Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – My Top Picks

The sales have been insane since March. In 13 years of shopping, I’ve never seen quite so many deals at one time and for such a prolonged amount of time. And we are ending the summer with a bang. The once-a-year Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is my clients’ favorite sale. It’s one of the few sales that dramatically discounts brand-new, coveted merchandise and go-to classics. We all munch at the bit for this baby. This year, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has 2,084 discounted items for women — and I looked at every single one of them. Yes, every single one. My eyes hurt, but it was worth it. Below are the Vanessa-approved items from the sale.

When Can I Start Shopping The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

You heard the sale starts on August 4th, so you go to the website and try to purchase, but alas, you are not allowed! That is because the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is like a caste system. Nordstrom credit card holders shop first, and there is a tier of power within those folks as well. The more you shop at Nordstrom, the more powerful you become, mwah ha ha! Here is the schedule of who is allowed to shop first:

• Tuesday, August 4th – Credit card holders with Icon Status get first dibs. This is the most exclusive Nordstrom status and you must spend at least $15,000 a year to achieve Icon status.
• Friday, August 7th – Credit card holders with Ambassadors status — those who spend $5,000+ a year — can shop now.
• Monday, August 10th – Credit card holders with Influencer status can start shopping now. You must spend $2,000 a year to have Influencer status.
• Thursday, August 13th – Credit card holders with Insider status can start shopping now. You automatically gain Insider status when you’re approved for a Nordstrom credit card.
• Wednesday, August 19th – Everyone can shop now!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Shopping Tips

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale can be overwhelming. One, it’s easy to overshop. Two, it can be time-consuming to browse 2,000+ items. Three, everything sells out so fast! I already have a huge issue with everything selling out at Nordstrom. I have heard many a frustration from V-Style readers when my recommended Nordstrom items in any blog post, let alone this one, sell out within an hour of it going live. And if you’re one of my clients who has received one of my online shopping lists, you are fully aware of how quickly things sell out. To counter these issues, here are my Anniversary Sale shopping tips:

1. To avoid overshopping, make a list of what you need or want before browsing.
2. Instead of browsing 2,000 items yourself, browse the recommended shopping lists of your favorite bloggers. Oh, look! You’re already on that.
3. Order two sizes of any item you adore. If you wait until after the item arrives to size up or down, the item in the color or size you want will most likely be sold out.
4. Set an alert on your phone for the day you are allowed to start shopping (check your status above).
5. If an item is sold out, check back every few days. Half the items that sell out right away will come back in stock from all the returns.

To elaborate, items will sell out right away, but many will come back in stock due to returns. This is mostly due to the overshopping we discussed. People go manic and shop insane amounts and then realize they don’t actually need most of what they bought, or the size is off, and they end up returning at least half of what they purchased. So, you may think that shopping on August 19th will have nothing, and it will certainly be less than on August 4th, but you can get really lucky by shopping the sale late.

Anniversary Sale Tops

My clients have been in desperate need of everything casual, so I was especially pleased to see a plethora of perfect casual shirts. Perhaps it was Nordstrom’s intention to cater to the gaps in our casual wardrobes because I was not blown away by any top that wasn’t casual.

Caslon Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt

This Caslon Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt is one of my favorites for my clients. It is flattering for basically any shoulder width. Just size down if you have narrow shoulders.

Sizing Tip: Runs large, order a size down.

Caslon Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt – Plus Sizes

Here is the plus size version of my favorite Caslon Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt.

Treasure & Bond Stripe Dobby Shirt

I absolutely adore a light blue and white striped shirt with thin vertical stripes and this Treasure & Bond Stripe Dobby Shirt is perfection!

Sizing Tip: Runs large, and is great for wider shoulders.

Treasure & Bond Stripe Linen Blend Shirt – Plus Sizes

Here is the plus size version of the Treasure & Bond Stripe Linen Blend Shirt.

BP All Day Tee

This BP All Day Tee is one of my favorite solid colored t-shirts of all time, and it keeps selling out to my complete irritation. I was delighted to see it is coming back for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size.

BP All Day T-Shirt – Plus Sizes

This is the plus size version of my beloved BP All Day T-Shirt.

Vince Essential Crewneck T-Shirt

The Vince Essential Crewneck T-Shirt is delicious in feel and style. It’s great for my lean or flat stomach gals. It also looks best if you have medium to small breasts. I tuck this into high waisted pants and skirts, and love to see it front tucked with jeans or denim shorts.

Sizing Tip: Order your usual size as well as a size up to compare.

