The Best End-of-Summer Fashion & Beauty Sales
This Week (July 20-26, 2026)
There comes a point every July when I tell myself, “That’s it. I’m not buying one more thing until fall.”
And then… the sales start.
Suddenly, the linen dress I’ve been eyeing is half off. The white sneakers I’ve had sitting in my cart for weeks are finally marked down. My favorite moisturizer is part of a beauty event, and somehow I’m convinced that one more crossbody bag is exactly what my wardrobe had been missing.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to refresh your closest or restock your beauty favorites, this is it.
Late July is one of my favorite times to shop—not because I’m chasing every trend, but because this is when smart shopping really pays off. Retailers are clearing out summer inventory while quietly introducing pieces that transition beautifully into fall. That means better prices, timeless wardrobe staples, and beauty products you’ll keep reaching for long after Labor Day.
Each week, I’ll be rounding up the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sales that are actually worth your attention-saving you from endless scrolling and helping you spend your money on pieces you’ll truly love.
So grab your coffee, open a new browser tab (you’re going to need it), and let’s start with the sale that’s on just about everyone’s radar…
The Best End-of-Summer Fashion Sales This Week
🛍️ Shop My End-of-Summer Fashion Edit
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: The One Worth Shopping
If there’s one sale I genuinely look forward to every year, it’s the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Unlike traditional clearance events that discount last season’s leftovers, the Anniversary Sale offers brand-new arrivals at limited-time prices before they return to full price.
It’s one of the best opportunities to invest in quality wardrobe staples, premium beauty products, comfortable shoes, and accessories you’ll wear well into fall—and, if you’re anything like me, for years to come.
Rather than filling. Your cart with impulse purchases, I like to focus on versatile pieces that work hard in my wardrobe. Think elevated basics, comfortable footwear, timeless handbags, and skincare that earns a permanent place on the bathroom counter.
My Top Nordstrom Categories to Shop This Week
Elevated Everyday Basics
Now is the perfect time to grab versatile tops, polished denim, lightweight sweaters, and layering pieces that transition effortlessly from late summer into cooler weather.
Comfortable Shoes That Don’t Sacrifice Style
Whether you’re headed back to the office or simply looking for a chic everyday sneaker, this is one of the best times of year to invest in quality footwear.
Handbags You’ll Carry All Year
Classic leather crossbody bags, structure totes, and everyday shoulder bags are some of the smartest purchases during the Anniversary Sale because they’ll never go out of style.
Beauty Exclusives
Nordstrom’s beauty exclusives are always a highlight. Many premium skincare and makeup brands offer limited-edition sets with exceptional value, making this a great time to stock up or finally try that product you’ve been curious about.
Editor’s Tip: Before checking out, ask yourself one simple question: Will I still be excited to wear or use this in October? If the answer is yes, it’s probably a smart purchase. If it’s only exciting because it’s on sale, let it stay on the shelf.
DSW: Comfortable Shoes You’ll Wear on Repeat
I’ve reached the stage in life where I refuse to sacrifice comfort for a cute pair of shoes. Thankfully, I don’t have to.
DSW continues to be one of my favorite places to score stylish footwear without the luxury price tag, and their end-of-summer markdowns are some of the best of the season. Whether you’re squeezing in one last beach weekend, heading back to the office, or already thinking about fall, now is the time to grab. Those versatile pairs you’ll wear over and over again.
My Picks This Week
White leather sneakers that go with literally everything
Neutral block heels for work and date nights
Comfortable loafers for everyday
Strapping sandals under $50
Supportive walking shoes that don’t look orthopedic
Worth The Splurge: A quality leather sneakers you’ll wear three or four days a week is almost always a better investment than three trendy pairs you’ll only wear once.
LOFT: Office Style Meets Weekend Comfort
If your closet has been begging for a refresh, LOFT is one of the first places I’d look.
Their pieces strike that sweet spot between polished and comfortable—perfect for women balancing work meetings, dinner plans, weekend errands, and everything in between.
I’m especially loving lightweight layers that can carry us through those awkward months when it’s 85 degrees one day and 65 the next.
Don’t Miss
Breezy blouses
Midi dresses
Cropped trousers
Lightweight cardigans
Everyday jewelry
Talbots: Timeless Never Goes Out of Style
Fashion trend come and go, but a well-made blazer, crisp white shirt, or perfectly fitting pair of pants will never let you down.
Talbots has become one of my favorite places for elevated classics that feel sophisticated without feeling stuffy.
If you’re looking to build a wardrobe instead of constantly replacing one, this sale is worth browsing.
My Shopping List
Madewell: Investment Pieces You'll Wear for Years
Some sales are about chasing trends. Madewell's end-of-summer sale is all about investing in quality basics that you'll reach for season after season.
