Summer Essentials with a Twist From Nordstrom
Nordstrom sponsors this post. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that work with AWSL.
When most people talk about summer wardrobe essentials, they show you the same old list of plain white tees and chino pants. But to me, a real summer essential is anything that keeps you cool, doesn’t require an iron, and makes you feel alive when it’s ninety degrees outside.
By reader request, I’ve stepped out of my usual neutral comfort zone to share some colorful pieces and patterns that hit all those marks. They have the practical logic you need for the heat, but with a little extra fun built-in.
This Faherty Lucia dress practically jumped into my hand. A throw-on-and-go dress is the ultimate summer essential. The styling is simple, the red is vibrant, and the fabric feels cool to the touch. It’s made from 100% organic cotton with adjustable straps and a smocked bodice for a nice, fitted look. The medium fit me, but I prefer this small, which fits more snugly up under my arms.
I know many ladies like to have some arm coverage, so I tried some options. On the left, I’m wearing this linen blend, Nic + Zoe Bolero cardigan in true red… I have several of their short linen cardigans and find them to be absolute essentials in the summer.
The color match is extraordinary, and they looked like they belonged together. This shape also comes in a silver wisp neutral that would go with everything.
On the right, I styled it with this Halogen Eyelet Embroidery Shirt. I’m seeing a lot of both eyelet and embroidery this season, and was happy to find this one that isn’t over-the-top girly. The structured, boxy shape makes it a perfect piece to pop over things as a third layer, or you could button it closed over a tank top.
This Halogen Pintuck Skirt is a cotton-linen blend with a touch of spandex for comfort. It’s a medium chambray color that looks crisp for summer. The gently flared A-line shape gets some structure from the pintucks, which draw the eye up and down to elongate the look. It comes in regular length, but I was thrilled to find it comes in petite.
I topped it with this pretty Halogen Striped Front-Tie Sleeveless sweater. This is a sweater tank with a “semi-cardigan” permanently styled over the shoulders. I say semi because in the back, you see just the smooth bottom of a cardigan with the sleeves perfectly placed. I love styling a cardigan over my shoulders, but they can get bunchy, and this solves the problem. This also comes in two other color combos.
This Vince Camuto Placed Floral Midi dress is as light and airy as can be! It skims the body with bra-friendly straps and would be as perfect with flip-flops as it would be dressed up for a casual dinner out. The rayon is a breathable fabric that feels cool to the touch, so you know it’s comfy to wear. The brand says it runs large, but I didn’t find that to be the case on me in this petite medium.
Patterned wide leg pants are having a huge moment this summer, and Nordstroms has many pretty options. These Halogen Easy Wide Leg pants spoke to me because they’re a linen/rayon blend with a hidden side zipper, side pockets, and machine-wash, tumble-dry. Who wants to mess with hang-dry and ironing when it’s hot out? Not me. To me, any pants that are machine-washable and dryable are a summer essential.
This Halogen Ruffle Neck Flutter sleeve top is eye-popping in pink peacock. It’s made from airy and cool 100% cotton. The hip length means you can tuck or not, depending on what you’re pairing it with.
Here’s another patterned pant, this time an all-over geometric. These Halogen Relaxed Drawstring Satin pants are a navy print with an elastic waistband and drawstring. Multi-tasking pieces like this are perfect travel essentials, and I think these would also make a great cover-up for the pool.
I tucked in this Caslon Swing Sleeveless top. It has a wider bottom and a slight A-line shape, but I tucked it in to show the waistband. Plus, because the pants are full, I wanted something closer to my body on top. This is a great layering piece made from a cotton blend that comes in eight colors. I tossed this simple Caslon cardigan over my shoulders for some added styling, and you can see how much better it looks when the cardigan is styled into the top like the sleeveless sweater above.
A lightweight third layer is often a welcome summer essential for coverage when the air conditioning feels like a freezer. This Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Gauze Jacket has been on my radar for a few weeks, and if they’d had a petite small in the store, it probably would have come home with me. It’s just structured enough with welt pockets in front and white buttons. I know many people don’t care about the color of the buttons, but these blend in rather than drawing attention.
I paired it with this Caslon Straight Fit Stripe Knit Midi skirt in navy and white. It’s 100% cotton with a decided nautical vibe and a corded drawstring. It has a modest slit in the back for ease of movement and is super comfy to wear. This also comes in tan and white, but I’m partial to the navy.
If you’ve been here long, you know that a large portion of my wardrobe comes from Nordstrom. They have a big selection in the store, but the online is even better. The free shipping and returns can’t be beat, so I can order a few sizes and send back what doesn’t fit.
I spotted this sign at the door, and the buzz I heard from several customers sounded exciting, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they have this year.
Are you wearing patterned pants this summer?
Loved all the outfits today, you looked great in all of them.
You look terrific in your red dress! I hope you like red well enough to enjoy wearing it. Red is a color I have trouble wearing. It looks okay but it is my taste I can’t get around. My mother dressed me in red all the time as a child and I took a dislike of it very young. It looks good on others. The flower blooming pants look great and fun. Linen rayon blend is so comfortable and cool to wear and wash and dry and hang. No iron needed.
I rememer a pair of bright red floral pants my mother sewed for me in elementary shcool. I loved them.
I love the red on you!! I know it’s very different for but it is very striking.
It’s taking my eye some time to get used to it.