Rails Ingrid Raw Hem Chambray Shirt

This Rails Ingrid Raw Hem Chambray Shirt is a must for all my casual cool gals. Tuck this into denim shorts, or pair it, as pictured, with anything white.

Sizing Tip: Runs true to size.

Nordstrom Signature Chevron Knit Cashmere Sweater

I adore the Nordstrom Signature cashmere so I have no doubt that the Nordstrom Signature Chevron Knit Cashmere Sweater will be a treat for your fall wardrobe. Pair it with leggings, and skinny jeans and pants.

Sizing Tip: Runs large. Order a size down.

Vince Stripe T-Shirt

I believe this is the Vince Stripe T-Shirt that I adored last year! So excited to see it back! I love the chic length of the sleeve. This shirt can actually be tucked into slacks for a more casual work look. It also comes in navy.

Boss Scoop Neck Stretch Jersey Top

I love this Boss Scoop Neck Stretch Jersey Top to pair with suits, slacks, and pencil skirts. It’s a great way to rock a more casual look in the workplace.

Sub-Urban Riot I Got This Graphic Tee

Who doesn’t need this reminder right now? This Sub-Urban Riot I Got This Graphic Tee is flattering, fluffy soft, and fabulous.

Caslon Long Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt

The Caslon Long Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt is one of the few long sleeve t-shirts that is actually flattering. But the sleeves are long, so I recommend hemming them if you’re not super tall.

Nordstrom Signature Turtleneck Pullover

I adore a turtleneck in the fall. Add this Nordstrom Signature Turtleneck Pullover to your fall wardrobe if you agree.

Anniversary Sale Athletic Wear

Have you noticed that I have traded travel posts for athletic wear posts? With travel gone, I have never worked out more these days. And we all need that serotonin and dopamine from physical exertion. I am starting to see a real difference in attitudes and general happiness between those who work out and those that don’t. Let’s get moving ladies!

Zella High Waist Studio Pocket 7/8 Leggings

I absolutely adore the deep purple shade of these Zella High Waist Studio Pocket 7/8 Leggings. And that pocket! Yes!

Nike Swoosh Dri-FIT Racerback Sports Bra

As you know, the Nike Swoosh Dri-FIT Racerback Sports Bra is my favorite sports bra ever.

Nike Dry Swoosh Bold Sports Bra

Here is the plus size version of my loyal Nike Dry Swoosh Bold Sports Bra.

Zella Studio Lite High Waist Print 7/8 Leggings

To my everlasting sadness, these Zella Studio Lite High Waist Print 7/8 Leggings do not have a pocket. But that print is so damn fresh that I had to recommend them. I’ll use these for my at-home workouts when I don’t need a pocket.

Anniversary Sale Accessories

When I say accessories, I am referring to handbags, wallets, jewelry, watches, and belts. As usual, Bony Levy is coming in hot with discounts on timeless everyday diamond pieces. As I am sure you are starting to notice, the best of the Anniversary Sale is coming from Nordstrom’s exclusive lines. I really didn’t see a ton of great pieces from lines outside the Nordstrom family like in other years. Compare the selection of this year’s picks with my past “Best of” Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts, here. Do you see how there were more pieces from outside designers? I am assuming times are too hard for most designers to participate in the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Starburst Medallion Necklace

I love the way Argento Vivo has combined the celestial trend with the coin trend to make this Sterling Silver Starburst Medallion Necklace.

Michele Deco Sport Watch Head & Bracelet, 34mm

This sporty classic Michele Deco Sport Watch Head & Bracelet, 34mm comes in navy and blush. The tank shape feels so fresh after over a decade of round watches.

Kate Spade New York melanies 52mm polarized round sunglasses

These Kate Spade New York melanies 52mm polarized round sunglasses are versatile and timeless. They work best on angular or oval face shapes.

Kate Spade New York florence zip around leather wallet

Kate Spade is the queen of handbags and wallets. This Kate Spade New York florence zip around leather wallet in blush is just perfection if you have a lighter colored wardrobe and a blush handbag.

Argento Vivo Evil Eye Medallion Necklace

I have been obsessed with the evil eye since my trip to Bruges. This Argento Vivo Evil Eye Medallion Necklace is one of the best budget-friendly versions of this gorgeous design.

Kate Spade New York large florence leather tote

For those who have to go into the office these days, this Kate Spade New York large florence leather tote is utilitarian at its most delicious. And this shade of green goes with almost everything.

Halogen Oval Buckle Leather Belt

I am obsessed with this Halogen Oval Buckle Leather Belt. I don’t believe I have ever seen an oval belt buckle before — and I have been shopping every day for 13 years.

