It’s been announced!! The dates for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for 2021 are here.
Here is what you need to know:
WHAT is the Anniversary Sale?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale offers new arrivals for fall on sale from top brands like Madewell, Caslon, Halogenand many more. Nordstrom cardmembers get to shop the sale before everyone else during Early Access. Your dates and level depend on your card spending from the previous year but you can still Apply for a Nordstrom credit card now to unlock Early Access prior to the general public access. Subject to credit approval
WHEN is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for 2021?
Some of my favorite features from last year are back! First, everyone will be able to preview all sale items before shopping begins which means learning how to work the “wish list” system is crucial. Starting July 6th you can view all the items that will be included in the sale AND the huge discounts associated with each item. You can save these to a wish list for quick and easy shopping when your eligibility level comes up.
Nordy Club cardmembers with Icon, Ambassador or Influencer status will get even more time to shop Early Access but I am telling you know things SELL OUT in these early days.
WHERE Should I Shop?
Online or in-store? Last year I attempted in-store, I booked the earliest appointment on the FIRST DAY of Icon shopping with a stylist, I had items pulled for me I knew EXACTLY what I wanted and ya know what?! I felt like I would have been better off staying at home!
The stylist never got my wish list, more than 70% of the items were not available in store and I only had a limited amount of time to “have” the dressing room, no thank you. I ended up coming home hours later and ordering online many of the pieces I kept. So if you REALLY want stuff day 1 I would recommend curbside pickup or just stay in your pjs and order online since Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns.
Again this year the online preview and wish list makes it so easy to skip the crowds and do it all from your couch! You are able to add items to your wish list with sizing and colors. Then upon your shopping day, add to cart and check out. Here is how that works:
- Click here to get to your wishlist
- Click Edit in the upper right corner
- Click your 1st item then “select all”
- Add to Bag will move all items selected to your cart
- If it’s your day to shop your check out will begin!
WHY Should I Shop the Anniversary Sale?
Now every year there is a bit of Anniversary Sale backlash and here is why. These are typically fall clothes and after I purchase them in July it’s going to be a good 3 months before I’m wearing them in October (aka cold enough in TX to even think about a sweater). Also there are some items that dropped in price AFTER the sale and there are TONS of sell outs of popular items. So every year there are some frustrations.
I HEAR YOU!! I like to narrow down the items to things that have been tried and true purchases (and typically stay in stock until at least the end of early access). Then add in some new pieces that I can wear now and into cooler weather.
I will show you what on my preview picks, outfit styling and then once my items arrive in real life photos with sizing details. See my post from 2020 to get an idea.
Here are the categories I shop and what’s catching my eye this year (slider bars will be updated when preview goes live on July 6th)
SHOES
Each year I grab the “it” bootie from Vince Camuto, these do sell out within the first few days of card holder shopping so that’s why early access is important. In years past I normally don’t see these popular styles go back on sale until Black Friday or after holiday shopping so these have always been worth grabbing for me. Last year the Gradina Block Heel Bootie was a huge seller and I wore mine A TON!
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
CARDIGANS & SWEATERS
I also pick up a few light weight cardigans and sweaters. These are great especially for early fall since I can layer with a cami while it’s hot then longer sleeves later. The past two years Madewell has had a stripe one that is super soft and typically has the popular colors of the season but last year I loved the solid colors even more. Also a “must have” is the Barefoot Dreams cardigan the circle lite is typically my choice and every year they seem to have a great new “fall color” last year was green!
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
WORKWEAR
Gibson, Halogen and Vince Camuto have all come with amazing deals in past NSale events and I don’t doubt that this year will be the same. This Knit Gibson Blazer is one of my favorite workwear staples and I have it in 5 colors but it’s been sold out for awhile so I’m hoping that we see some more blouses and casual workwear options. Last year I grabbed some great deals on the Spanx perfect black pant and KUT from the Kloth black work pant.
I also pick up shape wear that I always wear under dresses as well as some shoes and accessories that would be great for a business professional environment.
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
JACKETS, STAPLE TOPS & JEANS
Typically each year I pick up a lot of JEANS!! This is a great time to pick up denim, honestly I think even year I wish I had grabbed more. My favorite brands are KUT from the Kloth and Wit & Wisdom and I normally look for multiple styles but the itty bitty bootcut last year was a favorite. I also look for a higher end BLANKNYC Suede Moto Jacket. These are the ones that are fully lined and look cute with jeans or a dress, they are versatile and worth every penny. Normally the popular colors (like a neutral) does not go back on sale again until spring so picking it up during the Anniversary sale is a great grab.
