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Published July 10, 2026 • Last updated July 10, 2026
A great bag is the accessory that pulls your whole look together, and it is one of the smartest things to buy during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. In 2026 the Sale opens to the public on July 18, with cardmembers shopping early, and it is one of the rare times designer and contemporary bags actually go on sale.
I pulled together the 10 best bags in this year's Sale. That spans designer names like Tory Burch and Coach, editor-loved brands like STAUD and Madewell, and an affordable JW PEI pick under a hundred dollars. I sorted them by type so you can shop exactly the bag you are missing.
A quick note before we start. Anniversary Sale prices go live on July 18, so the live Sale price is not showing yet. I will update this post with each bag's Sale price the day the deals drop.
This is my handbag pick of the Sale, and it pairs perfectly with my best jewelry in the Anniversary Sale and best designer sunglasses. For more, see my roundup of the 20 best beauty deals and the accessories trends I am actually wearing this year.
Bags in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale means handbags, crossbodies, totes, and travel bags from brands like Tory Burch, Coach, STAUD, and Madewell, offered at a discount during the Sale, which runs once a year. It matters because designer and premium bags rarely go on sale, so Anniversary is one of the best times to buy. It is most useful for anyone who wants an investment bag, a new everyday tote, or a first designer piece without paying full price.
The best bags in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale include the Tory Burch convertible crossbody, the Coach pebbled crossbody, and the STAUD Valerie suede shoulder bag. These are the versatile, everyday pieces that hold their style for years and rarely discount. The Sale opens to the public on July 18, 2026.
Quick Takeaways
- Designer and premium bags rarely go on sale, so Anniversary is the year's best chance.
- Top picks: Tory Burch crossbody, Coach crossbody, STAUD Valerie shoulder bag.
- Affordable options from JW PEI and Dolce Vita give you the look for less.
- Sorted by type: crossbody, shoulder, totes, and travel.
- The Sale opens to the public July 18; cardmembers shop early.
- Live Sale prices drop July 18; the best bags sell out fast.
My three top bag picks to grab the moment the Sale opens.
What Are the Best Crossbody Bags?
The best crossbody bags are the Tory Burch convertible crossbody and the Coach pebbled crossbody. A crossbody is the hands-free bag you reach for most, which makes it worth buying well.
I look for a style that goes from day to night and a strap you can wear a few ways. Here are the crossbodies I would grab first.
This Tory Burch crossbody converts to wear a few ways, so it works from errands to dinner. Tory Burch bags rarely go on sale, which makes this a real find. It is the polished, do-it-all bag I would invest in first.
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This Coach crossbody in pebbled leather is a Nordstrom Exclusive, so you will not find it just anywhere. Coach is the classic name that holds its value and its style. It is a timeless everyday bag at an accessible designer price.
Shop Now →A great crossbody is a wardrobe staple. See how I build mine in my capsule wardrobe guide and my signature style guide.
My full Anniversary Sale shopping list — the finds actually worth your money, sorted by worth-it or skip, with the July 18 go-live reminder so nothing sells out on you.
Send me the cheat sheet →What Are the Best Shoulder Bags?
The best shoulder bags are the STAUD Valerie, the Dolce Vita Mercer, and the Madewell Mylie. A shoulder bag is the effortless, throw-it-on piece that finishes a look in seconds.
Suede and soft leather are having a real moment, and these deliver it across price points. Here are my shoulder bag picks.
The STAUD Valerie is a soft, slouchy suede shoulder bag with that of-the-moment editorial feel. STAUD is the brand fashion girls reach for, and it rarely discounts. It is the splurge bag that instantly elevates a simple outfit.
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The Dolce Vita Mercer is a clean, structured leather shoulder bag at a friendly price. It gives you a polished, put-together look without the designer price tag. A versatile everyday bag that works with everything.
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The Amina is a soft, slouchy shoulder bag with an easy, casual-cool vibe. It is roomy enough for daily essentials and looks great dressed down or up. A great affordable pick to carry all season.
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The Madewell Mylie brings the suede shoulder-bag trend at Madewell's signature quality and value. It has a relaxed, lived-in look that only gets better with wear. A smart everyday bag that feels a little elevated.