Sweaty Betty All Sport Backpack

Since I began biking as much as possible, I have become a huge fan of backpacks. This Sweaty Betty All Sport Backpack is one of my favorites since it is easy to wash and super roomy — seriously this is a pretty big backpack (21″H x 14″W x 7 ½”D ), but completely lightweight at 1.7 lbs.

Versus Versace Moscova Leather Strap Watch, 38mm

I was drawn to this Versus Versace Moscova Leather Strap Watch, 38mm. Black and gold is so fun in the fall.

Bony Levy Prism Diamond Two-Link Drop Earrings

These Bony Levy Prism Diamond Two-Link Drop Earrings are gorgeous! Pair them with a t-shirt and jeans or a cocktail dress.

Bony Levy Icon Diamond Bangle

I love the art deco vibe of this Bony Levy Icon Diamond Bangle. Pair it with the hoops below for an everyday look or for dressing up.

Bony Levy Bardot Diamond Hoop Earrings

I am obsessed with diamond hoops and the Bony Levy Bardot Diamond Hoop Earrings are perfect. These slim sparklers are versatile and sexy.

Bony Levy Aquamarine & Diamond Square Stud Earrings

These Bony Levy Aquamarine & Diamond Square Stud Earrings also have a captivating art deco vibe. Plus, that turquoise and gold combo is stunning. Pair them with this ring.

Anniversary Sale Pants

We have some good pants on sale this year! Basically, every style of pant you need this fall is in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Halogen High Waist Ponte Leggings

I have been dedicated to the Two by Vince Camuto leggings for years, but I can’t wait to try these Halogen High Waist Ponte Leggings.

AG Caden Crop Twill Trousers

I am bonkers for these super soft AG Caden Crop Twill Trousers. I have put them on many clients who all love the relaxed comfort fit of these flattering chinos.

Vince Soft Tailored Crop Pants

These Vince Soft Tailored Crop Pants are fabulous for work. They look best on shorter women and pair beautifully with flats.

7 For All Mankind High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans

These 7 For All Mankind High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans are the perfect blue. They are great for anyone needing a new pair of classic versatile jeans

AG The Farrah High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans

The AG The Farrah High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans are the perfect summer jean. Contrary to the image, do not pair them with heels. Pair them with sandals and light-colored tops.

7 For All Mankind Alexa High Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans

I am personally a fan of cropped, wide-leg jeans. Pair these 7 For All Mankind Alexa High Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans with casual chunk heels in summer and booties in the fall.

Anniversary Sale Loungewear + Pajamas

We have never needed more loungewear and pajamas. It would be funny, if it wasn’t terrible. But let’s focus on the positive and enjoy these super soft, flattering options.

Honeydew Intimates All American Shortie Pajamas

I adore the grey tone and the mixture of stripes and lace on the Honeydew Intimates All American Shortie Pajamas.

Honeydew Intimates Sun Soaker Lounge Set

Cheer up with this Honeydew Intimates Sun Soaker Lounge Set. It comes in a bunch of different prints and colors if the hearts are too cute for you.

Nordstrom Moonlight Dream Pajamas

I know they are a bit retro, but I adore large print, long sleeve pajama sets. The Nordstrom Moonlight Dream Pajamas are super soft and put me in a good mood. We all need that!

Nordstrom Moonlight Dream Pajamas – Plus

Here is the fabulous plus size version of the Nordstrom Moonlight Dream Pajamas.

BP Jogger Pants

Since the pandemic, I have become obsessed with adorable lounge pants and these BP Jogger Pants fit the bill. And yes, it is okay to wear them five times before washing them. Just don’t wear them all day, every day for five days straight.

BP Comfy Jogger Pants – Plus

What a treat! Here is the plus size version of the BP Comfy Jogger Pants.

Barefoot Dreams 2-Pack CozyChic™ Socks

Does anybody else live in these Barefoot Dreams 2-Pack CozyChic™ Socks in the winter… or summer? (I raise my hand.) Basically, every evening I slip on cozy socks like these. I call them my soft shoes, house socks, or something else that gives them the status they deserve.

PJ Salvage Tank & Shorts Pajamas

PJ Salvage always makes fabulous pjs. I adore this flattering and comfortable PJ Salvage Tank & Shorts Pajama set.

PJ Salvage Tank & Shorts Pajamas – Plus

Here is the plus size version of the adorable PJ Salvage Tank & Shorts Pajamas set.