Also I grab some layering staples like tees & camis just depending on what is available each year. The Caslon Tees are almost always included and they are a great all year staple for me.
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
ACTIVEWEAR
Every year I always find some great deals on outerwear, running shoes and activewear. Many of these I passed up during the sale and then kicked myself because I ended up paying full price later on in the season. I tend to look for deals on Zella, Patagonia, Nike and fingers crossed Vuori!
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
ACCESSORIES & BAGS
This is a great time of year when some luxury brands have great deals on jewelry and handbags. I always keep my eye out for Kendra Scott and Tory Burch. This Madewell bag was a favorite from last year and came in several sizes.
Another splurge I made a few years back was my Michele watch, these luxury timepieces are just stunning and always at a reduced price for Anniversary Sale.
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
BEAUTY
Oh man do I love some beauty sets and this is the best time to get some exclusive sets of your favorite beauty brands at sale prices. Last year I got a great MAC Lip set and MAC palette, both with stunning neutrals I used all year. Also more expensive tools like GHD and high end electronics like the Riki Skinny Mirror tend to go on sale so if something has been on your wish list this is a good time.
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
GIFTS & HOME ITEMS
Every single year I purchased at least 2 of the luxe Little Giraffe blankets to save and give as gifts and I swear every year I wish I had purchased a few more! These high end blankets (that both my kids love and have had theirs since they were babies) almost NEVER go on sale other than the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. So each year I load up knowing that we will have some friend or work colleague that we need a gift for and I like having them on hand.
I also pick up oil diffusers, Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw as gifts. Honestly I spend a good amount stocking up on gifts to use through the year!
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
KIDS
It’s funny each year I go back and look at my purchases to assess what was a “good buy”. Did we use it, wear it, etc. and for as long as I can remember I ALWAYS get these items: Undershirts and dress shirts for my husband, fleece or some sort of jacket for each kid, jeans/ jeggings for each kid and kid shoes. EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. So I’m going to say that these are must haves, well at least in our house!
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
GUYS
Mr. TRM has a business professional job where blazer, slacks and dress shirt are required when he is in the office. The Nordstrom sale has always been a great time to get him stocked up on some shoes and dress basics as well. He loves the in-house Nordstrom brand Smart Care Dress shirt and these v-neck undershirts are so soft it’s the only style he will wear so I pick up at least 2 packs!
My 2021 picks (add to your wish list):
TIPS ON SHOPPING
- MARK YOUR CALENDAR! First, mark your calendars for online Preview starting July 6th for everyone. You’ll need to be a cardholder to access the sale to purchase but you will be able to start making your wishlist then.
- COME BACK HERE! Start planning your picks aka come back to THIS PAGE starting on July 6th! I will upload this page with my picks and my favorite styles once I get a chance to look through the preview.
- USE THE WISH LIST! Go through each of my best picks and then ADD TO WISH LIST. This will make it easy when the sale starts for you to check out your entire list at once.
- ORDER ONLINE/ PICK UP IN STORE When the sale starts, head to Nordstrom.com wish list, Choose the In-Store Pickup as your shipping option during checkout if you have a location close. If you don’t have a Nordstrom location near you or if an item is not available for In-Store Pickup, don’t worry! Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns on all orders. Click here to find the nearest Nordstrom location.
- HAVE FUN!! Don’t stress too much about buying a ton, Nordstrom has a great return policy. Get it home, try stuff on see how it works with the rest of your wardrobe and then return what you don’t love. Stay in YOUR budget, yes these are great prices but if you won’t use/ wear it then you are just wasting your money.
- DON’T FRET!! Yes there will be items on your wish list that sell out. It can be frustrating to see a great deal and not have a chance to snag it. I’m planning on doing several posts through the sale time frame giving alternatives to popular items (see last year’s post here) and honest opinions on if something is even worth the “hot item” fanfare.
PIN FOR LATER
The Recruiter Mom is participant in the Amazon Services LLC Influencer/Associates Program, an influencer/affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to https://www.amazon.com/shop/ryannejanca
The Recruiter Mom LLC uses affilate links on this page. Purchasing an item through a link may result in a commission. Merely clicking on a link does not result in a commission, but if a qualifying purchase is made, a comission is earned.
Read more about my site, privacy, and disclosure policies here.
