Picture this: It’s the early seventies and you’re sitting on shag carpet flipping through the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog. You pick up your pencil and draw a circle around a “flippy” little two-piece floral skirt and shirt — the “young active look for fall.” Beside that is a dress we would probably categorize as “fairycore” today with its puffed sleeves, u-neck top, ribbed bodice and long skirt.
1974 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog. Photography courtesy of Nordstrom
In the decades to come, you’d trade in your groovy garments for wool blazers and sweater vests in the eighties and multi-coloured anoraks and checkered cropped jackets à la Clueless in the nineties.
Trends come and go, but what’s remained the same for fans of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the chance to nab new styles at reduced prices. And starting July 15, the retailer’s biggest event of the year returns.
Here’s why it’s different: These are not clearance items. Every summer, the company brings in *brand-new* merchandise that is on sale for a limited time (the sale ends August 1) in-store and online. This concept actually dates back to the mid-’40s when Nordstrom acquired a company called Best Apparel which had its own version of the event.
1992 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog. Photography courtesy of Nordstrom
For the 2022 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, you can shop from more than 100 brands like Good American, Nike, AllSaints, Frame, UGG, Veronica Beard, AllSaints, Bony Levy, as well as over 25 new brands added to this year’s sale, including Naked Wardrobe, Reiss and Open Edit.
Starting July 8, customers can get a sneak peek at the sale items on Nordstrom.ca/anniversary and save their favourites to a Wish List. But if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, the FASHION team has created a wish list of our very own.
Swipe through the gallery below to see our top womenswear picks for the 2022 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, from summer sandals to fall staples and everything in-between.
“I’ve been a fan of Cult Gaia’s for a while so this is the perfect opportunity for me to try their shoes. Now that events are back in full swing, I’m always looking for heels that look chic but are also comfortable. I love the gold and sculptural details of this pair and the colour would work with many pieces I already own.”—Ivy Tang, Market and Social Media Editor
“This top is a no-brainer. The Breton-style striping is a fashion classic that will go with everything from jeans to trousers.”—Bernadette Morra, Editor-in-Chief
“This is the perfect summertime going out shoe. The open-toe heel is delicate and breezy while the adjustable lace-up straps make for a more dressy look.”—Natalie Michie, Digital Writer
“Good riddance, mini shoulder purses! Oversized bags are cool again. This neutral number from Madewell is a more chic alternative to a tote with just enough room to carry all my on-the-go summer essentials.”—Jillian Morgan, Acting Digital Director
“As a new mom whose mornings consist of rolling out of bed and immediately getting my daughter organized and out the door for daycare drop-off before rushing back to get my own self ready before my first Zoom meeting, I thoroughly appreciate throwing on a chic loungewear set that effortlessly doubles as a day ensemble. From the cool animal print to the loose fit, I’m totally obsessed with this blazer.”—Natasha Boateng, Beauty News Director
“And the matching high-waisted trousers look insanely comfortable without tossing any notion of style out the window.”—Natasha Boateng, Beauty News Director
“Thanks to the upcoming ‘Barbie’ movie, I am currently coveting anything pink. Paired with a casual pair of jeans and a cute bag, these slip-ons might be my new summer uniform.”—Annika Lautens, Fashion News Director
“You can’t go wrong with a pair of (faux) leather pants for fall (yes, I’m thinking about fall already). I love the waist detail and the flared bottom of this pair and it’s going to look so great with any top!”—Ivy Tang, Market and Social Media Editor
“Living on the east coast of Canada, I’m definitely in my gorpcore era and in the market for a pair of summer sandals that can take me from rocky beaches to even rockier trails. Practical and stylish, these are a win-win for me.”—Jillian Morgan, Acting Digital Director
“As the owner of a potty-training puppy, I’m currently looking for cozy, oversized layers for our (many, many) walks. Not only will this one keep me warm when temperatures dip into the single digits during late night outings, the trendy neon colour also guarantees we’ll be visible!”—Lindsay Cooper, Production Editor
“You can never go wrong with high waisted pants, especially when they have a wide leg. So whether you style them with an oversized blazer or a matching vest, these black trousers are anything but boring.”—Annika Lautens, Fashion News Director
“Satin dresses are a must-have in my summer wardrobe. This romantic slip feels great for all warm-weather activities, whether it’s a picnic in the park or a night out.”—Natalie Michie, Digital Writer
“I discovered Zella several years ago — it’s great value, even when not on sale. This pink legging is sure to get tons of compliments, even if my planks don’t.”—Bernadette Morra, Editor-in-Chief
