Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale for Men – Over 7,000 items
Yep, seven thousand. That’s a lot of browsing. The Half-Yearly Sale for Men happens every year right after the holidays, as well as in the middle of June. It’s sort of a mid season clearance, but it’s more than just leftovers and extreme sizes. Nordstrom always cuts prices on a ton of desirable staples, and plenty of splurge items lurk in this event as well.
Keep in mind that Nordstrom runs more expensive than Macy’s, so not all of these picks will be seen as cheap (or all that affordable) to many. Items below had at least a good size selection at post time unless otherwise noted. Meanwhile, all items do ship and return free.
Calibrate Trim Fit Gingham Dress Shirt – $38.90 ($59.50)
One of the best off-the-rack shirts for fit and construction out there, and now under $40. Not crazy tight / skinny, but nicely tapered at the waist and the arms have been slimmed down as well. Terrific collar. Non-iron finish could be a touch softer, but it’s not itchy stiff either. More on this shirt over here. From the younger leaning Nordstrom house brand “Calibrate”.
To Boot New York ‘Mason’ Double Monk Strap Slip-On – $199.90 ($325)
Tough to find well made double monks under two-hundred. Especially with some half-brogue details like the medallion on the cap toe seen here. Also available in black.
Bonobos Cotton Blazer in Navy or Grey – $184.25 ($275)
Ah. That’s right… Bonobos is sold at Nordstrom. Interesting that these blazers are labeled by Nordstrom as a “Regular” fit instead of Trim. Limited sizes in the navy.
Brooks Bros. Milano Fit Trousers in Oxford Cloth or Seersucker – $65.98 ($98)
The Milano fit is the trimmest of all Brooks Brothers fits, and is even a little too trim for some. A couple of summer pant option here, two in oxford cloth and another in seersucker. Not bad for a Gatsby party if you have one coming up. Casual cloth, but not casual thanks to the pressed crease.
Meanwhile, over at Bonobos, you can get their Oxford Pants for $78.40 when you use the 20% off code OXLEY20. Code is good through Sunday 6/16, and works only on the Oxleys (still works even if they’re on sale).
Transcript ‘Sandoval’ Buck Shoe – $72.90 ($110)
Assuming the quality is as decent as their grey suede tassel loafers… then these would be a steal. Nice and trim shape, three colors to pick from, and a great price when you include the free shipping & returns.
Bonobos Chambray Blazer – $199.66 ($298)
Would you? Or is this shade of chambray just a little too Mom-Jeans like?
Sperry Cut-Edge Leather Belt – $36.85 ($55.00)
Interesting buckle. Casual for sure. Meanwhile, there’s also a woven cotton option (different buckle) over this way.
Brooks Brothers Slim Fit Non-Iron Gingham Dress Shirt – $58.96 ($88)
Just the “Slim” fit, not the “Extra Slim” fit. Green, pink, and purple over here… while the light blue can be found over here.
Cole Haan Air Stanton Cap Toe Suede – $129.90 ($198)
Always nice to have a pair of suede cap toes on hand. They go extremely well with jeans. The right play when your regular, polished leather dress shoes look a little out of place up against a summer suit or other warm weather clothes. These also claim to be waterproof.
Dockers Alpha Khaki – $39.53 ($59)
Not your Dad’s big, balooning Dockers circa 1997. Quite the opposite. Trim enough that some think they’re too trim. But if you’ve been curious, now’s not a bad time to take them for an in-home spin, thanks to the free shipping and returns. Tons of colors, sizes are scattered depending on which shade you want. More shades and sizes over here for $66.
UPDATE: Check out Urban Outfitters for the Alpha at $29.99. Hat tip to jmp4080 in the comments. Free shipping doesn’t kick in until $50 at U.O., but you’re not on the hook for return fees. They send along a pre-paid label.
Allen Edmonds Players Wingtip – $223.90 ($335)
An awfully well loved wingtip from Allen Edmonds. Not a true oxford, so that makes them a bit more casual with all that broguing, but still made here in the States and built like a tank.
1901 Cotton Knit Tie – $16.75 ($25.00)
Cotton. Not silk, and not poly. Nine colors of stripes to choose from, including a nice and subtle grey.
John W. Nordstrom Trim Fit Dress Shirt – $49.90 ($79.50)
Y’know how plenty of us have a couple white dress shirts, but one of them is the “good” shirt? This might be your new “good” shirt. The Johwn W. Nordstrom line is upgraded materials and construction, and the herringbone pattern on this white dress shirt gives it a subtle depth.
