Shhh! I know. But the cool thing is I only share things I wear and wear and wear (and have worn for years) and I keep it on the less expensive side.

Every single year, even when I lived abroad, I shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Here’s why you should listen to me: I scour the site for things I know that are wearable, flattering, and the best deals. Most items I share are under $50 or $100. Some of my favorite items this year are actually under $25!

I’m also just a regular person, not a fashion blogger, so that means you won’t see me with a new outfit every day. I want things I wear to last for years. I recently read a post from a fashion blogger who ordered nearly 1,000 items from Nordstrom. WHAT?! Not only is that not realistic, it’s just plain crazy (and wasteful) to me.

I wear a size large and size 12 in pants. I often LOVE something on a skinny fashion blogger or model, but that doesn’t always translate for me. I hope to share how these pieces really look so you can make a decision. I think it really helps to see what these pieces look like on (and on someone that isn’t a supermodel) so hope this helps!

Why do I shop the 2022 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Because it’s high quality, built to last clothing that I’ll wear for years plus plenty of beauty, gifts, and accessories. Stuff that never goes on sale, is on sale and it’s stuff I know I’ll wear for a long time.

This year I’ve taken a different approach to the sale. Not only am I sharing things I currently have or am buying, I did TONS of research on how these are reviewed across the web. Not just Nordstrom’s website. I also got feedback from y’all! For example, for the On Cloud tennis shoes I looked at reviews from Amazon, Dick’s and more plus asked you your opinion on Instagram!

Nordstrom is one of my favorite places to shop. No, it’s not the cheapest, but the brands they carry are some of my all time favorite (Zella, Madewell, The North Face) and their customer service and return policy is unbeatable.

Things will go out of stock from time to time (and many things go fast). But to make the most out of the sale I recommend creating a wish-list on Nordstrom’s site, that way you’ll be notified if an item comes back in stock or when it’s available for you to shop. Because things do sell out quick, I buy it because I can always return.

Don’t buy stuff you don’t need. I always make a list so that I can get things I know I will actually wear. Are snake skin print booties super cute? YES! Will I wear them? Hmm, probably not. Or, you can find them much cheaper (like this option).

Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns. So if you’re unsure of the right size, order a couple. You can always send it back! Or if you don’t like something, there’s no worries.

BEST OF THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE TRY ON

If you prefer to look at collages or just the clothing itself, check out my 2022 Nordstrom guide! Lots of helpful tips there too.

Note: Not everything I bought is here (since I ordered lots online!) But I’ll make sure to update this post and share my faves along the way!

BEST LEGGINGS & ACTIVE WEAR OF THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

7/8 Pocket Leggings

If you buy one thing from the sale, make it a pair of Zella leggings. They are just my favorite and when they say “live in” they mean it. I wear leggings nearly daily and I always go with Zella. I’ve talked about Zella leggings on this blog for 5 years and will continue. Also with this price it’s just worth it!

I prefer the 7/8 pair with pockets. I’m short (5′ 2″) and the regular leggings are great but too long and are missing pockets. I get a large in the leggings.

There are lots of styles of Zella leggings and I have them all. The “live in” leggings are good for every day. The “restore” leggings are great for lounging. The studio luxe are good for working out.

Sweaty Betty Leggings // Alo Yoga Leggings

Speaking of working out, I’ve been on a mission to find good workout leggings. I’ve tried 7 different options. I ended up purchasing these Sweaty Betty leggings in this fun print (also comes in a classic black and blue). These have pockets and feel super substantial. Are also squat proof! I also bought these Alo “Airlift” leggings. OMG these suck you in! I got a large in each.

Zella Tank top (size medium) // Zella Workout Top (size medium) // Zella Long sleeve top (size medium) // Blue Leggings (size large) // Black Leggings (size large)

I love all of Zella’s options for workout. Clearly. I always manage to buy some each year. Because I bought all of this! This tank top and workout top both feature mesh on the side and are just super breathable. I got one in white and blue for the top and a pink and black for the tanks. I was recently in Target looking at their workout gear and this is priced much better.

This long sleeve white top is breathable and comes with thumb holes. The rounded edge makes this so flattering! Comes in multiple colors.

I took a medium in everything.

Packable Anorak Jacket (size large)

I was totally surprised how much I liked this! It cinches in the waist! It’s packable which means you can squish this in your suitcase- so good for travel! Comes in 2 colors, I got the large.

Leggings (size large) // Pullover (size large)

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings are the best dressy legging. These suck. you. in. So be prepared. I get a large! These always fly off the shelves. Spanx also carries patent leather leggings too!!

Also love the color of this North Face High Pile Pullover. I have the white one and I’ve had it for years! I love the green color too. I got a large in this.

I LOVE these Natori Dynamic Contour Underwire Sports bra. I especially love these for travel. You can put this on and wear it all day. I bought two last year and convinced so many friends to purchase these! They call it a sports bra but you can easily wear this under t-shirts too. I get a 36 C. You can wear it regular OR criss-cross the straps.

BEST OF NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE SWEATERS & Cardigans

Purple Polo Sweater (size medium)

Obsessed with this color and the collar on this polo sweater. It’s just such an elevated look. It’s super pretty in person and ultra soft. I also think this is a great price point. Size medium!

