After a decade of hunting for the best fashion deals and following a ‘buy less but buy better’ shopping philosophy, I’ve built a capsule wardrobe of discounted designer pieces I’m proud of. Think: half-price Prada pumps, Khaite tops on clearance, and under-$1,000 heritage designer bags. My best-kept secret for curating such a collection without racking up an obscene amount of credit card debt is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, the retailer’s once-a-year event where top shoe trends, luxury basics, and much more are discounted.
Since my collection is complete—trust me, I couldn’t fit even one more pair of pants in my tiny New York City closet—I’m here to share my discounted designer wisdom with you, so you can start building your own. Consider the below a one-stop guide to the best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals, from celebrity-approved on-sale sneakers and effortless linen pieces to rich-looking essentials for European vacation outfits.
But, first, some more need-to-know information: Nordy’s biggest annual sale runs from July 12 to August 3 and offers shoppers discounts across various categories, including beauty tools, steals across skincare, makeup, and haircare, as well as fragrance sets for a fraction of their original price. Now, if you’re ready to dive in, keep scrolling to discover the best affordable designer deals Nordstrom has to offer.
The Best Deals We’ve Found (So Far)
- Best Designer Sweater on Sale: Khaite Morgane Crop Wool Blend Polo Sweater (Was $1,280), Now $346
- Best Designer Pants on Sale: Eleventy Straight Leg Virgin Wool, Silk & Linen Pants (Were $1,095), Now $394
- Best Designer Dress on Sale: Max Mara Sarah Stretch Poplin Wrap Shirtdress (Was $995), Now $697
- Best Designer Bag on Sale: Mulberry Small Pimlico Leather Tote (Was $1,695), Now $1,305
- Best Designer Shoe on Sale: The Row Novus Derby (Was $1,490), Now $536
- Best Designer Sunglasses on Sale: Tiffany & Co. 56mm Gradient Oval Sunglasses (Were $461), Now $246
Best Designer Tops and Jacket Deals on Nordstrom
Khaite
Morgane Crop Wool Blend Polo Sweater (Was $1,280)
For those unaware, Khaite is one of the coolest downtown New York brands (look at Katie Holmes, who might be the biggest fan of the label). It’s praised by fashion editors and merchandisers for its knitwear, which is why I suggest grabbing this light gray polo sweater.
Dries Van Noten
Corsala Crepon Shirt (Was $795)
St. John Collection
Plaid Eyelash Tweed Crop Jacket (Was $1,695)
FFORME
Margia Fitted Draped Stretch Silk T-Shirt (Was $1,295)
Another NYC insider favorite is FFORME, known for its minimalist and creative twists on feminine essentials, like this draped white tee made of luxurious silk.
Max Mara
Lari Button Detail Stripe Virgin Wool Rib Sweater (Was $625)
Who doesn’t love a classic Breton striped shirt? Max Mara pulls off the mariner print perfectly with this white and navy ribbed sweater featuring gold shoulder buttons.
Best Designer Pants Deals on Nordstrom
Eleventy
Straight Leg Virgin Wool, Silk & Linen Pants (Were $1,095)
I’d style these Eleventy linen-blend trousers in a summer work outfit with a short-sleeved white button-down shirt and pointed-toe flats.
Max Mara
Delfino Long Virgin Wool & Silk Flare Leg Trousers (Were $1,190)
Next up: these navy Max Mara front-pleat pants, which pair perfectly with the striped sweater above.
Chloé
Jacquard Wide Leg Ankle Pants (Were $1,690)
If you want to try 2025’s new boho trend, it’s best to start with Chloé, since the French fashion house is largely responsible for the modern-day boom. Try these ornate jacquard pants with a slightly sheer blouse and a solid black loafer.
St. John Collection
Santiago Straight Leg Pants (Were $795)
Some may have moved on from the pandemic’s ‘soft pants’ era—but I haven’t. These St. John sweater pants provide enough structure to avoid looking like PJs, but their soft viscose-nylon blend still makes them feel like pajamas.
Best Designer Dresses Deals on Nordstrom
Max Mara
Sarah Stretch Poplin Wrap Shirtdress (Was $995)
What’s not to love about a simple wrap dress? I especially adore this one from Max Mara because it’s about $300 off.
La DoubleJ
Margherita Dress Napoli Plates Placée Pink (Was $1,150)
If happiness were a dress, this is what it would look like. La DoubleJ knows how to create mood-boosting yet tasteful prints exceptionally well.
Michael Kors Collection
Abstract Floral Print Dance Bustier Dress (Was $2,650)
Floral, feminine, and with a fit-and-flare silhouette—this classic Michael Kors Collection A-line dress in a neutral black-and-white print will never go out of style.
