What You Need to Know About the Nordstrom Sale

The 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here—and like every year, it brings a mix of excitement, overwhelm, and let’s be honest… frustration.

If you feel like the sale is too much to sort through, I get it. Even I find it tedious. Sorting through pages of product listings, sold-out sizes, and duplicate styles is a lot—and honestly, after a while, everything starts to look the same.

And shopping is literally my job.

That’s why I take a strategic, streamlined approach—to help you skip the noise and get straight to the pieces that are actually worth your time, money, and closet space.

Why the Nordstrom Sale Gets Mixed Reviews (And Why That’s Fair)

The Anniversary Sale gets mixed reviews every year, and honestly? I understand why.

There’s a lot of hype—and a lot of product you don’t need. That’s what makes the sale so overwhelming. It’s easy to get caught up in the marketing and overbuy, especially when inventory is limited.

That’s why I take a much more edited, thoughtful approach.

I’m here to help you shop it like a stylist would—because that’s what I’ve done for over a decade.

What Makes the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Unique?

Unlike typical sales that discount end-of-season merchandise, the Anniversary Sale is all about NEW arrivals for fall—on sale before the season even starts.

You’ll find markdowns on:

Fall fashion and cold-weather staples
Premium denim and outerwear
Beauty exclusives and giftable sets
Designer shoes, bags, and more

Once the sale ends, prices go back up to full retail. So if you’ve been eyeing something from a better brand, this is the time to get it.

How I’m Shopping (and Sharing) the Sale in 2025

My shopping philosophy for the Anniversary Sale this year is different.

Here’s what I’m doing:

✅ Prioritizing quality brands over private labels

I’m focusing on items from better brands—like Veronica Beard, Vince, FRAME, AllSaints, and Eileen Fisher. Nordstrom’s in-house brands (like Caslon, Halogen, and Zella) just haven’t delivered the quality or value they used to.

✅ Only recommending what’s worth your time

There is way more that I don’t recommend than what I do. Every product I share is hand-picked with our readers in mind—based on past purchases, feedback, and what actually works in real life.

✅ Avoiding fluff and filler

This sale isn’t about me—it’s about you. So my picks are practical, versatile, and curated with real women in mind—across a range of sizes, styles, and lifestyles.

I go through every single item—so you don’t have to. Last year, there were over 55 pages of women’s clothing alone. I sort through it all using data, feedback from our community, and a decade of styling experience to bring you only the best of the best.

And over on Substack, I’ll also share what I ended up buying—and snap a few photos so you can see how I’m actually wearing the pieces in real life. Not as content—just as a woman figuring it out right alongside you.

2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Dates

Here’s when you can shop the sale:

June 27: Sale preview begins (everyone can view items and build wishlists right now!)
July 8–11: Early Access for Icon Nordstrom cardmembers
July 9–11: Early Access for Ambassadors
July 10–11: Early Access for Influencers
July 12–August 3: Sale opens to the general public

🛍️ Tip: Items sell out fast. If you see something you want, don’t wait. Add it to your wishlist during preview and check out as soon as you have access.

Is the Nordstrom Sale Worth It?

Yes—but only if you shop with intention.

If you go in without a plan, it’s easy to overbuy or end up with trendy items that don’t work in your real life. But if you’re thoughtful and strategic, you can save on:

High-quality basics you’ll wear on repeat
Investment pieces like coats, boots, and denim
Beauty sets or skincare favorites at rare discounts

My Best Tips for Shopping the 2025 Anniversary Sale

1. Shop Online

Don’t bother going in-store. Inventory is limited and sizing is inconsistent. Shopping online gives you access to the full catalog, and Nordstrom has a generous return policy.

2. Use the Wishlist Feature

During preview (starting June 27), you can save your favorite items. Once your shopping window opens, just move them to your cart and check out quickly.

3. Join Our Private Facebook Group

I share restock alerts, last-minute finds, and exclusive tips in real time inside our private group.

4. Consider Expedited Shipping

Standard shipping during the sale can be slow. Paying for expedited shipping increases the odds that your items actually ship before they sell out.

5. Order More Than One Size if Needed

Sizing is all over the place, and items sell fast. If you’re unsure, order two sizes—you can always return what doesn’t work.

Our Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2025 Coverage Schedule

The preview is live now over on ShopMy, so you can start browsing and building your wishlist today. I’ll be updating my curated picks all week to help you shop strategically and avoid the overwhelm.

We’ll go live at 12:01 AM ET on July 8 with my curated picks for ICON shoppers. Then throughout the week, I’ll share:

Top picks from each category—denim, coats, shoes, beauty, and more
What to skip and what’s actually worth it
A final round-up when the sale opens to the public on July 12

Over on Substack, we’ll also be sharing our annual wardrobe capsule, built entirely from Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pieces—so you can see how to make smart, versatile purchases that actually work together.

And after the sale, you’ll start to see the best pieces show up in seasonal outfit posts, so you’ll know exactly how to wear them throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a great opportunity to shop smarter—not more. I’ll help you cut through the noise and find pieces you’ll actually wear and love.

And if you’re looking for something specific this year, leave a comment. I’ll keep an eye out for it during my review.

2 Shares

Christy T

Wednesday 29th of June 2022

I want a structured blazer for sunny San Diego weather that pulls together an outfit. I also need one some give in the arms.

Mim

I'm shopping for a brown leather everyday bag - not a fanny pack - and also brown everyday boots with support, like Aquatalia. I already have a pair with a lug sole so maybe a little dressier.

Liz

Please advise on knee high or over the knee boots. Also leather/suede jackets. Thank you!

Rebecca

In the last 6 months I have lost 30lbs and am not done yet. I would appreciate pointers to things that are forgiving in terms of size - Today I am an XL/16, but I expect that in another 3 months (I will be closer to a L/12-14 instead. [I would also love a post on what can and cannot be tailored for weight loss and how to deal with being in the middle of that process while still having to look professional.]

Jen

Also, I'm tired of seeing influencers trying on clothes in the same weird pose that no one in real life EVER does. Every picture they are all in the same awkward- tilting slightly backwards one foot balanced in front of the other just so- pose lol. If I do that in a store dressing room, I'd look like a lunatic!

Rita Whitehead

I am looking for a classic Chelsea style boot in brown size 8 1/2 or 9

Susan

Definitely need to replace my faux leather leggings.

Megan, your authentic approach is always so appreciated! I've gotten some good stuff from the Anniversary sale a few years ago, but do I want to wade through all of that on my own--- no thank you!! Thank you for all you do!

Hi Megan, I'm in the market for some splurge handbags with SILVER or no hardware. I typically love your handbag recommendations, however I have a difficult time finding handbags with silver accents, not gold. Thanks! Rebecca

Pam

Re: Your comment about skipping the store--what about shoes? It seems like my store has a good stock of shoes and I have been waiting on this sale to get some new black flats, but I find fit/comfort is so important I often have to try on a dozen pairs to find a pair I like.

Megan Kristel

Certainly, if going to your store is helpful, go for it. Over the last few years, my local Nordstrom has been painfully disappointing, with little inventory and even less help available, and mine is considered a top-tier one. I find it more efficient to place a large order, try everything at home with all my other things, and send back what doesn't work. This way I can see all my options online and not have to leave the house.

Anne

Thank you for investing your time and your authentic approach to the Nordstrom sale. I’m not moved by the “typical hype” of the Nordstrom sale anymore. If I’ve learned anything from following your posts and the FB group it has been ALL of your valuable information and the input of the many women in your FB group. So I will continue to sip my hot tea and wait for your results.

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