Every summer has its little traditions. Some people count down to beach trips, others to backyard barbecues. For me, one of the highlights—beyond soaking up warm evenings in breezy dresses—is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It’s become a ritual of sorts, a mid-summer marker that blends fashion, beauty, and just a touch of fall dreaming.
Before I get into my curated list, let me be clear: this isn’t sponsored. These are genuinely the pieces and products I’ve been eyeing and adding to my wishlist in anticipation of the sale. In fact, I wait for this event every year for one specific holy-grail product—the Eyelash Conditioner Duo. If you’ve been around here for a while, you might remember last year’s post where I sang its praises (and even shared before-and-after photos). I’ll say it again: this little duo is a game changer.
When the Sale Happens
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale doesn’t officially open to everyone at once—it’s tiered, which makes building a wishlist even more essential. Here’s the timeline:
- July 12 – Early access for cardmembers with Icon status
- July 14 – Ambassador status opens
- July 16 – Influencer status gets their turn
- July 28 – Sale opens to the general public
And once the sale ends? Prices jump back up. Which is why planning ahead is key. I always like to save my favorites now, so I can check out quickly before items sell out.
Beauty Favorites
At the very top of my list is, of course, the Eyelash Conditioner Duo. It’s marked at 50% off, which is huge for a product that delivers visible results. After a year of consistent use, my lashes are longer, thicker, and healthier-looking—I just wish I had started sooner.
Alongside it, I’m stocking up on a few tried-and-true beauty staples:
- Brow Pencil + Gel: My everyday essentials for a polished yet natural look.
- Volumizing Hair Set: Perfect for adding body and movement, especially on days when my hair feels flat.
- Texturizing Spray Duo: A must for effortless, undone waves that last.
The beauty section of this sale is always a standout because these are products you’ll use year-round. It feels good to save on the items that really do become part of your daily routine.
Outerwear Favorites
Yes, it’s July, and yes, the air is still warm—but I can’t help but look forward to fall. Coats and jackets are where I tend to invest during this sale because they’re timeless, versatile, and worth every penny when the temperatures dip.
This year, two pieces immediately caught my eye:
- Gray Check Wool Coat: A long, sweeping silhouette that feels regal yet wearable. It’s the kind of coat you can throw over jeans and a tee or drape over your shoulders with a dress.
- Aviator Jacket: Chic, slightly edgy, and the perfect transitional layer. Pair it with boots in fall or sneakers for a casual vibe.
Outerwear has a way of transforming even the simplest outfits, and finding a great piece on sale feels like a win for both your wardrobe and your wallet.
A Summer State of Mind
Of course, while I’m making my wishlist and thinking ahead to cooler days, I’m still very much savoring summer. There’s something undeniably romantic about this season—the late sunsets, the warm air, the spontaneous dinners outside with friends. Lately, I’ve been living in cutout dresses that feel playful and elegant all at once. They strike the right balance between statement and comfort, perfect for everything from daytime brunches to evening walks through the city.
And maybe that’s why I love the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale so much. It captures that same sense of transition—celebrating the beauty of now while looking forward to what’s next. Summer staples, fall layering pieces, and everyday essentials all come together in one curated event.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale before, here’s my advice: start with your wishlist. Even if you’re not planning to buy everything on it, it helps you stay organized and ready for when your tier opens. Think about the items you’ll actually use—those everyday beauty products, the coat you’ll reach for again and again, the pair of boots that completes your wardrobe.
For me, it’s a mix of romance and practicality: a breezy cutout dress for now, a gray wool coat for later, and that magical lash conditioner that has become my beauty non-negotiable.
Happy summer shopping, and here’s to finding those pieces that make every season feel a little more special.
