/2 size.

If you love them and are willing to pay full-price, they’re in stock here at Zappos.

Stuart Weitzman Landon Pointed Toe Ballet Flat

I grabbed these without looking at the price tag, which was rough because they’re pricey but also, WOW, they are beautiful and so comfortable. I love the look of pointy-toe flats but never have found a pair that fit my foot well; they always slip off my heel or hurt my toes. These are PERFECT.

They didn’t have this colorway in my size in the store, so I ordered them and purchased the black colorway, as well, since they did have that in stock. By far the biggest splurge, but these will be staples in my closet for years. They’re TTS.

Blondo Emmalyn Waterproof Bootie

The bootie selection was not great this year but this is the best option. It’s a beautiful color and they are comfortable. They’re waterproof too. I eventually ended up putting these back since I have a few other other booties I love, but I may regret it. I went up 1/2 size when I tried them on and they were great.

On Cloudswift 3 AD Running Shoe

I was meh on these, both the style and the color, and there were other options I liked better. But, they are comfortable so if you like them, I can vouch for that aspect! Go up 1/2 size.

Nike Phoenix Waffle Sneaker

I thought I’d love these, since I own and love another version of the Nike Waffle Sneaker, but they seemed like shoes that were confused. “Are we running shoes? Are we fashion sneakers? I dunno, but the New Balance 327s are cool so let’s try to be like them.” But I’m including them because I think they’d be a good walking shoe for exercise (the New Balance are super comfortable, but I wouldn’t use them for exercise, ya know?) Go up 1/2 size.

See the rest of their sale shoe selection here!

Activewear

I always look for Zella items, since the brand is high quality and affordable. Recently, I’ve loved wearing athleisure outfits, so I’m eyeing a few activewear pieces from the sale. The women’s active section is full of great finds.

Here’s what I love from the sale this year:

FP Movement Pippa Water Resistant Packable Pullover

I laughed when I put this on at first because it’s so big, but within 15 seconds I fell in love. It’s soft (I wouldn’t typically call a puffer style jacket soft but it is) and it’s light as air. It just made me happy and it’ll be cute with leggings. It’s an oversized fit so size down. I got a small but wish I’d thought to try on the XS. I’ll be stalking the website for a restock but even if I can’t get it, I think the small is fine.

SPANX® AirEssentials Crewneck Sweatshirt & SPANX® AirEssentials 4-Inch Shorts

These are so soft and comfortable that I purchased them and changed into them for the 1.5 hour drive home. Yep, they’re that good. They’re buttery soft. If you’ve worn Spanx AirEssentials material in the past, you know. I got the quarter zip version two years ago and wore it into the ground. I think both run a little small so size up; I got a medium in both.

Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings

Honestly shocked by these leggings. (1) The price is great. (2) I never like leggings with side pockets but I love these. And (3) they fit beautifully!! I thought they for sure were going to be a pricier brand, since I didn’t realize they were Zella when I put them on! These are TTS – I bought a size small.

Zella Plush Ottoman Sweatshirt

I bought this sweatshirt last year in two colorways, since I loved it so much. This version is a little different but equally as flattering and versatile. The ribbing isn’t as pronounced as it was on last year’s and it’s a tiny bit shorter, which I like. It’s TTS with an oversized fit. I got a size small.

(There are also biker shorts from Free People that would look cute with this sweatshirt; they were comfortable and flattering, but I ultimately passed on them, since I have others at home.)

Zella Cloud Fleece Sweatshirt

I loved this!! It fit perfectly and the bright color is fun without being obnoxious and it’s soft. Clearly having a sweatshirt moment. I bought the ivory but am kicking myself for not getting the pink (I may still buy it). I think it runs small so size up; I got a medium.

Zella Restore Soft Lite Relaxed Tee

Nothing fancy about this, but it’s a great option to wear with athleisure, and I don’t have a black activewear tee. The price was good and it fit well, so I bought it! It’s TTS, maybe a little oversized, and I got a size small.

Zella Kickback Ottoman Tunic

This is a longer length that will be perfect with leggings! I liked it but liked the simple crewneck sweatshirts better so I left this one. But if you prefer to have your bum covered when wearing leggings, get this for sure.

