We're Fashion Stylists—Here Are Nordstrom Items We'd Take to a Deserted Island
As a fashion and shopping editor, I am well-versed in all the trends and have a solid scope of the best-of-the-best pieces available online. There's one resource that I love to use to get further insight and inspiration: fashion stylists. Stylists have a gift for finding chic pieces that are often super practical and full of personality. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to see what's on the radar of some of my favorite stylists as well as what pieces they can't live without at the moment.
I reached out to stylists Samantha Elise, Jill Jacobs, Irene Kim, Gina Marie Barbaro, Bryant Simmons, Serra Geris, and Erin Noël and posed this question: What Nordstrom items would you take to a deserted island? As expected, the results were stylish, ranging from cool beach-ready picks to fall staples they simply refuse to give up—even if isolated in the middle of nowhere. Keep scrolling to check out the 49 incredibly chic pieces that made their lists.
Samantha Elise
Shop Samantha's Top Picks
"A blazer as my top pick shouldn't be surprising. The versatility and warmth—dependent on what kind of island we're on—makes this piece key! I will sleep better at night knowing I have a crisp blazer on or available to me." — Elise
"You really can't go wrong with good denim. This specific length is my favorite, and it feels more elevated than a regular short. In all seriousness, Bermuda shorts have been in my life since I was a little child, and they'll continue to be for a while." — Elise
"Continuing on the theme of versatility, a button-up would be my top of choice. I can wear it open, closed, under my blazer, or layered. Button-ups are great as impromptu seating mats if you're in the grass/outside as well." — Elise
"If we're on an island, it means we're surrounded by water. We can be stranded and still enjoy ourselves. Put me in or nearby water and I promise I'll be fine!" — Elise
"Lightweight, breathable, and unbelievably chic. Simple." — Elise
"These flowy beach pants can be of use as intended or as a statement pant for the evening time. The colors and print are good enough to make me forget the situation I'm in." — Elise
"I cannot go a day without two to three cups of tea truly, so this is essential regardless of the weather or situation. Tea is my small moment of peace and comfort." — Elise
Jill Jacobs
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"This woven Khaite bag is giving 'chic beach day meets practical carryall.' I'm loving the oversized hobo shape." — Jacobs
"You never know what might happen, even when on a deserted island. This Jacquemus dress can be taken from day to night effortlessly." — Jacobs
"Celine makes my favorite sunglasses, hands down." — Jacobs
"I'm obsessed with the cream trim on this black bikini. It gives a classic twist to the more modern, sporty cut." — Jacobs
"Making a flatform slide using raffia, Prada elevates even the most classic of beach-appropriate materials." — Jacobs
"This is as far as I go with utilitarian mentality prepping. You will find me waiting under this adorable umbrella, hoping the island isn't actually deserted." — Jacobs
"I don't go a day without SPF. Supergoop! is definitely a must, especially on a deserted island." — Jacobs
Irene Kim
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"The piece I wear the most is the slouchy wool gray sweater. It's comfortable and cozy and has maximum versatility." — Kim
"I live in flats and prefer them to sneakers and boots. A metallic flat elevates all of my outfits while being super comfortable." — Kim
"For the last year, I've leaned heavily into skirts and dresses over pants and denim. I love the volume and femininity of this Alaïa skirt, which I can easily transition into fall when paired with cozy sweaters." — Kim
"Another essential is the oversized blazer in a neutral like charcoal gray or navy. ACNE does them so well!" — Kim
"I've been living in nylon pull-on shorts all summer because they're so easy to wear and have been surprised by how much I'm able to dress them up. I really like the shape of these navy Zella shorts." — Kim
"Crossbody bags are my go-to, as they're the easiest to carry around, and they keep my hands free. This Proenza bag is a good size (not too big or small), and the color is beautiful and rich." — Kim
"All my tees are from COS mens!" — Kim
Gina Marie Barbaro
Shop Gina's Top Picks
"Even as a fashion lover and stylist, the first thing that comes to mind when I hear island is sunscreen! This is my everyday fave that gets me nonstop compliments on my skin." — Barbaro