Anniversary Sale Shoes

My selection of shoes from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is delightfully diverse. There’s a flat, a feminine bootie, a rougher bootie, a couple of slides, and a sneaker. I dare say, we have a shoe for everyone. Let me know if you need me to look harder at the tall boots. I wasn’t blown away by any one pair, and I am getting over the Stuart Weitzman look that is included in the sale each year.

Steve Madden Feather-L Genuine Calf Hair Loafer

These Steve Madden Feather-L Genuine Calf Hair Loafers have been a favorite for ages. They feel like nothing, which people love. But if you need support, do not get them. Feels “like nothing” means you feel barefoot.

Steve Madden Nadalie Pointed Toe Bootie

You know my obsession with pointed-toe, chunk heel booties in tan. I am excited to see if these Steve Madden Nadalie Pointed Toe Booties are as amazing as my Dolce Vita boots.

Caslon Keaton Water Resistant Lace-Up Bootie

I can’t believe Caslon is making waterproof booties! I can’t wait to see how the Caslon Keaton Water Resistant Lace-Up Bootie holds up.

Veja Esplar Sneaker

My clients are obsessed with white sneakers right now, so I thought you all would appreciate this Veja Esplar Sneaker. The ecru sole adds dimension to this otherwise all-white shoe.

Caslon Lexie Pointed Toe Slingback Flat

The Caslon Lexie Pointed Toe Slingback Flat in blush is extremely versatile in both color and style. Wear it to work or for play.

Ted Baker London Emmalii Strappy Slide Sandal

This Ted Baker London Emmalii Strappy Slide Sandal is one of the most lovely slides. You know that blush color is versatile and will be perfect with cropped pants, skinny jeans, and dresses.

Anniversary Sale Outerwear

Everyone needs more outerwear. I have never met someone who had all the outerwear they needed to complement all their outfits. Go ahead and buy everything on my list below.

Rails Collins Military Jacket

This Rails Collins Military Jacket has been selling out and coming back in stock for over a year for a reason. It is fabulous and fresh. I have yet to tire of anything about this lightweight jacket. It is the perfect spring/summer cover-up. And, as you know from my post about the most versatile jacket color, it is versatile.

Madewell Kent Stripe Cardigan

So often printed cardigans end up being one-hit wonders because it is too hard to find tops to go under them. This Madewell Kent Stripe Cardigan is an exception. This particular series of colors are pretty easy to find. Let me know if you need help getting tops for this baby.

Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Hoodie

There are not nearly enough cashmere hoodies, so thank you Nordstrom Signature Cashmere Hoodie for existing and at that price. Geez, Louise.

Nordstrom Signature Cascade Collar Double Face Wool & Cashmere Coat

For my cold-weather city gals, you must get this Nordstrom Signature Cascade Collar Double Face Wool & Cashmere Coat! I am obsessed with blue coats, as you can tell from my Pastel Winter Outfits post.

AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket

I love All Saints leather jackets and the AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket in this color is quite the find. It’s both ugly and fabulous. My clients who are averse to “happy” colors will adore this. It’s also available in a similar style in a rose and creamy white color, here.

Anniversary Sale Under Garments

All my clients are desperate for comfortable bras. Thankfully, the world has finally paid attention to women’s needs and has started producing bras women actually want to wear.

Commando Butter Bralette

This Commando Butter Bralette gives you support, and is more flattering and useful than those bralettes that have a square neckline.

Natori Bliss Perfection Underwire Contour Bra

Navy! This Natori Bliss Perfection Underwire Contour Bra comes in navy! Do you know how hard it is to find a navy bra? And do you know how many people require a navy bra in their wardrobe? A lot! I feel like this bra is a national treasure.

Wacoal How Perfect No-Wire Contour Bra

Let me count the ways I love this Wacoal How Perfect No-Wire Contour Bra. One, it gives the breast a nice shape. Two, it supports without a wire. Three, it is a pretty color that you want people to see. Lastly, from the overall texture to the clean straps, this bra is pretty, so it’s okay for it to show if you’d like to wear it with spaghetti straps or one of those loose tanks that show under your arms.

Anniversary Sale Skirts

Okay, this is a short list, but it is mighty and it shows you how choosy I am. Nothing from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale goes on this list that is not fully Vanessa-approved.

Theory Skinny Faux Leather Pencil Skirt

This Theory Skinny Faux Leather Pencil Skirt in tan is absolutely stunning. I can’t wait for you to wear this to the office — one day.

