What to buy — and what to avoid — at Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
For Nordstrom shoppers, the Anniversary Sale is like Black Friday came early.
And while we’ve been working around the clock to break down some of the most celebrity-loved products actually worth shopping, our team of expert editors, writers and strategists also has plenty of tips and tricks up their sleeves.
Whether you’re a Nordstrom cardholder who’s already shopping or just making a game plan for tomorrow — when the sale opens to the public — we’re sharing our best inside info below.
What to buy during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Run, don’t walk, to the shoe section: Reformation Petra Cylinder Heel Sandal
“I always make a beeline for the shoes during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, because 1. they tend to sell out the fastest, and 2. Nordstrom has incredible customer service, so even if the size I select doesn’t fit, it’s an easy swap provided the correct size is still in stock,” says Style & Shopping Director Elana Fishman.
“In fact, Nordstrom’s one of the few retailers from which I’ll order shoes without trying them on first,” she added.
In addition to these Reformation heels she’s eyeing, we’ve also rounded up great deals on everything from rainboots to sneakers.
Go for a splurge-worthy style: Veronica Beard Laidie Kitten Heel Bootie
While there are deals on everyday styles from more affordable labels like Sam Edelman, Franco Sarto and Steve Madden, our Sr. Audience Optimization & Discovery Strategist, Meaghan Seward, pointed out it’s also a “once-a-year opportunity to score rare (and deep) discounts on more investment-worthy brands like Veronica Beard and Frye.”
“I believe I inherited my love for Nordstrom’s shoe section from my mom, so I’m partial to the footwear at the Anniversary Sale,” she quipped.
Shop off-season styles: Babour Transport Waxed Cotton Jacket
Wardrobe staples are a great investment during Nordstrom’s sale, with everything from Rag & Bone’s viral sweatpant jeans to Longchamp’s luxe leather bags on sale.
“Given this sale historically falls in the summer, I often find myself getting summer and fall items: this year,” said Jackie Goldstein, VP of Commerce. “I’m eyeing some of the jackets.”
Seward echoed her advice, saying, “I’m also on the lookout for winter outerwear, including a versatile new parka and a faux fur coat. Experienced shoppers know the best deals are usually on off-season items — and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is no exception.”
Sought-after skincare: 111Skin Face Mask Discovery Set
With exclusive skincare and makeup sets going for hundreds off — including everything from La Mer to Lancôme — Commerce Reporter Erica Radol isn’t skipping out on shopping.
“They are some of the best values in high-end makeup and skin care you will find all year,” she said. “But shop early, because some of the best offers tend to sell out quickly — though Nordstrom does seem to add new inventory throughout as well, so it’s always worth a second (or third) look.
“I’m also using the annual sale to add products to cart that I wouldn’t otherwise buy, like this 111Skin set featuring the masks everyone from Anne Hathaway to Sydney Sweeney has used over the years.”
Hidden gems: Jenny Bird Icon Hoop Earrings
Whether you’re after lab-grown diamonds or a pair of earrings like these lightweight hoops (a celebrity go-to I’ve been wearing for years), the jewelry deals are not to be missed. After all, much like a pair of shoes, you’ll wear a great pair of earrings multiple times a week; you can’t say the same for other items in your wardrobe.
Shop tailor-made deals: Boss Solid Wool Suit
“I always remember my dad scoring great new suits during the annual event over the years, and then using the excellent on-site tailoring services for the perfect fit,” Seward said. “If any of the men in your life are clothes horses like my father, get ahead on gift shopping with the men’s sale selection’s hidden gems.”
What to avoid at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Beauty sets with samples you won’t use
While the beauty exclusives offer unbeatable deals and beautiful, gift-ready packaging, they’re only worth shopping if all the items in the set are something you’ll genuinely use. Similarly, while the jumbo-sized skin care products are great for those devoted to a specific brand, they’re not the best way to try something new.
“Figure out what you really need and stay on a plan, as it’s really easy to get lost in the incredible deals,” Radol advised.
Hyper-trendy summer items
As pointed out above, now’s a great time to stock up on styles you’ll need once chillier temperatures (finally) arrive. While there are also great deals on summer items, be sure to evaluate whether it’s a truly timeless purchase. Believe it or not, fall will be here before we know it.
Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping
This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Associate Editor for Page Six. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts celebrities’ brands to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale FAQs answered
When is the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
This year’s sale goes live online and in-person beginning with early access to cardmembers on Tuesday, July 14, and will be available to the general public Saturday, July 18 through Sunday, August 9.
How can I get early access?
Check your Nordy Club status — you may qualify for early access through one of the tiers below:
- Icons: July 14-17
- Ambassadors: July 15-17
- Influencers: July 16-17
- Everyone: July 18-August 9
What’s on sale, and is it worth shopping?
Page Six editors — and readers alike — love to take advantage of Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale to score major discounts on luxury labels, celebrity-loved accessories, beauty sets and much more. We’re keeping an eye out for brand favorites like Frye, Madewell, Jo Malone, Tom Ford and Farm Rio. Bookmark our live blog so you don’t miss the best deals!