"My ideal day is spent entirely in a swimsuit, and I'd be thrilled to be in this one by The Attico. Love the silhouette and slightly thicker ribbed fabric." — Barbaro
"Even on a deserted island, I'd want to keep it chic, and these versatile sandals from The Row are just that." — Barbaro
"This is my go-to lip product, as it's hydrating, has SPF, and a hint of color. Perfect to keep my pout protected in the sun." — Barbaro
"Denim shorts are another easy go-to I'd have to have with me—great to throw on over a bikini and would pair perfectly with the sandals." — Barbaro
"Hats are the best accessory for the sun, combining fashion and skin protection. Love the scale and classic color of this one." — Barbaro
"I love linen for any tropical or warm climate, and this tunic is the perfect neutral piece to throw over a bikini or pair with shorts." — Barbaro
Bryant Simmons
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"Just in case there's a storm!" — Simmons
"Two pants in one with lots of pockets? No-brainer!" — Simmons
"I don't think I've ever traveled anywhere without a pair of Birkenstocks handy." — Simmons
"The fabrication gets softer and softer over time and holds up very well with each wash." — Simmons
"Perfect hat for sun protection for the face and neck. I want to look my best once I make it off the island, ha ha!" — Simmons
"Cozy linen for the hot days." — Simmons
"In the event that I need to do some tough task, I would love these to show and tell the story of being on a deserted island!" — Simmons
Serra Geris
Shop Serra's Top Picks
"There are certain staples in your closet that I believe deserve a good splurge. This Alice + Olivia blazer is one of them. Going into fall, a versatile layering piece like this can be easily transitioned from day to night. Who says you can't be chic while stuck on a deserted island?" — Geris
"While it often feels safe to opt for a high-waisted jean, fall calls for fresh, new silhouettes. This Balenciaga bootcut moment is it. The warm wash lends to the fall color palette, and the relaxed fit gives it a laid-back feel that can still easily be dressed up." — Geris
"Everyone needs a good ribbed tank in their wardrobe, but no need to break the bank. There are so many great options out there at a reasonable cost. The Rag & Bone tank makes for a great closet anchor and can be worn in any context." — Geris
"I absolutely love this Bode cardigan. It's great for layering but also a statement on its own. The double-breasted silhouette is great by itself during daytime but also easily layered under a blazer for those cooler fall evenings. A great transitional piece." — Geris
"As someone who is always on the go, a good bag is crucial. There's nothing 'mini' about the Ashya Mini Slingback Bag. It's the perfect size for everyday essentials. Wear it as a crossbody for daytime, and remove the strap for a handbag look at night. It comes in a variety of colors, but I love the Verde hue for fall." — Geris
"One of my favorite staples this season is the Bermuda short. It's a great way to freshen up a generally classic silhouette. I would wear these Mango raw-hem shorts with the aforementioned classic tank and the Alice + Olivia blazer. Edge it up another notch with a lug-sole Chelsea boot, and you're giving business casual a whole new take." — Geris
"Another great splurge item for fall is your footwear. I strongly believe in high-low when it comes to wardrobe, and a good shoe is where you want to pull out all the stops. It will elevate any look. These Balenciaga Tractor Boots are incredibly versatile. The juxtaposition between the sleek Chelsea boot and the chunky lug sole is what I love the most. This number is tailored, but don't be fooled—she can hike for hours on a deserted island too!" — Geris
Erin Noël
Shop Erin's Top Picks
"I love this chic neutral hat. It's versatile and looks good with every outfit." — Noël
"Anything from SIR is always on my list. This dress is sexy and lightweight at the same time." — Noël
"On or off a deserted island, this pair of sunglasses will be fashionable with any outfit, from a bikini to a simple summer dress." — Noël
Shop the matching Classic Bikini Bottoms ($84).
"I recently wore this bikini in Formentera, Spain, and it passed the deserted-island test! It was perfect for swimming and walking around the beach." — Noël
"Because you need to protect your skin. Plus, you'll smell good at the same time." — Noël
"A cover-up skirt is great for the beach but can also double as a skirt for dinner. Vibrant red is a great vacation showstopper." — Noël
"We all need a chic shoe that is fashionable but also can easily be rinsed off. Melissa shoes are a beach-vacation staple." — Noël
Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.
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