I'm a Nordstrom Stylist—Here's Exactly What to Buy From the Anniversary Sale

The best items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, according to an experienced stylist

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

Many Nordstrom customers tap the retailer's in-house stylists to help navigate the Anniversary Sale. Rose Hayes is one of said stylists and shopping experts. She's worked in the styling department for years and also shares her sartorial tips and insights on her blog. So yes, her fashion advice is always of interest.

For this year's Anniversary Sale, there are nine items and categories that Hayes is recommending the most to her clients. Keep scrolling for a list of the items she thinks are worth buying from the sale because of the chicness, versatility, and discount amount.

1. Anything Red

Styling and shopping must-haves from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

"The color red is trending big time right now. Look for red suits, coats, dresses, shoes, and more. It's a power color and always makes me feel confident and happy." — Hayes

2. Cashmere Sweaters

Styling and shopping must-haves from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

"Another great category to invest in is gorgeous, well-made cashmere sweaters. You can't beat the quality and value, especially during the Anniversary Sale. Look for Nordstrom Made products. They are some of my favorites in the sale this year. Many of the sweaters will have coordinating skirts for easy monochromatic dressing. I am recommending to all my customers to get the set." — Hayes

3. Boots

Styling and shopping must-haves from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

"Boots are a must-shop category in the Anniversary Sale. Replace your worn-out basic boots with a pointed-toe, elevated style to wear to work with dresses. Don't forget the prices go back up after the sale, so grab some nice basics as well as elevated styles while they are priced so well!" — Hayes

4. Lady Jackets

Styling and shopping must-haves from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

"It's nice to try new trends, especially when they are between 30% and 40% off. Don't forget everything in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is fresh, new styles. This makes the famous Anniversary Sale different than any other. The prices go back up after the sale! So go ahead and treat yourself to a new trending style, like the classic lady jacket." — Hayes

5. Designer Sunglasses

Styling and shopping must-haves from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

"I always tell my customers to look for new sunglasses on the Anniversary Sale. The designer ones are an incredible value. Look for those brands that will sell out first like Celine, Dior, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and more." — Hayes

6. Buy Now/Wear Now Dresses

Styling and shopping must-haves from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

"A common misconception is that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is only on fall and winter merchandise like sweaters, coats, and boots. But the truth is that the assortment has a healthy mix of buy now/wear now as well and can transition well into the next season. Look for cotton fabrics and sleeveless styles that you can wear immediately to that fun pool party." — Hayes

7. Fun Dinner Tops

Styling and shopping must-haves from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

"This is a category that I'm asked for regularly. Blouses and tops to wear with jeans for going out to dinner or drinks with friends—these are always a need. Some of the best tried-and-true styles from top brands will be featured in the sale. They are the top-selling styles and brands for a reason, so go ahead and grab a pretty blouse or two." — Hayes

8. Totes

Styling and shopping must-haves from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

"Just like the kids get new backpacks for the start of the new school year, I tell my customers to update their work totes as well. For most of us, this tote is our carryall and not just for work. Go for a style that has the shoulder strap option as well as shorter handles for even more comfort options." — Hayes

9. Wear-to-Work Staples

Styling and shopping must-haves from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

(Image credit: @rosehayes)

"The wear-to-work assortment looks amazing this year! Look for blazers with strong shoulders, tweeds, and matching jacket/pant or skirt combinations. Matching jackets and bottoms are a huge trend that my customers have been loving. I've been advising to invest in a statement suit set that can be worn both to office or to an event. A major styling perk is that you can wear the jacket with jeans, and the bottom with a tee, turtleneck, shirt, or sweater for multiple wear options." — Hayes

Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.