I’m still holding true to my 2019 motto of choose well, and buy less. Effectively, it’s seen me add to my wardrobe in a more considered way, and generally steer clear of shopping any sales. But the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one I will always make an exception for. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s a great opportunity to pick up some autumn wardrobe essentials on your wishlist at a discount (usually 40% off), before the season has even begun.

The 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kicked off overnight, with early access now open exclusively for Nordstrom cardholders. If like myself, you aren’t a cardholder, you have the next week to browse through the sale catalogue, nail down your wishlist, before the sale opens to the public on Friday 19 July.

KEY DATES TO REMEMBER

Early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale started Friday Friday 12 July at 9.30am PT for Nordstrom cardholders. General public access opens at 9.30am PT on Friday 19 July. The sale wraps up on Sunday 4 August, with all items then returning to full price.

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE SHOPPING STRATEGY

More than 10,000 items will be discount as part of this year’s anniversary sale, so to say that it can be a little overwhelming to browse through is an understatement. A good game plan is a must, and I would recommend staying true to your personal values. Buy only what you need, and stick to your list. I like to jot down any pieces I feel my wardrobe is missing before each new season begins, and use this as the basis for what I purchase to round out my closet.

I find it easiest to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale by filtering down to my favourite brands or categories. This helps me to stay on track.

Popular items do go fast – think DVF wrap dresses, well made coats, Stuart Weitzman OTK boots – so I do have a couple of strategies I’d recommend using to make sure you don’t miss out.

The first is, don’t hesitate, add it to cart. If you’re in the US, Nordstrom has a fantastic free returns sales policy, so it’s best to buy now and return later if you don’t love it. This goes completely against any other piece of shopping advice I’ve given in the past, but I find it’s a great way to combat any niggling “what if” feelings – just make sure you follow through with any returns!

The second is to add everything you love to your wishlist. Items will pop in and out of stock, so this is a good way to keep track of what is available in your size.

Finally, stick to the brands you know already. This makes it easier to budget as you’ll have a sense of sizing from the get-go, as well as the overall quality that you can expect.

MY NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE PICKS

I’ve done the legwork and trawled through all the sale items to narrow it down to my favourite picks, which I’ve dropped below. Also as an FYI, each of these images is fully shoppable, so you can click on the clothing item to be directed to the product page on the Nordstrom website.

SWEATERS

Knitwear has been such a huge part of my winter wardrobe this year, so I thought I’d kick off with some of my best finds. This is definitely an area in my closet where I like to splurge, and natural fibres reign supreme. Personally, I love to stock up on my cashmere sweaters for winter, as they’re lightweight, super warm, and feel lovely against my skin.

1. Grey rib roll neck sweater
2. Black cashmere cardigan
3. Khaki oversized ribbed sweater
4. Charcoal cashmere cardigan
5. Grey wrap front sweater
6. Blush pink oversized cardigan
7. Dark grey wool & cashmere mock neck sweater
8. Oatmeal boxy wool sweater
9. Oatmeal cashmere duster cardigan
10. Black turtleneck sweater

BLAZERS & COATS

I said it last year and I’ll say it again this year, if you’re in need of a new winter coat, then there is no time like the present. Some of my favourite finds from this year’s sale just happen to be outerwear pieces, and I love that you can go basic with a classic design, or all out with something in a fun colour. I’m personally all stocked up in this category but this is the one autumn and winter wardrobe essential that you will get bang for your buck from.

1. Oatmeal doubled faced wool & cashmere draped coat
2. Blush leather jacket
3. Beige trench coat
4. Charcoal alpaca/wool knee-length coat
5. Grey waterfall trench jacket
6. Grey check blazer
7. Khaki utility jacket
8. Black faux leather jacket
9. Rust wool & cashmere wrap coat
10. Black plaid wrap coat

TOPS

For the autumn months when it isn’t too cool, a beautiful blouse is a great option, and easily dresses up a pair of jeans, especially if your style runs more casual like my own. There’s a number of great basic staple pieces, as well as tanks and cami’s which you could wear now to see you through early autumn.

1. Black silk long sleeved blouse
2. White knot front top
3. Red/white Breton stripe top
4. White cotton poplin shirt
5. B/W graphic floral long-sleeved blouse
6. Navy windowpane check s/s shirt
7. White mock neck pleated tank
8. Yellow floral peasant blouse

TROUSERS & SKIRTS

The second part of my winter wardrobe style equation was a great pair of jeans – and there are so many great classic styles available in the sale. Some of my favourite brands to watch are AG Denim and Frame; they’re more on the premium end of the spectrum, but they’re great quality and will last you years. I’ve also spotted some really lovely work-ready skirts, as well as some trousers which will see you from work to weekend.

DRESSES

While I’ll always feel that separates are the more versatile choice, I do love the ease of dressing that comes with throwing on a simple dress. It’s a one and done kind of outfit. I’ve picked out a few that I think would be perfect for the office, a few for the weekend, as well as options that I think would layer well with a turtleneck underneath to really get mileage across the transitional season.

1. Blue multi floral midi dress
2. Navy tweed a-line dress
3. Black wrap-front mini dress
4. Forest green shift dress
5. Black sheath dress
6. Red floral multi midi dress
7. Navy polka dot midi dress
8. Burgundy sheath dress

SHOES & ACCESSORIES

Finally let’s wrap up my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks with my shoe and accessory favourites. I’m usually quick to jump on Nordstrom whenever I’m after a designer shoe dupe (they have some of the best!), as they carry a number of high-quality but mid-priced brands. If you’re into the over the knee boot trend (which I feel is still going strong), then it’s worth trying to snap up a pair of Stuart Weitzmans at 40% off. I also love the look of these Aquatalia’s, which happened to be on my wishlist last year, too. Despite being suede, they’re weatherproof, so a good option if you get caught in the rain often but still like textured materials.

I’d love to know if you’re planning on picking anything up from this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I’ll be waiting for public access to open, but I’ve got my eye on few items, including; a blush pair of trousers from Maxmara, these Aquatalia boots, this check blazer, and this floral long sleeved blouse.