Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the most highly anticipated events that happens all year. To help you shop, I've pulled together some of my most useful info that will help you make intentional purchases during the sale. I've also created a printable for you, to help you stay purposeful and intentional while shopping. Here are all my insider tips and tricks to help you shop the sale with ease.

art in the find shops the nordstrom anniversary sale in a new leopard print dress for fall

Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with tips and tricks from Art in the Find | Nordstrom | Nordstrom sale | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale | Art in the Find Styling

What to Know About Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will feature brand new pre-fall and trend pieces, all discounted, before being officially released in August. So it's best to prepare as items sell out very, very quickly. And yes, their site has crashed multiple times in previous years because of the sale.

When to Shop

There are a few dates of note for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. For Nordstrom Card holders, it begins on July 12th. So if you are part of the Nordy club and have a card, you get what's called Early Access to the sale good. The sale then officially starts for everyone on August 18th. And it's best to shop early, if you have a card, and use a double points day, which will offer benefits to you throughout the sale. Here is a preview of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so you can start to bookmark any items.

Sale Dates:

Influencer Access (with a Nordstrom Card) begins July 16th
Icon status (big spenders!) begins July 12th
Open to the public July 28th

Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: What to Shop

IF YOU WANT TO Shop the Trends

This is a great time to pick up some trend pieces that you can incorporate into your fall and winter wardrobe. Brands like Topshop and ASTR the Label are great trendy brands. When shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary sale for trends, it's best to choose items that are under $100. That way, you're not breaking the bank with pieces that are only in 'season' for a small amount of time. Trends are the pieces you can purchase one or two of. They are perfect to mix with your basics and essentials to feel perfectly updated for the coming season. I'm listing and linking some great trends to be on the lookout for in the next section.

The trends that are making an appearance for fall are:

Cropped, raw hem, straight leg, stovepipe denim
Athleisure: joggers in all colors, styles, types
Fun handbags and accessories

Shop the Basics

Basics are pieces that tend to be found in neutral colors, or simple prints. Before shopping, make a list of some basic pieces you wear a lot (jeans, sweaters, tops, etc.). Then be on the lookout for those specific basics during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Because basics are the pieces you'll be wearing over and over again, a great rule of thumb for budgeting is $100+. My favorites in this sale are cardigans, moto jackets, trench coats, and bomber jackets.

Shop the Shoes + Bags

Another favorite category of mine to shop during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is shoes and bags. The sale is the best time to grab some really great options. However, prices vary depending on what brands you are shopping for. But typically look to spend anywhere from $60-$200 for great options.

Ways to Pick Up Your Purchases from the Sale

Now that Nordstrom has exclusive curbside pick up (it's a perk when you're part of the Nordy Club), you can order your items online, then pull up, send a text via the app, and have the items delivered straight to your car!

In-store
Online
Curbside

From Trends to Classics (and everything in-between: The Nordstrom Sale Pieces To Shop

In-Between tops to Shop

As you’re looking to update your wardrobe, an area that might feel a little low are those “in-between” tops. In-between tops are those tops that aren’t casual tees and aren’t dressy work tops but can somehow elevate an outfit easily. These are my go-to’s for wearing to the park, for date night, the store or farmer’s market when I want to feel more put together.

Basics

Remember that basics are pieces that are on your 'wear all the time' list. These are items that are neutrals, streamlined, and sleek. Therefore, your goal is to get a lot of wear out of this list.

Tops, tees, blouses
Layers: leather jackets, sweaters, cardigans in neutral colors
Denim (black, white, dark wash) with no embellishments
Shoes: Flats and heels in neutral colors (cream, nude, black, navy) or animal print
Handbags, accessories