Free People All Star Sweatshirt

I was so torn on this. It was insanely comfortable — like a super old broken in sweatshirt you stole from your husband’s closet — but it also looked distressed and like it had stains on it. And I KNOW, I KNOW that’s intentional for the style, and I feel like my dad, but I just couldn’t pay $60 for something that looked that worn. I’ll find a cheaper one that I love as much and let my kids do the staining. 😉

Zella Luxe Lite Half Zip Performance Top

This was fine but I prefer my Brooks quarter zip top so I put this back! I liked the material, but it was too tight and honestly I was too worn out to try on the bigger size, especially since I have a nearly identical one I love more.

Jeans

Denim is one of those pieces that I am willing to splurge on, since I know they will last for YEARS. It’s so rare to find such great jeans discounted so much, so the Nordstom sale is a great time to buy some must-have jeans. Make sure to spend some time in the denim section of Nordstrom’s site— it’s good!

I was most surprised by how much I loved the KUT from the Kloth brand this year! It’s more affordable than every other brand I tried on and I actually liked the fit and feel better than all the designer pairs. I took two pairs home with me:

KUT from the Kloth Meg High Waist Raw Hem Ankle Wide Leg Jeans

My favorite jeans last year were KUT from the Kloth and I figured it was just because I was newly pregnant but nope, this brand was my favorite this year too! I tried on Paige, Mother and a few other designer jeans and still preferred these! They fit like a dream, the wash is classic and they have just enough stretch.

I do wish I’d tried on the Petite (duh) but the regular sizing fit well. I may have a hard time styling with shoes, so I might just have to cut them a bit (but hey, perk of a raw hem!). I bought a size 2 and feel they’re TTS, maybe a little large.

KUT from the Kloth Meg Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans

I love love love love these jeans. I’m not certain what shoes I’ll wear them with, but the front pockets are so fun that I had to buy them. Again, I wish I’d tried on the petite but I actually think the regular in this style is better for a longer length. They’re TTS and I bought a size 2. But if you’re on the fence, size down because in other jeans I own, I’m typically a size 27, which is more equivalent to a size 4.

Joe’s Jeans Provocateur

If you need a great pair of bootcut jeans, my favorite pick for this year are the Provocateur from Joe’s. They fit true to size (I have a 27) and look amazing with a pair of pumps. I’m 5’1″, and these are the regular length. I believe these are made in a petite, but I don’t think Nordstrom carries them.

AG Saige High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans

I liked these but they didn’t wow me. I think if you’re a little taller, they may fit better. They are TTS, maybe a little large. I tried on a size 26.

MOTHER The Hustler Frayed Ankle Jeans

I love my Mother jeans in this style but the wash they had at the sale was NOT cute. It almost had a brown tint and the dark areas were weird (like it looks like I wet myself!). Hard pass. I tried on a size 26 and they were pretty snug so order your usual size.

MOTHER The Twister Sneak High Waist Flared Wide Leg Jeans

If you are tall, these would be STUNNING. I loved how they fit (and they especially looked great on the bum), but I feared by the time I hemmed them, I would lose the dramatic flare that makes them so fun.

FRAME Le Easy Flare Raw Hem Jeans

These were just okay. They were comfortable and flattering but I didn’t love the wash.

Dresses

Online, I wasn’t impressed with the dress selection this year, but once I shopped in-store, I was blown away by 4 of the dresses I tried!

Maggy London Double Breasted Midi Blazer Dress

I grabbed this off the rack without checking the price and fell in love as soon as I put it on. I was convinced it was going to be $300+ since the quality is so great, but it’s under $100!! It will be so versatile for work, church, some weddings and I might even try to style it with sneakers (since I love sneakers with dresses!) I have a size 2 and it runs maybe a tad large.

Steve Madden Laken Faux Leather Shirtdress

I don’t even know what called to me to grab this off the rack considering it was 98 degrees, 99% humidity and we were under a heat advisory, but dang, this is gorgeous! It was shockingly comfortable and the snap buttons will make breastfeeding a breeze. I have a small and it’s TTS.

Chelsea28 Ruffle Sleeve Midi Dress

I have a couple weddings this fall and this color-way will lend itself to summer or fall weddings, so it’s a perfect transition dress. It’s absolutely beautiful and fits like a glove (even with my more muscular glutes!). I have a small and it’s TTS but size up if you’re on the fence or if you are curvier.