Brooks Brothers Stripe Canvas Belt – $32.16 ($48.00)
A summer staple. Also available in red/blue. Another option is the ribbon belt which comes in a bunch of other color combinations.
Bonobos Straight Leg Washed Cotton Twill Pants – $58.96 ($88)
Their flagship pant in a few ready for summer colors (which aren’t bright red).
Sassetti ‘Catania’ Monk Strap Slip-On – $264.65 ($395)
Never underestimate the power of a single monk (even though plenty just plain don’t like em’…) Perfect for going tieless. Limited Sizes.
Brooks Brothers Supima Cotton Shawl Collar Sweater – $63.98 ($128)
A nautical look made from cotton that’ll work real well on cool summer nights. Now half off.
Antony Morato ‘Duchessa’ Cotton Blazer – $150.75 ($225)
Has potential to become a good throw-on-and-go sportcoat for the spring, summer, and early fall. Lapels are awfully slim though. Cotton, and claims a trim fit. Partially lined.
Nordstrom Smartcare Trim Fit Dress Shirt in Stripe or Small Check – $42.90 ($65)
Terrific dress shirts. Neck & sleeve measurements, good fabric, and great collars. Could be slimmer through the sides and arms, but perfect for wearing under a blazer or suit jacket.
Emporio Armani Swim Brief – $77.05 ($115)
Just wanted to see if all of those who are quickly scrolling through are still paying attention. Carry on.
Element ‘Caicos’ Board Shorts – $49.58 ($74)
That’s more like it.
John W. Nordstrom Ethan Loafer – $116.90 ($175)
Grey suede tassels! Don’t write em off. A defense for a similar shoe can be found over here. These are made in Italy though, for the upper scale house-brand of Nordstrom.
Michael Kors Trim Fit Plaid Suit – $356.98 ($595)
Hard to find a deep, dark plaid like this. Construction? No word on canvassing. Assume it’s fused then. But if you want something trimmer fitting off the rack that you can wear every once in awhile with some personality…
Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe – $59.96 ($89.95)
Classic with a twist, in the form of red laces and that red sole.
Joseph Abboud Extra Trim Fit or Trim Fit Wool Suits – $465.65 ($695)
This might be one of those items to see if it makes it through the sale period and thus drops further in price. Button stance looks a little high, no word on the canvassing (if any)… but Joseph Abboud has made a bit of a comeback as of late. Keep an eye on the brand as a whole. Made in the USA. Also available in an extra-trim fit plaid and a trim fit pinstripe.
Cole Haan Air Garret Cap Toe – $129.90 ($198)
As basic as it gets, and obviously closer to $100 than $200. Ships & returns for free.
1901 Rigid Twill Blazer – $66.66 ($99.50)
Looks chopped doesn’t it? Maybe the model is tall? Nice price for sure, and it returns free.
Fossil Estate Briefcase – $99.16 ($148)
Fossil can make some really nice stuff, but they have a tendency to slap their logo all over everything. Good to see that’s not the case here. A casual workplace basic for under a hundred bucks.
1901 “Maui” driving Shoe – $59.90 ($89.95)
Bit of a funky driver, with just enough character if you go with the dark blue & red laces/sole.
Dekko Mode Cotton/Linen Blazers – $197.65 ($295)
Looks like these lean to the showy side. Think there’s that much of a sheen in person? Tails don’t look chopped, the one review online is promising, but this is another item that might drop in price further in the coming weeks.
Billy Reid Henley – $46.80 ($78.00)
How much would you be willing to spend on a henley? Billy Reid is top notch stuff. Reviews are solid, fit is trim.
1901 Carson Lace-Up – $66.96 ($99.95)
Already a good deal at a hundred bucks, and now marked down by a third. Nubuck upper, rubber sole.
Bonobos ‘Travel Jean Straight Leg Jeans – $65.66 ($98)
The well loved Travel Jean from Bonobos. White and a bright true-blue available. Sizes are all over the place.
Hugo Boss Round Case Watch – $176.98 ($295)
Mean! Quartz… and expensive. But Mean! Might want to hold out for a further reduction. 44mm case diameter.
ALDO ‘Arellano’ Wingtip – $82.95 ($125)
Beater casuals. The kind you keep around for wet and cold days in the fall, when you don’t want to risk mucking up a pair of nice shoes.
Gitman Silk Knit Tie – $56.90 ($95)
Expensive even when on sale, but nails it on plenty of fronts. Not a cheap-o tie. You’ll be able to feel the quality with this one. Also available in a green as well as a royal blue. More on-sale Gitman ties can be found over here.
To Boot New York Wholecut – $289.90 ($395)
Good gravy.
