The best deals to shop from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, according to a former employee

Business Insider

11-07-2025

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is my Super Bowl. This year, Amazon Prime Day deals are the tailgate. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is wholly unique in that the department store places deep discounts on items that have yet to be offered for sale before raising them back up to "regular price" after the sale and organizes special deals and exclusives on the hottest brands that typically never go on sale to begin with.This year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially starts Saturday, July 12, and prices go back up Monday, August 4. Nordstrom cardholders receive "Early Access" to the sale and are eligible to shop now.I'm familiar with this sale in all aspects of my life: from shopping it with my mom as a young girl, to working as an employee for several years after college, to covering the sale as an editor. It's safe to say, I know what's worth it and what to skip. Honestly, I think the sale gets better and bigger every year, as Nordstrom introduces new brands and exclusives to the assortment. This year, there are over 6,000 products on sale and 65 new brands that are participating in the Anniversary Sale for the first time, like Rothy's, Sperry, Alice & Olivia, Florence by Mills, Ilia, and Baboon to the Moon. I've spent hours browsing through the options, adding quite a few to my own cart along the way.Shop all Nordstrom Anniversary Deals.
This hairdryer offers super fast drying time and a multitude of attachments so you can style your hair multiple ways with just one tool.
This buttery-soft Rails plaid shirt is the perfect throw-on-and-go layer you'll live in year-round.
These leggings are affordable, comfortable, and non-see-through.
What's both timeless and new? With its chic square toe and flexible strap, this incredibly comfortable flat in black puts a fresh spin on the beloved Mary Jane—and is even knit from plastic bottles.
Executive editor Sally Kaplan swears by this serum like no other. "It's the best skincare product I've ever discovered in my 10+ years covering beauty and skincare. It's non-negotiable in my regimen and leaves my ultra-dry skin feeling so much more hydrated than I've ever experienced."
These staples become part of the N-Sale's mainstays, and you can expect to find them (or a variation of them) year after year. Let's focus on the basics: the Zella leggings I stock up on every single year, timeless boots to kick off fall with, and the comfiest and most on-trend Birkenstocks. These classic items go on sale just a few times throughout the entire year and then remain in my wardrobe (and home) for years to come.Shop all must-haves on sale.Our team has lots of thoughts about when it comes to the best brands and the best cuts, from the best flare jeans to keeping it classic with the best high-waisted jeans. Some of the most iconic and popular styles from premium denim brands like AG, Frame, Rag & Bone, Mother, Good American, and many more are up to 50% off. This definitely causes a denim frenzy, as we notice sizing on the most popular fits gets picked through fast. If you'll be a little lenient on fewer wash options, you're sure to find your new favorite pair.Shop all designer denim on sale.Whether you're after makeup, skincare, tools, or fragrance, do not overlook Nordstrom's makeup and skincare deals. These beauty exclusives are designed to be stocked up on, featuring special sizes and gift sets like a Nars blush duo to a jumbo-sized Augustinus Bader Cream. There is even a Dyson AirWrap iD up for grabs, which is exclusive to cardmembers shopping Early Access only.Shop all beauty and skincare exclusives.
Behold, beautifully exfoliated skin. This dermaplaner removes peach fuzz and dead skin cells, revealing a smooth surface.
Whether you're after running shoes or your new favorite pair of winter boots, you're bound to find great savings on a fresh set of kicks on the most popular styles from Nike, Naturalizer, Adidas, Hoka, and more. Specifically, some of our favorite walking shoes for women are on sale, like the best Hokas, and even the retro sneakers that consume our social feeds. On the boots front, I seem to add a new pair of weatherproof Blondo boots to my collection.Shop all sneakers on sale.My wish list is full of special finds and investment pieces from contemporary brands like Farm Rio, Free People, Madewell, AllSaints, Vince, Veronica Beard, and the like. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale does a great job of capturing these brands' most quintessential items and offering them at a discount.Shop contemporary brands.Your intimates drawer will thank you when you can scoop up staples from Natori, Chantelle, Wacoal, Hanky Panky, and more. The Natori Feathers Plunge T-Shirt Bra is a wonderful everyday option. I even spotted some Bomba's ankle socks, which I typically only see these favorite socks on sale during Black Friday. While no Spanx shapewear is part of the sale, it's a great time to try their athletic offerings or cash in on their great denim.Shop all lingerie and loungewear basics on sale.Nordstrom has somehow arranged special prices on essentials even lower than when shopping these designer-favorite bedding brands directly, like up to 30% off Sijo, Boll & Branch, and Parachute. Some of these deals are particularly significant, like my favorite Tencel Lyocell Sheets (our top pick for the best cooling sheets) or the Sijo Flexcool Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow.Shop all bedding on sale.Expectant and young parents looking to build their registries hit the jackpot around Anniversary Sale with savings from premium children's brand on big ticket items that rarely tend to go on sale. Shop all baby gear on sale.Nordstrom is one of my favorite places to buy candles. Top brands like Capri Blue, Diptyque, Voluspa, and Nest offer great sampler sets, and there are even deep discounts for Pura enthusiasts. An annual constant is the Diptyque candle set, which has been restructured from four 2.4-ounce candles for $126 to three 2.5-ounce candles for $92. Stock up on your favorite scents or grab some to put aside as gifts.Shop all candles on sale.Last year, I said to skip the handbags and luggage, but I feel that Nordstrom has heard my plea and really stepped up its game. Now, I have a whole list of bags I'm dreaming of adding to my cart, like exclusive Beis colorways, better prices that beat Prime Day on JW Pei, and gorgeous Coach classics that could compete for your new favorite work bag. New this year, that I've never seen before, are discounts with Baboon to the Moon bags and Away, which is one of our favorite carry-on bags.Shop all handbags and luggage.A lot of my closet consists of Halogen, Caslon, Open Edit, Treasure & Bond, and Chelsea28. I do love the quality, value, and designs from these brands. However, most of these items will still be on sale come the next Nordstrom sale in October, and the discounts may even be deeper. If there is a piece you love and feel special in, go for it, as a lot of these products do sell out. However, don't be surprised to see trendier pieces and even some basics back on the rack during the next sale cycle. Of course, there are exceptions to everything, like a great genuine suede jacket or the Moonlight Eco Shorts Pajama Set. I will also die on the hill that everyone should own a pair of Zella leggings.Yes, there are some absolutely stunning coats part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It's the dead of summer; unless you live somewhere cold and need a coat right now, you won't miss out on savings on cold-weather staples from Bernando, Avec Les Filles, or Sam Edelman in a few weeks. My exceptions: investment pieces on labels not known for discounts like Barbour, Fleurette, Max Mara, and Reiss.The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is full of Gucci, Prada, Tom Ford, and Ray Ban sunnies galore. While very tempting for those after luxury, give it a few months, and you can likely find the same or similar shades at Nordstrom Rack for around $150.The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale uniquely positions itself as an opportunity to shop the upcoming season's trends at a temporary discount (usually about 33% off, but as high as 50% off), plus find savings on items that almost never go on sale or are exclusives released just for the event.The 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open to everyone from July 12 until August 4. Nordstrom credit card holders were able to shop as early as July 8.