Cheryl Shops

Lots of people have been pooping on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year, and I can kind of see why. As blogger/influencers, we often feel a lot of pressure to cover it, although I do so because there are actually some amazing deals to be had, as I mentioned in my post last week. I do agree, however, that the sale selection has gotten "safer" over the last few years, with an emphasis on more classic, tried-and-true basics versus more adventurous, fashion-y pieces. But I'd argue that those are exactly what you should be buying during the sale—I've found it's a great time to stock up on wardrobe workhorses, specifically in three major categories: jeans, leggings, and sweaters. Here are 10 must-haves that are currently part of the Nordstrom sale (and still available). 

Jeans

Denim is always a smart buy during the Anniversary Sale, and while it's a great time to score designer jeans, there are a bunch of budget-friendly options too. Levi's 501 crop is one of my favorite fits at the moment, and it's well under $100 here. Don't be afraid of 100% cotton—it does stretch out and gets softer with age.

Levi's 501 crop jeans $64.90 (reg. $98)

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I bought my first pair of Frame Le High Straight jeans at the Anniversary Sale five years ago, then added the below pair a couple years later. I also own these in gray. It's hands down my favorite fit—slim but not too skintight, straight but not too boxy. I recommend going down a size for a more snug fit. 

Frame le High Straight jeans $145.90 (reg. $218)

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It's been a while since I've featured this pair here, but Madewell knows how to make a damn good skinny jean, and if you ask me, black skinny jeans will always be in style. These are TTS and look amazing on everyone. 

Madewell black skinny jeans $79.90 (reg. $135)

Sweaters

Sweaters are always a good buy at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, especially cardigans. I bought this wool/cashmere cardigan back in 2019 and still wear it on the regular. It looks good with everything from jeans to maxi dresses, and it's so warm and cozy, you might never want to take it off. 

Nordstrom longline wool/cashmere cardigan $129.90 (reg. $199)

Yep, another longline sweater, and one that's a little more budget-friendly but just as chic. This Madwell sweater is super soft and comes in a bunch of colors; I've had mine for years. It does run a bit large, so I recommend sizing down. 

Madewell Kent sweater $58.90 (reg. $98)

Clearly I have a type! This is one of my favorite warm-weather sweaters—it's airy and lightweight, but substantial enough to keep out a slight chill. This one is also quite roomy, so size down for a more snug fit through the arms. 

Halogen open-front cardigan $49.90 (reg. $79)

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Leggings

Are we tired of leggings? No? Good, because the Anniversary Sale is a great time to buy Spanx, which rarely goes on sale. If you have not yet jumped on the faux leather boat, these leggings are an excellent choice. They run a bit small (I'm in a medium) but give you supermodel legs and have a crazy-comfy waistband. 

Spanx faux leather leggings $64.90 (reg. $98)

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My favorite pair of pandemic pants, these feel like leggings but look like skinny pants; you can wear them around the house but they work with a blazer should you need to go back to the office. The back seam detail is ridiculously flattering too. They run true to size. 

Spanx perfect back seam pants $84.90 (reg. $128)

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I thought I had a favorite brand of workout leggings until I tried this pair. They have the perfect amount of compression, no side seams to get twisted, and the most flattering booty design ever (seriously). I am wearing a medium, which I what I wear in all Spanx pants. 

Spanx Booty Boost legging $64.90 (reg. $98)

I'm also a fan of the Everywear Knockout Legging $72.90 (reg. $110), not pictured

Home

This is a little bonus, since Nordstrom has so many great home deals this year. As I mentioned in my Mother's Day Gift Guide, I use this kettle every day, and not only is it aesthetically pleasing, it boils water to the exact temperature you like in mere minutes. 

Stagg EKG kettle $119.90 (reg. $169)