10+ Best Wardrobe Basics from the 2021 Nordstrom Sale

When it comes to shopping for fall, I don’t think it’s a secret that I (and almost everyone else, it seems) love hitting up the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Each year, I refresh worn-out staples like ankle boots, find a statement piece for the season, and shop the latest trends. It’s a good time to dive into your closet and see what could use an update. This year the NSale has already started for the highest tier of Nordstrom members, ICON! But for many of us, the sale opens up in the coming days or weeks. In the meantime, I’ve rounded up the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks that make for great wardrobe basics and have been tried and true favorites for me over the years.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks // 10 of the best wardrobe basics from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Disclosure: While this post is not sponsored, it does contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission similar to a sales associate at a department store. All opinions are my own!

I like to be smart about the sale, set a spending limit, and plan what I’m shopping for ahead of time so I don’t get sucked in by the shiny sale prices. With that said, over the years I’ve noticed some of my absolute favorite pieces seem to get updated for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale each year. New colors, fabrics, and textures get released, but still, the garment is mostly the same as the year before.

I’ve rounded up my all-time favorite Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks that return (almost) every year to the NSale. Hopefully, you’ll find a new favorite or great wardrobe basic, too!

How to Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in 2021

As I mentioned, this year the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has returned to its usual timing of mid-July. Below are the sale access timelines for each Nordy Club and Cardholder level. You can preview the sale right now and can save items from the sale to your Nordstrom Wishlist! The sale ends for everyone on August 8th, 2021.

ICON Status
Early Access starts on July 12th.

AMBASSADOR Status
Early Access starts on July 14th.

INFLUENCER Status
Early Access starts on July 16th.

EVERYONE
Access starts at 12 am PST on July 28th, 2021, and ends on August 8th, 2021.

Update the Foundations | Nordstrom Sale Bras

Ultimately, your clothes will only look as good as your foundations. And, it’s important to not only have foundational garments like bras, camisoles, underwear, and shapewear that fit well but are also comfortable. After many years and many uncomfortable bras, I’ve finally found one that I can highly recommend to my fellow bustier friends: this bra is a must-have. While it looks like it might be too lacy, I don’t have any issues with this one showing through t-shirts. Even better? It fits true to size, unlike many others where you have to try on dozens to find a great fit.

If you’re looking for a special-occasion strapless bra for larger cup sizes, I also recommend this one which is part of the sale this year. It truly stays in place and is about as comfortable as a strapless bra can be! 😉

When it comes to my favorite wireless options, I’ve found this bra that is incredibly comfortable and gives me support & great coverage! Seriously, it’s like you’re not wearing a bra. This bra comes in a variety of colors and I wear mine in small. (I’m a 32DD for reference.) PRO TIP: If you’re not looking for any of the Nordstrom-exclusive colors or styles, you can find this bra for even less here!

Finally, when it comes to shapewear, I have a hard time finding something I like more than this one. I find it to be comfortable and stays in place, unlike others I have tried which tend to roll down. This thigh shaper and this high waist shaper are the two I would recommend.

This year, I’m also taking a stab at finding the perfect pair of underwear. I’m ordering this pair and this pair to see if these will fit my needs for a pair that doesn’t have panty lines and doesn’t roll down throughout the day.

Topshop Faux Leather Moto Jacket Review

The Perfect Moto Jacket | Nordstrom Sale Jackets

When it comes to the perfect faux leather jacket, look no further than this one! Not only is it effortless cool with notched lapels and edgy zipper details!

If faux leather isn’t your thing, the sale also has a few other suede or faux suede options. A cult classic is this suede moto jacket. It’s also a huge steal for real suede and often sells out (and comes back in stock) regularly throughout the sale! PRO TIP: If you’re having trouble grabbing it, try calling your local store so they can look it up in their system. They can let you know if a store has it in stock and have it shipped right to your door!

For those on a budget, there are plenty of options under $100! This faux suede jacket is under $100 would be perfect to wear to the office. I love the draped look, and it comes in a variety of neutral colors that would look great with so many things in your closet!

​​​​​​​Another under $100 option for those looking for faux leather is this one. Alternatively, treat yourself this year to real leather. This one is a fantastic deal for under $200!

Best of Nordstrom Sale Shoes | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020

A Staple Ankle Boot | Nordstrom Sale Womens Shoes

Over the years, I’ve come to love these ankle boots. The style name might change, but the overall form and function are generally similar year after year. Each year I replace my ankle boots, and I always order a half size up from my regular shoe size (normally a 6.5 in shoes, so I order a 7 in these) for a comfortable fit. This year, this one comes in three great neutrel colors!

For more pointed toe ankle boot options this one comes in this fun blue as well as traditional black, gray, and cream. I’m also a big fan of this shoe brand, which is why I’d also recommend checking this ankle boot out. This style comes in several staple and fashion colors!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks // 10 of the best wardrobe basics from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

Falling for Plaid (Blazers) | Nordstrom Sale Blazers

It wouldn’t be fall without a little (or a lot!) of plaid. I’ve been loving wearing blazers to dress up all of my outfits lately, from graphic tees to simple tanks to dresses. It’s a fall essential that I always seem to pick up each and every year! This year, my top pick is this one.

