Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 Picks and Try On

I kind of feel like a kid at Christmas.

Or maybe it's just some good news.

But the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here and I'm super pumped y'all.

But wait, Helene, you aren't a fashion blogger!

Shhh! I know. But the cool thing is I only share things I wear and wear and wear (and have worn for years) and I keep it on the less expensive side.

Every single year, even when I lived abroad, I shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Why? Because it’s high quality, built to last clothing that I’ll wear for years plus plenty of beauty, gifts, and accessories. Stuff that never goes on sale, is on sale and it's stuff I know I'll wear for a long time.

I always share what I buy with details on why I love each piece because I’m an average person, not a fashion blogger. I recently read a post from a fashion blogger who ordered nearly 1,000 items from Nordstrom. WHAT?! Not only is that not realistic, it’s just plain madness (and wasteful) to me.

I’m sharing my tried, true, and tested pieces that are worn all year long. Also, you should know I am wearing a size medium or large and in jeans a size 10-12. I think it really helps to see what these pieces look like on (and in someone that isn’t a supermodel) so hope this helps!

This year I’ve taken a different approach to the sale. Not only am I sharing things I currently have or am buying, I did TONS of research on how these are reviewed across the web. Not just Nordstrom’s website.

Nordstrom is one of my favorite places to shop. No, it’s not the cheapest, but the brands they carry are some of my all time favorite (Zella, Madewell, Patagonia) and their customer service and return policy is unbeatable.

Things will go out of stock from time to time (and many things go fast). But to make the most out of the sale I recommend creating a wishlist on the Nordstrom site and that way you’ll be notified if an item comes back in stock or when it’s available for you to shop. Because things do sell out quick, I buy it because I can always return.

Don't buy stuff you don't need. I always make a list so that I can get things I know I will actually wear. Are zebra print booties super cute? YES! Will I wear them? Hmm, probably not. Or, you can find them much cheaper (like this option).

Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns. So if you’re unsure of the right size, order a couple. You can always send it back! Or if you don’t like something, there’s no worries.

When can you shop?

All Nordstrom card holders can shop right now.

The sale opens to the public on Thursday August 20th.

I’m sharing items I actually bought I think you'll love! I'm breaking it down by brand and type to make things (hopefully) easier! I'll also share things that were total misses so you don't waste your money. At the end I'm offering a $500 Nordstrom gift card PLUS a barefoot dreams blanket!

Zella – Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

7/8 Pocket Leggings

If you buy one thing from the sale, make it a pair of Zella leggings. They are just my favorite and when they say “live in” they mean it. I wear leggings nearly daily and I always go with Zella. I’ve talked about Zella leggings on this blog for 4 years and will continue. Also with this price it’s just worth it!

I prefer the 7/8 pair with pockets. I'm short (5′ 2″) and the regular leggings are great but too long and are missing pockets. I get a medium in the leggings.

Also pictured (and recommended) the Zella tank top – it's a great shape (curved hem) and is great for layering. Under it I'm wearing the Zella sports bra which is my biggest surprise of the sale. SO DANG COMFY but also holds you in! Also wearing the ribbed open front cardigan which I'll share more about below!

Glacier Quarter Zip jacket. I am telling you… Zella nailed it this year. Sometimes with fuzzy jackets it can make you look bulky, but because this has panels in the side it has a slimming effect! Also this is SUPER comfy.

Spanx – Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings are the best dressy legging. These suck. you. in. So be prepared. I get a large! These always fly off the shelves. Spanx also carries this in a petite size now!!

I am also loving the Spanx Bra-llelujah Full coverage bra. It clasps in the front (a must for me) has thick straps, and the back is just so comfortable. Feels very weightless, yet gives you a little lift!

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Sweaters

Free People Sweater. When I saw this online I immediately knew I would need it! Free People fabrics and quality are the best. I love the oversized look and it’s just extra comfy. It's slightly cropped which hits so well on so many! I'm in a medium.

Oversize Sweater. Sweater weather is my favorite weather. I love the color of this sweater and think this would work for so many outfits in the fall. I wear a medium. Also SO many colors and a great price! This cowl neck sweater screams Fall! I also adore this brand and surprised this is still in stock. The last is the Gibson Cozy Twist front pullover and has over 1500 reviews! It's legging friendly and I think extremely flattering.

