Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021: Top Picks for Fashion, Beauty, and Home

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year. This annual sale offers incredible discounts on a wide range of products, from fashion and beauty to home goods. In 2021, the sale promises to be bigger and better than ever. Here are our top picks to help you navigate this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and score the best deals.

Key takeaways

Use the Nordstrom app to create a wishlist early to monitor stock levels and ensure a quick checkout.
Purchase multiple sizes of high-demand items to secure your fit, utilizing Nordstrom's flexible return policy.
Focus on investment pieces like solid gold jewelry, luxury timepieces, and high-tech beauty tools for maximum value.
Prioritize high-performance activewear and seasonal staples like denim and blazers to build a foundational wardrobe.

Fashion Finds

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a fashionista’s dream. This year, look out for exclusive deals on designer brands, trendy pieces, and timeless classics. Here are some of the must-have fashion items:

Designer Handbags: Scoop up luxury handbags from top designers at unbeatable prices.
Statement Coats: Prepare for the colder months with stylish and warm outerwear.
Trendy Footwear: From boots to sneakers, there’s a shoe for every occasion.

Beauty Bargains

Beauty enthusiasts, rejoice! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale offers amazing deals on skincare, makeup, and haircare products. Don’t miss out on these beauty bargains:

Skincare Sets: Stock up on your favorite skincare brands with exclusive sets and bundles.
Makeup Palettes: Get your hands on limited-edition palettes from top beauty brands.
Haircare Essentials: Discover discounts on high-end hair tools and products.

Home Goods

Elevate your living space with stylish and functional home goods from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Check out these top picks for your home:

Cozy Bedding: Refresh your bedroom with luxurious sheets and comforters.
Chic Decor: Find unique decor pieces to add personality to your home.
Kitchen Gadgets: Upgrade your kitchen with the latest gadgets and appliances.

Men’s Essentials

Men can also enjoy the fantastic deals at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Here are some essentials to look out for:

Tailored Suits: Invest in high-quality suits at a fraction of the cost.
Casual Wear: Stock up on everyday essentials like jeans and tees.
Grooming Products: Discover discounted grooming products from top brands.

Kids’ Picks

Don’t forget about the little ones! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale features great deals on kids’ clothing, shoes, and accessories. Here are some top picks for kids:

Back-to-School Outfits: Get your kids ready for school with stylish and affordable clothing.
Durable Footwear: Find shoes that can keep up with your kids’ busy lives.
Fun Accessories: Add a touch of fun to their outfits with cute accessories.

Mastering the Nordy Club: Strategic Early Access and Wishlist Management

To truly capitalize on the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, understanding the tiered structure of the Nordy Club is essential. Unlike typical clearance sales, the Anniversary Sale features brand-new arrivals for the upcoming season at deep discounts. Consequently, high-demand items often sell out during the Early Access window before the general public ever gets a chance to browse. For 2021, the access dates are strictly tied to your status: Icons, Ambassadors, and Influencers (cardholders) gain entry in staggered phases. If you find yourself in the later tiers, your primary tool for success is the Nordstrom App’s “Wish List” feature. By adding items to your list weeks in advance, you can monitor stock levels in real-time and check out instantly the second your window opens.

A common pitfall for shoppers is the assumption that items will be restocked on the first day of public access. While Nordstrom occasionally releases small batches of returns or reserved inventory, the most popular colorways in brands like Barefoot Dreams or Zella frequently vanish during the first 48 hours of Icon access. Therefore, a secondary strategy involves the “Buy Now, Sort Later” approach. Because Nordstrom offers an exceptionally flexible return policy and free shipping, many seasoned shoppers purchase multiple sizes of a single item if they are unsure of the fit, rather than risking a total sell-out while waiting to visit a physical store. Furthermore, utilize the “Pick Up in Store” or “Curbside Pickup” options if you live near a Nordstrom location; this often bypasses the shipping delays that can occur during the high-volume sale period.