State Floral Long Sleeve Cotton Blend Voile Dress

The price point on this is so good and it would be a perfect dress for pregnancy since the waist is adjustable (and then great for postpartum with the button front). But I ultimately passed on it since I didn’t love how it fell on my chest and I didn’t think the colorway was the best on me.

Good American Fit for Success Utility Dress

While this was super flattering, it was too tight for my taste. I sized up to a medium and it was still really snug, so I’d suggest sizing up two sizes or skipping this dress unless you’re younger. Not a great option for an almost 40-year-old mom!

Tops & Sweaters

You’ll see some basics, some really fun, feminine pieces, as well as some really great pops of color! I’d scroll through this whole tops section on Nordstrom’s site since it’s always good to refresh your tops.

BP. Butter Rib Square Neck Bodysuit

I grabbed this to try on under blazers and was shocked at the quality. It has a small rib and is a nice thick quality with soft material. I would have expected it to be $50+ but it’s only $22. I forgot to buy the white in store but definitely want both white and black. I hate body suits but I just tuck it in and don’t snap. I have a small and it’s TTS.

BP. Seamed Oversize V-Neck Rib Sweater

This was soft and cozy and a great basic! I passed since I have others I like more, but if you need an oversized sweater for your closet, this one’s quality is solid and the fit is comfortable. I tried on a small and it’s TTS with an oversized fit.

Topshop V-Neck Sweater Vest

This is shockingly soft and fits beautifully for the price point! I think it will look better with more fitted jeans and the material and style are a perfect transition item for summer to fall. It runs large since it’s slightly oversized, so size down for a more fitted look. I have an XS.

Topshop Cable Crop Cardigan

I absolutely loved the way I felt in this – it was flattering, a tiny bit sexy with the V-neck but still so soft and comfortable. And I liked the cropped length since that’s flattering with jeans. The sleeves are long on me, so I hope that doesn’t drive me crazy, but I ultimately pulled it out of my maybe pile into the BUY pile! I sized up to a medium for a looser fit.

Caslon® Easy Pima Cotton Roll Neck Sweater

I absolutely love stripes, and I like the fun take on this top with the different colorblocks and pop of orange. The quality is fantastic too – it reminds me of my favorite flag sweater from Tuckernuck that costs 5x as much! This is another sweater that will transition well from summer to fall, since you can pair it with denim shorts now (perfect on the lake or in the mountains!) and then with jeans in the fall. I have a small and it’s TTS.

Madewell Dedham Stripe Polo Sweater

I didn’t think this looked very cute online, but I loved it in person. Madewell always makes great sweaters but they typically have wool, which makes me itch like crazy. This one is mostly cotton with a little bit of stretch and it’s super soft and comfortable. This will also transition well from summer to fall! I have a small and it’s TTS.

Caslon Cable Knit Pima Cotton Sweater Vest

I wanted to like this sweater more than I did. It was better on the hanger than on my body.

Free People Sandre Cable Stitch Pullover Sweater

This sweater was a big no for me. You can tell more by watching this video, but the sleeves were super long, the fit was wonky, and it just didn’t feel good. Pass on this!

Free People Rowan Sweater

This felt like a dirty washcloth – no lie. The picture is cute, but don’t be fooled, not worth buying.

Free People Bonfire Cable Knit Cardigan

I guess Free People was just not the brand for me this year. I thought this cardigan was too thick and bulky. Too much sweater for my frame. And the buttons are a little too distracting.

Jackets & Coats

The selection of coats, blazers and jackets this year is probably the best I’ve ever seen included in the sale! Coats and jackets are definitely something I buy at the Anniversary Sale, since they’re typically more expensive pieces, so I like getting them on sale. And, it’s also a good excuse to get some more fun items now that I have my basic needs covered with outerwear (I focused on getting basics last year, like a very warm long puffer coat and a lightweight jacket for spring and fall). Barbour RARELY goes on sale, but there are some amazing Barbour jackets included in this year’s sale.

Here’s what I loved in-store:

Avec Les Filles Plaid Bouclé Walker Coat

This is a fun take on a classic shape. I love plaid so the on-trend oversized plaid paired with a classic shape coat is right up my alley. Plus, it’s soft! This is definitely a thicker coat, so it will work well in the fall and winter and is roomy enough to layer over sweaters. I first tried on a small but ended up getting an XS (which is pictured below).

It’s TTS if you want extra room for layering, but size down if you don’t think you’ll layer super thick sweaters under it. So maybe size down if you live in the South but get your usual size if you live in a colder climate.