Topshop Patch Cable Stitch Crow Sweater. I bought this sweater last year and still love it! You can't go wrong with a cream sweater! This one is super thick and a good length. Also this is cheaper than it was last year, so scoop it up!

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Cardigans

Barefoot Dreams cardigan. If you want to feel like you’ve been encircled by an angel on a cloud while eating cotton candy, this is the closest thing to it. I've heard about Barefoot Dreams for YEARS but never tried until now. I get the hype. It’s so dreamy and soft and comfy but cute. I got a medium, hurry this will go quick!

Ribbed Open Front Cardigan. This oatmeal colored cardigan goes with so much: leggings, skirts, jeans, etc. It's very thick and warm and I was shocked at how cute this was on. The quality of this is the best! I suggest sizing down, I got a small.

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Jeans

I'm extremely picky about jeans and I don't want to share something that you won't absolutely love. I picked 2 jeans. One is pricey but in my opinion worth it. The other is one of the cheapest jeans in the sale!

Kut From the Kloth Donna High Waist Jeans. These are comfy and super flattering. Add in the fact that they are under $60 and I'm sold. I got a size 10 petite if you're short like me!

Good American Good Waist Ribbed High Waist Jeans. Alright, how flattering are these Good American Jeans? I've wanted some for so long and finally got my hands on these! I love them. When I first put them on it was a struggle but they fit like a glove and are comfortable too. They aren't cheap! But I think they are worth it and I plan on wearing these for a very long time.

Best Tops and Skirts from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Tiered Miniskirt. I will be wearing this on Thanksgiving day. I feel like skirts are just the perfect way to dress up a t-shirt or feel more put together. When I saw this online I didn't think much of it but I adore how this fits. It's not too short or long. Also it's very flattering where it hits your waist. I got a large.

Curved hem tee. The tee I'm wearing above is also part of the sale here. I think the curved hem is very flattering and is great as a layering tee. You should know it's a bit see through. I got a small for a tighter fit.

Plaid Tunic Shirt. If you get one top from the sale I suggest this tunic! It's legging friendly and lightweight (which is sometimes hard to find with plaid). This would be so cute buttoned up or open. I LOVE this.

Pintuck Lace Cotton Blouse. I love the material and loose fit It's really comfy and is a great transition piece. I got a large.

Suede skirt. This skirt is so cute and would be adorable with tights! It's not the cheapest ($48.90) but BlankNYC is a great brand.

Treasure & Bond Thermal Top. I'm a sucker for anything thermal, especially for Fall. In case you haven't noticed, I LOVE a curved hem. To me, it's the most flattering shape. Also, Long sleeve thermal henley. Another thermal but very different, a relaxed fir and I think goes great with jeans. Also great price, $24.90.

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Jackets

The North Face Cragmont Fleece Jacket – originally $149.00, on sale $104.90. I love this contrast trim and North Face is the best brand. Warm but functional! The colors are awesome.

Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter-Zip Fleece Pullover, originally $99 on sale for $83.90. I am obsessed with this half-zip pullover. I have it in white and I am buying it in black and grey. I wear it constantly. I've had my original one for 5 years so decided to treat myself and get a new one. It's something I wear for everything: hiking, walking, lounging.

Thread & Supply Wubby Fleece Pullover, originally $78, now $49.90. Fun story. I tried ordering this fleece last year during the Nordstrom anniversary sale. But the thing is, I live in Germany. I ordered it, and Germany sent it. But I wasn't here. So they sent it back. Horrified, I called Nordstrom. They immediately refunded me, then offered to try and resend. At that point it was a lost cause. BUT, I am getting it now. Thank you.

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Shoes

Hiking Boots. I just was on a month long RV trip in Wyoming and Montana and got a hole in my 7 year old hiking boots! I'm very excited (like, giddy) for these. The reviews are wonderful! I got a size 8.

Suede bootie. These are such a classic and will go with everything. There is another pair of booties that is VERY similar but many complain they are uncomfortable and the slit makes it so you can easily see your socks. The low heel makes these very comfy!

Nike Blazer Low SE Sneaker, was $75, on sale for $49.90. There are many sneakers in the sale but I'm so particular when it comes to these! 9 times out of 10 I'm wearing white Adidas superstars, but I decided to switch it up and get these. These are the highest rated in the sale and are super comfortable and cute!

Madewell Remi Mule, originally $88, on sale for $44.90. Because that price is just too dang good and these are adorable. Do not sleep on these!

Born Alize Double Zip Boot – I love the color options and these are so dang comfy. On sale for $149.90, was $249.95.

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty

In order of favorites!

Neulash Lash Enhancing Serum Duo, originally $190, on sale for $97. If you indulge yourself in one thing, may it be the Neulash enhancing serum. It works. I've had 3 tubes over 4 years. I don't use it daily but every couple days. It lengthens and strengthens your lashes. I'm obsessed. I get asked about my lashes a lot and this is the #1 reason why I think they grow!

Dermaflash ONE Lilac Exfoliation & Peach Fuzz Removal Device, value of $139 on sale for $99. Okay, I'm sick of the peach fuzz on my face. I've had it. So this device that instantly removes dead skin cells, built-up debris and pesky peach fuzz.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Secrets Set – $68 for a $98 value. THIS WILL SELL OUT. This is one of the most popular lip colors in the world! And there's a reason – it's so pretty and universal. This is an unedited look at the color. Also my lashes are all bc of Neulash!

Olaplex Jumbo Bond Maintenance System Set AND Thirsty Hair Oil & Leave-In Conditioner Kit. These are both on sale and Olaplex just works. I adore the bond conditioner and I love it, it's a hair saver. Also, if I don't use leave in conditioner my hair will break off, so this is a lifesaver.

Laura Mercier Prime & Perfect Collection. I bought this last year and LOVE it!

Hum Nutrition Growing Hair Sweet Hair Gummies set for $35. I've been looking for some haichr vitamins and heard wonderful things about these. Also the fact that they are gummies make it even better.

Giorgio Armani Glow Set – $112 value for $75. Lately I'm all about minimal makeup. The kind that just heightens your overall look. I wanted to buy one set (because I'm a sucker for cute little sets) and this one is just perfect.

Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 Sunscreen Set, $58 value for $39. I'm proud to say I've become religious about sunscreen. I put it on every single day without fail on my face and hands. This brand is one of the best. Very lightweight and high SPF. No greasy residue.

Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Duo – $42, and $81 value. I will buy this once and this will be my entire supply for the year. I keep the smaller in my travel kit. It REALLY works to lock in makeup.

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Gifts, Home, & Accessories

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw, originally $147 but marked down to $97.90 during the sale. This will sell fast! Everyone and their mom freaks out about this blanket. So I am getting one. I think this would be perfect on the plane, road trips, or draped over my couch that I need to purchase because I currently have no furniture.

Nordstrom towels. When you feel these, you'll know you made the right choice. Comes in a variety of beautiful, soft colors.

Anthropologie Salt & Sand Scented Candle, $34 on sale for $19.90. The Anthropologie candles make such great gifts and candles are kind of necessary for life. The coastal scent is a good one but volcano is super popular.

MAC Brush With The Best Set on sale for $42.50. I need a few new brushes and this is the perfect little set.

Allsaints Captain Round Leather Crossbody Bag, originally $298 now $179.90. I only carry a crossbody bags. They are safer when you travel, easier on your back, and give you both hands. I love this pretty green color of this bag and like the size. It holds everything I need and isn't too bulky. It's really hard to find the right size bag, but this one is perfect! Also like this Coach one, similar price too. Hoping the Joey Suede Feed bag comes back in stock too!

Nordstrom Satin Trim Wool Felt Hat, originally $59 on sale for $38.90. Are you even a travel blogger if you don't have a hat? 4 years ago I bought a felt hat from the sale. Now, I need a new one.

Gorjana Short Y-Necklace. Simplicity is key to me with jewelry. I love this simple but pretty necklace. Easy to throw on everyday or layer with over necklaces.

Smeg kettle or Toaster. I cannot get over how cute this 50s style retro kettle and toaster are! Would be GREAT for Christmas this year!

Cozy top and bottom – I got these for myself because they were just too soft to pass up!

What not to buy at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Open front cardigan. When I posted on Instagram Stories that I wasn't a fan of this cardigan so many disagreed. But up close this just isn't the best quality and I feel like you could find something similar at Marshall's for less.

Print Long sleeve dress. I wanted to love this dress so bad! It's not too expensive ($31.90). But it's just not the best quality and way too big ( I'm in a medium and there was no other size left).

Alo leggings. These are some of the priciest leggings I've ever tried on. They were super long on me and they feel great but I just wasn't impressed enough to purchase.