Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026: What to Buy, What to Skip, and My Best Shopping Tips

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026: What to Buy, What to Skip, and My Best Shopping Tips

Hi, ladies. I had planned to get this post up a little sooner, but life has looked a bit different around here the last few days. My 86-year-old unicorn of a mom, who truly does not look or act 86, slipped in her bathroom and broke both of her knees. Both! She had surgery to repair both kneecaps, and they had to put in plates and screws, so she has a bit of a road ahead.

If you know anything about my mom, you know this will not keep her down for long. She told the surgeon she has places to go and things to do, which is exactly who she is. I’ve been spending a lot of time at the hospital with her, so if you have a moment to send a prayer or good thought her way, we would appreciate it so much.

Now, on to something a little lighter — the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026. You all know I have shopped this sale for years, and I do consider myself a bit of an NSALE veteran. I’ve learned what is worth buying, what usually sells out quickly, and what is better left behind. The key is not to buy things just because they are on sale. The key is to shop for pieces you will actually wear, use, and love when fall rolls around.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 is different from a regular sale because it includes new fall pieces marked down before the season starts. After the sale, prices go back up. That is why it can be such a good time to buy classic wardrobe staples, denim, shoes, boots, and beauty sets you already know you will use.

Today, I am sharing my favorite picks from women’s clothing, denim, shoes and boots, and beauty. I’ll cover the other categories in another post, but these are the areas I always like to shop first because they tend to sell out quickly.

HOW I SHOP THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

My first tip is simple: make a wish list before your shopping day opens. If you see something you love, heart it or add it to your wish list so you can check out quickly. The best pieces always seem to go first, especially shoes, jeans, beauty sets, coats, and anything from popular brands.

I also suggest going in with a plan. It is very easy to get caught up in the sale and start adding everything to your cart. I try to ask myself a few questions before buying anything:

Will I wear this more than once?

Does it work with what I already own?

Is it something I would buy even if it were not part of the sale?

Is it quality fabric?

Does it fill a hole in my closet?

That helps me stay focused and not buy things just because they are discounted. And as I have said before, if something is a must-have, it is usually better to buy it before it sells out and return it if it does not work.

MY FAVORITE WOMEN’S CLOTHING PICKS FROM THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE 2026

Women’s clothing is always one of the biggest sections in the sale, and it can feel overwhelming if you try to look at everything. I like to focus on pieces that feel classic, wearable, and useful for fall — sweaters, jackets, blazers, button-downs, simple tops, and lightweight layers.

These are the kinds of pieces that can be worn with denim, trousers, skirts, or layered under coats once the weather cools down. I usually skip anything that feels too trendy or too specific unless I know I will truly wear it.

MY FAVORITE DENIM PICKS

Denim is one of the first categories I check every year. A great pair of jeans is something I wear constantly, and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026 usually has good options from brands I already love.

I look for classic straight-leg, wide-leg, bootcut, or flare styles that feel current but not overly trendy. A good pair of denim should work with blazers, sweaters, button-downs, boots, flats, and sneakers. If you find a pair you love in your size, do not wait too long because denim is always one of the first things to sell out.

MY FAVORITE SHOES AND BOOTS PICKS

Shoes and boots are another category I always pay attention to. This is a great time to look for fall boots, loafers, flats, sneakers, and shoes you know you will wear again and again.

I usually skip anything too trendy and focus on shoes that can work with jeans, trousers, dresses, and skirts. A good boot, chic flat, or comfortable sneaker can be one of the smartest buys from the sale because these are the pieces you will wear all season long.

MY FAVORITE BEAUTY PICKS

Beauty is always one of the best parts of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2026. This is when I look for sets from brands I already use or have wanted to try. The value can be really good, especially for skincare, fragrance, hair tools, and makeup.

My advice is to buy beauty if it is something you already love, something you were already planning to purchase, or a set that lets you try a brand without committing to everything full-size. I do not buy beauty just because it is in the sale, but if it is a brand I trust, this can be a great time to grab it.

WHAT I USUALLY SKIP

I usually skip pieces that only feel exciting because they are part of the sale. If the color is not right, the fabric does not feel good, or the style does not really fit my wardrobe, I leave it behind.

I also try to be careful with overly trendy pieces. A little trend can be fun, but I want most of my purchases to work for several seasons. The best NSALE buys are the ones you are still happy to pull out months later.

MY BEST NSALE TIPS

Add your favorites to your wish list early.

Check out quickly if something is a must-have.

Order more than one size if you are unsure and return what does not work.

Do not buy something just because it is on sale.

Focus on pieces you already know you need.

Check back for restocks because items do come back.

Look at fabric content before buying.

Start with denim, shoes, boots, women’s clothing, and beauty.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale can be a really good time to buy pieces for fall, but only if you shop intentionally. I know it can feel overwhelming because there are so many items, which is why I always try to narrow things down for you. My goal is to share the pieces that feel classic, wearable, and worth your money.

I’ll be covering more categories throughout the sale, so check back for my next round of favorites. I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared before you shop. And again, thank you so much for the prayers and good thoughts for my mom. She is tough, determined, and already talking about all the places she still has to go!

I hope you have a great day and happy shopping. Thank you so much for shopping my links!

Stay well and be safe! xx