Our Ultimate Guide To The 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Welcome to our 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale coverage! The #NSale is easily the best annual sale around, especially for fall style and those long-term investment pieces that really anchor our wardrobes.

Starting today, July 17, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is open to the public! For Nordy Club Members (aka Nordstrom credit card holders), Ambassadors started shopping Early Access on July 12, and Influencers (that’s everyone with a Nordstrom card) got in on the action July 13. (Icons were first on July 11.) Everyone and their mom (ha) can shop from today through August 6! The sale opens for each tier at 12:01 a.m. EST on the day that level shops. Bottom line: prices go back up August 7.

How To Shop The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Start Here | Shop By Category | Shop By Editor | Video | What is this sale? | Just Published | All NSale Articles

NSale Early Access shopping opened for Nordstrom credit card holders with Icon status on July 11, followed by Ambassadors and Influencers (all Nordy Club members). Everyone else — today’s the day! Anyone, Nordstrom card or not, now has access to all the great deals in the NSale. (If this sounds complicated to you, find out more about Anniversary Sale Early Access here.) If you’re curious about what is totally worth it in the sale this year, the first place to look is our try-on & review articles — we have a ton of great stuff there. We’ve been browsing the Preview (ft. all items in the sale) since it launched on July 3, so hop on down to the “Start Here” section for the articles featuring our curated picks, and keep an eye out for more try-ons + reviews, outfit ideas and more. Scroll on down or use the table of contents above, and bookmark this page — we’re updating it all the days long.

If you’re interested in our NSale game plan, sign up for our special NSale newsletter, so you can be the first to be notified about our try-ons (our most informative content) & outfit ideas. These special newsletters include sneak peeks of our try-on articles before they publish, any insights we’ve learned that day (turns out that shoe wasn’t as comfortable as we hoped, as an example), and some behind-the-scenes shenanigans that happen when a team works virtually around the clock for days. 🙂

If you’re new to The Mom Edit, think of us as your personal shopping assistants (uh…sometimes lovingly referred to as “shopping enablers”😂). We’re a team of style experimenters, passionate researchers, cost-per-wear calculators and fearless try-on models (#snort). As real people living real lives, we have honest (and sometimes strong) opinions about clothing, beauty, kid stuff, home appliances, tech gear — EVERYTHING. Our coverage of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a sample of the work we do year-round to help our readers sift through the crap and get straight to the good stuff.

Start Here: What To Buy First In The NSale

While this guide contains everything you could possibly want to know about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (yup, bookmark it now), consider this section an edited-down version. Looking for investment pieces? Check out our True Gems. Boring (but necessary) deals? See our Stuff We Buy Every Year (hint: lots of underwear). Not quite sure what you’re looking for? Try the Cheat Sheet. Lastly, our Try-Ons (2023 coming soon) are some of our most helpful content. Each editor tries on their favorite pieces and reports back on fit, feel, etc.,

2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – What’s Happening Now 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale shopping opens today, July 17, for everyone! I know, we’re excited too. Nordstrom card holders with Ambassador status started shopping July 12, with Influencers following behind on July 13. Icons made their way into stores on July 11, the first day of NSale Early Access. Our TME Icons, Ambassadors & Influencers (Shana, Linzi, Kat, Scotti, Laura, Amy, Julieta, Jess & Anne) have some majorly helpful try-ons, after sorting through everything Nordstrom has to offer to find The Best Of The Best — and to show how stuff actually fits in real life. (We even have a whole article dedicated to those really good budget-friendly finds.) To see all the try-ons & reviews we’ve published so far, bookmark this link.

As we speak, our amazing behind-the-scenes team is taking those try-ons and outlining and writing away, so you have ultimate insight into what’s totally worth grabbing — annddd what’s not. Be sure to bookmark this page (and check back often) because we’ll be updating, publishing and spilling the tea about all our faves throughout the sale.

When you’re done browsing those super-helpful try-on articles we mentioned, check out some of our fave coverage of the NSale so far: the Cheat Sheet, for our top picks by category, and True Gems for a rundown of select pieces that are truly worth it. If you need a li’l refresher of the NSale Preview, it’s when Nordstrom gives us a peek at which products are in the sale — to look at, but not buy. So now that the sale is finally open to the public, be sure to take a gander at our top picks and add them to your shopping bag!

