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The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – How to Prepare for It

#NSale
Comments(37)
June 20, 2023

It’s that time of year again! Well, not really. But it is time to start thinking about how to prepare for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Why? Because I believe if you’re going to shop this mega pre-fall sale, it’s wise to shop it smart. And smart women prepare ahead!

How to Prepare for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023

Truthfully the beginning of the famed Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023 is just over two weeks away. What??? Yes, July is the traditional month for the sale, and once again we’ll get a preview of the sale. And that begins Monday, July 3rd this year. Wowsa!

What is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

Unlike most of the sales we’ll see pop up in the summer weeks, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is not a summer clearance sale. It is a pre-fall sale, stocked full of brand new trending and classic fall and winter merchandise.

You’ll see brand new merchandise from brands like

Prices are generally marked down 30-40%. You’ll find great deals on:

Nordstrom also features some great beauty buys during this annual sale. Prepare to find many of your favorite brands discounted and offering gifts with purchase. I know we’ll see specially priced gift sets from Clinique, Estee Lauder, Lancome, Kiehls, Jo Malone London and Bare Minerals, to name a few.

It may seem early to be thinking about your fall wardrobe. But the huge savings they offer on these new items and wardrobe basics makes the #NSale worth shopping. The key is shopping the sale smart. And I’m here to help you do just that!

See my 2022 Fall Wardrobe HERE. Much of it was purchased in the #NSale last fall at savings up to 50% off. In fact, you can see in the diagrams below how much of my wardrobe I purchased in the sale. Those yellow circles represent huge savings in my closet.

Kay's Fall 2022 Capsule Wardrobe and Outfits (2)
Items circled in yellow were purchased in the #NSale 2022.

And the savings may be even more significant in my collection of seasonal accessories, as seen below.

Kay's Fall 2022 Capsule Wardrobe and Outfits (1)
Items circled in yellow were purchased in the #NSale 2022.

You don’t have to purchase as much as I did last year to see significant savings in your closet. I’ve got lots of tips to help you stay within your budget while taking advantage of this mega sale. Keep reading!

When is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to everyone on Monday, July 17, 2023. BUT cardholders will get to shop the sale significantly earlier!

All Nordstrom cardholders can shop Early Access during the week and a half before the sale opens to everyone. Your first shopping date depends on your Nordy Club status, which is determined by the amount you have shopped at Nordstrom in the past year. Icon status, the top tier, begins shopping Tuesday, July 11th. Just one day later, Ambassadors can begin shopping on the 12th. Then cardholders with Influencer status (nothing to do with being an influencer/everything to do with having a Nordstrom Card!) will get to enter the sale on Thursday, July 13th. The Anniversary Sale is open to everyone July 17 through August 6. Prices go up August 7. And they really will go up! See the chart below for Early Access dates for each level of Nordy Club Cardmembers.

BUT you may have noticed in the calendar above that EVERYONE gets to preview the sale starting July 3rd. That feature was introduced during the summer of 2020, and it was so helpful. The preview allows you to shop smart. More on shopping smart below. Keep reading!

You can check your current Nordy Club status here after you sign into your Nordstrom account.

What's In My Bag

About the Preview

But just because the preview begins July 3rd does not mean you’re seeing the whole sale at that point. I noticed last year that they added new items to the sale daily leading up to the first shopping days. That’s why I suggest you stick with me. Trust me, I’ll spend hours each day scouring the #NSale Preview for new items they’ve added.

The biggest benefit of the Preview is that you can begin adding items to your Wish List during this time span. So you’ll need a Nordstrom account, whether you have a credit card or not, in order to use the Wish List feature.

Coming Soon

Why the Hype?

Look, I don’t mean to make a bigger deal of this sale than it really is. However, if you’ve shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale before, you know the benefits are substantial.

