Anniversary Sale – Clothing Online Picks
The day has finally arrived and I have access online to the Anniversary Sale. The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is the mother of all sales. It is the first pre-season sale of its kind meaning all the items on sale are new arrivals and focused on fall. The sale officially starts on the July 19th and runs through Aug 4th when prices return to normal. To shop early you need a Nordstrom credit card. But don’t despair, if you don’t have one yet. You can apply anytime before the sale and still shop earlier than customers that don’t have the card. So if you don’t have the card, my links won’t work until the sale starts on the 19th. If you do, you have early access starting now online.
Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which allows me to keep this blog up and running.
NSale Strategy
Because I am traveling during this very important week, I decided I would do several articles based first on my online picks and then a more detailed post after I get to shop in stores when I return home. I have several items, I am hoping look as good in person as they do online and I will let you know my thoughts when I get to see them in person. So check back often because I will be adding new information during the sale. I have also added a tab to the main menu to make it easy to access all things Nordy Sale!
Are You Ready?
Upon first impressions of browsing through the clothing selection, I see an emphasis more on basics and wardrobe staples. There are few standout trendy items. This can be both good and bad. Good because if I see a standout item from years past I immediately know it is from the _Nordstrom sale. Bad because it means it is a great time to stock up on wardrobe essentials but often these items kinda disappear in your wardrobe. That being said, there are a few pieces that are rock stars and shouldn’t be missed!
Favorite Trousers
The AG Twill Trousers are my all time favorite chino type pants. Make them in camouflage and they are a fashion home run for me. I honestly can’t get enough of these pants. I already have them in green, black and grey. I size up to size 29 for a slightly slouchy fit. These are a no brainer for me and they are definitely going to be mine. For mild climates these are a year round alternative to jeans.
Dreaming of Denim
Sticking to bottoms, the jeans selection at the anniversary sale is always epic. They have options from all the major brands and the discounts make it easier to stock up. AG Jeans has several options which I love and my beloved rag & bone Dre’s are offering a nice distressed option. Do I need another pair of Dre’s – of course I do and you do too. Mother Denim hit my radar because I am a total fangirl of Meghan Markle. She is a huge fan of Mother Denim so wanting to pretend, I too could be a princess, I picked some up. I love the light weight feel of all their denim and most pairs have an incredible amount of stretch which is always nice. The two pair I have are in a light wash so I am looking to try the Stunner High waisted in this darker wash. Fingers crossed they are as good as my other pairs.
rag & bone / Mother Denim / AG Jeans
Leggings ARE Pants!
Leggings are pants. This is what I know for sure. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a great place to stock up on leggings. Zella brand is by far the best quality for the price and during the #nsale they are even more affordable. But if you are feeling kinda rock n’ roll, the Spanx Faux Leather leggings are on sale. They are by far the best faux leather leggings out there. I get compliments on them every time I wear them and being Spanx, they suck you in at just the right places. On sale for $64.90, they are priced for you to step out of your comfort zone (or maybe into comfort) and give them a try. I promise you won’t regret it. I am always enticed by fun patterned leggings. I call them my Pilates fashion leggings. Have you noticed Pilates women are always so stylish? These Zella are kinda tie dye and kinda watercolor. They are definitely on trend and 7/8 length is my favorite for Pilates class or running around town.
Tops Picks
As I mentioned, I was drawn mainly to staple items so far in this sale. The tops are no exception. A few years back at the Nsale, I bought this fabulous plaid shirt by Paige. It is my all time favorite plaid shirt. It drapes perfectly but alas it is beginning to show signs of age. I was hoping for a new Paige option at the sale but didn’t see one. Rails plaid shirts come in a close second with seven cool plaids to choose from and I plan to pick up this color when I shop in stores.
Vince makes impeccable clothes and often are some of my most worn pieces. The quality and drape of their clothing makes it well worth the price. Two tops that caught my eye are from Vince. First, this Crew Neck Tank. It is perfect for layering and I love the slightly longer length which can allow you to get away with leggings as pants. Here is hoping the white isn’t see through. I plan to pick up in the store and will let you know my findings. The Vince Shirred Neck Silk Blouse is another closet staple you will wear all the time. I have become partial to natural fabrics over time and a good silk blouse will last forever. I find the cut of this shirt to be universally flattering and can be tucked or worn loose with ease because of the fabulous drape.
