Hello my friends! As promised a comprehensive list of what I would recommend from the sale! So I went into the store yesterday to find the best of the best for you and you know what happened, my friends? I found the rest of the rest. The on-hand selection in my local store was just mid and it was all mixed in with regular priced items so it was hard to see exactly what was on sale. I ended up picking up the wrong denim a few times! So even though I was there early, the things that I wanted to find / try on weren’t available in my size (Fair enough! Mediums are a hot commodity and totally I get it.) But also a lot of items just weren’t there. I was really surprised to find there was no Frank and Eileen or Varley at my store, because typically in years past it was stocked. The denim was random, I couldn’t find the exact AG ones I was looking for and it’s totally possible I just missed them. The way things were merchandised did not make it easy to shop the sale. So I ended up just going with my need list more than let me try on every single thing in the store. This has lead me to 10 recommendations from this year’s sale which is not as sexy, but a much more practical list.
If you are ready for my recs, scroll on down! I’ve also included my Do Not Recommend list as well! However, if you want more of my commentary on the sale and Nordstrom in general, keep reading 🙂
I do sense some fatigue from not only consumers but perhaps Nordstrom themselves from the sale. From my experience in the past years, I am usually in contact with someone from the store a few weeks before the sale. If not the sales person I used before, the manager will reach out (not because I’m an influencer, mind you! They typically don’t know this and I rarely share that, but they reach out because I’m a cardholder.) Or if I didn’t reach back out to this communication, within a few minutes of me hauling around a handful of clothing, I’ll be met with a salesperson who helps me shop the entire sale, giving recommendations, helping me find my size and tossing in extra pieces here and there. This year it was more of a fitting room attendant experience and I was on my own. Which hear me out: this is MORE than fine. I’m a big girl with a wishlist, a credit card and a dream, but it was notably different. Most employees were dodging me more than offering to help with sales. It looked to me that they were stocking or picking up online orders. For me, I didn’t care as I am better as a stealth shopper and I actually don’t like being sold to because I start feeling guilty and buy all the things because you said so and you seem nice and have a family. (ATTENTION SALES PEOPLE: I AM THE BEST PERSON TO CORNER, YOU WILL GET ME TO BUY ANYTHING.) I waited at the cosmetics counter to buy face lotion and two people looked at me, I smiled and waved and they just turned back around leaving me standing there. I didn’t buy anything and just bought it online. In turn, I didn’t spend as much. I got what I needed and got out. For me and my wallet, this was GREAT! I spent a fifth of what I typically would. But from a sales perspective, it’s interesting to watch Nordstrom dwindle on customer service and sales. It’s not just this year’s experiences that is influencing this little rant –it’s been over the years that I’ve watched the decline. On a typical shopping day, I have to chase someone down to check me out or process a return. I’d love to know if this is your experience too or if I’m alone in this camp! How did you feel about the sale in general? I’d love to know!
Okay, if you are shopping the sale here are my recs!
Highly Recommend
If you are in need of a sports bra, this is a great one. I typically only buy my sports bras on sale (usually anniversary) and this one I picked up in the black and white. I like that the neckline is higher (no cleavage!) and the fabric is lightweight with compression that doesn’t suffocate or feel too tight. This is not a running bra for me, but good news – I don’t run. I can play pickleball in it with support, but full speed running is a no-go.
I am, surprisingly, in the medium and it fits me perfectly. Which makes me think it runs generous, so keep that in mind! Find it here under $30.
Obviously highly subjective but this is a purchase I make a lot during the anniversary sale and I never regret it. I hate to admit this but I have four other versions of this sweatshirt — all from years past anniversary sale. What I like about it is that it’s loose and boxy and it’s kind of year round — yes even in the summer. Our A/C is blasting year in the summer so I typically grab a sweatshirt for the gym.
I’m in the medium, it runs loose and boxy.
Find it here.
Frame Modern Pocket Denim + Striped Cardigan
I know, I know — these jeans are a swerve. The pockets are different, very 200s coded. But the FIT is where it is at. These are slightly generous in the fit, looser because of the elastane in the fabric so very stretchy but will hold their shape. If you are looking for a tailored denim, this is a great option. Would look cute with heels as well and any structured top — think blouses, blazer, cropped jackets, etc. I like to call this denim Corporate Denim because it works well with most wear to work tops / jackets. (You may or may not be able to wear denim to your office, but if you can, this is a really nice option!)
I am in the 29, plenty of wiggle room in here, so I’d say if you lean to the smaller size if in between sizes go down a size.
Find them here.
Also YES on this cardigan! Super cute and fits well. It’s thicker, so this is more for the cooler weather days. If you need extra room at the chest, go up a size but otherwise TTS! I am in the medium.
Find it here.
I absolutely love this pair of denim and would highly recommend it if you are looking for a casual wide leg pair. This is going to work well with flats, sandals, this summer and sneakers or a low heel mule this fall. I found that they ran a bit tight around the groin (weird I know) and the hips but the waist was okay. I opted for the 30 when I purchased these and glad I did, they were the exact looseness I was looking for. This here is the 29, but if you want a looser fit around the hips and top of thighs then go up one size.