  • You get a first peek at the fall fashion trends, if nothing else.
  • Nordstrom offers FREE SHIPPING, no minimum purchase required.
  • Nordstrom offers FREE RETURNS and they make them super easy. So shopping online for this sale is just as effective as shopping in the store if not better.
  • The Nordstrom website is super easy to navigate.
  • Nordstrom ships faster than most any other retailer you’ll order from.
  • You’ll accumulate 1-3 points per dollar towards Nordy Notes that you can then spend on other Nordstrom merchandise.
  • You can schedule 1 or more of your Personal Double Points Days during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so you’ll accumulate points toward Nordy Notes even faster.
from several years ago – I’ve come to be a pro at this!

How to Prepare to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Obviously, you’ve got some time to prepare for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. And don’t worry; I’m not turning all my focus to the sale anytime soon! But, besides alerting you to this year’s sale dates, I do want to map out a few brief strategy tips that can help you prepare for this annual sale so you can shop it smart…if you want to shop it at all.

Tip #1 – Definitely enroll in the Nordy Club.

It’s free and safe and requires nothing from you other than basic account information. As you make purchases at Nordstrom (during the sale and all year long) you’ll accumulate Nordy Notes that you can spend on merchandise with no limitations. Having a Nordy Club account will also enable you to use the Wish List function starting June 29th.

Tip #2 – Consider getting a Nordstrom Credit Card.

Taking out a credit card is a highly personal and important decision, so I don’t want to pressure you to do this at all. But if you shop Nordstrom consistently and don’t mind another card, I think it’s worth the leap. You’ll have to have a Nordstrom card in order to shop the sale early at all. And honestly, by the time the sale “goes public” many sizes are sold out and some items will be gone completely.

I keep my Nordstrom card paid off every month, and that’s the only way I suggest having this store credit card. You will earn Nordy Notes three times as fast and you’ll unlock other benefits as well.

And right now when you apply for and activate a Nordstrom card you can unlock a $40 bonus note that you could use in the sale. You’ll be able to use the card right away, there’s no annual fee and you will get early access into the sale on July 13th.

Tip #3 – Follow me @dressed_4_my_day on Instagram.

In Instagram stories I will be posting about the sale (restocks, unique finds, fit information, etc.) in “real time.” So if you have a question or need a tip while shopping the sale, you’ll be able to access me there fast. I’ll definitely be spending the better part of the early access shopping days in my Instagram stories feed.

Tip #4 – Follow me in LTK

Over the past year I’ve begun devoting more of my shopping guidance to the LTK app. That just makes sense because it is a shopping app. The LTK shopping app is so easy to use, and it’s a great place to meet other influencers (petites, plus sizes, etc.). If you’re one of my shoppers, definitely download the LTK app in the Apple Store or the Google Play store. Once you download it, follow me @DressedforMyDay.

Tip #5 – Start thinking now about your fall and winter wardrobe.

Look, I’m not suggesting you obsess over this sale starting now. Don’t do that! But when you have a moment between now and next Monday, July 3rd, spend some time mapping out your fall and winter wardrobe. Consider wardrobe essentials you need to update or replace (classic blazer, cardigan, jeans or coat), holes you want to fill (a nice quality handbag perhaps?), pricier wish-list items you want to look out for (leather jacket, blazer or boots) and the colors you want to stick to. You want to participate in this slightly overwhelming sale with a strategy or sit it out all together. Otherwise you might end up with impulse purchases you regret. It’s easy to get caught up in the buzz unless you have a strategy and stick to it.

Tip – You can print out my Fall/Winter Wardrobe Essential List from my Subscriber Only Printable Library…if you’re a subscriber. (The access code is always at the bottom of the daily and weekly newsletter!)

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Preparations
similar Mother jeans // sandals

Tip #6 – Subscribe to the Dressed for My Day newsletter now.

I offer lots of benefits to my subscribers. And if you receive my daily or weekly emails you’ll know exactly when I post all of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts.

But this year I’m doing something different. I’m sending out a special Kay’s #NSale Nsiders newsletter to those who want my full coverage of the sale. You’ll receive

  • additional shopping tips
  • updated availability reports
  • updated product reviews from me
  • early notification of my #NSale bonus blog posts
  • quick response from me to your #NSale questions

You do have to be subscribed to my daily or weekly newsletter to also get the Kay’s #NSale Nsiders newsletter, but you can always unsubscribe after the sale if you’d like.

