Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks on a Grad Student Budget

It’s that time of year again: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is upon us! The sale opens to the public on Monday the 17th. I get to shop the sale tomorrow… I think because I am a member of Nordstrom’s rewards program, The Nordy Club. (It’s free to join!) I’ve browsed a large portion of the sale looking for things to add to my wish list as well as for this post! A couple of years ago, I put together a curated selection of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks on a grad student budget, and I’m back with an updated selection in case you’d like to take part in the sale.

WHAT IS THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (also called NAS or #nsale) is Nordstrom’s big, well-known annual summer sale that offers a large portion of fall inventory at a discount ahead of fall. Normally sales happen at the end of a season, and this one is “different” because it includes discounted products prior to the season starting. It’s nice because you can get items at a discount AND wear them in their intended season!

This sale has gotten some flack in recent years because what used to be a sale offering unique items from a variety of different brands and designers is now more of a sale featuring Nordstrom-made brands and all of the basics you could ever want or need. Once you buy one thing one year, there’s no need to buy it again the next year since a lot of items are updated but really aren’t that different year-to-year. It’s a perennial top blogger favorite; they make the majority of their annual income in July alone (from this sale and Prime Day mostly).

All that said, I started shopping the NAS when I was a grad student in 2014, and even though I was angry that what I ordered went on deeper discount only a few weeks later (true story!), I’ve browsed the sale and made a purchase or two every year since. There are some great items to be found, but sometimes it can be overwhelming because there’s so much inventory (and so much of the good stuff sells out immediately).

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Tips

If something you’re interested in isn’t selling out that quickly, consider sticking it in your wishlist and watching for it to go on sale later this fall (if it’s something you’re not planning to wear immediately). That happens frequently! (The Blondo boots I purchased in late 2020 were originally an #nsale item!)

Another thing to keep in mind: If something you REALLY like is sold out in your size but available in other sizes, purchase the item in a wrong size and wait for a return in your size to pop up so you can do an exchange, even if the return doesn’t pop up until after the sale ends. Nordstrom has a very flexible exchange/return policy! Just be sure not to wear the wrong size.

Since I used to be a grad student myself and understand the budgetary restrictions of the grad student salary, I compiled a list of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks on a grad student budget! I focused on primarily items under $100 that you can wear casually and in more formal settings (academic conferences, interviews, etc.). FYI, some things might sell out quickly once the sale goes live for everyone. I tried to focus on items that had stock available in most sizes! I recommend adding everything you’re interested in to your wish list so you can check out quickly.

(P.S. Don’t forget to grab your grad school wardrobe guide if you haven’t already!)

READ NEXT: My Past Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Purchases

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale picks on a grad student budget | grad school style | grad school fashion | Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks on a Grad Student Budget

Blazers + Tops

Oversized, boyfriend-fit blazers are in style right now and I really love this blazer if you’re looking for something that has kind of that structured and relaxed look at the same time. I’m a big fan of the grey plaid in textured tweed—it goes with anything and everything!

This fun blazer is for all the plus size ladies out there! It’s a textured blazer that features an open front so you can have lots of fun layering tops underneath. The neutral tan color makes it super easy to play around with different colors and styles in your tops and bottoms.

If you’re in the market for a simple sleeveless top to go under blazers, check out this option! It’s available in black and an ivory (that looks slightly sheer). I love the v-neck and textured fabric. There are two other colors available in plus sizes.

Skirts + Pants

Looking for the perfect fall midi skirt?! I love the floral print on the black background—so moody! And the elastic back waistband means it’ll be comfy. The only thing that would make this skirt better is if it had pockets!

Wide leg trousers are having a moment right now, and if you want to get in on the trend but want to wear a color other than black, check out these wide leg trousers! They come in three different light colors. They’ll work just as well in the office or classroom as they will dressed down on the weekend. These also feature an elastic waist in the back!

Another pair of pull-on wide leg pants with an elastic back, coming right up! I love how much comfort is trending right now… I’m all about it.

I absolutely lived in ponte pants when I was in grad school, and these are really similar to the pair I wore! If you’re more into the legging look (especially for wearing with boots in the cooler months), check out this pair of ponte leggings! They have excellent reviews.