If you've been looking for the perfect pair of jeans, a buttery-soft leather bag, or that effortless button-down that somehow works with everything in your closet, now is the time to browse. Madewell's timeless designs are made to outlast fleeting fashion trends, making them a smart addition to any wardrobe—especially for women over 40 who value quality, comfort, and versatility.
My Picks to Shop This Week
Classic straight-leg and wide-leg denim
Crisp cotton button-down shirts
Leather crossbody bags and totes
Everyday white tees and layering tanks
Comfortable loafers and leather sandals
Editor's Tip: Instead of buying five trendy tops you'll only wear once, invest in one beautifully made Madewell staple that you'll still love next summer. Great style isn't about having more—it's about choosing pieces that work harder for your wardrobe.
White House Black Market: Closet Staples Worth Investing In
Every wardrobe needs those dependable pieces you reach for without thinking.
The black dress that always works.
The blazer that instantly makes jeans look intentional.
The pair of pants that fit just right.
White House Black Market excels at those timeless essentials, and end-of-season pricing makes this a smart time to invest.
Editor Favorites
Little black dresses
Tailored blazers
Wide-leg trousers
White button-down shirts
Structured handbags
Beauty Deals Worth Adding to Your Cart
Let’s be honest—beauty products almost never wait until you’re actually run out before going on sale.
If one of your everyday favorites is discounted this week, I always recommend stocking up now instead of paying full price later.
Here are the beauty sales catching my eye.
Farmacy Beauty
If your skin has been feeling dry from sun, air conditiong, or too many days at the pool, Farmacy’s nourshing skincare is absolutely worth exploring.
My recommendations incude:
Ulta Beauty
Ulta is one of my favorite places to mix prestige brands with affordable finds.
This week, I’m browsing:
Hair masks - Amika Soufood Nourishing Mask
Dry shampoo - IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo
SPF - Supergoop PLAY everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen w/Sunflower Extract
Drugstore makeup - Maybelline BUY 2 GET 1 FREE
Fragrance - YSL Libre Eau de Parfum (my current obsession)
It’s also a great time to use rewards points if you’ve been saving them.
ULTA is having the Buy 1 Get 1 FREE minis - you can mix & match over 700+ select minis.
Sephora
Sephora’s beauty events often include some of the year’s best values on skincare and makeup sets.
If you’re already planning to restock your everyday essentials, now is a smart time to compare prices before checking out.
My shopping list includes:
Lightweight tinted moisturizers - Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Vitamin C serums - Caudalíe Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Sport Serum
Lip oils - Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
Cream blushes - Rhode Pocket Cream Blush
Setting sprays - Patrick Starr On ‘Til Dawn
Editor’s Picks: If I Could Only Buy Five Things This Week…
If I had to narrow it down, these are the pieces I’d add to my cart first:
✨A classic pair of white leather sneakers that work with dresses, denim, and trousers.
✨A linen-blend button-down that will carry me from beach days to crisp September mornings.
✨ A structured crossbody bag in a neutral color that I’ll reach for year-round.
✨ A hydrating moisturizer to help repair all the damage summer sunshine can do.
✨ One versatile dress that practically gets dressed for me — comfortable enough for brunch, polished enough for dinner, and easy enough to throw on without a second thought.
Before You Click “Checkout”…
A good sale doesn’t mean buying more — it means buying better.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become much more intentional about what earns a place in my closet. I’d rather own fewer pieces that fit beautifully, feel comfortable, and make me excited to get dressed than chase every trend that pops up on my social media feeds.
So before you hit that checkout button, ask yourself:
Will I still love this when the leaves start changing?
If the answer is yea, you’ve probably found yourself a winner.
Happy shopping—and I’ll be back next week with another roundup of the fashion and beauty sales actually worth your time (and your closet).
Until next time …
Hi, I'm E. Lynn Jimenez, founder of The Hollow Quill and the voice behind Stilettos & Mascara. I believe great style should be effortless, comfortable, and confidence-boosting—especially for women over 40. Here, you'll find wearable fashion, timeless wardrobe inspiration, and practical style ideas that help you look polished without sacrificing comfort.
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Browse Inspiration from Sandalwood & Serenity | by The Hollow Quill
Looking to refresh your wardrobe without paying full price? I've rounded up the best end-of-summer fashion and beauty sales happening this week, featuring editor-approved finds from DSW, White House Black Market, Madewell, LOFT, Talbots, Banana Republic, Farmacy Beauty, Sephora, Ulta, and more. Whether you're shopping for timeless wardrobe staples, comfortable shoes, or skincare favorites, these are the deals worth adding to your cart before they're gone. Shop smarter, save more, and step into fall in style with Stilettos & Mascara by The Hollow Quill.