Find it here.
You guys — this one the one thing I absolutely hands down loved and was so excited about. It is $200 so while on sale, it’s still a pricier purchase. It runs true to size however, it is most tight in the – you guessed it! The chest. I unbuttoned the little latch that was never going to hold my boobs in and actually loved how it looked like this. Now it’s showy for me, so if I wanted a less showy show I’d go up to a large and would probably find a bit more wiggle room in the back / shoulders as well. So if you run broad shouldered / big boobs go up a size. This dress would look so good with tall boots this fall too. Ugh, it’s just gorgeous!
Find this dress here.
I’ll be honest — yes this is just black tee. But I loved the fit — it was relaxed but not oversized and not cropped but short enough. The sleeves weren’t tight in the least and overall it just fit well. I love a plain tee because of the versatility and needed a nice (non faded) black tee. This one fit the bill so it came home with me!
I am in the medium, boxy but true fit. Comes in white too! Find it here.
(these are the AG Adria jeans!)
I love a version of this dress form last year and was super excited to try this year’s flavor. I like the square neckline because it’s easier to wear a real bra if you prefer. (I am here.) However the shelf bra inside was no match for my chest in the medium, so I ended up going with the large of this dress after further consideration of my chest. I looked back at the selfie and thought do I want to walk around with these liabilities all day? And I did not. I’ll report back on the sizing of the large but I think it’ll be great.
Overall TTS but if you’ve got tig ol’ biddies, go up a size. You’ll thank me.
Find it here — also in black!
Love this tee! It’s the same soft brushed fabric as the restore leggings and it fits nice and relaxed without being too tight on the arms or bust. I am in the medium, fit is perfect. If you like looser tees for workout this is a nice option! I’ve had this fabric before in tops and it washes and wears super well, too!
Find it here.
I went in for the blue set but came out with the short sleeve set and I’ll tell you why. The blue poplin set is so nice and I loved how it fit but I realized I’m a hot sleeper and short sleeve is the way to go for me, personally. I loved the fit and was so glad this was cotton instead of the more synthetic fabrics I’ve seen them do PJs in the last few years. It is a thinner cotton, which yay for me but you may not prefer that. I am in the medium and I found with all of their pajamas the bottoms ran very loose / very big! So keep that in mind. This fit more like a large.
Find it in other hues here!
This was one of those need purchases more than oh I MUST have this! I needed a robe, I like the feel and fit of this one and it was one sale. Simple as it gets. I got the large because I tend to shrink robes (I just toss them in with the towels and wash on hot) so this fits a bit big but give it two rounds in the laundry and it’ll be a medium in no time. Otherwise TTS with a generous fit.
Nice robe for the price! Would make a nice gift this Christmas too. Find it here.
I need to find a way to talk you into 90s dad sneakers this year. I made the switch last year and I absolutely love them. They weirdly go with everything (like that Zella dress and the Madewell wide leg jeans!) and they’re so comfortable. I got my typical size (10) and they fit perfectly. I prefer the blue, it’s a light blue and can go with everything, especially denim!
Under $100 here
I’ve gotten in the habit of buying my gym shoes once a year at the anniversary sale and here we are, yet again. I love Hoka’s even if they are slightly dork chic. I don’t care because they are the only shoe that my feet never get tired of. (Even over the Cloudmonsters!) I loved the purple of these because they’re bright and pretty but there are other hues too. I wear my typical size 10 and I will note — they run wide! I’ve gotten used to it but if you have a truly narrow foot, these might not be for you. BUT the Asics may be! I tried these on and they ran about a half size too small so they didn’t have my size up but keep that in mind if you are looking!
Find the Hoka’s here.
Warmly Recommended
I’m actually kicking myself for not picking this one up. I loved it but it was a bit of a heavier cotton and my brain is not computing fall yet. I WOULD wear this this fall so maybe I will pick it back up. It’s long enough, runs slightly generous too. I’d say size down if in between sizes and especially if you’re on the shorter side! I am in the medium here.
Find it here.
Once again, I’m struggling with buying anything for fall right now. Am I alone in this!? If I were, it would have been this jacket. It’s super nice quality and it was way cuter in person than online. I love the barn jacket trend and I think it’ll carry through this fall even stronger. This runs VERY oversized– this is the medium and almost fit like a XL. So keep that in mind! It’s quilted (if I remember correctly) inside so it’s a nice weight for warmth.
Shop it here!
If I was looking for some lounge leggings, it would be these. I actually have these from years past! They are super soft and stretchy. For me, I like my leggings to have a bit more structure and compression and these just don’t. They can’t be bothered. But if you like a really soft legging, this is the one! I’m in the medium, TTS.
Find them here.
