Quick version: This is your guide of the very BEST Nordstrom Anniversary Sale items, plus what's really not worth spending your money on this year!
Do you ever wonder what's actually, truly, REALLY a good deal during big sale days like Prime Day, Black Friday and even during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?! There's tons of links flying every which way and truthfully it can get overwhelming. We totally get it, and that's why we take the time to really hunt down the TOP deals that are going to save you money, because we know that just because something is “on sale” doesn't mean it's actually the best deal or value out there.
With just a couple of days left for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, this guide breaks down things that are still in stock and on sale from the sale that we totally thought we'd love, but wouldn't recommend after seeing them in person and/or trying them on. This guide also includes some unsung heroes that you might have scrolled right past because of other more popular items that we would suggest holding off on (because we know there's better prices out there for these things)! Still with us? Let's get into best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale items…and what to pass on!

In a hurry? Swipe on the products below to see ALL of our picks from this post in one place!
What's REALLY worth shopping at the NSale:
1. Kitten heel booties


BUY: This bootie is so beautiful and yes it’s a splurge, but also the kind of bootie you’ll be able to get an insane amount of wear out of with everything from jeans to skirts to dresses, all fall and winter long. If you want your shoes to be the frosting of your outfit, these will come in clutch over and over again. After Corrine was able to try both of them on, these were the only ones comfortable enough to commit to!
PASS: These are a super affordable lookalike, but definitely lack in comfort and quality. However, if budget is your top priority, these may be for you!
2. Lounge sets


Buy: We absolutely LOVE traveling in these sets!!! We were so so happy to see them in the sale this year. Oh also, we’ve learned that the wide leg pants can sometimes be a little gross on flights when you use the restroom, so we like to travel in leggings or joggers now for that reason if it’s a flight longer than 2 hours!
Pass: Interestingly, Zella tried to make a dupe but we have to say the fit just isn’t the same, and isn’t enough of a significant savings to recommend. Just get the real thing and thank us later!!
3. Cuffed hem jeans


Buy: These are a definite 5/5 for us. This is the trend – they’re flattering from the side and structured enough but not in an uncomfortable way. They come cuffed but we can easily unfold the bottom and wear them with heels just fine even if you're tall (Corrine's 5'10 btw). They’re just very very comfortable and we are super happy with these. Fits TTS!
Pass: THIS is why we try on all of the jeans: we thought these were going to be great but the button was so awful. These were so hard to get on and get a 3/5 from us. Fit was TTS though.
4. Trendy jeans for fall


Buy: If you wanna jump on the barrel jean trend, this is the way to do it! These have a phenomenal fit, are super cute, and one of the more affordable pairs of jeans in the sale. 4/5. You can also bet that these will be in style past just this year, and are a more versatile color to style.
Pass: If you’re looking for a leopard pair, this pair does fit really well (and TTS) but honestly, we just kind of felt like we looked like an animal wearing them. A little too much for us, but maybe not for you!
5. Dresses


Buy: This dress was such an unexpected 5-star find! The way this falls, the quality of the fabric, the cut of the v pleats at the bottom, it all works together to create the most amazing form-fitting dress that’s also somehow SO flattering, you don’t even need spanx!
Pass: As gorgeous as it looked on the hanger, this satin dress was simply not flattering. Frumpy around the waist and shoulders, and a fabric that would definitely wrinkle easily. It went right back on the rack for us!
6. Moisturizers


BUY: Of all the beauty products we have emptied of over the years, we've emptied and re-emptied more of the ELEMIS Marine Cream more than anything else! Since we started using the Marine Cream we've used it more consistently than any other moisturizer. Honestly, this is our total go-to and a tried and true fave!
PASS: We wanted to love this, but really did not. It made Corrine break out and she tried it more than once because so many people are obsessed. Not a fan.
7. Luggage


BUY: If you're planning a big trip (or just have a tendency to overpack), this expandable check-in roller is about to be your new BFF. It glides like a dream (seriously, the 360° wheels are next level), has zip-out expansion which is a lifesaver and a retractable strap that lets you attach an additional bag (up to 15 pounds) to the suitcase for convenience. We guarantee no one else will have this lavender color, which will help you spot your bag instantly on the carousel!
PASS: Is this suitcase nice? Yes. Will it cost you a fraction of your mortgage payment? Also yes. All jokes aside this is a really luxurious piece of luggage but it will blend in with every other bag at baggage claim.
The BEST Nordstrom Anniversary Sale items (+ what to skip)
We hope this guide gave you some ideas for the very best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale items and what's worth passing on this year! As always, our goal is to bring you the very best deals that are truly the BEST value and savings! Thanks for being with us during another Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – happy deal hunting!