Stichy Cardigan (size medium) // Aran Mix Stich Cardigan (size medium)

These are my two favorite cardigans of the sale. This stitchy blue cardigan is the prettiest color! Also comes in tan. I love how it’s delicate yet chunky – does that even make sense? I will wear the heck out of this. It doesn’t look like it online but this is thick. The white cardigan comes in 3 colors and could also be worn as a sweater dress. It’s super comfy and soft. Size medium in both!

Abstract Colorblock Sweater (size medium)

I think the print on this colorblock sweater is so fun! Also feels substantial and very well made. Size medium.

Free People Sweater. When I saw this online I immediately knew I would need it! Free People fabrics and quality are the best. I love the oversized look and it’s just extra comfy. I’m in a medium. This was a favorite of mine last year in a similar style and I bought it in multiple colors! Black, white, and pictured is tan. If you want to wear it as a sweater dress, size up a couple sizes!

Slub Sweater (size medium) // Rib Long Sleeve Polo Sweater (Size large) // Jeans (Size 12)

This slub sweater is perfect for the beach or transitioning to Fall. When it’s still hot as heck outside and you want to be comfortable. I recommend sizing down for a more fitted look. This button up polo sweater is so soft! Comes in multiple colors. Love this green! Size large.

Circle Cardigan (Size medium) // Ribbed Cardigan (Size large) // Tank top // Leggings

I’ve had my first circle cardigan from Barefoot dreams for years! It’s held up shockingly well. It is pricey but it lasts for a while. I love the color options this year for the circle cardigan, especially this new rosy color. I’m in a medium. There’s also the pretty ribbed cardigan that’s ultra luxe. I am in the large. I’ve just never had a bad experience with Barefoot dreams.

BEST OF NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE TOPS

It’s the flannels for me this year y’all. I actually bought this exact flannel last year and lost it on a hike so I was so pumped it came back! These sell out so so fast. Almost annoyingly so. But there are a lot of options.

This blue flannel is a really interesting material and super lightweight. So different from other flannels I have! Size medium – these run oversize!

Then this Brendan flannel is the typical flannel, but super soft and almost worn material. These flannels are my favorite of the NSale. Size medium – these run oversize!

There are lots of flannel options right here!

Free People Owen Thermal (size small)

I adore these thermals!! They are so cute and comfy. They run pretty big, you can size down one or two. You can easily wear this off the shoulder. Will be so so cute in the Fall over leggings! One of my favorites from the sale!

I actually wore Free People Leo Henley tee to shop the Nordstrom sale. I bought this in two colors and am eyeing the other colors offered. Just such an easy, pretty top. It will sell out!

BEST OF NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE Outerwear

Faux Leather Jacket (Size 12) // Shacket (size large)

I am beyond excited about this buttery soft (sorry, but its’ true) faux leather jacket. It’s so pretty on and will be great in the fall and winter! I got a size 12. I think this shacket is so pretty! It’s a really nice fleece material. Also the price is SO good. Size large.

Jacket (Size medium)

Floral Jacket – When I saw this online I knew it would be cute but I was not expecting it to be this cozy! LOVE! I’m in a large.

BEST OF NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE Dresses And Skirts

Plaid Skirt (Size XL) // Plaid Dress (Size XL)

My favorite skirt from the sale! I’m in an XL but could have sized down to the large. Will be super cute in the Fall with over the knee boots. Comes in plus sizes too. I love this simple plaid dress– super flattering! I got it in the XL and I think this was the perfect fit!

Brown Dress (Size Large) // Green Dress (Size Large)

This Madewell dress is the thinnest material. I’d say it almost feels wispy, I love the color (super into brown) and looks good now or later! This Cora Long Sleeve Dress has so many pretty details like covered buttons and smocked panels. Very flattering fit.

Lace Trim Babydoll Dress (size Large) // Puff Sleeve Dress (Size Large)

At first I didn’t love this dress but after sharing it on Instagram Stories y’all convinced me to give it another try! I think it just needs ironing. It also comes in plus sizes and a plaid option too! I’d skip this plaid dress. It was very boxy on me. This puff sleeve dress comes in multiple colors, has pockets, and I love the bold sleeve. An easy throw-on dress.

BEST OF NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE Shoes

These are the shoes I bought from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! I’m really excited since I’ve been waiting for years to try a few of these.

Lida Flip Flops – These are SO comfortable. I’ve had a pair of Chaco flip flops for years and they finally broke. Unfortunately, they don’t make Chacos the same anymore. So I’ve been on the hunt for a good pair. Y’all RAVED about these and the return policy is a full 30 days!

Tall Boot – Love that these come in regular and wide calf. I get the wide calf. These go with absolutely everything. This suede color is so pretty. Also like this cowboy style one too.

On Cloud Running Shoe – I’ve heard about these for years and have heard such incredible things. It’s true. I went on a walk in them this morning and they are so comfortable!

Quilted Heel – I wanted a simple but comfortable heel. These are trendy and a good price point. Comes in tons of colors.

Converse Chuck Taylor – I’ve never owned a pair of converse and knew I wanted to try some! Also like this Nike option.

Chelsea Boot – This is a really pretty boot you can wear with everything! Lots of colors to choose from.

Cowboy Booties – White cowboy boots are all the rage but these are slightly elevated.

Suede Booties – These are super classic and go with everything. I bought these at the sale last year too!

Steve Madden mules – So many colors – so easy to slide on and look cute!

Over the Knee Boots – Can’t discuss Fall without an over the knee boot. I love the chunky heel on this!