Just in case you didn’t know, Nordstrom is currently having their half-yearly sale now through January 2 where you can get up to 50% off select items.  There are a few plans of attack when it comes to making the most of a sale like this one. You can either:

1. Go in without an idea in your head of what to purchase.
2. Walk in with a specific list of what new items you want to try.
3. Arrive with a general, categorical list of what you need.

As you may know, I’m slowly introducing a more minimalist approach to my shopping habits. Granted, I still splurge on the wants every now and then, but I’ve gotten better about focusing on what I truly need and what will bring me joy. Because of that, this post is targeted towards the third plan of attack. If you think about what you need before you start shopping, you’ll benefit the most from Nordstrom’s sale.

• Is your wardrobe missing a key item?
• Does your home decor have an incomplete feel?
• Which beauty product are you running out of?

Here is my list of the 5 items to consider purchasing during Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale.

1. Fall/Winter Jacket

Tis the season to for wearing winter coats. We tend to have the mentality of winter coming to a close once the holiday season ends, but realistically the first day of winter was merely a week ago! While not every jacket is discounted, Nordstrom pulls a few of each style to cover everyone’s needs. Whether you’re in the market for new outerwear this season or next, it’s worth a browse or two just to make sure there isn’t a jacket out there with your name on it. See the full outerwear sale here, and shop a few of my picks below:

• Topshop Leopard Print Car Coat (50% off!)
• Blank NYC Faux Leather Crop Moto Jacket (40% off!)
• Topshop Bomber Duster Coat (50% off!)
• BP Cotton Canvas Anorak (40% off!)
• Tinsel Destroyed Denim Patch Jacket (40% off!)

Also Read: 5 Essential Jackets to Keep You Warm

2. Quality Denim

Denim will never go out of style. With so many options in style right now–skinny, flare, wide leg, slim–finding the perfect pair of jeans has never been easier. Take advantage of Nordstrom’s sale to try out a different brand of jeans, or stock up on your favorite styles. I’ve mentioned before my three favorite brands when it comes to purchasing denim with a good fit are Topshop, BDG (sold at Urban Outfitters), and Levis. While BDG and Levis aren’t available at Nordstrom, Topshop’s Jamie jeans are available and even have a select few included in the sale. Browse the full denim sale here, and shop a few of my picks below:

• Rag & Bone/Jean ‘The Dre’ Slim Boyfriend Jean (60% off!)
• J Brand ‘Amelia’ Straight Leg Jeans (33% off!)
• Hudson ‘Krista’ Super Skinny Jeans (45% off!)
• 7 For All Mankind Skinny Jeans (25% off!)
• Topshop ‘Leigh’ Ankle Skinny Jeans (30% off!)

3. Fall/Winter Boots

Who doesn’t love a good pair of winter boots? Honestly, boots are the best part of fall/winter fashion but it can be hard to find the perfect fit. Instead of spending the day in and out of several stores, head to Nordstrom to see all of the brands in one spot. Steve Madden will always be a favorite brand of mine when it comes to finding a cute shoe for a reasonable price, but there are also some very stylish options included in the sale from other brands. Shop the full boot sale here, and check out my top picks below:

• Topshop Heart Genuine Calf Hair Boot (50% off!)
• Topshop Krazy Chelsea Bootie (50% off!)
• Franco Sarto ‘Ivanea’ Over the Knee Boot (45% off!)
• Jack Rogers ‘Bailee’ Bootie (40% off!)
• BP ‘Trott’ Bootie (40% off!)

Also Read: 3 Must-Have Boots this Season

4. Staple Handbag

Is it just me, or are handbags never on sale when you’re actually looking for one? Take the opportunity to browse around Nordstrom and see which bags are on sale. Is there a certain style you need but don’t have? Do you need a clutch? Looking for a large tote for work? I recommend Rebecca Minkoff after picking up her fringe crossbody bag during a Black Friday sale. View the full handbag sale here and shop my picks below:

• Topshop Embellished Velvet Crossbody Bag (50% off!)
• Elizabeth and James ‘Cynnie’ Shoulder Bag (40% off!)
• G-Lish Bead & Leather Fringe Crossbody Bag (40% off!)
• Allsaints ‘Lafayette’ Large Shoulder Bag (40% off!)
• BP Embossed Faux Leather Tote (50% off!)

5. Activewear

Listen, we all need to exercise. It’s good for you, it stimulates your mind, and it’s a great way to feel like you have your life together. The trick is finding a way to motivate yourself and actually get to the gym. For those of us who find inspiration through cute workout clothes, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the time to stock up. Activewear can cost just as much as trendy clothing, so the sale can help you save on must-have items that’ll improve your performance. Vire the full activewear sale here, and shop my picks below.

• Onzie Mesh Inset Leggings (33% off!)
• Nike Pro Classic Dri-Fit Sports Bra (25% off!)
• Adidas Performer ‘Climalite’ Tank (50% off!)
• Ivy Park Linear Mesh Capri Leggings (40% off!)
• Nike Epic Run Dri-Fit Crop Tights (25% off!)

Also Read: 7 Tips for Getting Organized

 

What do you plan on purchasing at Nordstrom during their sale?