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As your friendly neighborhood deals editor, I know it can be difficult to tell the difference between all the sales Nordstrom has over the year. The retailer just had a Spring Sale in April, and the Anniversary Sale (arguably the most anticipated) usually kicks off in July. Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale is a little bit different — with a focus on thousands of already-on-sale items that are now further marked down, rather than the new and in-season deals that Nordstrom’s sales are best known for.
But that doesn’t mean these are castoffs. In fact, I was surprised to see how actually good a lot of the deals are this year. The home section is especially robust, which often isn’t the case for Nordstrom sales, and features a lot of home décor from the MoMA Design Store and indie brands. And it’s shoe central over in the women’s section, making it a great time to stock up on sandals and slip-ons.
Scroll on to see the best deals I’ve found, and click here to see everything that’s on sale — but don’t dillydally, because the deals end on Sunday, June 4, at midnight P.T.
Women
This versatile maxi dress that you could wear to a barbecue or the office comes in eight colors, as well as standard and petite sizing.
You’ll always find a cache of Zella leggings at these sales, and this straight-leg pair comes in three colors: lavender, light gray, and navy blue.
Full-coverage briefs from one of our favorite underwear brands is available in a set of three in all beige, all black, and the combo pictured here.
If you’re a thong loyalist, our favorite pair from Hanky Panky is on sale in a trio, too.
A low-profile heel for wedding dancing, tromping around Europe, or zhuzhing up a basic tee and jeans.
These summer-ready espadrilles from Toms — yes, the canvas slip-ons guys — are 33 percent off.
These floaty wide-leg pants that are perfect for going from beach to dinner come in sizes XXS through XL and in both standard and petite fits.
Actually comfortable wooden clogs from Dr. Scholl’s.
Several Skims products made a surprise showing in the sale section. Sizing and color options are up in the air for the brand’s bras and tank tops, but I spotted this wrap robe still in stock in every sizes (except small) and three colors.
Men
Adidas slides are a summer staple, and the Adilette has a plush, contoured footbed that makes them even more supportive than the original style.
Our columnist Chris Black is “weirdly attracted” to these shoe-sandal hybrids from Merrell.
For the guy who tracks the Space Force tag on Twitter.
Here’s a thoughtful Father’s Day gift idea if your dad has summer travel plans.
A polo that toes the line between preppy and grungy.
And here’s a polo for working in your overly air-conditioned office.
Beauty
M.A.C’s velvety liquid lipstick boast 12-hour wearability and comes in nine shades, including Ruby Do, a play on the brand’s iconic blue-red Ruby Woo.
Strategist beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton says this face mask set from KNC Beauty helps to soothe, hydrate, and brighten — especially after a day spent in front of the AC or if skin is red and blotchy from the heat.
Rio also calls the brand’s lip balm “a purse staple that I’ve been relying on for lip care on the go.”
A set of SPF 25 lip balm and “industrial-strength” salve that can be used on hands, elbows, and heels.
In our guide on how to build a Black-owned skin-care routine, stylist and editor Mecca James-Williams recommended this soap-on-a-rope from Terra-Tory. The Long Island–based brand is entirely fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.
If, like me, you tend to get burned along the part in your hair every time you step outside, this sunscreen (from a brand co-founded by Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown) offers sun protection for face and scalp. It’s gentle enough for sensitive-skin types and won’t leave any white cast.
Home and Kitchen
Our pick for the best neck-supportive pillow is the Original from Casper. It boasts a pillow-within-a-pillow design that layers a cushioned exterior over a firm and sturdy interior.
Le Creuset’s sturdy cast-iron skillet, accented in the brand’s signature colorful enamel, is available in six cheery shades (including gray for the minamalists).
Fellow’s ultraquiet coffee grinder is $100 off in white. The Ode is fast and compact and has thoughtful details that Jerad Morrison, co-founder and co-CEO of Sightglass Coffee in San Francisco, calls “very intuitive” — like a dial that adjusts the grind size and a magnetic cup to catch coffee grounds.
You can usually find our favorite budget candle brand, Voluspa, in the clearance section during Nordstrom sales. This duo includes two sweet scents, French lavender and apple.
This metallic votive set from Boy Smells features the brand’s entire Hypernature collection in petite versions of the standard 8.5-ounce candles.
If you like your workout equipment to be trendy home décor, too, Bala’s ten-pound Power Ring is half off in charcoal gray.
We’re fans of the analog Wideboy, which has a mid-century modern look inspired by British clocks.
Nordstrom stocks a lot of home décor from the MoMA Design Store, and thankfully plenty of it is part of this sale. Here’s a wall-mounted option for the Mondrian fan.
Any basic Trader Joe’s bouquet will instantly look much more expensive when you display it in this bright, eye-catching vase.
Save your coffee table from Aperol spritz–induced stains with these colorful silicone coasters.
I particularly like the beachy Whitby candle from L’or de Seraphine, which has notes of sea salt, violet, and vetiver.
Okay, maybe just one note: You can buy this smaller red version for much cheaper.
Kids and Babies
These space-themed high-tops (with Velcro support) come in kids’ sizes 11–3.
Houseplant-print crew socks for $2 apiece.
A long-sleeved swimsuit will add an extra layer of UV protection, while the ruffles and tropical-bird print will ensure your baby is the best dressed on the beach.
I loitered at PacSun through my middle- and high-school years, and it brings me joy to see Quiksilver back en vogue. And with these cutie flip-flops, you too can push the surfer-chic agenda on the next generation.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