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The JW PEI Yara is the viral, under-$100 shoulder bag with a sleek, expensive look. It is vegan, well-made, and a fraction of the price of designer. It is the budget-friendly bag that punches way above its price.
Shop Now →What Are the Best Totes and Travel Bags?
The best totes are the Tory Burch Limited Edition tote and the Madewell Shopper, plus the Away carry-on for travel. A great tote carries your whole life, and a good carry-on makes every trip easier.
I want a tote roomy enough for work and a suitcase that actually lasts. Here are my tote and travel picks.
This Tory Burch tote is a roomy, polished bag that works for the office, travel, and everyday hauling. Tory Burch rarely goes on sale, so this Limited Edition piece is worth grabbing. It is the investment tote you will carry for years.
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The Madewell Shopper in soft suede is the everyday tote that fits a laptop, a water bottle, and everything else. Madewell nails quality leather and suede at a fair price. It is a do-it-all bag that looks elevated and holds up.
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The Away Bigger Flex is the cult-favorite carry-on, and this Nordstrom Exclusive rarely goes on sale. It expands for extra packing room and rolls beautifully. If you travel at all, this is the smartest bag buy of the Sale.
Shop Now →A good bag makes travel and everyday life easier. Pack it with pieces from my Nordstrom summer basics guide and my best activewear from the Sale.
How I Picked These 10 Bags
I picked these 10 bags the same way I shop the Sale for myself. I am not claiming to have carried every single one this week, since the Sale prices launch on July 18. Instead, I chose them on brand, quality, style staying power, and how easily each one works in real life.
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1
Brands that rarely discount. Tory Burch, Coach, and STAUD almost never go on sale, so those deals stand out most.
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Bags for real life. I sorted every bag by type so you can find the crossbody, shoulder bag, or tote you need.
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3
Quality that lasts. I favored leather and suede pieces built to hold up, not just trendy shapes.
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Every price point. From a Tory Burch investment bag to a $95 JW PEI, there is something for every budget.
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Bags I would keep or gift. Every one is a bag I would happily carry or give.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Bags on Sale
The biggest mistake is waiting too long, because the designer bags like the Tory Burch pieces sell out before the public opening. A close second is buying a trendy shape you will not actually reach for once the season passes.
Pros
- Prioritize the designersGrab Tory Burch, Coach, and STAUD first – they rarely discount.
- Buy the bag you'll usePick the style you reach for daily, like a crossbody or tote.
- Invest in qualityReal leather and suede last far longer than fast-fashion bags.
Cons
- Don't wait for restocksThe most popular bags often do not come back once sold out.
- Don't buy on trend aloneSkip a shape you will not carry after the season.
- Don't overlook value brandsJW PEI and Dolce Vita deliver the look for far less.
Splurge vs. Smart-Value Picks
“The right bag is the fastest way to make any outfit look expensive – and Anniversary Sale is the rare time the designer names actually go on sale.— Jasmine Del Toro, Layers of Beauty
My three top bag picks to grab the moment the Sale opens.
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Bags: FAQ
When does the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale start?+
What are the best bags in the Anniversary Sale?+
Do designer bags ever go on sale?+
Why don't I see the sale prices yet?+
What is the best everyday bag in the Sale?+
Are affordable bags worth it, or should I splurge?+
Is the Away carry-on worth buying on sale?+
Which bags sell out first?+
Do I need a Nordstrom card to shop the bags?+
Where can I shop all your bag picks?+
TL;DR — A great bag is one of the smartest buys in the 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Grab the designer names first, like the Tory Burch crossbody and STAUD Valerie, then fill in with a value pick like JW PEI or Dolce Vita. Build your wish list before July 18 so you can check out before the best bags sell out.
The Bottom Line on This Year’s Bags
A sale like this is not really about buying more. It is about finding the one bag that makes you feel polished and put together the second you pick it up.
The right bag does exactly that, every single time you carry it. That is the whole idea behind Layers of Beauty – style is a layer of self-care, not a chore.
So pick the bag that feels like you, skip the rest, and enjoy the Sale. As of July 2026, these 10 bags are the ones I would shop first, and you can find all of them on my LTK shop. For a smart-shopping mindset, my money-saving guide is a good read.