Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2025 picks

The first thought I had while starting to write this post was, "Wait, how is it already time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?!" Is it me or is this year flying by? The second thought I had was that this year's selection was a bit...underwhelming. People have been complaining about the decline in offerings for years now—most commonly that there's not enough quality merch, and the good stuff tends to sell out in the first day or two, when only high-spending cardholders are allowed to shop—and I was honestly a bit worried, given that Nordstrom has a new owner. It's true, the sale has changed over the years: It used to be where I'd jump on statement pieces like coats, boots, and sweaters for the upcoming season, but it's evolved into more of a way to replenish your basics at good prices. That has definitely become my strategy—more on that below—but after a thorough examination of literally everything that's on sale this year, I got pretty excited for the 2025 event. First, here are my top picks for this year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

1. My Farm Rio picks tend to sell out right away every year, but that's not stopping me from featuring yet another one this time. I really like the mix of prints on this blouse—it feels like a year-round piece to me.

Farm Rio Nature Land Shirt $124.99 (reg. $180)

2. I saw these sneakers on so many people in Italy a couple of months ago, and the more I saw them, the more I wanted them. I was thinking I'd go for a black pair, but the ivory and olive colorway is really growing on me.

New Balance 327 Sneaker $79.99 (reg. $99.99)

3. This Rag & Bone cardigan is probably going to sell out too since it's one of the few contemporary designer pieces included, but that's not going to stop me from trying. I really like that it's longer than most of the lady jackets out there, and the solid hem is an interesting design flourish.

Rag & Bone Nora Striped Cardigan $285.99 (reg. $428)

4. Nordstrom sells Away luggage now, which is exciting, particularly because Away rarely goes on sale. I feel like this is a great price for their carry-on, which people really seem to love, and I'm particularly into the unique sage green color.

Away Flex-22 Carry-On $257.99 (reg. $345)

5. People tend to either love or hate these Tom Ford lipsticks—they're like really high-end Mood lipsticks, flecked with gold. I am in the former camp, so I will gladly buy this and stash one in my bag, desk drawer, etc.

Tom Ford Soleil Clutch Gift Set $70 ($105 value)

6. I still have not bought the fringed suede jacket from my birthday wishlist, and even though it's on sale at the moment, this one is an even better price, plus I like the color and the design (fringe across the back only) even more. Win-win-win!

Treasure & Bond Fringed Suede Jacket $232.99 (reg. $349)

7. Definitely a wear-later piece, this looks like the most cozily luxurious thing to wear on work-from-home days this winter. I still have a longline cardigan from the NSale from several years back that I wear all the time—Nordstrom's private-label wool-cashmere blend holds up very well.

Polo Maxi Sweater Dress $173.99 (reg. $259)

8. I was first introduced to Frame jeans at the Anniversary sale about 10 years ago and it's been my go-to denim brand ever since. I've been curious about this fit for awhile and now seems like a good time to try it.

Frame Le Slim Palazzo Jean $185.99 (reg. $278)

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale strategy

First of all, it's important to know your dates. Nordstrom keeps futzing with the cardmember preview every year, but thankfully they seem to have shortened it. Long story short, if you aren't in the loyalty program or a cardmember, you can shop starting Saturday, July 12th through Sunday, August 3rd.

Stock up on basics

My number-one tips is to go hard on activewear, denim, T-shirts, bras and underwear, and everyday shoes like slippers, sandals, and sneakers. It's a great time to replenish worn-out items (I desperately need a new pair of UGG slippers) and refresh your supply of wardrobe staples.

Items I own and recommend

Pictured above: Spanx Flare Jeans $98.99 (reg. $148)

Levi's 501 Crop jeans $64.99 (reg. $98)

Madewell '90s Straight Jeans $91.99 (reg. $138)

We The Free Arden Tee $34.99 (reg. $58)

New Balance 574 sneakers $69.99 (reg. $89.99)

Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle sandals $109.99 (reg. $170)

Madewell Triple Keeper Belt $44.99 (reg. $68)

Spanx AirEssentials Half-Zip Sweatshirt $78.99 (reg. $118)

Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants $72.99 (reg. $110)

Spanx Get Moving V-Neck Active Tank $44.99 (reg. $68)

Spanx Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings $64.99 (reg. $98)

Go for the beauty deals

The other key strategy for shopping the Nordstrom sale is to hit the beauty deals, many of which offer bundles or value sizes of some of my favorite products. Again, it's a great way to replenish a lot of your go-tos or, if you're feeling adventurous, to try something new.