These Nordstrom Summer Basics Are *Chef's Kiss*

If I had to choose one word to describe my summer aesthetic it would be "relaxed"—this is the season I really lean into laid-back looks and keep my outfits relatively simple. Maybe it's the scorching temperatures, but I find myself wanting to put less energy into styling outfits and instead rotate through a series of more straightforward looks. That's why I make it a point at the beginning of every summer to arm myself with a collection of quality basics to build my seasonal wardrobe around, as these are the pieces that do the heavy lifting. I always make sure my assortment of T-shirts, tanks, shorts, dresses, button-downs, etc. are updated to carry me through summer.

So with summer on the horizon, I started to take my annual inventory of seasonal staples and note the areas I need to fill in. Once I have that list, I always head straight to Nordstrom. I find the retailer's basics game to be top-notch, with most of my favorite brands all available in one place. This season is no different, and I've curated quite the list of staples I'm currently eyeing to add to my closet. Below, I'm sharing my favorite elevated summer basics from Nordstrom, from cotton maxi dresses to tailored linen shorts to classic slide sandals, in case you're in the market as well. 

Meet the internet's favorite maxi dress.

Everyone needs a good white shirt in their closet.

The maxi-skirt trend gets a summer makeover.

If you only purchase one shirt for summer, make it a white tee.

There's a reason people are obsessed with Skims tees.

The braided detail makes these stand out. 

I'm obsessed with trousers at the moment. 

You can never have too many white T-shirts.

A color that can be worn with virtually anything. 

Heels that are actually comfortable.