The 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here again. This sale is different from others because while most sales happen at the end of each season, you can shop new fall arrivals at discounted prices. This means major savings on fall trends and basics like jeans, sweaters, and coats – shop now before you find yourself needing them in a last-minute weather change come September or October.
There’s a lot of merchandise in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and it can be a bit overwhelming shop. I’m sharing my tips to shopping the 2021 sale wisely, plus fall fashion trends and beauty favorites on sale.
Here’s what you’ll find in this post. Click on the link to go directly to that section or scroll down for the full article!
- When can I shop the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
- How to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale wisely
- My top picks for the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
When Can I Shop the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
If you’re a Nordstrom Cardholder, you get the perk of shopping this sale early depending on which loyalty level you’re in. (Sign into your account and the homepage will tell you your Early Access shopping date.)
However, you do not need to have a Nordstrom Card to shop this sale. It opens to the public on July 28, and prices go back up in Early August.
Regardless of whether you do or do not have a card, my advice is to shop the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale early and often. Things sell out in the initial “opening” phase of this sale but many of them come back in stock.
Shop The Sale Wisely
No, you do not need to buy everything on sale, despite a lot of social media accounts telling you to do so. Shop the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale wisely by following these tips:
Take Inventory of Your Closet
Other than beauty and home items, most of the clothes and shoes in this sale are fall items. It’s been a full year since you’ve pulled out a sweater or coat; maybe you forgot you bought a black turtleneck last year.
Take inventory of items you have. You’ll save time and money by not double purchasing something you may already own. If something is too small, the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a great opportunity to replenish any basics.
Create Your 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Virtual Wishlist
In more recent years, Nordstrom has added a great feature to their site where you can preview and wish list sale items prior to the day you can actually purchase them.
This has helped me to avoid impulse purchases. In the past, I always felt rushed and frenzied trying to shop the sale and add to cart all at once.
Now, you can log in at any time, check out the sale items at your own pace, and wish list for later.
I like to add everything I like at first glance to my wish list. Then, I go back and edit down what I need (thanks to my inventory list) and what I want. This also allows you to shop quickly and purposefully on your “shopping start date.”
When in Doubt, Buy Two Sizes
You don’t have to do this for everything, but if there is something you REALLY need or want, buy it in multiple sizes if you have any worry about the fit.
Although I’ve found in the past that often times things do come back in stock after people try on and return what they don’t want, this isn’t always the case. The last thing you want is for the ONE item you really wanted to not fit and be sold out.
Prioritize your top picks, and order multiple sizes. I usually do this with jeans, shoes, and anything I may want oversized.
Stock up on Your Favorite Beauty Items
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale always has a gigantic assortment of beauty buys, and the 2021 sale is no different. Many brands put together sets with special savings or create limited, larger sizes for this sale. (For example, I love Drybar dry shampoo so I’ll probably pick up the jumbo size can.)
It’s a great time to stock up on items you already know you love, but a unique opportunity to try new products if there’s a special gift set with Anniversary Sale savings.
My Top 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks
Fall Trends
Lug Sole Loafers
I’ve been slowly seeing loafers with a chunky heel pop across different websites I shop, and luckily there are a few of these styles on sale. I’m putting these on my wish list, and plan to wear them with jeans and dresses/tights.
Plaid Coats
Equal parts closet staple and fashion trend, a plaid coat is always in season come fall. For an added fashion element, consider cinching your coat with a wide belt. Smart tailoring and suit coats are a big runway yes for fall.
Jeans
It’s always a good idea to upgrade your fall denim closet with a pair or two of new jeans. Here are some of my favorite styles and brands:
2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Picks
Face Palettes
I am a sucker for a full face palette, especially for travel. They’re such an easy, compact way to pack everything you need for a full face. I have this Charlotte Tilbury palette from another year; I’m glad to see they brought it back for the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Lancer The Polish
I’ve talked about this The Polish many times on Instagram over the years and it’s one of my favorite skin care products of all time. It’s a powerful yet gentle daily exfoliant and has changed the texture of my skin for the better. I’ve been using this for years. Don’t let the price scare you: this jumbo tube will EASILY last you an entire year or more.
Sunday Riley Good Genes
Another must-have skin care product in my bathroom is Sunday Riley Good Genes. This lactic acid treatment helps smooth skin for a brighter complexion. Get a full-size plus a free travel size with this 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale bundle.
GHD Flat Iron
This is the exact flat iron I use for my signature beach waves. It heats up in 20 seconds and uses smart technology to adjust the heat as you slide it down your hair to avoid burning.
Laura Mercier Setting Powder
I started using this Laura Mercier setting powder this summer in NYC. I didn’t realize just how well it works to set your makeup until multiple people asked me how I get my makeup to stay so nice in east coast humidity! This limited edition set features a full size and a mini one for easy travel.
Diptyque Mini Candle Set
These diptyque mini candles always sell out – you get to test five scents for the price of one larger candle. I also love to have these on hand to split up and give as gifts!
Supergoop SPF Pack
Supergoop! is one of my favorite sunscreen brands. Stock up on body SPF with this trio pack; perfect to use now through the end of summer.
Are you shopping the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?