NSale Enrollment graphic - Email

Sign up for the Kay’s #NSale Nsiders one of two ways:

  • If you already subscribe to my daily/weekly emails…click on “update your preferences” at the bottom of your next email and select the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale option.
  • If you aren’t already a subscriber…sign up HERE and select either daily or weekly PLUS the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale option.

You can check out my previous years’ NSale coverage HERE.

I’ll admit, the first year I covered this sale I was in over my head. But in 5+ years as a style blogger I’ve learned my way around the block. I’ll be able to navigate you through this sale so you don’t get sucked into the hype. I know the brands, the appropriate price points, the best buys and the general sizing information you’ll need at your disposal.

Tip #7 – Set a budget.

This sale can be a little overwhelming and the hype can escalate. Definitely set yourself a spending limit based on your needs and personal budget.

Tip #8 – Make a shopping list.

Refer back to tip #5 and start making a list now of the things you might want to look for during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I suggest making your list before the sale opens. You’ll be enticed by ads then. If you make your list now or at least over the next week and a half, you’ll be able to map out the items you know you need to fill out your wardrobe the way you want it.

Be sure to take into consideration your personal style essence, lifestyle and color choices. (Click through for posts on those topics!)

Tip #9 – Use the Wish List feature during the Sale Preview days.

You’ll have the ability to “shop” the sale well before it goes live. You can then add the items you hope to purchase to your wish list. You won’t be saving them to your cart, mind you. And those items can sell out. But you’ll have them prepped (including size and color choice) and ready to purchase when the sale begins and you have access.

Tip #10 – Plan to shop the sale Online.

I’ve shopped the sale online for many years, but I also shopped it in-store for the past three years. Let me tell you, shopping in-store was generally a big disappointment. The inventory was only a small fraction of what is available online. And many items were not available in all color or pattern options in-store either. Finally, sizes were likely to be picked over and sold out in-store. And it’s just hard to locate everything in the store.

What I wore Friday

I definitely prefer shopping this sale online. So let me help you navigate that! And if you have a store nearby, I simply suggest ordering online and requesting curbside pick-up when available. But be aware that not all items will be available for immediate curbside pick-up.

We’re getting to the nitty gritty now. Hang with me! This is important stuff if you’re shopping the #NSale.

Tip #11 – Prioritize your list and make multiple orders.

Once your level of access to the sale opens up, items will start selling super fast. I suggest you prioritize your list and shop accordingly. And as you add one or two or three items to your cart, place an order. Then you can continue to shop and place more orders. Since there is no charge for shipping, it makes sense to go ahead and place multiple orders quickly and in order of priority to you.

Bonus Tip – Pay for Expedited Shipping on Favorite Purchases

I learned this tip a couple of years ago, and it definitely paid off. Items are selling so fast that inventory control sometimes gets behind. If you purchase expedited shipping your order gets put ahead of others, insuring that your order is shipped before inventory is depleted. Yes, that cuts into your savings. But if you’re ordering a big ticket item that means a lot to you – say a leather jacket or designer handbag – it may be worth it.

Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Alright, that’s more than enough information to take in right now…more than a week ahead of the sale! But I did want to go ahead and give you these tips so that you can mark your calendar and begin to plan accordingly…if this is your jam!

Look, I know that many of you, like me, are trying to streamline and minimize your wardrobes. And I know you don’t want to make so many purchases in the future. I get that and I’m right there with you. That’s exactly why it makes sense to be smart about these things. I know and you know I’m going to shop this sale. You probably are, too. So let’s do it smart!

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Blessed for My Day

Some days I begin to feel like the world is a little out of control. Indeed, the Bible teaches us that people are out of control. That includes me! Ha! We tend to be led by our emotions and appetites. We make great decisions one day and faulty choices the next. We’re unpredictable and fickle.

But I am so glad we have a God who is above all of that. He is bigger than our mayhem and more powerful than our whims or wiles. And He sees and knows you and me intimately. Sister, He has not lost control. He sees all, knows all and is in the midst of all. Let’s trust that He’s got this. We can rest in His sovereignty.

