Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 picks

The icon on my Nordstrom app has changed to yellow, which means it's time to mentally prepare yourself for the inevitable letdown that is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I'm kidding—mostly. The best items are known to sell out in the first few days when only the highest-spending customers are able to shop, which has been a source of frustration for me (and many others) for several years now. BUT I have shifted my strategy and as a result, shopping the sale feels way more satisfying now. Instead of going after the most coveted items like it's a contact sport, I use it as an opportunity to restock a lot of my go-to beauty products and wardrobe essentials, like underwear and socks. True, it's not the sexiest approach, but it does scratch that sale itch. Here are some of my favorite items to stock up on.

Nordstrom Anniversary sale items I own and recommend

Pictured above: Spanx Supersmooth Slim Straight Pants

Madewell Keeper Belt (a Cheryl Shops bestseller)

Chantelle T-shirt bra

Ugg Tazzette slippers (I am going to treat myself to a new pair!)

Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle sandals

Bombas No-Show Socks

Spanx Booty Boost 7/8 leggings

New Balance 327 sneakers

Spanx Air Essentials Wide-Leg Pants & Half-Zip Sweatshirt

Beauty faves I'll be restocking

If you ask me, this is the sale's true sweet spot. These items tend to be stocked deep and heavily discounted—just how I like them. These are truly some of my all-time favorite products that I regularly use (and purchase for myself).

Pictured above: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (my favorite cleanser of all time—here's my review)

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara duo and Cream Eyeshadow Stick set (more Bobbi Brown faves here)

Eighth Day Regenerative Serum duo (here's my honest review)

Chantecaille Essential Eye trio (includes my all-time favorite eye shadow)

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil set

Charlotte Tillbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray duo

True Botanicals Chebula Serum set (another fave—here's my review)

Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner duo (read my honest review)

Hourglass Veil Transluscent Setting Powder (full disclosure: I work for their parent company)

My 2026 picks

Call me a glutton for punishment, but I do love to see what's new, and there are several brands in this year's sale that I've never seen before, including Flamingo Estate, Staud, and COS (since when did Nordstrom start carrying COS?!). Knowing my luck, these will probably sell out early, but since I'm an eternal optimist, I'm including them anyway.

1. Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Jewel Liner set

2. Monica Vinader Odyssey Aquamarine Open Ring

3. COS Easel Tote

4. Lizzie Fortunato Tavira Cultured Pearl Necklace

5. Farm Rio Garden Delight Peasant Top

6. Margaux Cap-Toe Cluny Slingback Pumps

7. H&M Leopard-Print Barrel Trousers

8. Le Creuset 3.5-quart Sauteuse Oven

Important dates to know

Nordstrom has shifted the dates a bit this year so, this year's event started a bit later than normal. While the highest tiers began shopping yesterday (oops, I'm a day late), the rest of us can hit it starting Saturday, July 18th through Sunday, August 9th. Start loading your wishlist now, and let me know what you bought in the comments below!

Cheryl Shops