The whole Restore line from Zella feels like this and I’m not mad at it. I like the sports bra too but it’s a relaxed support, not a ton there. They just kind of sit in there, which can be nice but not for a ton of activity. I’m in the large.
Find them here.
If I wasn’t going to get the Nike sweatshirt, I would have bought this one. It’s a nice length, it’s super soft inside but also pretty warm. I am in the medium, fit is loose like a tunic and oversized in the best way. Not too oversized, it still fits at the shoulders. Comes in a few colors but this powder blue is really nice.
Find the sweatshirt here.
The skirt was just meh for me. I am in the medium but it felt tight / short. I would suggest a size up for waist / length. It was well constructed, I just didn’t think it did much for me. But it is a nice piece, just not for me!
Find the skirt here.
I really liked this top and now that I see it comes in grey online I am considering it! I tried on the medium, fit is great. If you want a looser fit or a longer fit, go up on size. It’s a soft French Terry feel, almost like lived in soft. Would recommend just didn’t need!
Find it here.
Look I love a 100% denim, but I am lowkey so glad that stretchy denim is still around. This is like skinny jean stretchy and I appreciate it 100%. I am in the 8, they fit perfectly. Slightly generous for me, so if you’re in between sizes do down a size. I love the big wide cuff as well. I passed on these because I got the there pairs but this one is a nice option under $100! Definitely recommend!
Find them here.
I loved this set, also reconsidering picking it up! I am in the medium and it fits true to size but the waist is the most fitted. I do think it will relax with wear but if the waist is where items run tight for you, go down a size! I love that the pants flare out a bit, too. 10/10 would lay around my house in this.
Super soft, nice weight. Just overall if you want a little lounge set, this is a great option!
Find them here.
I really liked this set but hear me when I say it runs VERY big! I am in the medium and the bottoms are hanging on me. Which is weird, so keep that in mind. I personally wouldn’t size down because cotton shrinks and I prefer loose over tight, but if you are in between sizes go down a size. Super cute, just didn’t want the long sleeves just yet!
Shop it here.
This is another super soft option and if I needed even more pajamas, I would have bought these. I don’t, sadly because this pair is so soft and slinky. I am in the medium, fit is TTS. Loose but true. And as the other short sets, the shorts fit the largest at the waist. There is a drawstring, so that helps.
Shop it here!
I did really like these even though they were low cut. I think in hindsight a 30 would have fit better at the waist, but I shoved my ass in to those 29s and they zipped so there you go. I would size up one though, if the waist is a smaller area for you in jeans. I wouldn’t say they were as low rise as our memory serves. Like if I can get a jean zipped, they aren’t low rise. I’d say these are more mid rise and really cute. It’s a wide leg but it wants as wide leg as on the model (melting face emoji). If you like a designer denim in a new-ish look / cut, this is a nice find!
Find them here.
This was super cute! I left it behind because I was wearing a black poplin skirt almost identical to it and it just didn’t make sense for me. I picked up the medium and it fit great – it was a tight fit getting it over my hips but once on it was perfect. Size up if in between sizes!
Shop the skirt
Loved this one but they just didn’t have it in my size! Farm Rio was way picked over so I expect this one to sell out quickly online. Definitely true to size with a generous fit! I am in the large here and it fits very big. A medium would have fit with room to spare. This dress can work for now and in fall with boots!
Shop it here.
Do Not Recommend
I do not know what is going on here but this is bad. The shorts were giant but uncomfortable. I felt like I was wearing my basketball shorts from ’97. (Go Tigers) The fabric IS soft and I will give you that. But even the sweatshirt wasn’t good. It fit weird and I tried it with just leggings and hated that too. When I don’t even take a selfie, you know its bad. I am in the medium of each, for reference.
MEH.
Aw these made me sad. I love the idea of them but they did not work on me. I am in the 30s, a 31 or 32 would have been a better fit but then would have been too big elsewhere. Sometimes jeans are just made for slimmer waists and slimmer hips and that’s okay because those super models exist too and they need jeans too. But for me and my hips, we will stick to the Madewell and Frame jeans with the good elastic.
Again, I love the look and feel of this sweatshirt but it’s $120 and I just can’t recommend. It’s a thinner sweatshirt which is great no complaints, but if this was $40-50, I would have considered it. It’s just too much for what it is.
This one is cute but after further consideration this fabric will fade instantly. It will look old quickly, it’s just that kind of fabric. I just know it. I have an Old Navy one like this and it faded quickly as well. It runs small per usual with FP Movement bottoms, I’m in the large. Again it was cute, fit is cute, but it showed lower tummy bump and I just know it’ll fade, even with the best care.
You know that meme “Oh no baby what is you doing?” That’s what played through my head when I put this on. First off it’s the large and it fit tight. Ill-fitting? check. Frumpy? check. Kinda cheap feeling? Check. In fact, besides that cardigan above I kind of steered clear of Caslon, as it all kind of felt cheap. I went and looked and this shirt is NOT worth $65. Hard pass.