ā€œCan a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?ā€ declares theĀ Lord. ā€œDo I not fill the heavens and the earth?ā€ declares theĀ Lord. ~ Jeremiah 23:24

xoxo, Kay
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37 thoughts on “The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – How to Prepare for It

  1. I would love to see a post about the pieces you purchased last year. What did you end up loving and wearing often, and what was rarely worn or used. How did items hold up through multiple washes? Did anything shrink or fade? Did sweaters pill or stretch out of shape? What are the signs of quality you use when shopping?

    1. I agree. I wish every blogger who covers this sale did an oops post later on. Some of the items came on sale at even better prices late in the season and we would really benefit from that knowledge. I just keeping thinking of that coach bag that was so popular but I have not seen it on anyoneā€™s blogs since? I suspect it wasnā€™t so great after all.

  2. Kay, thank you so much for the info. With everything going on I had completely forgot about the Nordy sale! Can’t wait to preview and can’t wait to see all the styles you will put together for us to see.

    Rhonda

  3. I’m curious to see if we have a backlash. Usually when you have tight pants, sooner or later fashion will switch to a looser style. Tight cardigans for a while means we might get cardigans with a looser look and interesting knit instead of flat. Are ripped jeans gone? Can I find that marigold color in denim? ?

    1. Hi Eve. Youā€™re right. Fashion trends tend to swing back and forth on the pendulum. Yes, you can definitely still continue to wear distressed jeans…if you wish. Hereā€™s a link to some ā€œmarigoldā€ jeans at Talbots. https://shopstyle.it/l/bjqaY
      And they come in several fits and lengths. ?

  4. Thanks so much for the post! These tips are super helpful, especially as I work to rebuild my wardrobe. I will definitely be taking stock of what I need over the next few weeks. (Hint, it’s not more black pants. šŸ™‚ )

  5. I am from Canada and so thankful Nordstrom has given us our own website. There is a difference in price for sure and we also now get free shipping and returns which we didn’t have shopping on the US site. I am much more likely to shop now than before. In fact I have šŸ™‚ I hope we get some preview of the sale as well. I’m sure the website will be sending notices as well. I look forward to seeing your choices as I have a similar style as you even though I wear warm colours. Thanks for all you do for us!

  6. Hi Kay, great post. Have you tried Kiel’s Cream de Corp body lotion? Every year it goes on sale in a huge bottle….I’m curious to try it IF it’s as good as several bloggers say it is. Based on your quizzes, posts and videos, I’m planning to shop neutrals so I can build a workable wardrobe for fall/winter.

  7. Thanks Kay! I tend to go a little crazy during this sale with too many impulse purchases. Iā€™m going to listen to you this time! I love the tip about using the expedited shipping. I have had the experience of items selling out after I thought I purchased it. Very frustrating! Iā€™m very much enjoying your blog and videos!

    1. Yes I had experienced that in the past too. So frustrating. And it still happened once or twice last year, but not in the items that meant the most to me and that Iā€™d paid for faster shipping. Thatā€™s how I got my camel coat that sold out so fast. Iā€™m so glad youā€™re enjoying the blog and videos. Welcome Anne! ?

  8. Thanks for remembering us Canadians. We have different prices and different stock/items. It is still a wild a wacky time. Thank you for your great advise. I started my list of holes in my wardrobe and only have one item! I also started a list of what I donā€™t need! On the other side of my paper I have put in bright colours my style, colours and lifestyle. .. trying to stop those impulse purchases. This is all thanks to you!

  9. Kay, hope you enjoyed your time away this week. You sure deserved it.
    Iā€™m interested in knowing what the fall trends will be this year. That would be helpful to me deciding what I might purchase. I know Iā€™ll be on the look out for a new cashmere sweater. You turned me on to those. I got my first one at Talbots and since bought others from Nordstrom.