Vince Camuto Ponte Midi Skirt

I love this Vince Camuto Ponte Midi Skirt. You can wear it to work and it’s so comfortable you could wear it on a plane. This reminds me of a client I used to dress for flights that she needed to take for work where she would literally get off the plane and go straight to a meeting. We always had to plan her work outfit accordingly.

Anniversary Sale Dresses

Last, but not least, we have the Anniversary Sale dresses. There is only one I was drawn to for this list. There were some good work dresses, but I just felt a little bored by them. If you have a need for a bunch of work dresses, here you go. But a lot of my clients would not love them, and neither do I.

AllSaints Sami Sleeveless Maxi Dress

The mighty AllSaints Sami Sleeveless Maxi Dress is delicious! I can’t wait to personally purchase this dress. I love the slit, the color, and lower belly friendliness.

Past Nordstrom Anniversary Sales

How do you feel this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale selection compares to years past? Below are a few items from past Nordstrom Anniversary Sales for reference. As I mentioned, there are definitely less high-end and unique items included in this season’s Anniversary Sale, but I was delighted by the vast amount of basics and affordable pieces. I honestly assumed I would be disappointed by this year’s sale, but these are the items we are really needing in our wardrobe right now. All and all, I think this year’s Anniversary Sales is a treasure trove as usual.

Tahari Wrap Coat

Pictured above, this Tahari wrap coat is absolutely rich. I can’t get over this lush vicuna shade. If I didn’t already have too many coats, this would be mine immediately. It also comes in petite and Plus Size Options.

Update: It is truly beautiful, but too itchy for my sensitive skin. Some clients don’t mind it though.

Classiques  Entier Funnel Neck Tunic Sweater

I am very much looking forward to this one for both myself and my clients. Classiques always makes a delicious sweater each fall, and this one is it this year. The Bordeaux shade is delicious and I absolutely adore a sleeveless sweater, especially in San Diego. It’s not too hot for our mild weather, but I can add a long sleeve tee underneath for my trips to London. Plus it is long enough for leggings, and we all need more tops we can wear with leggings. I do worry that it is made of wool, and not cashmere, but my fingers are crossed it won’t itch.

Update: Love the fit and feel, but it works best with black or fair colored hair. I found my brown hair was too muted in color next to the deep burgundy.

Gorjana ‘Power Stone’ Semiprecious Stone Bracelet

I love these stacking Gorjana bracelets, especially in the labradorite and gold combo. I often stack them with Nadri’s ‘Boho’ semiprecious stone multi-strand bracelet in black rutilated quartz. The combination is both elegant and edgy, and can be worn as everyday jewelry.

Update: Fabulous! I have already used this on clients, but just wanted to remind you how fabulous they are. Note: Some of the colors of this bracelet are cheesy. Stick with the color I have recommended.

Hinge “Cora’ Block Heel Sandal

This Hinge Suede Block heel sandal is already selling out, so get on it. I wasn’t able to get it in my size, so I went with a size down with my fingers crossed yet again. This baby is the answer to your sweater-dress-in-San-Diego prayers. I am sure you have noticed you don’t know what shoes to wear with sweater dresses that are not boots. This suede block heel is your answer.

Update: These are very comfortable and exactly what I wanted them to be quality-wise. They are a touch too high for me, but many clients are loving them.

Equipment ‘Adalyn’ Print Silk Sleeveless Blouse

Equipment is a well-fitting (although runs a bit big) go-to for silk blouses. Each season they put out a print that I love and must put on as many clients as possible. This season it is this graphic lip print. I can’t wait to wear this with my lips painted red. Cheesy? Yes, but cheeky fun, chic too.

Update: I absolutely love this! I love the feel, and the print is even better in person. I have already worn this blouse a lot.

BCBG ‘Billiee’ Colorblock Pump

I have been wanting some more daring shoes lately, and I love this BCBG pump with Chanel envy. I can’t wait to pair it with my fall dresses. It will also look fabulous with a pencil skirt for work.

Update: These are so chic and sexy, plus they are comfortable, but there is something wrong with the website. Don’t select the shoe based on the little color circle pictured. Make sure you select this color: Black/Dusk/Cognac suede.

Vince Suede Scuba Jacket

Last year I put this gorgeous Vince tan suede jacket on numerous clients due to its versatility. I am beyond delighted they are bringing it back this fall at this Nordstrom Anniversary Sale price.

Trina Turk Military Coat

Trina Turk has single-handedly brought back the military coat for me with this fantastically diabolical double-breasted goodie. I can’t wait to put this on someone. Look at that gorgeous flare in the back. And it comes in petite sizes.