Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2025: Smart Shopping Tips for Women Over 40 Ready to Build a Fab Fall Wardrobe!

Every June, like clockwork, my inbox starts to fill with one question: “Deborah, are you covering the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale again this year?”

Yes—and I’m already on it! The PREVIEW IS NOW LIVE, which means you can browse every item in the sale, save your favorites to your Nordstrom wishlist, and be ready to check out the minute your access window opens.

If you’ve ever missed out on something you really wanted because you didn’t have a plan… this post is for you. I’ll walk you through why this sale is so good, what to expect, how to prep, and what I always buy (and skip).

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2025: Smart Shopping Tips

Why Does Everyone Go Nuts for this Sale?  What’s so special about it?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which runs from July 8-August 3rd  is the only event where brand-new, never-before-seen fall items go on sale before the season even starts.

These aren’t leftovers or out-of-season markdowns. They’re fresh-from-the-designers pieces, often exclusive to Nordstrom, marked down 30–40%. Shop top brands like: Vince, Veronica Beard, Free People, Rails, Reformation, Alice & Olivia, Madewell, FRAME, Cinq à Sept, Farm Rio.

And here’s the clincher: once the sale ends, every single price goes right back up. That coat you had your eye on for $229? It might be $349 by August.  It’s the only sale I shop where I’ll buy a wool coat in July and be thrilled about it come October.

How It Works:

The sale is open to the general public on July 12th. To shop before July 12,  you need to be a Nordstrom cardholder.  Your access date to shop depends on your Nordy Club status (Icon, Ambassador, or Influencer). Check the chart below

If you don’t have a card but want one to shop early, apply here.  If you don’t want a card, and prefer to wait for public access but worry you’ll miss out, relax.  You can PREVIEW the sale online NOW, to figure what you want and shop as soon as public access begins on July 12th.

But here’s the most important part!! Be sure to set up your wishlist in NOW, so when your shopping day arrives, you can immediately move the items from your wishlist to your shopping cart and purchase!  

📆 Key Dates to Know for this  Sale

• Preview for Everyone, Nordstrom cardholders and non-cardholders: NOW!! June 26, 2025
• Icon Early Access: July 8
• Ambassador Access: July 9
• Influencer Access (all cardholders): July 10
• PUBLIC ACCESS (no card required): July 12
• Sale Ends: August 3 (prices really do go back up!)

✅ Simple Steps to Get Ready 

Here’s how to set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free shopping experience:

• 🗓 Mark your calendar
• ❤️ Create a wishlist online at Nordstrom using the preview—just click the little heart on items you love. Transfer items from your wishlist to your cart on your day of access.
• 💳 Apply for a Nordstrom card if you want early access. Do that here!
• 📬 Join my newsletter for curated picks and styling tips
• 👗 Order two sizes if you’re unsure—hot items sell out fast
• 📦 Use free shipping & free returns to shop with confidence

💡 Deborah’s Tip:
Denim, outerwear, and shoes sell out first. Add those to your wishlist early and don’t hesitate when it’s your day to shop. I missed out last year on sneakers I wanted!

 

What I Always Buy First

• Jeans – Clean washes, higher rises, and just the right amount of stretch
• Boots – Timeless styles in neutral leather
• Blazers & coats – Elegant layers that elevate everything
• Lingerie – Panties are a must-stock-up item
• Sweaters – Luxe knits in cashmere or merino

❤️ Past Purchases I Still Love

• My favorite coat—still chic after years
• Suede booties I’ve worn on repeat for five seasons
• A Vince pair of black pants, I mix and match with everything
• A Beautiful  cashmere sweater (quality basic all the way!)

🚫 What to Skip (In My Opinion)

• Super-trendy pieces you’ll wear once – Thankfully, there aren’t a lot
• Summer-only styles (you’ll forget them by fall)
• Anything that feels too junior (think: festival fringe and neon)

Stick to timeless, quality pieces you’ll wear on repeat and be excited to have in your closet come September.

Deb’s Direction>>>

Don’t let this sale overwhelm you because I know it took me a bit of getting used to!  You don’t need to buy everything—but a little prep now will help you get the best pieces before they’re gone. I’ll be posting my top picks and styled looks throughout the sale, so stay close. I’m preparing a capsule wardrobe for you too, right now to come out soon!

Let’s shop smart, snag the deals, and head into fall looking fabulous. The early bird gets the worm at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Related: Where to Shop for Clothes When You’re a Woman Over 40

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

Learn More About Deborah Explore Her Latest Posts