Why the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a Big Deal + My Top Picks for 2020

Last Updated on August 23, 2020 by haveclotheswilltravel

Just in case you haven’t heard, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale has kicked-off, and this year is going to be a little different! This post is going to explain why people lose their minds over this sale, how this sale works and some key dates and also what I’m eyeing up in this year’s sale.

Why is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale SUCH a Big Deal?

People seriously go crazy over this sale…and being on the outside looking in it was a bit difficult to figure out at first. I mean, stores run sales ALL the time…why is this one so special?

Well, here’s the deal. Most sales are old, end of season merchandise. What sets this sale apart is that it is NEW fall and winter merchandise that’s on sale before the season starts. That’s a big deal.

This sale also features a ton of designer merchandise that people save up all year (or years) to purchase. Want a new pair of Prada sunglasses? How about a Versace watch? Or perhaps a Bony Levy diamond ring? You can get hundreds and even thousands of dollars off these timeless items in this sale.

Now, you don’t have to drop hundreds or thousands of dollars on designer items to get good deals in this sale. I bought most of the clothes I wore for my Peru trip in the sale a few years ago! So, that was a waterproof windbreaker, sweatshirts, athletic pants, flannel shirts and a pair of sneakers. (Some of the stuff is pictured below.)

I also went a little purse crazy in last year’s sale and scored a Tory Burch tote that I adore and a Kate Spade clutch that I got SO much use out of. Both are pictured below. They are also both included in this year’s sale (with slightly updated looks to each).

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Key Dates

*NEW for 2020 – You can preview the sale starting now! (Click here to preview it.) So go crazy and load up your wishlist! Then, you can just hit the purchase button when the sale goes live.

August 13 – August 18 is the “Early Access” sale. What this means is if you have a Nordstrom credit card, you get first dibs on the sale items. If you don’t have one, you can apply now and then shop the sale! Nordstrom is also changing the sale up a bit this year too, and allowing people who have a card + high Nordy Club status to shop as early as August 4. Click here for more info on that. 

August 19 – 30 is the “Public Access” sale. This is when everyone who doesn’t have a Nordstrom card gets to shop the sale. I personally don’t have a Nordstrom card. (My husband and I only ever use our Marriott card – we’re all about Marriott points!) But, when I went to shop the Public Access sale last year, some of my wishlist items were already gone. So, be sure to have a backup plan if you don’t have the card.

My Top Picks for This Year’s Sale

I usually try to keep items below $100 when I’m shopping…and for the most part, almost all of these items are less than $100! I’m starting this list with my favorite items first. I am really looking to get more “everyday wear” in comparison to years past. 

• Read next: 20 Awesome Stores Like Nordstrom That Are Available Online

This sweater looks so cozy… plus, I love the color for fall. 

I have heard nothing but incredible things about these faux leather leggings by SPANX for the last couple years. I have been waiting for a sale to purchase them, as they are pretty darn pricey otherwise! Thankfully, they’re part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

With over 3,000 positive reviews raving about how cozy and soft this cardigan is… I just might have to test it out for myself!

I have the grey version of this pullover and live in it!

I have these jeans as well, but I have, unfortunately, outgrown the pair I have. Haha. They were incredibly comfortable when they fit me, though! Time to order a bigger size!

This year is all about having comfy loungewear and PJs, given that we’re hardly leaving our homes! 

This throw looks like the perfect soft complement to a new pair of PJs!

Anastasia makes the best brow products out there. If you haven’t tried them yet, now is the perfect chance!

I ordered a similar pair of leggings like these in the sale a couple of years ago and they are my favorites to wear to the gym and for running in!

You can never order too many on sale Tory Burch bags!

You can also never go wrong with a black sheath dress! This will work for everything all year long. Just pair with a cardigan or blazer + tights in winter.

My mom has one of these smart gardens, and I think it is the coolest thing ever. It has its own little light, plus it’s self-watering!

I’ve always wanted a pair of Hunter rain boots!

La Mer products are nothing short of magical. If you haven’t tried them yet, this set is a fantastic deal!

Wool fedoras have been all the rage lately. This one is made by Brixton, which is a brand I love. I have one of their straw fedoras for traveling, and it’s fantastic quality and very comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

I used to vehemently protest plaid shirts… but now I’m the proud owner of the 2 of them and they are some of the most worn shirts in my closet.

I am a firm believer that you can never have enough floral dresses! Plus, with the darker colors, this one could work in fall and well into winter too.

I don’t need a toaster right now… but this one is just so dang cute!

I LOVE Ted Baker. That’s who made the pretty pencil dress above. His designs are simply stunning.

I’ve been wearing the black version of these shorts over 5 years now and they still look like new. They’re fantastic to wear to the gym and for running… or just hanging out around the house. 

This sweater dress is beautiful! I love the subtle floral print plus flattering cut.

 

I’m curious, are any of these items also on your wishlist? And have you shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale before? Let me know in the comments!

• Read next: 20 Awesome Stores Like Nordstrom That Are Available Online

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