Rails Plaid Shirt / Vince Crew Tank / Vince Silk Shirred Top
Fall Sweaters
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a great place to pick up cashmere sweaters. Usually there are so many it makes it difficult to choose. This year there seems to be a wider selection of synthetic or wool blend options. These two cashmere options are definitely on my list. First, is the Nordstrom Signature Hi/Low Sweater in this fabulous blue stripe. The Nordstrom Signature brand is fabulous quality. I am hoping to try this on in store. My only fear is that it may be too warm for our mild CA climate. The other is Lafayette 148 New York Boatneck Sweater. This sweater is part wool but looks light weight and the drape is flattering. I included a picture of the back because I think the seaming in the back makes the sweater.
Nordstrom Signature Hi/Low Sweater / Lafayette 148 New York Sweater
One of my favorite sweaters from last year, is the J.Crew bomber sweater in Camo. This year the Anniversary sale has the J.Crew Leopard Bomber Sweater. I am definitely picking this up! It is the perfect topper to any outfit. The Halogen Crew Neck sweater is another great wardrobe staple. It comes in nine different colors. This pink caught my eye but there are a couple great striped options that I hope to try as well.
J.Crew Bomber Sweater / Halogen Crew Neck Sweater
Coats & Jackets
Have I lost you? Or are you like me, someone who will browse through the sale items every day just to make sure I haven’t missed anything? I think I may be one of a few who are that obsessed but my neurosis is you gain. I will do the work for you and sift through all the sale options.
I was on a “no sweater. jackets only” kick for quite a few years. The Anniversary sale is the place for coats and jackets. I am a huge North Face fan and every year they have the best selection of NF on sale! Last year, I picked up the North Face Crew Run Windbreaker and it was my favorite item from the sale. They have an updated version in four colors but I am loving this pink and khaki combination. It reminds me of a jacket I loved from the 80’s.
I haven’t met a sweater coat from J.Crew or Madewell I didn’t love! They are just the perfect topper for any casual outfit. They pack easily and don’t wrinkle. I love the red color of this Madewell Rivington Sweater Coat. It will definitely have to come home with me!
North Face Crew Run Windbreaker / Madewell Rivington Sweater Coat
Everybody needs a good trench coat. Last year, I picked up the Everlane Trench which I love. The one drawback of the Everlane Trench is that it doesn’t have a detachable hood which I realized was very important when touring colleges in the rain! I know CA rookie maneuver. This Halogen Trench has exactly that. With double breasted styling, an A-line cut and detachable hood this one is a great updated version.
I am really hoping this Free People Oversized Sporty Blazer looks as good in person as it does online. It is definitely a hybrid blazer or coat topper. The plaid is subtle and it looks like a slim cut that when oversized won’t overwhelm.
Halogen Double Breasted Trench / Free People Oversized Sporty Blazer
I debated whether to put this Rails Military Jacket in the tops section, because it can so easily be worn as a top and it really is fairly light weight. But ultimately, I decided to include with the other jackets. This military inspired jacket is all sorts of cool. It has a cropped cut with drawstring. The jacket has a light sheen and I love the grey color. I wear a large in Rails.
Leather Clothing
What I was really hoping for this year was an affordable pair of leather joggers. I am obsessing about finding a good pair. Unfortunately, there were only Vince Leather leggings in the sale. If you don’t mind spending $600+ then these might be a good option for you but honestly, the Spanx Faux leather leggings are awesome and only $64.90.
Leather clothing is continuing as a trend for fall. There is an awesome Theory Faux Leather Sheath Dress that I have no idea where I would wear but it is pretty hot! But the two items I have listed below fit better with my casual lifestyle. First is the All Saints Dalby Leather Biker Jacket. I love that this traditionally edgy jacket comes in this muted pink color. The combination is just right.
My hope is that this Halogen Leather Midi-Skirt is the right length for us tall girls. An A-Line cut is universally flattering but I am hoping it is long enough. Fingers crossed this is a winner. It looks amazing online.
Well these are the items I found on my first pass through the Online Early Access. I am moving on to shoes next. You know sneakers are my jam and there are some great options included in the sale. I would love to hear your thoughts on what you can’t live without, what you are buying and how you find things fit. Drop me a comment below. You can also follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for my latest finds.