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Shop The NSale By Category

While our Cheat Sheet contains our very top pick in each category, if you’re looking for a wider range of options (yet still prefer something of an edited selection), you’re in the right place! Below you’ll find our top five to 10 picks in every category: Jeans, Sweaters, Shoes, Boots, Dresses, etc., as well as our top choices for men, kids, baby, tweens, beauty and home.

Shop The NSale By Editor

This team has been shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for over a decade now, and all have strong (and sometimes conflicting, haha) opinions on which pieces are best. So, if you’d like an NSale edit that’s been perfectly curated by one of our editors — including links to their try-on articles, their top picks, and what they’re actually buying & keeping themselves — click on an editor name below.

Oh Hey, We Do NSale Videos Too

If you’re new to all this madness, watch Shana’s (our fearless leader’s) video about her top 10 best purchases EVER in the sale (she’s been blogging about this sale for over a decade). You can also watch a fun little behind-the-scenes of Shana and Linzi on their first day in-store during the 2022 sale. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for more #NSale content!).

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Women’s

Think of this section just like shopping at Nordstrom…but more finely curated. While we can’t guarantee personal experience with everything we’ve rounded up below (jump to Try-Ons for that), this section contains the pieces we think are worth a second look. Additionally, you can also shop our favorite plus-size pieces as well as our favorite pieces under $100. 

Our NSale Women’s Edit

Clothing | Plus-Size | Under $100 | Shoes & Boots | Bags & Accessories

Best of NSale: Women’s Clothing

When it comes to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, our editors often have the most luck with coats, jeans and sweaters…so we’ll start there. But we’ve also rounded up seriously cute tops, dresses and — of course — loungewear (team fave, obvi).

NSale Clothing Edit

Activewear | Coats | Dresses | Intimates | Jeans | Lounge | Pants | Sweaters | Tops

Jeans

The best bets in NSale denim? MOTHER Denim is worn by virtually everyone on the team, Levi’s (although we differ greatly in which style we like best), and the Veronica Beard flares are bananas good.

Sweaters

AllSaints always has some sort of cool twist on a basic sweater, and we’re always eyeing up Vince. Also, be sure to check out Nordstrom’s in-house brands for cashmere — it’s often surprisingly good.

Coats

The NSale coat selection is often THE most exciting part of the sale. We especially love the gorgeous wool coats from Nordstrom Signature, Theory and Reiss. Levi’s usually have some sort of high-fashiony twist on a classic. Lastly, don’t miss very practical coats — Barbour raincoats are great, as are Save The Duck puffers.

Dresses

The NSale always has some seriously great dresses in the sale. Keep your eyes open for a cool twist on a T-shirt dress from Vince, or bold prints from FARM Rio. And don’t forget to check out the dresses under $100 — there’s often some really fun finds, especially from Halogen.

Tops

The best tops in the NSale are usually FRAME & Free People, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed for something really cool and date-nighty from Reiss again this year. Don’t miss Eileen Fisher (there’s usually one top we love) and Frank & Eileen.

Pants

The NSale is a great place to stock up on work trousers (Vince, Treasure & Bond). Or snap up a pair of fun cargos from AllSaints, or faux leather (try Halogen).

Activewear

We can always count on the NSale for some standout pieces from Sweaty Betty, Nike and Zella. (Don’t miss Zella’s outerwear — there’s always something seriously cool.)

Lounge

We live for sweatpants. Nike usually has some sort of deliciously comfortable (and cute) sweatpants in the NSale, and Zella rarely disappoints.

Intimates

Natori bras, as well as Hanky Panky and Chantelle underwear (thongs, specifically), are all frequent flyers around here.

Best of NSale: Plus-Size Clothing

While plus-size shopping is often an exercise in frustration (one of our long-standing complaints with basically EVERY retailer that isn’t SKIMS), the NSale reliably has a small section of plus-size pieces we can reasonably endorse. (We can’t resist an elevated tee from EILEEN FISHER.) Additionally, there’s often some straight-size pieces that work for plus-size babes too, so we’re including those here.

Best of NSale: Shoes & Boots

Shoes & boots are often what the NSale does best. Below we’ve rounded up our favorite pairs whether you’re looking for something to make a statement (seriously, check out those rose gold Loeffler Randall heels), or just get through the muck (you know we love a good pair of  Sorel boots). Because The Mom Edit loves a shoe we can also run around in (both in and out of the house) we have a section for sneakers and slippers too.