It was honestly a toss-up because there are some great blazer options as usual. Check out this longline plaid blazer, this mixed print blazer, or this ruched sleeve blazer. Any one of these would make a stunning addition to your fall wardrobe this year!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks // 10 of the best wardrobe basics from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

Refresh your Sweaters | Nordstrom Sale Sweaters

When fall rolls around and the temperatures drop, you really can’t have enough cozy sweaters. It’s a bit hard to want to shop for sweaters when it’s eighty degrees out which is probably why I am always drawn to the lightweight sweater options. Two years ago, I bought this lightweight sweater and absolutely love it still!

It was hard to pare down all of the great sweater options, but I had to pick out other sweater styles too! I think these are great to wear while working from home, a blazer, or in place of a coat before it gets too chilly. I purchased this cardigan earlier this year and leave it at my desk at work. It goes with everything and is the perfect weight for chilly offices! This puff sleeve sweater would look so cute tucked into a skirt or under a blazer for chillier days. And this button-up cardigan is a classic and such a great price point!

Madewell High Rise Cali Boot Jeans Review

Deals on Denim | Nordstrom Sale Jeans

When it comes to stocking up on basics, you can’t forget about the deals on denim! I think this is a great time to stock up on your favorite jeans brands, and mine happens to be this brand of denim!

Additionally, check out this cult-favorite skinny jean on sale in a sleek black which would be great to wear to a business casual office, or out on the town. I also love this vintage-style pair and this super high waist denim!

This year I’m also ordering this new-to-me cropped style to try, as I think it will be so cute with ankle boots and flats this fall.

Best of Beauty | Nordstrom Sale Beauty

It wouldn’t be a good refresh if you didn’t think about your beauty and personal care products, too! When it comes to fall, I’m all about the hydration. To prep your skin for receiving moisture, I love exfoliating with this cult-favorite product. For getting my skin in tip-top shape and locking in hydration, you can’t beat this line of moisturizing products. Finally, your lips deserve a little TLC too, which is why I recommend this lip care set!

Another great option to keep you glowing from head to toe? This body care set, which is from one of my favorite brands and is perfect for sensitive skin. The body wash smells amazing and will keep you glowing all fall long! I also love this facial cleansing device and these skin and hair supplements for an all-over glow! Don’t forget to protect your skin with SPF! My favorite sunscreen is part of the sale, too.

Finally, my picks are for hair care, and specifically, two brands that rarely go on sale! The first is this luxury hair set, which includes two cult-favorite products. Don’t say I didn’t warn you that you might get hooked on this brand! The other I’d recommend is this set from this wildly popular Black-owned haircare brand.

A Wear Everywhere Tote | Nordstrom Sale Handbags

Because my personal favorite brand of tote bag never goes on sale (BRB, sobbing!) I’m here to share with you the next best thing. What’s that? This stylish tote, of course! While I find the leather isn’t quite as beautiful or luxe as my Cuyana totes, the price difference, when it’s on sale, is pretty staggering. For nearly half the price, I think you’ll enjoy one of these stylish tote bags for women!

For those with less to carry, this tote is pretty efficient. It won’t fit a laptop, but I can fit my DSLR, small wallet, phone, lipstick, and sunglasses! There is also a coordinating pouch that fits your small essentials, sold separately. For those with a bigger haul, grab this tote and fill it up with all of your daily needs! It too has a coordinating pouch, sold separately.

Stuart Weitzman Over the Knee Boots Review

Splurge on an Over the Knee Boot | Nordstrom Sale Boots

If you had told me my most worn boot in my closet would be my over-the-knee boots, I probably would have laughed. Not only did I never think I’d spend so much money on a boot, I never thought I’d love them as much as I do. But, it’s true, and they’re on sale at this year’s #NSale. Grab this designer boot on sale here!

Not in the budget? No worries! This year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale includes a few similar styles at a fraction of the price. This over-the-knee boot style comes in two classic colors. And this OTK style is water resitant! Alternatively, I picked up this knee high boot style with plans to wear it scrunched under flowy midi and maxi dresses all fall and winter ling!!

Eliza J Wrap Dress Review

Wrap (Dress) it Up | Nordstrom Sale Dresses

If you ask me, the wrap dress is a closet staple that everyone should own. My personal go-to brand for classic wrap dresses in fun colors and prints is Eliza J, as seen above. Fortunately, Nordstrom seems to think these dresses are pretty great too by putting this dress on sale again this year in a new bright color and a new floral print fabric!

A wrap dress is flattering on a variety of body shapes and sizes! I also can’t resist a good midi length option, either. Nordstrom has a few midi length options in a variety of prints such as this brown polka dot dress with gorgeous ruffles, a classic animal print, and even this fun patchwork scarf print dress. I think these would all look awesome dressed up with heels or dressed down with a pair of slouchy boots in the fall and winter!

Shopping for other dress styles? Check out my other Nordstrom Sale post with tons of fun dress options!

Whew, that was a lot of finds! I hope this post will help you navigate the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and help you replenish your basics and other wardrobe must-haves. Happy shopping!

Are you planning to pick up anything from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year? What are you shopping for this fall?


Looking for More Fall Fashion? Try these Blog Posts!

Want to Save This Post for Later? Pin it!

Nordstrom Sale Picks 2021
Best of Nordstrom Sale Shoes | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020

This post was originally posted on July 29, 2019, and has been updated for the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Best Wardrobe Basics from the 2021 Nordstrom Sale

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *