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It’s finally here — the biggest clothes and beauty sale of the year is live! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access 2021 is underway, and I’m so excited to share my favorites and best tips. Over the years I’ve discovered wardrobe and home staples during this sale, so I wanted to highlight the tried-and-true pieces I keep reaching for whenever the sale returns.
Rather than a huge haul post this year, I’m sharing the absolute best picks that I own and love. These are items I’ve used repeatedly and recommend for their fit, comfort, and quality. I’ll also include practical advice for shopping the sale so you can snag the items you want without overspending.
I’ll be shopping on July 16 as an early-access Nordstrom cardholder, and public access for non-cardholders begins July 28. If you’re not a cardholder and want early access, you can learn more about the card and benefits from Nordstrom directly.
My Tried and True Nordstrom Sale Favorites
Below are items I already own and love that are often included in the Anniversary Sale. These pieces have stood the test of time and repeat wear:
V-Neck Sweater / Sweater Cardigan / Scoop Neck T-shirt / Plush Throw Blanket / Boyfriend Jeans / Silk Scrunchies / Cross-Body Bag / Hunter Boots / T3 Flat Iron / Brow Wiz + Brow Gel / Gummy Hair Vitamins / Wedge Sandal
V-Neck Sweater – This is the v-neck version of a crew-neck sweater I bought last year. I love the material and fit so much I bought three colors; the v-neck is a welcome update and a versatile piece for fall layering.
Sweater Cardigan – A soft, cozy cardigan that’s become a go-to for lounging at home or running errands. It’s roomy enough to layer over leggings and makes a great travel piece.
Scoop Neck T-shirt – A lightweight tee with a pocket that layers beautifully under jackets or stands on its own. I own this in multiple colors because the fabric is flattering and breathable.
Plush Throw Blanket – I gifted this to family and friends last holiday season because it’s impossibly soft and checks the box for everyday cozy. A perfect home buy during the sale.
Boyfriend Jeans – Comfortable, slightly relaxed jeans with stretch that work year-round. I wear mine constantly and even bought a couple of the shorts version for summer.
Silk Scrunchies – I use these every night to keep my hair fresh between washes. They’re gentle on hair and leave minimal creases, so they’re worth stocking up on.
Cross-Body Bag – A compact leather cross-body that fits essentials without bulk. I own one in leather and love the size and finish.
Short Hunter Boots – Ideal for rainy seasons, these are easy to slip on and practical for wet weather without trapping heat. Great for fall, winter, or early spring.
T3 Flat Iron – I’ve used the same T3 flat iron for years and it still performs like new. It’s an investment but one I’d recommend if you style your hair regularly.
Brow Wiz + Brow Gel – Tried-and-true brow products I’ve used for years; they create a natural, long-lasting finish for everyday makeup.
Gummy Hair Vitamins – These are my favorite hair gummy vitamins—easy to take and I’ve noticed improved shine and strength with consistent use.
Wedge Sandal – I bought a suede pair last year and they’ve been a staple. They transition effortlessly between seasons and remain comfortable for long wear.
I keep coming back to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because I’ve found excellent deals on wardrobe basics that become year-round staples. Many of my favorite sweaters and shoes originally came from this sale, and it’s a smart time to buy classic pieces at reduced prices.
What this post will cover:
– Tips for shopping the sale
– Why I love shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (#NSale)
– What the Anniversary Sale is and how cardholder access works
– Sale dates for 2021
Tips for Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
- Set a budget: It’s easy to get carried away with flashy discounts. Decide what you’ll realistically spend and stick to it.
- Audit your wardrobe: Pull out fall and winter items to identify gaps—do you need a new pair of jeans, booties, or a sweater? This helps you shop with purpose instead of impulse.
- Shop early and order online: Place your order on the first day if you can. If sizing is uncertain, order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit. Nordstrom’s return policy is convenient and customer-friendly.
- Use your Nordstrom card wisely: If you’re a cardholder, select double points day to maximize rewards on your purchases.
- Prioritize hot brands and categories: Popular brands and sections tend to sell out quickly. Focus on items from the most in-demand brands and on categories like women’s jeans, shoes, booties, and beauty.
Why I Love Shopping the #NSale
I first discovered the Anniversary Sale in 2017 and was impressed by the deep discounts on newly released fall styles. Since I shop almost entirely online, Nordstrom’s free shipping and simple return process sealed the deal for me—trying on multiple sizes and returning what doesn’t work is stress-free. Over the years I’ve invested in pieces like high-quality cardigans and Madewell jeans that have become wardrobe mainstays.
In 2018 I applied for the Nordstrom card to shop early access, which allowed me to grab items before public access. If you’ve been tracking a hot item, early access can be helpful, though I don’t recommend getting a card unless you can use it responsibly and pay off purchases promptly.
What is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the retail calendar’s biggest events for clothing, shoes, and beauty. Unlike typical sales that discount last season’s items, the Anniversary Sale features newly released fall styles and season-ready essentials at their lowest prices of the year. It’s a great opportunity to buy ahead for autumn and winter.
Once the sale ends, most items return to full price, so timing can matter—especially for popular products that sell out quickly during cardholder access.
When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
July 12–27 – Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access (cardholders only)
July 28 – Sale opens to the public
August 8 – Last day of the 2021 Anniversary Sale
Happy shopping — I hope these favorites and tips help you find items you love and wear for years to come.
xo, Laura