The 2021 Activewear Evolution: Performance Meets Street Style

Activewear has transitioned from gym-only gear to a foundational element of the modern wardrobe, and the 2021 sale reflects this shift with heavy hitters like Zella, Alo, and Sweaty Betty. The Zella “Live In” High Waist Leggings remain the undisputed champion of the sale, known for their moisture-wicking fabric and non-sheer coverage. For 2021, look specifically for the expanded color palette which moves beyond standard black into muted earth tones like mahogany and slate blue. These leggings are engineered with a signature moisture-wicking fabric that handles high-intensity interval training (HIIT) while maintaining enough compression for a flattering silhouette during casual errands.

Beyond leggings, the 2021 selection emphasizes technical outerwear for the active lifestyle. Brands like Sweaty Betty are offering lightweight, packable windbreakers and “after-practice” layers that utilize recycled polyester blends. For those focused on high-performance footwear, Nike and Under Armour typically debut Anniversary-exclusive colorways of their flagship running shoes. When selecting performance gear, pay close attention to the fabric composition; look for “Lycra” or “Spandex” percentages above 15% for high-compression needs, and prioritize flat-lock seams to prevent chafing during long distance runs. This sale is also the ideal time to invest in high-impact sports bras from brands like Natori or Brooks, which rarely see such significant price reductions outside of this event.

Investment Jewelry and Timepieces: Building a Forever Collection

While fashion trends fluctuate, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a prime opportunity to acquire fine jewelry and luxury watches that retain their value. For 2021, the focus is on “everyday luxury”—pieces that are durable enough for daily wear but elevated enough for formal occasions. Bony Levy, a Nordstrom exclusive brand, often features 14k gold chains, stackable diamond rings, and understated hoop earrings at prices that are 30% to 40% lower than their post-sale retail value. These are not gold-plated or vermeil items; they are solid gold investments that will not tarnish, making them a savvy choice for those looking to move away from “fast fashion” accessories.

In the realm of timepieces, the sale often includes heavyweights like Michele, Tissot, and Movado. A Michele watch head paired with a signature deco strap is a perennial favorite, often discounted by hundreds of dollars. For men, the selection typically ranges from the rugged aesthetic of Shinola—hand-assembled in Detroit—to the sleek, Swiss-made precision of Hamilton. When shopping for watches, check the movement type listed in the specifications; “automatic” movements are prized by collectors for their mechanical complexity, while “quartz” movements offer the most reliable timekeeping with minimal maintenance. Additionally, look for sapphire crystal faces, which are virtually scratch-proof, ensuring your investment looks pristine for years to come.

The Intimates and Loungewear Cult Favorites

If there is one category where the Anniversary Sale consistently breaks records, it is intimates and loungewear. The Natori “Feathers” Underwire Contour Bra is widely considered a “holy grail” item, and during the sale, it is often priced low enough to justify replacing an entire drawer of older undergarments. The lace trim and plunging neckline make it versatile for various tops, while the foam-lined cups provide a seamless look. For 2021, the sale includes an array of inclusive sizing and “nude” shades that cater to a wider spectrum of skin tones than ever before.

Transitioning to loungewear, the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic collection is the star of the show. The brand’s cardigans and blankets have a dedicated following due to their unique microfiber texture that stays soft even after multiple washes. Edge cases to consider: the “Lite” version of their fabric is often preferred by those in warmer climates or those who find the original CozyChic too bulky for indoor wear. Don’t overlook the sleepwear sets from Moonlight Eco, which utilize Tencel™ Modal fibers. These sets are celebrated for their breathability and temperature-regulating properties, making them essential for those who experience hot flashes or live in humid environments. Because these items are frequently gifted, they are among the first to sell out, particularly in neutral tones like “Oatmeal” or “Pewter.”

Defining the 2021 Silhouette: Denim and Transitional Blazers

The 2021 fashion landscape marks a definitive move away from skinny jeans toward more relaxed, vintage-inspired silhouettes. The Anniversary Sale is the perfect laboratory to test these trends without paying full designer prices. Look for “Mom jeans,” straight-leg cuts, and flared hems from premium labels like Mother, Frame, and Rag & Bone. Key features to look for in 2021 denim include high-rise waists (10 inches or higher) and “chewed” or raw hems. To ensure the best fit, check the “stretch factor” in the product description; denim with 98% cotton and 2% elastane will provide that classic rigid look with just enough give for comfort.