If previous Half-Yearly sales are any indicator, these prices usually last for a couple of weeks, with further reduction being taken on some of whatever’s left once its been picked over. Everything should ship and return free.
BANANA HAMMOCK!!!!
Carry on……..(phun intended)
I was so excited about Dockers Alphas, and then…they don’t fit QUITE as skinny as LEC’s ‘slim’ pants, but a pair that fits around my waist is tight enough on the thighs to be unseemly. Pocket-outlines, boxer-brief seams, the whole bit.
Sometimes, as a Washington State resident, I laugh at the idea of *some* days in Fall and/or Winter and/or Spring being wet. Any day not in July or August (and sometimes even in July) can turn into a puddle-filled day at a moment’s notice, and the whole of the October-April stretch has at least damp ground just about every single day most years (though this past winter has been a delightful exception). And this is not a state where you can get away with overshoes/galoshes.
On that note, anyone see any good “beater” (read: normal for WA) shoes in this sale that come in widths?
Those of you with large necks, be warned! I don’t have any experience with the Calibrate line, but the Nordstrom trim fit in the correct neck size is too big for me, at least — and I’m currently of a body shape which has to wear, for instance, Ratio’s classic fit, and for which J. Crew slim fits are really pushing it.
I suspect especially narrow necks will have similar problems, but maybe note.
Alpha khakis are incredible…I own 3 pair.. A must own.
anyone know the sizing on a the brooks brothers sweater?
Im guessing size down?
Brilliant mid way image in this article. Like someone said, Banana hammock, indeed.
Not going to lie….placed my order before I posted this to ensure I got first “dibs”…. a little selfish I know…but…
the alpha khakis in the same exact colors just different names are 29.99 on http://www.urbanoutfitters.com
These are by far my favorite pants. A little difficult to dress up at times but well worth it. I also have extremely skinny legs and find the LEC 608 chinos to fit well. The colors are fun and the stock photos are accurate to what they look like in person.
Is it standard sizing? Would I order my normal 32×30 size or is it like Bonobos where you should size down 1 in the waist?
I would suggest normal sizing. I have maybe….13 pair….and some are 34×32 if i wanted more room in the leg but majority are 33×32 for a slimmer fit.
Going to try those driving mocs, nice find.
Seconded. Size down .5″ in the neck.
Love my Walnut Player’s Shoe. Can’t recommend them enough.
Nice! Updated above…
Only online or in-store too?
I have all three and would state this…
LEC 608 elston are the dressiest out of the the three and also the softest. Im actually wearing the blue pair right now. The leg opening is a little narrow for pants that you want to dress up. I also dont like how large the hem is but great business casual pants.
LEC 608 cormer also have the large hem and sometimes are a bit “weathered” on the hem as well. They look great at purchase but after a wash they are extremely tough to get the wrinkles out.
Alpha. These are my favorite when it comes to fit and practicality. They are a little tough to dress up at times but serve as a great alternative to jeans. They hold up well after a few washes and come in a variety of colors. I cant remember the exact measurements but the leg opening is a little wider than both LEC 608. In my opinion the only change I would make is putting the stitching/seam on the outseam on the inside of the pants… if that makes sense..
Hope this helps and at 29.99 they are definitely worth a shot…
They’re incredible if they fit you. I find that the thighs are way too narrow 🙁
That picture makes the 1901 Carsons look like clown shoes! The toe looks huge.
Regarding the Alpha Khakis and colored chinos in general – if you also like J.Crew chinos make sure to check out the sale section in your local J.Crew B&M because in the past few weeks I’ve seen Classic Fit, Urban Slim, and 484 in similar colors to the Alpha Khakis seen in this sale, and reduced to $19.99 and $29.99 with additional 30% off. I picked up green in Urban Slim for $14, as well as red in Classic for $14. I also saw some yellows (blindingly yellow), blues, bluish-green, purple, etc. Their sales have been going on for a while, so probably not a ton of sizes left – but I’m 32×32 and found some.
Gah, already out of most 15.5 34/35s in the Calibrate and BB shirts.
Anyone have the To Boot NY Monks? The brand seems to be very inconsistent in terms of quality.
Anyone else look at the positioning on the twist tab of that bow shackle belt and just…. wince?
The Garret oxfords are corrected leather for sure. Don’t expect those to last!
Love the maroon soles on the sperry – not McNairy bright, just a little pop. Might have to check ’em out. I wish Sperry threw the maroon soles on the black version – would look like my Billykirk collab Sebagos which I’d like to have a backup for.