McQueen
Cap Sleeve Wool Twill Dress (Was $1,490)
Yes, you read that correctly: This very sweet, cap-sleeved, hourglass McQueen dress is over 60 percent off.
Lafayette 148 New York
Stripe Lantern Sleeve Shirtdress (Was $798)
This is another designer option that will become a staple in your summer work rotation. Just remember, this Lafayette 148 New York dress is intentionally baggy, so keep its relaxed silhouette in mind when choosing your size.
Max Mara
Maesa Floral Long Sleeve Shantung Silk Maxi Dress (Was $1,890)
This free-spirited floral Max Mara dress will make you feel like you’re on a faraway vacation, even if you’re stuck in your daily doldrums.
Best Designer Bags Deals on Nordstrom
Veronica Beard
Studded Boxy Leather Shoulder Bag (Was $648)
This Veronica Beard bowling bag adorned with round silver studs is a guaranteed compliment magnet.
Mulberry
Medium Soft Bayswater Grained Leather Satchel (Was $1,995)
I’m really into this bold, exaggerated design. Not only is it eye-catching, but it also lets you fit extra items inside without stretching the leather.
Coach
Pebbled Crossbody Bag (Was $395)
As someone who has thoroughly researched the all-time best Coach bags, trust me when I suggest you add this white C-motif shoulder bag to your virtual Nordy’s cart.
Mulberry
Small Pimlico Leather Tote (Was $1,695)
When you want to project a business attitude but not be weighed down with your laptop, this is the tote you carry.
AllSaints
Perez Suede Shoulder Bag (Was $450)
After a banner fall 2024 season, suede bags are still going strong. This chocolate brown All Saints bag showcases the supple leather texture very well.
Mulberry
Small Pimlico Matte Croc Embossed Leather Satchel (Was $1,595)
Lanvin
Hobo Cymbal Leather Bag (Was $2,290)
I know if I were at an industry event and saw a woman carrying this deep plum circular Lanvin bag, I’d know instantly that she had great taste.
Best Designer Shoe Deals on Nordstrom
Gianvito Rossi
Carla Ballerina (Was $795)
You won’t want to miss these cherry red ballet flats by Gianvito Rossi, an Italian luxury footwear brand known for its exquisite leatherwork and timeless style.
Valentino Garavani
Upvillage Low Top Sneaker (Was $790)
While I love a pop of color as much as any maximalist, a cool white sneaker makes an undeniable style statement of its own.
Stuart Weitzman
Effortless Stretch Back Boot (Was $795)
These Stewie knee-highs would be a great addition to your fall boot collection, especially since they’re $300 off the original price.
The Row
Novus Derby (Was $1,490)
You already know what I’m going to say. It’s The Row, a brand that, in my opinion, can’t produce a non-beautiful piece. Any product from the cult-followed label on sale with a discount is worth considering.
Stella McCartney
Spur Metallic Pump (Was $890)
I’ve always liked silver shoes because they add a touch of flash and fun to any outfit. I love that these square-toe kitten heels by Stella McCartney are both playful, like the silver vegan leather, and sophisticated, with the Mary Jane strap and comfortable pump design.
Stuart Weitzman
Minimalist Slide 50 Sandal (Was $475)
A simple way to upgrade your summer shoe collection is to include a strappy leather sandal like these from Stuart Weitzman. The criss-crossing kitten heel is a major upgrade from a rubber pool slide or flip-flop.
Best Designer Sunglasses Deals on Nordstrom
Isabel Marant
51mm Cat Eye Sunglasses (Were $257)
Isabel Marant is another boho brand associated with the aesthetic that first gained popularity in the early 2000s and is now making a comeback.
Max Mara
54mm Round Sunglasses (Were $290)
When in doubt, toss on a pair of black everyday sunglasses. These rounded Max Mara frames are a perfect addition to your daily outfit.
Swarovski
59mm Polarized Square Irregular Sunglasses (Were $220)
You see the word Swarovski and immediately think of crystals. These large square shades deliver on the brand’s promise with crystal-lined frames that are both eye-catching and subtle.
COACH
56mm Gradient Polarized Rectangular Sunglasses (Were $171)
Pretty and polarized in pink—these Coach sunglasses are a simple way to add a soft, feminine touch to any summer outfit.
Saint Laurent
55mm Cat Eye Sunglasses (Were $505)
With their dramatic, angular cat-eye shape and warm tortoiseshell frame, I can easily picture these Saint Laurent sunglasses—40 percent off, by the way!—paired with a sleek white sundress and tan sandals.
