I'm a Former Nordstrom Buyer—9 Items I'll Be Styling With My Chic Summer Outfits
Including the coolest sandals.
Susie Wright knows how to create chic outfits. After all, she worked as a Nordstrom buyer for decades (basically her job to tell people what to buy) and posts covetable looks across her social channels (ahem, over 700k followers on Instagram) and her wildly popular site, So Susie. For summer 2026, there are nine specific items Wright is going all in on to create her enviable ensembles.
Below is Wright's summer 2026 must-haves list. You'll find everything from the sandals she'll be wearing all season long to the adorable top that will work flawlessly with shorts and skirts. There are also other elevated basics included in the mix. Keep scrolling for more, along with visual styling inspiration from Wright.
9 Summer Staples, According to a Former Nordstrom Buyer
Drawstring Pants
On Wright: Aritzia pants
"The drawstring pant is the summer piece you'll wear on repeat. Effortlessly relaxed, easy to wear and so stylish—it's become one of my favorite warm weather essentials."
Flip-Flops
On Wright: Madewell skirt; Agolde tank; Christopher Esber flip-flops
"There's something about a simple flip-flop that feels so right this summer. Whether you go for a jelly style or classic Havianas, it's an effortlessly cool finishing touch to any outfit."
Polo Tops
On Wright: Frame top and jeans
"Polo tops are having a major moment — and it's easy to see why. After showing up on runways like Chanel and Celine, it's officially the wardrobe staple of the summer—throw it on with jeans, a skirt, anything. So easy and so chic."
Light-Wash, Loose Denim
On Wright: ASTR the Label jacket and Mother jeans
"Light wash loose jeans are my go-to right now—and for summer they feel just right."
Tassels
On Wright: Anthropologie dress; J.Crew clutch; Gianvito Rossi sandals
"Fringe and tassel details are everywhere right now, and I am obsessed. From bags to long necklaces to dresses, it's such a beautiful detail. This Anthropologie tassel dress is already on my packing list for my European trip next month."
Bright Blue
On Wright: Simkhai dress
"If you want to make a statement this summer, bright, bold color is the answer. There's something about a vivid blue that feels so new and fresh right now."
Midi Skirts
On Wright: Vince cardigan and skirt
"I can't think of a more quintessential summer staple than the midi skirt. The outfit possibilities are truly endless—a simple tank and flat sandal, or dressed up a little more for evening. It's the perfect summer piece."
Woven Accessories
On Wright: Madewell tote and dress
"Woven bags and sandals are my favorite way to add texture to a summer outfit. So versatile, so stylish—and they make everything look just a little more pulled together."
Embroidery/Eyelets
On Wright: Anthropologie skirt
"This beautiful detail is showing up everywhere right now—from skirts to tops to denim—and I love every version of it. Delicate, pretty, and so perfect for summer."