  10. Dear Kay, Do I remember correctly that you own the Veronica Beard Blazer? I am hoping that it will be included in the Anniversary Sale. I am 5’8″ and 145 lbs. Do you recommend that purchase? I’ve eyeing it for a long time and think it would be a good investment. If not, do you recommend a different blazer? Thank you.

    1. Hi Christine. I actually have several Veronica Beard Blazers and absolutely LOVE them. They fit very true to size. I wear an 8, so I think you would probably wear something smaller, whatever your normal dress size is. I doubt they will have the scuba blazer or the current Millers in the sale. But they generally have one in it. And yes, I’d highly recommend purchases like that in this sale.

  11. Thanks for this Kay! Several years ago I got caught up in the hype, but I now know to not let that happen. I do need to start thinking if there are any items for Fall and Winter that I need to add to my closet. Have an awesome day!

  12. Great post Kay! Iā€™ve shopped the sale the last 2 years and definitely bought things I didnā€™t need. This year my goal is is to be more mindful of what I need instead of what I want!!
    Thank you,
    Gina

  13. Thanks for the information ahead of time for the big upcoming NSALE! A few years ago, I tried shopping this sale oline and was COMPLETLY OVERWHELMED!! Your prep suggestions make sense. I won’t be so frustrated with the whole experience this time.

  14. Hi Kay,
    Thank you for this post. Youā€™re absolutely right, shopping in-store at the Anniversary Sale, when it was open for everyone, was a huge disappointment last year. I came away empty handed, and wondering what the hype was all about. I appreciate your tips and strategies to get in on the best items. Thank you also for including details for your Canadian readers. Since I donā€™t ā€˜doā€™ instagram, Iā€™m hoping youā€™ll continue to include your sale highlights and recommendations on your blog, too.
    Best,
    Kathleen from Calgary

    1. I absolutely will, Kathleen. I may not always have a link to share with you for Canada, but I will try to watch out for you neighbors, too. ā¤ļø

  15. Loved this blog post, Kay! I completely forgot about the preview, so Iā€™d better get my act together! Your tips are so helpful- I moved this year from Seattle to California so I know Iā€™ll need some lighter weight pieces for our new climate. Now I need to get my fall and winter boxes down to see what still works! Thanks for all your help!

  16. Kay;
    I grew up in Seattle and have been going to Nordstroms since it was only a shoe store! I always shop the annual sale but had no idea there is a wish list feature and that it makes more sense to shop online. You mention that you will be putting information on Instagram and LTK. I do not subscribe to any social media apps. Is there another way to get this information? I do get your blog six times/week and love it.
    Susan

    1. Wonderful! Yes, just go into the ā€œupdate your preferencesā€ link at the bottom of one of my emails and select the ā€œNordstrom Anniversary Saleā€ option. šŸ˜Š

  17. Kay,

    I wanted to let you know that your post here had ripple effects for me. I realized that among many other things I needed to steer my life back on track to a more radiant and healthy version of myself was the deep need to just read some lovely, light-hearted Summer beach reads. I tend to read heady, personal transformation type books and I decided it would be great to take the summer and just enjoy some fun, enjoyable books that only required me to sit down and hold them and read them. I bought the Nancy Thayer book you pictured as well as the Nora Roberts book. While these are not my normal genres, I am greatly enjoying the Thayer book and am almost half through. It has been so good to not have to ā€œthinkā€ my way through anything but just to sit down and relax and enjoy in the beautiful summer weather which is finally coming to us in Chicago. I have a beautiful balcony overlooking Lake Michigan which I donā€™t use nearly enough but I have made it a priority to get out there every day possible and just soak in the magnificence of the lake and enjoy a good book. Thank you for that.

    1. Hello Camille. I think that is perfectly lovely. Sometimes we have to give ourselves permission to truly relax. And while I think we have to be wise about it, I do think we have to find ways to let our brains relax a bit too. Some of us push ourselves a lot on a regular basis. Thatā€™s just how weā€™re wired, and thereā€™s nothing wrong with that. But we do have to let up now and again for pure refreshment and relaxation. Thanks so much for sharing. šŸ˜Š

@dressed_4_my_day