Halogen® Plaid Oversize One Button Blazer

The blazer of the year!! I tried on five blazers and this was the winning one, since it fits beautifully and is a great price! My Nordstrom stylist found this one for me and I’m so grateful because I didn’t see it online or in the store when I browsed! Way to go Deon! The description says it’s oversized but I disagree – I think it runs TTS. I have a small.

Thread & Supply Crop Puffer Vest

A simple cropped vest is a great item for anyone to have in their closet. This Thread and Supply vest was simple and basic (just what you need), but if you’re able to snag the Zella Reversible Quilted Vest, I’d get that instead (they didn’t have it in store, so I ordered it online). I’m wearing a size small in the Thread and Supply vest.

Open Edit Relaxed Fit Blazer

For only $50, this blue blazer is such a great find (and it comes in other colors). I didn’t need a blue blazer (and only decided to buy the plaid one above), but if you work in an office, this would be a fun way to dress up your wardrobe a little bit. The fit was true to size.

Theory Houndstooth Double Breasted Blazer

Gorgeous but really pricey. And since the plaid blazer above was such a great fit, I decided to skip this Theory option. I did love the double breasted detail, though. If you work in corporate where you can justify a super nice blazer, since you’ll wear it all the time, I think this is a great purchase.

Reiss Larsson Double Breasted Blazer

Another great investment blazer option. I love anything in a camel color, and this blazer is no exception. The fit was phenomenal, and if I knew I would wear this more, I would have bought it.

L’AGENCE Angelina Tweed Jacket

This tweed jacket wasn’t my vibe, but the fit was great. If this feels like your vibe, I can attest that it’s great quality and the fit is perfect.

Underwear

I always stock up on my all time favorite Natori thongs during the Nordstrom anniversary sale. I used to be a big Hanky Panky girl, but these changed me. They’re so much better!

Watch this video I filmed in Nordstrom with some details about these thongs.

Accessories

A smaller selection but some GOOD stuff. I got the mini Longchamp, this Mali + Lili Vegan Tote and this gorgeous raffia clutch.

Beauty 

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

Baby & Kids

The Nordstrom sale is one of the best times of year to get a pricey stroller on sale. Our jogging stroller (review here) and Uppababy Vista strollers are both on sale! Read my review of the UppaBaby Vista stroller here.

I’m really interested in buying the Doona Liki S3 Convertible Stroller Trike, but I’m fighting myself on it since I don’t need yet another stroller. And since we love the Nuna Rava car seat for Thomas, I’m getting a second one for Charles.

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 has the best selection I’ve seen yet. There are tons of full suits on sale, shoes, and also great dress shirts.

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 Things in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Sell Out?

Yep. But I’m going to give you some tips to get them before they sell out.

1. Become a cardholder (more on that below). How much you spend each year will determine how early you get to shop, but even the basic cardholder level gets to shop sooner than public access.
2. Download the LTK app. Follow your favorite influencers (like me ;)) and start favoriting the things you like. That way you aren’t trying to browse over 5,000 items and getting overwhelmed. My full-time job is to make shopping online easier for you! Then, go favorite those same things in the Nordstrom app. Here’s how to use the LTK app.
3. Download the Nordstrom app. Create an account and start favoriting things from the Nordstrom sale. By creating a “wishlist” in the Nordstrom app, you can move things right from your wishlist to your cart and checkout FAST. Sometimes I’ll place multiple orders just to checkout as soon as I can for things that I REALLY want. You’ll also get notified if something restocks, but only if it’s on your wishlist before the sale (you won’t be able to add it to your wishlist once it’s sold out)!

When is Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale?

The 2024 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now OPEN for all shoppers and goes through August 4. However, Nordstrom cardholders get early access to the sale, as outlined below.

What to Expect From Me During the Sale

Every year, I round up and link my favorite picks from the entire sale. I spend hours looking through the pieces and organizing my finds so that you can shop the sale easily. I publish this blog post when the Early Access Sale starts and then re-publish this same post when Public Access opens (so bookmark this post; it’ll be updated regularly)! When Public Access opens, I go back to see what’s sold out, pick new things out, and make sure it’s still helpful for those who haven’t shopped yet.

I also post on my LTK page during the sale to link specific looks. You can follow me on LTK here.

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.

Nordstrom 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!