Best of NSale: Bags & Accessories

Let’s be honest here: The NSale bag section can be hit-and-miss. While we were riding a wave of Clare V.-induced happiness for years, last year’s Clare V. bags were disappointing. That said, we’ve noticed that the jewelry selection in the NSale seems to keep getting better (that Monica Vinader necklace is CUTE), so something to keep in mind for upcoming holiday gifts. (Oof — sorry, mentioning the holidays in July is rough.)

Best of NSale: Under $100

Looking for affordable fashion? We’ve got you. That said, even while looking for pieces under $100, we’re still staying true to our core values and only recommending pieces that we think will go the distance. Kut from the Kloth jeans under $100? A steal. Cheers to finding budget-friendly pieces that are still useful, versatile and (relatively*) durable.

*kids, dogs, kids&dogs — it’s rough out there.

Men’s

While we may heavily focus on the women’s section of the NSale…there’s no denying that it can be a good time to stock up on stuff for the guys. Shana’s husband would normally use this time to get some nice pieces for work, but the sale has changed over the years into practical, everyday closet staples with a slightly fancy piece here and there. Admittedly, Mike D ended up with socks (quality socks, though) circa 2021. 

Best of NSale: Men’s Clothing

If your guy is in serious need of some new work shirts, workout joggers (don’t skip these Zella joggers) or a BOSS suit at a wild discount, it’s worth giving the men’s section a peek.

Best of NSale: Men’s Shoes & Accessories

This is when we stock up on the good-quality socks and boxer briefs…but sometimes we find the perfect fall boots or cool running shoes too.

Baby, Kids & Tweens

I mean, c’mon. Shopping the kids’ section is fun and maybe even giving a lot of us baby fever. But. *sigh* A lot of our kids are growing up too. So we broke it down into baby/toddler, kids and teens/tweens. 

Best of NSale: Baby & Toddler

Arguably the cutest section to look at. Nordstrom has definitely thrown in those adorable dresses and furry coats (I literally can’t get over how cute this baby fleece jacket from Tucker + Tate is) in years past, but there’s really no better time to buy an ever-growing baby the essentials too — boots, coats or even some baby gear.

Best of NSale: Kids

We’ve come up with some pretty cool capsule wardrobes and outfit ideas with the NSale kids’ section. Anything from bright colors and graphics to simple and practical pieces. It can be a good time to get a nice winter coat and those Hunter boots too.

Best of NSale: Teen & Tweens

Back-to-school shopping, anyone? Yikes, maybe too soon. But, really, no better time to get it done than the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Activewear, cute tops and hoodies (ooo, this adidas pullover), new jeans, or fresh Nike sneakers…we can usually find some good stuff for the big kids.

Beauty

The NSale can be the perfect time to give yourself a luxurious treat like a nice Charlotte Tilbury lip kit, fancy hand soap or silk pillowcase. We can’t help but stock up on the essentials too — skincare, sunscreen (Supergoop! obvi) or an everyday mascara. It gets the in-house beauty expert, Scotti’s, stamp of approval.

Home

I know a lot of us might reserve a home upgrade for sale time. We’ve been able to find cozy pillows and blankets, Apotheke candles, pretty things for the kitchen (charcuterie, anyone?), and little trinkets to make a home feel homey in Nordstrom’s past years sales.

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All 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Content

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UM…WHAT IS THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a bit unique. Unlike other sales, which typically discount in-season or post-season merchandise that didn’t previously sell, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale offers deep discounts on pre-season items. Which means that all of the boots, bags, jeans and stuff under $100 that you’ll be investing in this fall can be had — at a really discounted price — for a few weeks in July. Once the sale is over, the merchandise goes back up to its retail price. It’s a genius concept, really. One that I wish more retailers would copy.

WHEN IS THE 2023 NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE?

Nordstrom cardmembers with the highest status (Icons) begin shopping July 11, followed by Ambassadors on the July 12, Influencers (that’s all cardmembers) on July 13th and public access to the sale starts July 17. The sale ends August 6. Keep your eyes peeled — the digital catalog and Anniversary Sale Preview will launch about a week before shopping begins.

JULY 3: PREVIEW & DIGITAL CATALOG LAUNCH (OPEN FOR ALL — START ADDING ITEMS TO YOUR WISH LISTS!)
JULY 11: NORDY CLUB ICONS SHOP EARLY ACCESS
JULY 12: NORDY CLUB AMBASSADORS SHOP EARLY ACCESS
JULY 13: NORDY CLUB INFLUENCERS (ALL CARDMEMBERS) SHOP EARLY ACCESS
JULY 17: PUBLIC SALE BEGINS
AUGUST 6: NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE ENDS
AUGUST 7: PRICES GO UP

Tips For Shopping The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

We’ve been covering this sale for more than a decade now, and shopping it for even longer. Over the years we’ve developed some very strong opinions — not just about the best pieces in the sale, but the best way to shop this sale in general. Keep reading for our 11 best tips for shopping the NSale, based on that many years (gulp) of experience.

