What to Buy and What You Should 100% Skip From Nordstrom's Epic Anniversary Sale
The Nordstrom anniversary sale is brimming with amazing finds that are worth adding to your cart immediately. With seriously marked-down pieces across the site through August 4, it’s one of the best sale events of the year to stock up on everything from fashion trends for the season ahead and staples like underwear to investments like luggage and pricey beauty essentials at a deep discount.
To point you in the right direction, I combed through all of the Nordstrom sale products to find the very best items to add to your cart—as well as the ones you’re better off skipping. Whether you want to avoid old trends or pass on products with bad reviews, I’m breaking down the pieces you should 100% steer clear of. Ahead, see the 10 best pieces to order from the Nordstrom anniversary sale and the 10 you should skip. Now, it’s time to get shopping.
The Sneakers to Skip:
Chunky sneakers are on their way out, so we don't recommend investing in the style for the season ahead.
The Sneakers to Buy:
Instead, buy throwback sneakers like these from Adidas. This retro sneaker trend will be huge for the fall season ahead.
The Jeans to Skip:
Cropped jeans are a silhouette that fashion girls have been passing on recently, so they aren't worth the investment right now.
The Jeans to Buy:
But you know which style will be huge this fall? Skinny jeans. That's right—they're back, everyone. We spotted them on the runway at Celine paired with slouchy boots, which is how everyone will be wearing them in a few months.
The Boots to Skip:
Reviewers note that they don't like the fit and that they make feet look bigger than they are. Plus, these feel behind on the trends, so we say these boots are ones to skip.
The Boots to Buy:
Instead, put your money behind these suede boots. Not only do these boots have great reviews, but they also hit on one of the biggest fall trends: slouchy boots. Pair these with your skinny jeans for the season ahead.
The Bra to Skip:
While this bra is more affordable than the one we recommend, it's not worth the investment, according to reviewers who gave it just 3/5 stars. It's described as uncomfortable and itchy, so it's one to avoid.
The Bra to Buy:
With over 1.1K reviews averaging 4.8/5 stars, this bra is hugely popular among Nordstrom customers. One reviewer says, "This is my go-to everyday bra, and [I] stock up on a few every year at the Anniversary Sale. Fits well and holds up nicely. Highly recommend!"
The Underwear to Skip:
These earned just 3/5 stars among reviewers, who note that the fabric isn't soft and they are low-quality.
The Underwear to Buy:
Another favorite from Natori. With over 600 reviews at 4.8/5 stars, these are the most popular style from the anniversary sale. Customers describe these as comfortable, soft, and love that they show zero panty lines.
The Pajamas to Skip:
While this pajama set might look cute, it only has 2.8/5 stars. Reviewers who tried it comment on the poor fit that makes them uncomfortable. Skip.
The Pajamas to Buy:
There are over 1100 reviews and a 4.6/5 star rating for these pajamas, so you can bet that they will be something you love sleeping in. One reviewer even describes them as "like sleeping in a cloud."
The Leggings to Skip:
There are a number of complaints among Nordstrom reviewers about these leggings, noting that they're see-through and started to pill after washing.
The Leggings to Buy:
Wow, these leggings have 6000 reviews on Nordstrom with a 4.6/5 star rating. This best-selling style has glowing comments calling them the best leggings of all time. These are a must-order.
The Beauty Set to Skip:
While there aren't any negative comments about the products themselves, you won't save any money by ordering these together as a set.
The Beauty Set to Buy:
If you've ever wanted to try out La Mer, this set allows you to test out the brand's most popular products. Plus, they're travel size, so you're cleared to back them for your next flight.
The Beauty Tool to Skip:
There were three separate reviewers who noted that this skin-smoothing tool was faulty after attempting to use it, so it earns a pass from us.
The Beauty Tool to Buy:
If you've been looking to invest in a professional-quality hairdryer, this one is backed up with 135 reviews awarding it 4.2/5 stars. Reviewers describe it as the "best dryer ever," noting that it has cut their drying time in half to leave a smooth, frizz-free finish so it's worth every penny.
The Suitcase to Skip:
One reviewer notes that this suitcase seems flimsy and low-quality, so we wouldn't want to invest in one.
The Suitcase to Buy:
Instead, buy this sleek black chevron suitcase. Reviewers give it 4.7/5 stars and note that it's the perfect bag for all kinds of travel. There's no better time to invest in great luggage than a sale like this, so order this and start planning that next trip.
Next, the six fall trends from the Nordstrom sale you'll be mad you passed on.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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