With everything from miniskirts and swimsuits to sandals and sunglasses on my radar right now, summer shopping is clearly top of mind. I have a few vacations to plan for, including trips to Nantucket and Cabo, and I'm looking to build out my collection of swimsuits, cover-ups, and all things primed for a beach holiday. I am also spending my first summer in New York City after moving here last year, so I have some gaps in my wardrobe to fill.
If you are similarly on the hunt for summer shopping finds, I've rounded up my top picks. Each find is from Nordstrom to make it a one-stop, one-cart shopping trip for your order. Though there are thousands and thousands of items on Nordstrom.com, I narrowed it down to my top five recommendations. If you are ready for more shopping after that, there are plenty more options to add to your cart.
Shop my top 5 must-buy finds:
My top pick for summer is this two-tone one-piece swimsuit from Solid & Striped. After researching the major swim trends for summer 2024, contrasting trimming stood out as one of the biggest of the season. The black-and-white colorway has proven to be especially popular as we continue to see the impact of Chanel's resurrected archival swimwear designs on its S/S 22 runway designed with two-tone contrast trim. If you buy one swimsuit this summer, make it this.
As we continue to see the rise of sophisticated, elegant fashion, new silhouettes are on the rise. Specifically, we are seeing a huge surge in midi dresses with scooped necklines, fitted bodies, and A-line skirts. Reformation just dropped a dress that checks all of these boxes in a white colorway that is versatile enough to wear everywhere from a date night to an event to a summer vacation.
Ballerina flats took over in 2023, and we saw them reimagined in updated styles such as Mary Janes, mesh iterations, and versions covered in rhinestones. Styles such as the Alaïa mesh flats proved to be so popular that they were nearly impossible to buy. The flat shoe style is evolving yet again, and in 2024, pointed leather flats are rising to the top of the must-buy list.
A great linen shirt is a smart buy for summer, in part because of just how transitional it is. In the city, it easily pairs with linen pants, jeans, and tailored shorts finished with a leather belt and slingback flats. On vacation, too, it's a workhorse piece to use as a cover-up to layer over a swimsuit or pair with a colorful sarong or Missoni skirt. This version from Mango has classic lines and is a wallet-friendly buy at $60.
Ever since Lié Studio launched its jewelry a few years ago, I became a fast fan and practically never leave the house without one of the brand's pieces on. My top buy for summer? The Louise Drop Earrings. I already own them and have been wearing them on repeat, and I can confirm they are the perfect earrings to add to looks for everything from date nights to summer weddings.
Shop more Nordstrom summer items:
Hunza G's swimsuits are so good that I've been collecting them in multiple styles and colorways.
When it comes to investment pieces, the Celine Triomphe Sunglasses are a smart buy. They were introduced several years ago but continue to be an in-demand piece among the fashion set. The time-tested sunglasses have entered the sphere of modern classics to wear this summer and beyond.
Swap these in for ripped denim styles.
This color is perfect.
This shape instantly makes a simple tank top feel more elevated.
A great pair of linen pants are essential for summer.
I'm heading to Cabo next month, and this feels like an essential.
These feel very Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
The Tory Burch dress every fashion person wants to get in their closets.
Pair perfectly with a leather belt.
I love everything about this piece, from the color to the '60s-shift-dress silhouette.
An outfit finisher.
I've been eyeing this set for months.
Editors rave about Madewell's Mary Jane flats.
The exact shape I want to wear all summer long.
Cigarette pants are about to take over.
I've been on the hunt for great tennis pieces.
I don't wear much color, but a pop of red feels right for summer.
I'm imagining wearing this to a beachside dinner on vacation.
Another great white button-down.
Gorgeous.
Multiple editors on our team own this staple.
This feels primed for a tropical wedding guest look.
Everything about this top.
To wear with the matching top, a tee, or a button-down.
Well, this is fun.
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