Let’s Talk About the Nordstrom Sale
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is right around the corner, which means it’s time for me to figure out what coverage will look like this year.
I’ll be covering it. The question is how much coverage it deserves.
For years, the Anniversary Sale was one of the biggest events on my editorial calendar. I’d spend days combing through the preview, building roundups, comparing prices, tracking inventory, and sharing the pieces I thought were genuinely worth considering.
And while I’m getting ready to do it all again, I’ve found myself looking back at my coverage from the last few years.
And maybe I’m just tired, but a lot of it looks the same.
The same brands. The same categories. The same sweaters, boots, jackets, beauty sets, and basics with slightly different names and colors.
Now, maybe that’s just the nature of a good wardrobe. Most of us aren’t reinventing our style every year, nor should we be. But it did make me stop and wonder whether the sale is as exciting as it once was, or if we’ve all gotten into the habit of treating it like an event because that’s what we’ve always done.
Plus, and here’s the kicker, I don’t shop at Nordstrom nearly as much as I used to.
Years ago, Nordstrom was one of my primary retailers. I had top-tier access, knew exactly what was worth buying, and could justify spending days covering the sale because I was shopping there regularly throughout the year.
These days, my shopping is spread across a much wider range of retailers. Between J.Crew, Evereve, Quince, Tuckernuck, and a handful of others, there are simply more places to find great pieces than there were a decade ago.
As a result, I still have early access to the sale, but not the really early access.
And honestly, I’m not even sure how much that matters anymore.
Retail has changed dramatically. Sales happen constantly. Brands run promotions year-round. Many of the categories that used to make the Nordstrom Sale feel special can now be found at similar prices throughout the season if you’re willing to wait a few weeks.
I’ve changed, too.
These days, I’m much more focused on buying with intention. I want pieces that fill a genuine need in my wardrobe, not something I purchase simply because it’s marked down.
At the same time, I know many readers still look forward to the sale every year. For some, it’s the best time to stock up on beauty favorites. Others wait for shoes, denim, bras, outerwear, or investment pieces that rarely go on sale.
Key 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Dates
- Sale Preview: July 6
- Icon Early Access: July 14–17
- Ambassador Early Access: July 15–17
- Influencer Early Access (All Cardholders): July 16–17
- Public Access: July 18 – August 9
- Prices Go Back Up: August 10
So before I start digging through the preview and deciding what coverage will look like this year, I’d love to hear from you.
Are you planning to shop the sale?
If so, what are you hoping to find?
Are there specific categories you’d like me to focus on?
Do you want a comprehensive guide covering everything worth considering, or would you prefer a more curated approach that focuses only on the pieces I genuinely think stand out?
And if you’ve stopped shopping the sale altogether, I’d love to hear why.
As always, my goal is to create content that’s actually useful. If I’m going to spend hours combing through thousands of products, I’d rather know what you’re looking for than make assumptions.
Leave a comment and let me know where you stand on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale these days.
I’m genuinely curious.
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Howdy from Texas… I am always searching for petites for my very petite self… I am 5’ but have curves and tiny arms. Also, since I live in Texas where it’s still basically summer until Halloween, some great transitional items would be appreciated. There are no major stores near me and boutiques generally don’t work. I live in a college town so you can easily guess what’s in the boutiques! Flirty! Cute! Cheap but expensive! Trendy! Ruffles! Puffy sleeves! Large prints! Best of luck and congratulations on your daughter’s team victory in Florida!
Please cover the sale, Nordstrom has been making an effort as of late!
I’m looking for one of a kind special items that will sell out fast. Tory boots, special Cinq a Sept item, Mother jeans, Veronica Beard blazer of the season…Also, makeup and skincare specials. Private label cashmere, sportswear…
Thank you for your work on our behalf! I just went back and looked at what I ordered (and what I kept) from the last two Nordstrom Anniversary Sales. The purchases I kept were mostly jewelry, restocks on beauty favorites, and a few fun new trendy pieces. My closet has plenty of basics, so I won’t be shopping for those this year, and I bought a new winter coat from the sale last year. This year, I WILL be looking for some upgraded/interesting/fun pieces from brands I wouldn’t be able to afford at full price. My favorite pieces from past sales have been from the categories I call “personality pieces” or “interesting basics with a twist”: a Bernardo cobalt blue corduroy trench coat, silver Steve Madden knee high boots, a Steve Madden black maxi short sleeve sweater dress, an Open edit short sleeve fuzzy black sweater, etc. I hope this helps!
I haven’t bought much in the Nordstrom sale, as the items go back on markdown a few weeks later. I look for : waterproof low heel boots, sneakers, exercise wear mostly leggings, merino/ all wool sweaters, waterproof coats. I don’t buy many synthetic items .Nordstrom needs to buy items like quince has, or needs to take a survey of their customer wants?
Hi Megan!
I usually update a few of my basics from the Nordstrom sale.
This year I’m primarily hoping for a classic trench coat.
Thanks!