It’s almost that time again! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the shopping events I look forward to every year—and not because I believe in buying more, but because I believe in buying better.
Unlike most sales, Nordstrom discounts brand-new arrivals for the upcoming fall season before they ever return to full price. It’s one of the few opportunities all year to invest in high-quality wardrobe staples, beauty favorites, and timeless pieces you’ll wear for years, often at their lowest price of the season.
I’ve been covering this sale for well over a decade, and one thing I’ve learned is that buying fewer, better pieces always beats filling your cart simply because something is on sale. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to shop more intentionally—and hopefully avoid the stress that often comes with such a popular event.
Key Dates to Know
Here’s this year’s sale schedule:
July 6: The Sale Preview goes live.
July 14: Early Access begins for Icon cardmembers.
July 15: Early Access begins for Ambassador cardmembers.
July 16: Early Access begins for Influencer cardmembers.
July 18: The sale opens to everyone.
August 9: Final day to shop sale pricing.
August 10: Prices return to full price.
There will be a couple of posts in the lead up to the sale that I will share here on Substack to make combing through the sale and shopping the sale easier.
Subscribe below (it's free!) so you don't miss my curated edit of this year's sale, shopping tips, styling ideas, and the pieces I genuinely think are worth the investment 💛
How to Shop the Sale
One thing that’s important to know:
Early Access is reserved for Nordstrom cardmembers.
Your shopping date depends on your Nordstrom cardmember status, with Icon members shopping first, followed by Ambassador and Influencer members. If you don’t have a Nordstrom card, you’ll be able to shop once the sale opens to the public on July 18.
If shopping the sale is something you look forward to every year (or you’ve found yourself missing out on pieces you’d hoped to buy) it may be worth considering a Nordstrom card so you can shop before inventory becomes more limited.
That said, there are still plenty of great finds available during Public Access, especially if you’ve built your Wishlist ahead of time and know exactly what you’re looking for.
My #1 Tip: Build Your Wishlist Before the Sale Begins
If you take only one piece of advice from this post, let it be this.
Do not wait until your shopping date to start browsing.
The Preview launches on July 6, and this is when you’ll be able to see every item included in this year’s sale. Spend a little time browsing, decide what you actually need, and save those pieces into a Nordstrom Wishlist.
I even go a little crazy and title it “Nordstrom Sale 2026”.
Then, when your shopping window opens, you won’t be scrambling through hundreds of pages trying to remember where you saw that perfect pair of boots or your favorite beauty set. You’ll simply open your Wishlist, add your selections to your cart, and check out.
Trust me. This one habit makes shopping the sale infinitely less overwhelming. You can shop the sale in minutes and move on with your day!
Last Year’s Top Sellers
Here’s what you all were drawn to the most out of what I shared last year. Let me know if there is anything you’re really looking to snag this year!
#5: Julia Jordan Tie Belt Long Sleeve Printed Midi Dress
This dress was by far my favorite purchase. I have worn this dress multiple times throughout this last year and I always get compliments. I really hope they bring this back or something really similar.
#4: Ralph Lauren Hooded Houndstooth Jacket
Not the best photo but this jacket did scream countryside chic. If I lived somewhere colder and could get more use out of it, I would have kept it but, I’m glad so many of you liked the suggestion & I hope you’ve enjoyed it.
#3: Open Edit Comfy Jersey Pajama Set
I actually think this jersey set has a good chance of being brought back this year but maybe in a different color. I can’t tell you how often I get compliments on this set. It’s technically pajamas, I think but, admittedly, it’s been with me to Publix or the coffee shop a time or two hahah and it really is the comfiest set I own.
#2: Zella Recreation Minidress & Shorts Set
This is such a comfortable athleisure mini-dress that comes with shorts underneath. It’s great for morning walks, tennis, and golf outings with the hubs. I actually think this could get brought back, too.
#1: Large Printed Silk Scarf
This printed silk scarf being number one did not surprise me in the least. So many of you loved that I showed you how I tie my silk scarves and I love that it was helpful. Hopefully they have a few cute patterns included in this years; sale. What do you think?
Before You Shop...
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make every year is treating the Anniversary Sale like a race to buy as much as possible. Instead, I encourage you to approach it with a little more intention.
Start in Your Closet
Before adding anything to your Wishlist, take inventory of what you already own. What did you wear constantly last fall? What needs replacing? Is there a gap you’ve been meaning to fill? Maybe it’s a classic coat, a great pair of everyday boots, or denim that’s seen better days.
When you know what you’re shopping for, it’s much easier to avoid buying things you’ll forget about by October.
Don’t Skip the Basics
Some of the best purchases from the Anniversary Sale are often the least exciting at first glance. They’re the pieces you end up using the most or repurchasing over and over because they’re just that good.
Think: restocking underwear, replacing your favorite body wash or deodorant if it’s included, investing in pricier denim you’ll wear constantly, upgrading your house slippers, or finally purchasing a great wool coat you’ll reach for year after year.
These are the kinds of pieces that make the sale worth shopping: practical, useful, and high-quality enough to earn their place in your closet or home.
Don’t Treat the Sale Like a Race
While there are always quality pieces worth considering, there is also a lot of stuff included in the sale that simply isn’t worth rushing to buy. Believe me, I fell victim to this for years because I was shopping too quickly.
Take your time during the Preview period to look closely at fabric composition, original price, sale price, and overall discount. A sweater marked down isn’t automatically a great buy if the fabric isn’t something you’ll love wearing. A trendy piece isn’t a must-have just because it happens to be included.
The goal isn’t to buy the most. It’s to buy the pieces that will genuinely serve you.
Utilize the Nordstrom App
If something you love sells out, the Nordstrom app is your best friend. Keep your Wishlist updated and check back periodically throughout the sale, as popular items are often restocked in certain sizes or colors.
Having everything saved in one place also makes it much easier to shop quickly once your access window opens, without having to start your search from scratch.
One small favor before you shop ...
If you find any of my posts are helpful, whether here on Substack or in Instagram, and you plan to shop the sale this year, I’d be so grateful if you would begin your shopping by clicking one of the Nordstrom links in this post. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does earn me a small commission that helps support the time that goes into reviewing the sale, creating these guides, and continuing to grow this little business of mine.
Thank you for being here. It truly means more than you know. 🤍
Let Me Do the Hard Part
Beginning July 6, I’ll be combing through the Preview and narrowing thousands of products down to the pieces I genuinely think are worth your money.
Rather than spending hours scrolling through every category yourself, you’ll be able to lean on my curated edits to help you build your Wishlist. I’ll be sharing the wardrobe staples, beauty favorites, shoes, handbags, and home finds that stand out to me, along with the pieces I’ll personally be purchasing and my honest thoughts on what I’d skip.
My goal is simple: to help you shop this sale thoughtfully, confidently, and without feeling overwhelmed.
So if you haven’t already subscribed, now is the perfect time. I’ll be sharing my Preview Picks before the sale begins, giving you plenty of time to build your Wishlist and be ready when your shopping window opens.
What do you have your eye on for the sale this year?? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for stopping by today, friend! x. H
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