To complement the new denim shapes, the sale offers an array of oversized blazers and “shackets” (shirt-jackets). These pieces serve as the ultimate transitional layer as we move from late summer into autumn. Brands like Treasure & Bond and Madewell often feature wool-blend blazers in plaid or houndstooth patterns. For a professional yet modern look, look for blazers with structured shoulders and a longer length that hits mid-thigh. These can be paired with a simple graphic tee and the aforementioned straight-leg denim for a curated, effortless aesthetic. When shopping for blazers, pay attention to the lining; a fully lined garment will hang better on the body and last significantly longer than unlined alternatives.

High-Tech Beauty: Tools, Fragrance, and Jumbo Sizes

While makeup palettes are visually appealing, the real value in the 2021 beauty section lies in high-tech tools and “Jumbo” size skincare favorites. This is the one time of year when brands like Kiehl’s, Lancôme, and Paula’s Choice offer their best-selling cleansers and exfoliants in massive pump bottles that can last six months or more. Calculating the price-per-ounce on these items usually reveals a much higher savings margin than buying standard-sized sets. For skincare enthusiasts, keep an eye out for the NuFace Trinity Toning Kit or the Dr. Dennis Gross LED mask, which are rarely discounted elsewhere. These devices use microcurrent and light therapy technology to address skin elasticity and acne from home.

Fragrance is another hidden gem of the sale. Rather than just discounting single bottles, Nordstrom often bundles a full-sized perfume with a travel spray and a scented body lotion for the price of the bottle alone. Look for luxury houses like Jo Malone London, Diptyque, and Le Labo. These brands often release “Discovery Sets” during the Anniversary Sale, allowing you to sample multiple scents before committing to a signature fragrance. For those sensitive to synthetic scents, look for the “Clean Beauty” badge on products, which ensures the absence of certain sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. Also, consider the seasonal transition; the sale is an excellent time to pivot from light, citrusy summer scents to the deeper, woodier notes of sandalwood, amber, and spice that define the autumn season.

Elevated Home Living: Textures and Aromatherapy

The home section of the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale focuses heavily on creating a “sanctuary” environment. This is achieved through a combination of high-thread-count textiles and sophisticated home fragrance. Beyond the basic bedding mentioned previously, look for Percale vs. Sateen sheets. Percale is crisp and cool, ideal for “hot sleepers,” while Sateen has a silkier, heavier feel for those who prefer a cozy nest. Brands like Boll & Branch and Nordstrom’s own home line offer organic cotton options that are GOTS certified, ensuring ethical production and the absence of toxic dyes.

Aromatherapy also plays a massive role this year. The Voluspa candle sets are a staple of the sale, featuring embossed glass jars that can be repurposed as vanity organizers once the wax is gone. For a flameless option, look for NEST New York reed diffusers or the Pura Smart Home Fragrance Device, which allows you to control the intensity of the scent from your smartphone. In the kitchen, the focus is on “aesthetic utility.” Look for the Always Pan by Our Place in exclusive colors; this 8-in-1 piece of cookware is designed to replace a traditional fry pan, steamer, and saucepan, making it a favorite for those living in apartments with limited storage. When purchasing home goods, consider the weight and dimensions, especially for larger rugs or furniture pieces, as these may have different shipping requirements or return constraints compared to apparel items.

FAQs

When does the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 start?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021 begins on July 28 for the general public. However, Nordstrom cardholders can enjoy early access starting on July 16.

How long does the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last?

The sale runs for a limited time, ending on August 8, 2021. Make sure to shop early to secure the best deals.

Can I shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale online?

Yes, you can shop the sale both online and in-store. Nordstrom offers convenient shopping options, including curbside pickup and free shipping.

Are there any special discounts for Nordstrom cardholders?

Yes, Nordstrom cardholders often receive early access to the sale and exclusive discounts. If you don’t have a Nordstrom card, consider applying to take advantage of these benefits.

What items are typically included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

The sale features a wide range of products, including clothing, shoes, beauty products, home goods, and more. It’s an excellent opportunity to shop for popular brands at reduced prices.