The 12 Things I’d Buy at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (Out of 3327)

And if you want more shopping strategy tips, I have a podcast for that.

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There are currently 3327 products available for purchase in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and honestly, I think I’ve seen every single one. Twice. (Including a 10-carat diamond engagement ring for a cool $465,645.99, if you’re into that.) But what is actually worth buying? Well, it’s different for everyone, but generally speaking, I have a few rules I follow when shopping a sale.

First: Don’t buy anything if you can’t immediately think of three ways you’d wear it with pieces you already own. Second: Ask yourself, “Can I think of three different places to wear this?” If the answer is an immediate yes (styled with trousers for the office, with a leather skirt for a dinner party, and paired with jeans and sandals for the weekend, for example), then that’s a good buy! Third: Would you buy this at full price? If the answer is a resounding yes, then you’re in the clear.

Bearing all of that in mind—plus a few additional tips I had top of mind after doing an episode of the Who What Wear podcast with our amazing market director, Bobby Schuessler; give it a listen!—I went through ALL of the options available in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and pulled my favorite 12 items.

Clare V Simple Perforated Suede Tote ($370)

Folks often ask me for recommendations for a go-to work bag for under $500, and I have to say I think Clare V usually makes the best options. (Normally, her suede totes are $555, so technically more than the requested price bracket, but it’s on sale right now!) I have tons and tons and tons of her bags, and they hold up extremely well and always look chic. I love that this one is navy because it will pretty much go with anything you wear.

Commando Butter Hipster Briefs ($21)

Can’t believe I’m out here praising full-butt undies, but every person needs some range in their underpinnings, and this style has my vote. You already know I’m deeply into the brand’s Maxi Slip Dress—which is sadly not on sale but worth every penny of the $138 price tag—but we haven’t really talked about Commando’s amazing underwear options. This style is made from a super-soft modal fabric and doesn’t have traditional elastic at the legs and waist, so it never digs into your skin.

Hanky Panky Regular Rise Lace Thong ($17)

Sales are the time to stock up on your daily drivers. I don’t care what colors are available (and there are many); I will always welcome an opportunity to retire some undies that are no longer in tip-top shape. The sale has lots of styles available right now, including low-rise cotton and low-rise lace iterations.

Hunter Original Refined Rain Boots ($124)

Once upon a time, Kate Moss wore Hunter rain boots to Glastonbury styled in an impeccably cool but also widely impractical outfit that involved the shortest shorts the world has ever seen. While I’m not wearing shorts the size of a svelte dinner napkin anytime soon, I did buy a pair of her classic Hunter boots, and I still love them all these years later. They are just great to have, and they’re rarely on sale, so a smart buy in my book.

Madewell High Waist Straight Leg Jeans ($80)

Though I’m not the first person to pledge my allegiance to jeans, I will say that I own more Madewell jeans than any other brand, and they’ve consistently been in my closet for the better part of a decade. A black (or faded black, in this case) wash always makes them look just a little bit more polished, and the fact that this style is totally clean means it’s appropriate for the office as well. Truly versatile, and timeless to boot.

Miu Miu Square Sunglasses ($259)

Are these sunglasses a steal? No, but they are $130 off their regular price and one of those rarely-on-sale timeless styles that you can literally wear for the next two decades. Plus, I love the fact that they’re black with a tortoiseshell arm. It’s a small detail that makes them feel even cooler.

Nili Lotan Valerie Pinstripe Double Breasted Virgin Wool Blazer ($837)

Here’s another one where I can sense your hesitation because, yeah, expensive. HOWEVER, when I say run, don’t walk, to a Nili Lotan piece like this, I mean it. Her fabrics? Impeccable. The cut and details? Flawless. Again, this is going to be a piece you can wear for at least 30 years. Yes, I said 30. This blazer is over $400 off regular price and looks great with your go-to workwear pieces, over a sleek slip dress for night, or with jeans. Truly an investment piece worth considering.

Rag & Bone Packable Straw Fedora Hat ($149)

I know it feels like summer is over, but trust me when I say it is NOT. And because it’s not, you need a straw hat. This one is packable, which is awesome, and it also has a lovely olive grosgrain-ribbon detail that truly elevates it. Even if your summer travel plans are no more elaborate than driving to the beach (hey, me too!), you deserve an accessory that feels like a vacation, and that’s this hat.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eye Liner Set ($32)

When I really love a product, I am happy to buy two at a time so I always have one on hard. This eyeliner falls into that category. The felt-tip pen is so precise, and I love the formula, too.

Slip Date Night Assorted 8-Pack Silk Scrunchie Set ($45)

I know I’m going to get roasted for this, as I rarely have my hair in a ponytail while working out, but when I do have it up, I am using one of these scrunchies. My hair is fine and highlighted, so it’s delicate, and these hairbands are truly the only ones that don’t damage it.

Nécessaire The Body Duo Set ($35)

I love this brand so much. It’s just wonderful, and I used it all through my second pregnancy. It’s just gentle and luxurious and makes the most mundane part of my shower routine feel elevated.

Great Jones Holy Sheet 2-Pan Set ($60)

If you’ve been here for a second, you know I love a sheet pan and I’m a big fan of the brand Great Jones. What you might not know is that I adore its Holy Sheet pans, which have a custom non-stick ceramic coating and come in the most cheerful shade of blue. I use mine every single week, and I think you will love them too.

As always, thank you for being here, and thank you for sticking around. If you have any questions or concerns, or want me to touch on any topics in particular, I’m all ears. Leave a comment on Hi Everyone’s Bulletin or DM me on Instagram—I’m @hillarykerr—my inbox is always open!