1. GET A NORDSTROM CARD, GET EARLY ACCESS

You don’t need a Nordstrom Card (a credit card) to shop this sale. But you do need a Nordstrom Card to shop during that critical first week of the sale — Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that the best stuff typically sells out during this first “Early Access” week. (More on that, below.)

If you haven’t already, sign up for a Nordstrom Card, here. If you’re a current card-holding member, check your Nordstrom Card status, here.

Secondly, if you are really opposed to signing up for a Nordstrom Card (and we’re not here to persuade you otherwise…) there is some value in signing up for The Nordy Club, a free rewards program. There are benefits to using your Nordy Club Card (like an extra $60 bonus note if you sign up before right before the sale, or an extra $40 bonus note good through the beginning of the Anniversary Sale, if you already have a Nordstrom credit card). You can still enroll in The Nordy Club and earn rewards points, even if you won’t get to shop during Early Access week. You can earn rewards at Nordstrom, Nordstrom.com, Rack and HauteLook…but…I’ll say it again: you won’t be able to shop Early Access without a Nordstrom Card.

2. SCHEDULE YOUR BONUS POINTS DAY FOR THE FIRST DAY OF THE SALE

One of the smartest things you can do is schedule your Personal Bonus Points Day during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Just check that baby online during checkout at Nordstrom.com. You can earn 3 points per dollar spent if your status is Ambassador or Icon, and if you have Influencer status you can earn 2 points per dollar spent.

3. FOLLOW THE MOM EDIT FOR THE BEST OF THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

Year after year, our approach to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is to try and make it easier for you to shop. We narrow it down to only the best stuff — the stuff you really will wear and use all year long, the stuff we’ve personally tested for comfort. We start shopping on the very first day of Early Access (Icon level), and cover this sale…pretty much everywhere (we’re all over social media) so the best way to get our recommendations is to follow us on your favorite social media channels, and subscribe to our daily newsletter. We typically send one newsletter per day (and never share your email), but for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, we’ll be sending out special editions with sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content that is both helpful and fun.

4. CHECK OUT THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE 2023 PREVIEW

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has an online preview. Unlike The Before Times when we received a catalog, we’re now able to browse the preview and save items to our wish lists in our Nordstrom accounts. Check out the articles linked above to see how we cover the sale, and bookmark this page to return to when it’s your turn to shop. And if you love our coverage and want to support it, please be sure to come back to our articles and click our links right before you check out. THANK YOU.

What does The Mom Edit do during the preview period? We review all the sale inventory to find the really good pieces, the ones worth investing in. Once we’ve wrapped our heads around the goods, we start crafting inspo. We brainstorm outfit ideas and capsule wardrobes, as well as check for fall trends to see how we might be wearing these pieces a few months from now. From the day the preview begins, we’re all in until the last day of the sale, August 6. Stick with us for updates, outfit ideas, capsule wardrobes, and — this is the best part — allll the deets of what we’re actually trying on and buying. Don’t sleep on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…prices go back up August 7!

As I mentioned earlier, this year we’re trying to be even more intentional (and mindful) with our own coverage, and are coming out with special capsule wardrobes and outfit formulas for all different styles and lifestyles. Of course I’ll be doing my usual Try On thing, and we’ll continue updating this page…but these things take time (genius can’t be rushed, haha). We are publishing outfit ideas and capsule wardrobes now that the preview is published, so those are all good places to start. May the force be with us.

5. WHAT ABOUT THE 2023 NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE CATALOG?

In a bittersweet twist to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale we’re used to, there is no analog (that delicious paper we love getting in the mail) Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog for 2023; it’s now digital. For nostalgia’s sake, find our 2019 Anniversary Sale catalog picks here to get the gist. But, as noted above, the preview will still feature all the sale items just like that magazine-style goodness used to.

6. GO FOR EARLY ACCESS TO SHOP THE SALE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

I cannot state this enough: the best pieces — the stuff we really want, really will wear — typically sell out during that first week. Highly anticipated re-stocks have been few and far between. A few readers have gotten lucky waiting for returns to come back into stock…but most have not. Your best bet is to shop the sale as early as possible. Once again, this means shopping (with your Nordstrom Card) during the first Early Access week of the sale.