These wide leg trousers look like your traditional trouser with belt loops, curved front pockets, and a flat front. The inseam length (32”) is perfect for the taller ladies!

Shoes

I don’t know abut you, but I am seeing the chain links adorning sooo many mules and loafers as of late! They’re growing on me. I love the small gold link on this loafer—and the ivory color with the black sole and slight heel is simply gorgeous. I really hope they’re just as comfortable as they are cute!

These mules also feature the gold chain link across the top of the mule but it’s a little bit chunkier. I love the color options available and was surprisingly really drawn to these multicolored, textured mules! It’s such a fun way to spice up your outfits in grad school.

Did ballet flats really ever go out of style? I think they’ve just had slight modifications every year! I really like the pointed toe and how the sides are slightly lower. Plus, the color options are fun! I picked the snakeskin print for this post because it’s an unexpected option that acts as a neutral and jazzes up your outfit at the same time.

I am IN LOVE with these pointed toe (can you sense a theme?) loafers. They are gorgeous! The pointed toe… the small heel… chef’s kiss! This is a great shoe option if you’re wanting a bit of a heel but aren’t looking for a pump. Cole Haan makes super comfy, high quality shoes and I cannot recommend them enough.

If you’re looking for a great pair of beige or black pointed toe pumps (with a 3.5” heel), give this pair a try. You really can’t go wrong with a pair of classic pumps; I wore mine for events in grad school way more often than I thought I would. They’re also great for graduation!

CUTE waterproof ankle boots exist, and Blondo makes ‘em! I own a pair from a couple of years ago and they’re still going strong and look brand new! These boots come in two suede colors (black and chocolate brown) and feature a 3” heel for those of you that like a heeled boot.

The Noor is a more “classic” style ankle boot with a thick block heel. These also feature a fun side slit and are also waterproof! They come in black leather as well as sand nubuck. I own a pair of grey suede boots and am shocked at how well they’ve held up in rain!

These lugsole Chelsea boots are an updated version of the popular Caslon boots from #nsales past. They get really great reviews, and even though I tried a pair last year in suede and didn’t end up liking them, I’m still tempted to order a leather pair. Those seem to be the more popular option. The all-white boot is bold and I’m into it! Plus, they’re water resistant.

Belt + Bag

This is called the “perfect” leather belt and while I don’t own this particular belt, I’m convinced it is actually perfect. The two colors it comes in (an ivory called sand and this gorgeous brown called stained mahogany) are absolute perfection; I don’t know which one I like more!

I absolutely LOVE my medium Transport tote and carry it with me every time I go into the office. It was a treat to myself when I got my job! Nordstrom is carrying a couple of options in the sale, including this lovely, creamy light tan color. It’s a great neutral and comes with a fun shoulder strap!

Undies + Socks

I first ordered a couple of these thongs in last year’s sale and I am shocked by how much I like them! They are so weightless it sometimes feels like I’m commando. 😆 They are one size fits most and seem to really work well if you’re between sizes S and XL (unfortunately… they should really consider adding a couple of size options for more size inclusivity!).

I don’t remember seeing these high rise thongs in last year’s sale and I’m definitely going to order some pairs this year! I much prefer high rise undies that fit over my gut. If you buy three pairs, you get an additional discount!

I also bought a couple of these briefs last year and LOVE them for under dresses and skirts. They’re also thin enough to wear under denim; I typically prefer thongs for under bottoms that have legs because I don’t like feeling like I have a lot of fabric around my butt but these are so thin I can barely feel them.

I’ve heard such good things about Bombas socks, and if you’re in the market for some no-show socks that have great reviews (and are also from a company that gives a pair for every pair purchases)—get yourself a pair of these!

Home / Office

Every year I talk about how much I love these blankets. I own three of these blankets and I’m absolutely obsessed! They’re the perfect blanket to cozy up in when you don’t wanna do any writing, lol. They’re so soft and wash really well; it doesn’t feel like they lose their softness that quickly. I love giving these blankets as gifts! They’re less expensive now than in years past.

I hope this list is helpful if you’re working on building up your grad student wardrobe! Remeber: Don’t feel like you need to buy ALL THE THINGS during this sale. Make a list of things you need now or may need in the future and purchase a few key pieces to update your wardrobe. Drop a comment if you end up buying anything good from the #nsale!

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