The Keys to Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Smart

Do you know the keys to shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? It’s very easy to get sucked into the hype around the sale. Trust me; I fell victim to that hoopla years ago when I first started shopping this pre-fall sale. But since then I’ve learned to use this mega sale to strategically start my fall wardrobe. I only invest in the smartest purchases that will truly add value to my fall outfits. And in recent years I’ve honestly not had any shopper’s remorse, but I’ve worn and enjoyed the select pieces I accumulated in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for multiple seasons. Shop with me and I’ll help you make sure that you don’t fall victim to the hype. Instead, you’ll be a smart shopper who starts a beautiful, enjoyable fall wardrobe with these KEY Nordstrom Anniversary Sale finds.

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If you want to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale smart, I suggest you check out these key areas FIRST. Purchases in these areas will make the biggest impact in your wardrobe and thus your outfits. And that’s where the rubber meets the road. We’re not just into shopping; we want to build a wardrobe that makes it easy and fun to get dressed for our days.

So be smart, and focus on these seven strategic areas of the sale first. If, after considering these seven groups and planning the purchases that will get you the most bang for your buck, you have budget left over, you might want to consider other offerings in the sale. You may discover that you have made purchases in some of these areas last year, so you don’t need anything new. But most of us could benefit from a few new, on trend, modern additions to our wardrobe to keep us looking current and smart. Let’s go!

Wide Leg Jeans

If you’re only going to do one thing to update your wardrobe this year, purchase a pair or two of modern jeans. Right now the most on trend denim are wide leg, flare and straight leg jeans. But the most current and fashion-forward of all? Clearly the wide leg jean.

I think most of my readers have gotten on board with the wider leg silhouettes in jeans at this point. And the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has a great selection from which to choose a new pair or two that will make you feel modern and stylish this fall and winter.

In the graphic above note the inseam on all three pairs of these full-length wide leg jeans. You can’t really tell the length just by looking at the photos. That’s why it’s imperative to know your personal preferred inseam and to always check that information in the sale listing. Also check the composition of the fabric so you’ll know if the jeans will stretch a little, a lot or none at all. And finally, make sure you know what rise (the measurement from the crotch to the top of the waistband) works best for your body. I prefer an 11″ rise at minimum, but you may need something else for your height, proportions and body shape.

If you can wear a high rise jean, I definitely recommend them. They don’t work for all body types or proportions. But if they work for you, they’ll give you the longest leg visually and will slenderize your torso. This year the wide leg jean continues to trend in both full length and ankle length. And acceptable lengths are really fluid. You can have your jeans altered if you’d like. Ideally, an ankle jean should hit at the ankle bone or up to 1.5″ above. Full lengths are also negotiable these days, but I like mine to hit about 1/2″ above the floor if possible. So be sure to consider which shoes you’ll wear your jeans with, especially when shopping for full length denim.

But if you just do not feel like wide leg silhouettes are best for you or you don’t care for them, you’ll find slimmer straight leg options in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale as well. Some of my favorites are shown above.

My personal pick in this year’s sale is the Paige Sasha High Waist Wide Leg Jean. I have a couple of pairs of those in different washes and adore them. I appreciate the 11.75″ rise and the perfect touch of stretch. The quality is great and they wear beautifully. But I featured the ones in the graphics above because I also think they are all sharp looking jeans, so you’ll find so many options at a wide range of prices.

Speaking of prices, I’ve got two different shopping widgets for you to make it a little easier. First I’ve grouped what I’m calling Value Denim. These are options that are regularly priced under $200 and the sale prices are even lower, of course. You’ll notice that this carousel also includes a good number of plus size options.

And next I’ve gathered my favorite Premium Denim in the sale. These are jeans that normally costs well over $200, but they’re priced much more reasonably in the sale and the savings are significant. Personally, I usually take advantage of these rare, low prices and purchase a couple of pairs of premium jeans. I do find that they feel and wear so much better. So if you wear jeans frequently, the savings improve even more with cost per wear.

Remember, you can’t shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yet, but you can add items to your wish list. Check the calendar at the bottom of the blog post to see when you can start shopping.

Updated Sweaters

I always find a nice assortment of good quality sweaters in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. But more importantly, I get a glimpse at the upcoming trends in this fall and winter wardrobe basic. So one of my keys to shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is to look for an updated sweater or two that will help you to look current and on trend.

This year I feel like Nordstrom brands win the sweater category. I’ve found them to be very nice quality in the past, and we’re seeing very up-to-date details and silhouettes from the Nordstrom brands, on par with the more expensive brands that normally steal the show, like Vince and AllSaints. The biggest trends I’m seeing in pullover sweaters is fuller sleeves, more short sleeves (predominantly elbow length), vest silhouettes and lots of mixed stitch detailing in the knits. Colors? I’m seeing a lot of deep, chocolate brown again, along with burgundy and dark red, bold blues and pretty, feminine ivories. As you look at the sweaters I’ve featured here, keep in mind that most of them come in additional hues.