7. THE BEST WAY TO SHOP THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE?  ONLINE

If you’ve ever wandered into a Nordstrom during the Early Access sale…it’s a zoo. Historically, even when pieces are theoretically in stock in-store, chances are they’re stuck in someone else’s dressing room. Despite the gaggle of helpful staff Nordstrom has on hand during the sale, it’s a grueling shopping experience. That said, 2020 and 2021 were different years, and the 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale likely will be a different shopping experience. The good news is that Nordstrom’s online inventory is completely synced up with its in-store inventory, so if the website says that it’s sold out online….it is, in fact, sold out everywhere. Shopping online also means taking advantage of free shipping, one of the best perks of shopping at Nordstrom. If you don’t love the idea of packages sitting on your doorstep while you’re at work (hey, Philly) — or uh…playing camp counselor all day — you can pick up online orders in-store or drive-thru/curbside!

Another perk (again, we don’t know how this plays out in 2023): If the items you’re crushing on are in stock at your local store, Nordstrom will deliver them to you SAME DAY for only $15 ($20 in NYC) — historically. Check to see if same-day delivery is available for your local Nordstrom store here.

8. BUY SALE ITEMS WITH HUGE SELLOUT RISK FIRST

Seems obvious, right? But how does one know which items are at risk of selling out? Well. I’ve been doing this shopping thing for more than 10 years now (crazy, right??), and after a decade of covering this sale, I do have some thoughts on this subject. As soon as the preview hits, we will start rounding up our favorites (as well as make a few predictions)–which you will eventually be able to check out below. But for now, here’s what I know:

– Don’t worry about Kids’ or Men’s. The sellout risk pales in comparison to Women’s.

– If you like brands like VINCE, rag & bone and Nike…you really need to shop that first week. These pieces almost always sell out.

– Statement athletic wear (like the really cute leggings from Alo, for example, and that matching sweatshirt) rarely last past that first week. Snap ’em up!

– Nordstrom brands (Treasure & Bond, Halogen) tend to be better stocked than non-Nordstrom brands…the exception being Nordstrom Signature Collection. If there’s a cute cashmere sweater in the actual sale, don’t hesitate. In years past, they’ve been some of the best cashmere sweaters I’ve owned.

–Nordstrom recently released a brand list (kinda a sneak-peek situation), and we’re excited to see that many of our favorites are back: Nike, MOTHER, Charlotte Tilbury, Good American, Stuart Weitzman, Franco Sarto and Dyson. Is anyone else excited to see Parachute and Cotopaxi on that list? Oh, and for the first time ever…Birkenstock! Definitely looking forward to seeing even more of our go-to brands.

You can check out our 2021 Preview Picks here, our 2020 Preview Picks here and our 2019 catalog favorites here. Some of the predictions may overlap.

9. DON’T RELY ON RESTOCKS

In years past, Nordstrom would reserve a decent amount of merchandise for the public sale, which meant that even if something sold out during the Early Access week, there was still a chance to score it during the public sale. This is no longer true. Don’t bet on restocks, even for public sale.

However, this also means that if there’s something you can’t live without…buy it in multiple sizes, just in case. It’s much better to send back what you don’t want than to totally miss out. (But do the rest of us a favor, and send it back before the sale ends, OK?) Also, we got a reader tip during Facebook Live last year: If you love something, but need to exchange for a different size that’s not in stock during the sale, hold on to it, tags on, until the end of the sale. Once the 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is over, and items are restocked at full-price, you can make your exchange and keep your discounted price.

10. BUT DON’T GIVE UP ON RETURNS

This year — since more people will be shopping online — many sold out pieces may come back into stock as returns get processed. Since online shoppers tend to buy more than one size, it’s reasonable to think that a larger number of items will be returned. So, if a piece is sold out in your size, I think it’s worth stalking, this year more than past years. It may come back as a return.

11. DON’T GET OVERWHELMED (WE CAN HELP)

That’s (hopefully) why you come here. We Do. Alllllll. The. Research. All the #DressingRoomSelfies. All the “Best of” lists. All the “Best of What’s Left” lists.

We do it all…for the entire length of the sale, with contributors literally from coast to coast. We try stuff on, wear it around, make sure it actually works for our everyday lives, and blog the heck out of it. Don’t forget to keep up with us here, at our Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023 Guide.

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