Oh my goodness! I love it all! I need to be DONE purchasing for my trip (!!!!) but now I have the beautiful Halogen Ruffle Neck Flutter Sleeve Top in the pink peacock and the Caslon Straight Fit Stripe Knit midi Skirt on there way. Now, I just have to put together my capsule wardrobe that will fit in an int’l carryon for 3 weeks. Yikes! So many wonderful ideas from your blog over the past year I have been reading! Thank you!
Good luck packing!
You look terrific in that red dress. And kudos on the red jeans…….I had already purchased a similar pair from Talbots or I’d be adding the Good American version you bought. There seems to be a lot of red available this summer, perhaps due to the USA’s 250th? Warm reds are good for me so I have made a number of purchases. I too prefer a subdued red to something so vibrant, my coloring goes better with softer versions these days.
Just WOW, great job and at Nordy’s, my favorite store!
You branched out!!! love it!!!
What is the length of the Good American jeans? I don’t see it listed on Nordstrom website. I’m petite so they will probably be full length on me but I love the color. I don’t wear red close to my face but I would love these as a change to my usual blue denim.
They seem about 28″ to me. I may have to have mine shortened.
I usually pack one pair of colourful printed pants with a solid top to take on vacation for cooler nights. To me they are playful, loose and comfy.
Slam dunk on every outfit! And I just ordered the Halogen pants:)
They’re fun.
I hope you bought the red dress, black dress, and the pink top and the flowered pants! They look fabulous on you!
The dress is in my closet. Now let’s see if I wear it.
Wear it, wear it! Listen to your readers! It looks GREAT!
You look WONDERFUL in the bright and patterned pieces! Inspirational, in fact, to go beyond the usual. But I do have a question…about skirt lengths. I bought a wonderful summer-weight skirt in maroon. It hits at almost the ankle. I am 5’1-1/2”, in my 80s, and not thin…and never wear skirts that long. I will spend perhaps $20 to have the skirt shortened. Can I wear it long? Shorten it? Return it? Any advice will be appreciated.
Hemlines look best when they stop at a spot where your leg narrows. If this is not a petite skirt, I assume it was intended to end somewhere on your calf. I’d hem it to just below your calf for a nice proportion.
Wow. You look gorgeous in these colors. So glad you ditched the beige and other blah colors — I wonder if you were “influenced” to go neutral? Regardless, seeing you in brighter colors, including the black and white print, is refreshing.
No I wasn’t influenced to wear neutrals, I’m most comfortable in them. I discussed why here.
Super interesting post, thanks for calling my/our attention to it. After reading your thoughts about quiet neutrals and sensory preferences, I get it. We should wear what makes us most comfortable — thank you!
I think I will always prefer neutrals because they feel soothing and life has enough challenges these days. However, color is fun!
Agreed, you look great in the red and I hope the Vince dress came home with you – FABULOUS! Also, the red earrings and red jeans will be far apart, so I think you could wear them together!
Good point!
Red? Why not? Jennifer
You look beautiful in that red dress. I like red coral, red pepper and orange red colours. I recently bought skinny leather belt, red shoes and red bum bag. Bag and shoes will not go together. Some ladies wear red belt and red bangle bracelet .
That sounds so fun! I’ve got a colorful bag on my radar because I usually wear so many neutrals.
The red midi dress looked fabulous on you. It was the perfect shade of red.
It is!!
Some cheerful looks, and the red is gorgeous — just a standout dress and perfect with the bolero. I am going to disagree about hanging out clothes, and summer is the only time to do it. I live near the ocean, and we have a lovely breeze most days. My clothes (with a few exceptions like Oxford shirts) come out perfectly; no ironing needed. And they smell wonderful. My husband does a lot of the hanging out as he’s tall, but I’d do it all if I had to. A little exercise is helpful — exercise above shoulder level is especially beneficial — and daily activities add up. Plus, you’re helping the planet and saving money by not running the dryer.
Oh, to lived near the ocean! You’re so fortunate Maeve. I have to use a drying rack in the laundry room. Totally agree about lifting overhead. We loose strength there so easily.
Fabulous looking items today, Jennifer. You look very natural in color as well as neutrals. Both necessary color ways for a great wardrobe.
I’m excited for the Nordy’s anniversary. Thank you and have a great weekend.
I have always loved you in that summer season strawberry red!!! I think I’m where you are this summer. Base wardrobe covered (black, white, navy, taupe) and I am craving color and some pattern besides stripes. However, the patterned pants are not for me. Wide and patterned seem like a lot for my frame, though I would wear a bright solid color. Maybe a monochromatic print to get me out of my comfort zone?
That’s a great place to start. Just between you and Shari, I’ve ordered and returned 4 pairs of striped pants looking for the unicorn that feels right.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love seeing you in some different colors and prints. I’m totally a print girl, so Plain Jane stuff just doesn’t do it for me. Tried to buy those knit sandals that you showcased, but alas, they are sold out in most sizes in wide width. I may have to check back later and see if they restock. By the way, I love Nordstrom as well but unfortunately there is not one close to me in either of my homes. I would love to go in and try things on. That’s part of the reason I love your try ons; I’m living vicariously through you! Have a great weekend!
I do hope they restock those sandals too. I’ve always loved the brand. I’m heading back in soon for colorful swimsuits so that should be fun.
Yep….I’m wearing pattern pants this year and have gotten so many compliments when I do. I was unsure of my comfort level at first but I’m on board now and love the modern trend look for our hot summers (it did take me some time to find a pattern and color combination that I liked and also the fabric material content was important….no easy task).
I think they’re such a fun look.