I Shop for a Living & These Are the 12 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Items I’m Buying Before They Sell Out

My cart is officially full

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nordstrom anni sale fashion editor picks 2025 CAT
Abby Hepworth for PureWow

If there’s one sale I never ignore, it’s the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Unlike most seasonal markdowns, this is your chance to buy brand-new fall arrivals before prices go back up—which means the best pieces disappear fast. After scrolling through hundreds of pages (and resisting the urge to buy everything!), I narrowed my list down to the 12 items I’d recommend to friends without hesitation. From the soft pants trend I’m fully embracing to a beauty device I’ve used for years, here’s what’s earned a spot in my cart.

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If 2026 has taught me anything, it’s that hard pants are losing. Soft pants are having a major moment, and these perfectly capture the trend without looking like pajamas. They have the relaxed look of denim, but the drawstring waist makes them infinitely more comfortable than your favorite jeans. I’d wear them with a fitted tank now and an oversized cashmere sweater come fall. I actually might buy more than one pair.

Reformation consistently nails classic shoes you’ll wear season after season, and this pair is no exception. The sculptural cylinder heel gives it just enough personality while remaining incredibly versatile. I’m planning to wear these with everything from wide-leg trousers to wedding guest dresses.

I’ve been recommending this LED mask for years because it’s one of the rare beauty devices that actually earns its hype. It combines red and blue LED light therapy to target both signs of aging and breakouts, and the three-minute treatment makes it easy to stick with consistently. Considering how rarely this device is discounted, the Anniversary Sale is one of the smartest times to buy it.

I’ve been a Barbour fan for years, especially because the brand understands that practical doesn’t have to mean extremely boring. This showerproof jacket has that classic heritage feel but with a cleaner, more modern silhouette that works just as well over leggings as it does with jeans.

As someone who’s constantly bouncing between flights and events, I’m always looking for products that deliver instant gratification. The limited-edition indigo version of Therabody’s cult-favorite Depuffing Wand combines both warming and cooling treatments in one sleek device, so there’s no need to stash anything in the freezer. “The Therabody depuffing wand has cold and heat treatments built into one wand with no freezer required, and the cold setting depuffs under my eyes in seconds,” says Nordstrom National Beauty Director Autumne West. “I use it the second I land from a flight or before I walk out the door on zero sleep. It’s basically jet lag insurance for your face.” Sold.

STAUD rarely misses. The crisp striped poplin is classic, but the fitted bodice keeps it from looking too precious. Best of all, the 100 percent cotton lining means I won’t have to worry about it being see-through or uncomfortable on super hot summer days.

One of my favorite surprises this year? Seeing H&M join the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. These trousers look far more expensive than their price tag suggests. The relaxed silhouette taps into the ongoing soft tailoring trend while the drawstring waist means I can comfortably wear them even when dealing with stomach bloat.

Clarins Double Serum has remained a bestseller for decades because it hydrates, smooths and boosts radiance without feeling heavy. During the sale, you’re essentially getting one of the year’s best skincare investments bundled with additional product for significantly less than you’d normally pay. If you’ve been curious about the serum (or already love it), this is the time to stock up.

I’m convinced everyone should own one ridiculously luxurious blanket, and this is it. Lola Blankets have developed something of a cult following because they’re unbelievably soft. If you know someone who’s impossible to shop for, this also makes one of the easiest gifts you’ll ever give.

If you’ve read any of my fashion stories, you already know I love to layer, and this cardigan is the coverup that earns permanent closet status. I’m especially drawn to the neutral hue because it literally works with everything: throw it over a white tee and jeans, drape it over your shoulders with a slip dress or toss it on over leggings for weekend errands.

Buying U Beauty on sale is unheard of, which makes this set one of the best beauty deals in the sale. Featuring three of the brand’s hero products, it’s designed to visibly firm, brighten and smooth skin while simplifying your routine. “This is the trifecta of effective skincare. I think of this trio as the ultimate skin support system,” says West. “It delivers a visible lift and glow from neck to brow. It’s the kind of results-driven routine that makes skin look instantly revitalized while supporting a more sculpted, radiant appearance over time.” If you’re looking to invest in your skin without booking another facial, I’d start here.

Some tops are just tops. This one is fun. The textured knit gives it depth, while the layered fringe is interesting without looking too costume-y. When wearing, I’d keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the texture have its moment, because there’s no need to compete with it.


Deena Headshot

Deena Campbell

Fashion and Beauty Director-at-Large

  • Oversees fashion and beauty content. 
  • Former Beauty Director at Marie Claire; editorial lead at Allure, Essence, and L’Oréal-owned beauty platforms
  • Advocate for inclusive storytelling in style, beauty, and wellness

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Stephanie Meraz

Contributing Editor, Commerce

  • Covers all things fashion and shopping
  • Boasts over 23 years of experience as an avid shopper, having secured a personal stylist at Limited Too at the age of four
  • Studied English literature, communications and creative writing at the University of San Diego, and completed the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University in New York

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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.