10 Must-Have Items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Welcome to the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

This year is totally different in how Nordstrom is presenting the sale. Instead of the traditional catalog, they are giving us a full preview of the items for sale and letting us add to our “wish list.” When the sale goes live for you, just move items straight from your wish list to your cart and check out quickly.

You can view the full Nordstrom Anniversary Sale preview here. They are adding new items daily!

The Anniversary Sale opens online to those with Icon status on July 12, Ambassador on July 14, and Influencers (all Nordstrom card holders are at LEAST at this level) on July 16. Access to the entire public opens on July 28.

These “levels” are determined on how much money you spent at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack in the past year. To have early access at all (the Insider status) and to shop the sale early, you do have to have a Nordstrom VISA or a Nordstrom retail card. Check out more info here.​

To get your wheels turning, here are 10 items we think you should consider buying during the #nsale:

IMPORTANT: Some of these links will take you to the category page for the brand and not an individual item. Look for the yellow highlighted “Early Access” tab on the item to know exactly what’s included in the sale.

1. WIT & WISDOM AB-SOLUTION JEANS — $44.90+ (regularly $68+)

Friends, these jeans are amazing. They are pretty high-waisted (9-inch inseam for regular sizes) and have a magical waistband that doesn’t cut into your belly fat which means NO MUFFIN TOP. The bootcut is perfect — not too much flare and the thigh and butt are fitted. I believe everyone looks good in these jeans.

I’m particularly excited for the huge selection of Wit & Wisdom straight leg jeans. I got a pair last year during the sale and they are my favorites.

SIZE DOWN because their vanity sizing game is strong. I usually wear a 6 and a 2 in these jeans fit. Unless you have really long legs, you’ll have to get them hemmed to wear them with flats. Comes in regular, plus, and petite sizes.

2. A BRA THAT ACTUALLY FITS — $40-$50 (regularly $68+)

I finally got fitted for a bra during the sale last year and was so shocked at my actual size. I’m now sure if Nordstrom has brought back in-room fittings now because of COVID, but if you can get fitted, DO IT. Yes, I know that you think you’re a 38C but I will bet cash money you’re actually a 36G. It’s just that we suck at finding the right size ourselves.

Chances are you’ll end up buying a Natori bra for around $40. A well-fitting bra will make all your tops look amazing and actually GIVE YOU A WAIST. Spend the money.

3. FANCY-ISH UNDERWEAR — $13.90+ (regularly $20+)

You probably don’t need spendy undies every day but sometimes your outfit calls for a no-panty line situation. Hanky Panky Thongs are a fave as well as the Natori Bliss Cotton Briefs if your parts need to breath.

4. BAREFOOT DREAMS CARDIGAN — $69.90 (regularly $116)

HEAVEN. So soft and so flattering with the fitted style. WORTH EVERY PENNY. It comes in six colors this year.

Literally like wearing a blanket without feeling like you’re wearing a blanket. Cozy, warm, snuggly, super cute with pockets. Is there anything better? I have it in the cream and charcoal gray and am absolutely getting the green this year!

This cardigan ALWAYS sells out so buy your size the moment you can shop. Even if you aren’t certain. Buy it and try it on. If you wait, it will be sold out.

If you’re unsure about sizing, think about the size of your arms and go with that.

5. KATE SPADE MINI SMALL STUD EARRINGS — $15.90 (regularly $32)

Nordstrom puts a pair of super affordable kate spade studs on sale every year and they are fantastic. Especially perfect for dressier occasions that call for an earring that you probably don’t have right now (think high school dances, fundraising events, nice weddings, etc.).

If you have a teen daughter, buy a pair so you don’t have to race out to Claire’s and buy junk the morning of the big dance.

Nordstrom also has a number of Nordstrom Cubic Zirconia Earrings that start at $19.90 and have your choice of silver or gold metal.

6. ZELLA LIVE-IN LEGGINGS — $33.90+ (regularly $59+)

Zellas are great for workout pants as well as regular leggings with a dress or long top. The #nsale is typically the only time we find regular colors on sale like black and gray. People are nuts about these leggings. Sale includes full length, crop, and 7/8 length in regular, plus, and maternity sizes.

These truly are great leggings. Thick enough to suck everything in and not be see-through, but not so thick that you feel like a sausage in a casing.

ZELLA LIVE-IN JOGGERS — $38.90+ (regularly $59+)

I guarantee these joggers will sell out in the first week just like last year. They are the most lovely joggers. They hold their shape well and I DRY THEM IN THE ACTUAL DRYER and they haven not shrunk.

Please just buy them and see how amazing them are.

Regular, petite, plus sizes.

7. NIKE AND ADIDAS SNEAKERS

The Nike and Adidas sneaks will sell out. We usually see some pretty good price drops on a few popular styles.

adidas Swift Run X Sneaker (women’s) — $56.90 (regularly $85)

adidas Edge Lux 4 Running Shoe (women’s) — $56.90 (regularly $85)

Nike ‘Internationalist’ Sneaker (women’s) — $64.90 (regularly $90)

adidas PureBoost 21 Primegreen Running Shoe (women’s) — $84.90 (regularly $130)

8. OLUKAI OHANA FLIP-FLOPS — $46.90 (regularly $70)

A reader emailed us about these flip-flops and I thought a bunch of you would find her recommendation helpful!

“As someone who cannot do shoes without support, these are amazing flops. They give the comfort/support of a sturdy sandal with the ease of a flip flop and they have a bunch of cute colors included in the sale.”

My husband, my mom, and a girlfriend with arch issues bought these in last year’s sale and absolutely swear by them. I definitely find the older I get, the more I need that extra arch support and these are just a fantastic option. More expensive than a traditional flip-flop, but absolutely worth it.

Here are the Men’s OluKai options — there are even some sneakers!

9. MOONLIGHT DREAM PAJAMAS — $29.90+ (regularly $49+)

Our readers SWEAR by these! So super comfy and a great casual fit. Several people have told us they buy these as gifts for new moms. Love the floral color this year!

They come in lots of styles, including shorts, crops, and full-length.

10. BEAUTY SPECIALS AND BUNDLES 

Regular old make-up and skin care typically isn’t included in the #nsale, but they do do some amazing bundle and gift set promotions. It’s a great time to get some free stuff or try a new line out.

Look for Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Too Faced, Oribe, St. Tropez, MAC, Jo Malone, Super Goop and many more.

Make sure you join us in our Nordstrom Deals Facebook group! We’ve been ramping up in there as the sale gets closer and it’s the best place to find up to the minute deals, sizing help and all the details of the sale as we learn them.

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