For a while it felt like cardigans were very out of vogue. But last year the button-up cardigan had a resurgence, and this year they’re getting fine-tuned. Most of the cardigans I see in the sale – and there are A LOT – fit close to the body, but not tight. They’re a cropped length, meaning they hit right at the base of the beltline of your pants rather than longer. They come in v-necks, crewnecks and collared necklines. And I’m seeing a lot of details and mixed stitch knits again. Last year we saw so many striped sweaters, especially cardigans. But this year I only see a few.

Current Sneakers

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is definitely a great place to grab a pair of booties or even full length boots. And you’ll find fashionable loafers, flats, slingback pumps and even sandals in this year’s sale. But the shoe I suggest you focus on updating in this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the fashion sneaker.

Now maybe you’re good to go in this category. But right now the most on trend sneakers to wear with jeans, track pants and even dresses are the lower profile retro sneakers like the ones you see above. Most are no longer as chunky as they were just a couple of years ago, although you do still find a few of those, too. But the most current look is quite streamlined, but featuring swishes and stripes in trending colors like brown and camel and grey. You will get so much wear out of these and they can make your fall outfits look so much more current. I’m always a fan of Paul Green footwear because the comfort level just exceeds all others. But you’ll find options from all the familiar brands in the sale this year.

Timeless Jewelry

You’ll never go wrong by adding good quality, timeless jewelry to your accessory wardrobe. Generally, I’ve forsaken costume jewelry at this point in favor of high quality fashion jewelry. And in recent years I’ve begun building a small collection of fine jewelry. You’ll find both in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

This year the trend continues to be back to elevated separates and quiet luxury. So adding timeless jewelry to an outfit will immediately elevate the most basic separates. Last year I budgeted for and purchased an exquisite Bony Levy diamond pendant necklace (similar to this one). I say exquisite; it’s actually tiny and was modestly priced compared to some of their offerings. But I continue to love wearing it. While many of the things I purchase in these sales come and go with the passing of seasons, fine jewelry can be enjoyed for years, even generations.

A Standout Jacket

Standout jackets are the key to a modern, stylish wardrobe for women. If you have a few really great jackets, you can create instant outfits from a variety of basics, such as jeans, dress pants, skirts and dresses. Skimp on the tops, pay what you need to for well-fitting jeans, but make sure you have at least three powerful completer pieces in your closet for fall. With those three jackets, you’ll create dozens of outfits.

You won’t go wrong with a great blazer, and there are several in the sale. Veronica Beard has several and they’re gorgeous. I’m considering this L’Agence tweed blazer. But I think the strong suit this year is the cropped length button front and zip-up jackets. We’re still seeing moto leather jackets, but the more basic button front and zipper options are really more current. And the barn jacket is coming back around for another year of popularity. I have a number of on trend options for you to add to your wish list below.

The Classic Coat

Remember, the last thing you put on your body makes the first impression. So it’s smart to have a beautiful coat or two in your closet. This year in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale you’ll find a lovely selection to choose from, including trench coats, a few faux furs, some puffer jackets, a few vests and lots of wool or wool blend options. You can probably tell from the graphic below that I think Lauren Ralph Lauren has the strongest showing in this sale. Their coats are generally really nice quality and these designs are classic but elevated and modern.

I suggest having a neutral colored coat that plays well with most of your wardrobe. And then I recommend purchasing a coat in a plaid or pretty color that you can wear with neutral colored outfits. Coats go fast in the sale, so it’s definitely time to add the ones you love to your wish list. They won’t be held for you, but you’ll be able to shop fast that way when it’s time for your to shop.

A Neutral Handbag

This year it’s popular to match your handbag to your shoes or boots and belt. It’s not absolutely necessary, of course, but it looks so smart. So you’ll want to make sure you have a handbag that works well with the shoes and boots in your closet. Black is always a good choice, but cognac and brown are very on trend this year, too. And we’re still seeing a lot of ivory shoes and handbags that are totally appropriate for the cooler months.

I’m familiar with and highly recommend all of the brands represented above. And those are a fair representation of the styles of bags we are seeing on trend for 2025, too. Most all of the bags come in multiple colors, so click through the shopping widget below for more options.

Of course you’ll find great home finds, beauty exclusives and more in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, too. And the dress selection this year is pretty amazing. I’ve also gathered a few of my favorite choices for menswear here. But if you want to know where to start to shop the sale smart…start with the seven keys above.

For more tips for shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale like a boss, check out my post, The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – How to Prepare for It. And be sure to follow me on Instagram where I’ll be sharing my try-on session next Tuesday or Wednesday. Oh, and I’m also sharing a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale video on YouTube next Wednesday!

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