Of note, if anyone is looking for a higher-end suit, the Nordstrom-exclusive Joseph Abboud Platinum is down to $667. Saw these in person and they’re REALLY nice. Forgot to ask about canvassing, but I’d be surprised if they’re anything less than half-canvassed.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/joseph-abboud-platinum-stripe-wool-suit/3484151?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=300&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_B
Also, the wholecut show looks like it has seams..
Awwww crap…
http://i.imgur.com/WYW75.gif
Yah i i’m a 32 across the board ……They are awesome..
slim but not skinny..Super versatile
one of the alphas I have is a yellowish gold = “dusty yellow”…They pretty much match with anything.
If I hadn’t already picked up a pair of the grey with blue soles Staffords at JCP (Target didn’t have bucks and I needed something for a Derby party), I’d definitely go for one of those grey bucks. While the blue is a little out of my comfort zone, I’ve gotten a ton of compliments. They’re comfortable; they were like $50 on sale; and since they’re grey, I can wear them with most of my summer wardrobe.
To be fair, that is a good deal on an Armani swimsuit…
I woke up early to check out the sale and even checked Dappered to see if there were any picks up yet. There weren’t, so I got what I got. Then I see this curated list and got more. Enabler. Thanks though.
I have a version of the 1901 knit tie and it is really nice. Thick and substantial.
Can you scope out chinos too? I can’t go until after work today.
For those that prefer carrying card cases over full-sized wallets, here’s a Tumi for $36:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tumi-sierra-id-card-case/3240110?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=4844&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_14_C
I have a pair of TBNY captoe lace ups with a captoe and similar brouging. Quality seems fine after a few months. The leather has wrinkled as expected, but in the right places. The sole seems substantial and the leather, while softer than say the calfskin on AE shoes, seems like decent enough quality.
A step below AE, a step above the Cole Haan’s I’ve had. However, I also only paid $120 at a Saks Off Fifth so my expectations aren’t super high . I’d be hesitant at spending over $200 for TBNY due to the quality concerns, but the current price had me thinking about them. I’m going to hold off and look for a pair that has a cap-toe without brouging.
Yeah, found some yesterday. None of the colours appealed to me, but it’s worth checking out.
How do they compare to the LEC 628 or a Dockers D1?
apparently those UO alphas are a different material, much more thin than what they usually use.
i totally lost my sh** at work when i saw this. you made my day, sir.
thanks for the tip with the John W. Nordstrom shirt. At first they charged me full price but I remembered this post and got them to give it to me for 49
Some nice stuff in here! May cop a knit tie or…6.
Anyone have any comments on the quality or sizing of those Cole Haans?
Sometimes, as a Washington State resident, I laugh at the idea of our state as a soggy wet mess. Drive just a couple hours east and you get 300 plus days of sunshine (although there’s only one Nordstrom on this side).
I have a couple of those John W. Nordstrom trim fit dress shirts and I love them. By far my favorite dress shirts ever.
Woke up to find this tip and i pulled the trigger on the TBNY monks. Definitely the price I was looking for my very first pair, considering the langley was of great fit and quality when I tried it on in their store (been sold on them since I first saw them in the gq feature last august). I’ll be posting pics when I get them for those curious about its quality/how it holds up.
That’s not Washington, that’s western Idaho!
The Mason and the Langley are made on different lasts, so they might not fit the same. I looked at the mason in store and found the soles to be shaped wider than the Langley. It creates a different silhouette. The langleys are also part of the half yearly sale, but they’re a tad bit more expensive ($266). If Nordstrom.com doesn’t have it, hit up the Paramus NJ Nordstrom, and they have a decent stock of them.
Joseph Abboud is apparently half-canvassed… at least in 2010 (http://apparel.edgl.com/news/Joltin—Joe–Joseph-Abboud-s-Big-Comeback63860).
Is the further markdown during the anniversary sale afterwards?
I bought the TBNY double monks featured above and received them yesterday. They seem to be decent quality, agree the leather is softer than AE which makes them more comfortable out of the gate, but they definitely are not the same quality as AE. Hopefully they hold up.
First impressions are they’re worth the $200 (no more), but I have one concern. On both shoes, the strap has a darker, blackish discoloration going right down the middle. It’s similar to the picture, I thought it was just shadowing in the photo but it’s darker in real life as well. Is this normal or should I be returning these? Other than that, they’re beautiful shoes and exactly the style I’ve been searching for.
Nice; I stopped by and only walked away with the Bonobos.
I took that into consideration, I had my true shoe size measured at a J&M where the store manager said that my size is a 9.5B. I do like the chiseled last though.
Woke up early and was able to get the AE McAllisters in black thanks to an earlier post on this thread. I know the Strands are popular on this site, but I like the details on the McAllisters even if they are a little more casual.