There’s something about that last Monday in May. The grill comes out, the pool finally gets used, and every retailer on earth decides to run a sale at once. Memorial Day Weekend is my favorite shopping window because the discounts are real — not the leftover markdowns you get later.
This year I’m sticking to three rules: buy summer pieces now instead of waiting for Labor Day, skip trends and stock up on basics, and only restock beauty items I already love. Here’s what made my cart.
Apparel: What’s Worth Buying
I thought about this category the hardest because everything feels on sale. These are the pieces that earn a spot:
- Hunza G Swimsuit — cult-favorite brand, 50% off right now. There are more styles on sale if you browse their full collection.
- Top & Shorts Set — this flirty matching set was already on my summer list. It’s 20% off with code MEM20 at checkout.
- Red Sandals — an easy pop of color to elevate a white tee and denim shorts. I’m also eyeing the denim mini dress from the same sale. Use code LONGWEEKEND for 25% off dresses, tees, and shoes — plus an extra 30% off sale items.
- Cotton Sweater — I wore this one all spring and might grab a backup for cooler summer nights. A lightweight jacket from the same brand caught my eye too.
- Linen Shorts — longer length, timeless details. The store is 40% off most items and 50% off dresses and swim right now.
One I’m passing on: the black croc Toteme t-lock bag. I already have the ecru version and buying my favorite bags in new colors has never been my best investment. A Memorial Day discount isn’t enough to make me forget that lesson.
Home: The Sale Weekend Most People Sleep On
Mattresses, bedding, outdoor furniture, rugs — everything gets marked down hard this weekend. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading any of these, it’s now:
- Boll & Branch Sheets — I’ve slept on their signature line for years and want to try the crisp percale version. Code MDW20 gives 20% off bundles.
- Fluted Planter — I eyed this last year. It’s on a major sale plus an extra 20% right now. I’m picturing the long trough shape on our outdoor coffee table.
- Bath Towels — I restock these once every few years, always on Memorial Day. These look extra soft and come in a larger sheet size too.
- Vases — this pair caught my eye recently. The whole site is 20% off right now with plenty of decor finds.
- Bathrobe — I already have the grey one and use it daily. Code SUN25 gives 25% off orders $250+.
- Bed Pillows — a friend has these in standard, crescent shape, and even toddler size. She loves them all.
Beauty: Restock What You Already Love
Honestly, beauty Memorial Day sales aren’t usually as deep as the November ones. But a few of my favorites are worth grabbing if you’re running low:
- Eyebrow Serum — my friends and I swear by this growth serum and its lash counterpart. We’ve tried a lot over the years and these actually work when you’re consistent. The brush makes it easy to really work the product in. Code SUN gives 25% off at checkout.
- Hair Mask — I rotate through several masks and this has been a faithful one over the years.
- Hand Cream — great to restock on sale and always handy as a gift. Code BEAUTY20 works at checkout through 5/23.
One I’m passing on: anything new. Memorial Day is my “restock what I already love” weekend for beauty, not the time to start a routine I’ll abandon by July.
A Few Things In Between
- Sweatshirt — if you haven’t noticed, this is my new favorite. The color helped but the fit is really what sold me. A couple colors are on sale right now.
- Infrared PEMF Mat — a friend uses this every single day. It’s basically a large heating pad with electromagnetic currents, and she habit-stacks it before bed alongside her red light face mask. Code MDW20 gives 20% off.
- Trudon Candles — small luxuries that always make the cart on sale. I love the scent on one particular candle and the special vessel on another. Great to stock up for gifts too. Code BEAUTY20 through 5/23.
The Best Memorial Day Sales at a Glance
Here’s a quick reference for the biggest retailers running deals this weekend:
- Abercrombie: 20–40% off almost everything
- Anine Bing: Up to 40% off sale items
- Anthropologie: Extra 40% off sale
- Banana Republic: 30% off full-priced purchases
- Bloomingdale’s: Up to 65% off select styles + Designer Event up to 40% off
- J.Crew: Up to 40% off select styles + 50% off swim
- Levi’s: 30% off sitewide
- lululemon: Various items on sale
- Madewell: 25% off select styles + extra 30% off sale (code LONGWEEKEND)
- MANGO: 30% off everything with code SALE30
- Nordstrom: Up to 60% off during Half-Yearly Sale
- Pottery Barn: Extra 20% off select items
- Sephora: Up to 50% off select beauty
- Wayfair: Up to 70% off
Worth It?
The verdict: Worth it. Memorial Day Weekend is one of the few sale events where the discounts across apparel, home, and beauty are all genuinely useful — not just marketing noise. Buy the summer pieces you’ll wear all season and restock what you already know you love. Skip anything new in beauty.
FAQ: Memorial Day Shopping
When does the Memorial Day sale end? Most retailers run deals through Monday, but some codes (like BEAUTY20 at Revolve and Trudon) expire on 5/23. Check individual store policies.
Is Memorial Day a good time to buy summer clothes? Yes — this is actually the best window. Labor Day sales are for end-of-season clearance, so you’ll miss most of the wearing season if you wait.
Should I try new beauty products on Memorial Day? Probably not. The discounts aren’t as deep as Black Friday or November sales. Use this weekend to restock proven favorites instead.
A note from Dana: I once bought a “waterproof” phone case that lasted one beach trip. Since then, I’ve learned to check reviews, compare dupe options, and read return policies before adding anything to my cart. These Memorial Day deals passed all three tests — at least the ones in my cart did.
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