Nordstrom summer fashion under $150 quick picks
Best dress: ASTR the Label Maeve Floral Midi Sundress
Best top: Free People Costa Eyelet Top
Best bottom: Spanx Get Moving 14-Inch Skort
Best swim: Andie Malibu One-Piece
Best shoes: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals
Temps are heating up, and as we all collectively start wearing (a lot) less clothing, it’s time to take stock of our wardrobes and add some key summer fashion pieces. Luckily Nordstrom, one of our favorite style destinations, has hundreds of affordable options to peruse. Per usual, women’s fashion is chock full of trends right now, from matching sets and Sambas-mania to tenniscore, coastal cowgirl and beyond. And then there are also the warm weather staples to consider, like classic summer dresses, linen pieces and, of course, bikinis and one-piece swimsuits.
“Summer is all about being comfortable and free in your own clothes and skin,” says Los Angeles- and London-based celebrity styling team Jaz + Sarah. “True expressions of people’s personalities are shown through summer fashion based on the bright colors, prints and fabrics. It’s one of the best seasons to have fun and show your best attributes.”
North Park Dallas-based Nordstrom stylist Jon Adams adds, “Focus on buying natural fabrics like linen and cotton, which will allow for breathability to keep you cool. Also, look for more boxy fits and things that are less clingy to the body.” As for what not to wear? Well, Adams had thoughts on that too. “Sheer skirts and the no-pant trend,” he says. “This is really showstopping on the runway, but I don’t see a place for it in the regular day-to-day lifestyle.”
If you’re stressed that you have to break the bank on summer fashion Jaz + Sarah were quick to note that that’s simply not true. “Absolutely not,” say the stylists. “You can pair a $5 T-shirt and $10 jacket with designer pants and the look will still stand out. People get caught up with designer names and brands — it’s not about what you’re wearing, it’s about how you style and carry it out once you leave your home.”
Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist Tracy Shapoff agrees, saying summer fashion steals are plentiful. “When it comes to clothing, I would recommend spending less on fun printed pieces, as you might not like them by next year. Spend more on solids, basics and pieces that could potentially be styled for other seasons.”
Below, we’re rounding up dozens of affordable summer fashions, from linen dresses and miniskirts to dad sandals, boho tops and even a cowboy hat that looks great on everybody. The best part? Everything on our list is under $150 at Nordstrom.
Best Nordstrom summer dresses
“Red is the color of the season,” Shapoff says. This fire-engine red option from Madewell is among our favorites. Available in sizes 0 to 16, the heavyweight linen minidress has an A-line cut, a scoop neckline and a crisscross back that is feminine and flattering.
Elevated enough for summer weddings and cocktail parties alike, this romantic dress from ASTR the Label is ultra flattering, thanks to the tight bodice — which can be customized with adjustable straps in the back — and that flowy pleated skirt. Available in three floral patterns and sizes XS to XL, this dress is going to be your wedding guest go-to.
The Western trend is going full-throttle this summer, which means anything and everything denim is in style, including this adorable minidress from Free People. Matching a jewel neckline with a pleated shift-style skirt, the relaxed dress can be paired with sandals — or if you’re really embracing the trend, a pair of cowboy boots.
Everyone needs a flirty, floral minidress for summer, and this cutie from Topshop fits the bill. Available in four patterns and sizes 2 through 12, the tiered dress has flutter sleeves and a flounce hem, and will look adorable when paired with sandals, heels, sneakers or boots.
Best Nordstrom summer tops
Cute top alert! “This blouse in Bright White is a great summer piece because the lace detailing and boxy fit allow you to create a fun outfit while staying cool,” Adams says. “I’d pair it with a denim short, espadrille shoes and a straw tote.” Available in sizes XS to XL, the eyelet top is incredibly lightweight, too, making it ideal for hot summer days.
Channel all the bohemian vibes with this gorgeous top. Available in two block prints, the cotton puff sleeves can be worn on top of or off the shoulders, and it comes in sizes XXS to XL.
Looking for a quick way to elevate your summer dress for a cocktail or black-tie event? Add this blazer. Slightly oversized with a cut that covers your tush, the one-button jacket has notched lapels and flap pockets that give off crisp yet relaxed vibes. Available in five colors and sizes XXS to XXL, the blazer is a wardrobe staple worth the investment.
A summer sweatshirt is key for layering on chilly nights — or throwing over a bathing suit after a long day at the beach — and we love the laidback coziness of this Billabong option. Available in four colors/prints and sizes XS to XL, the vintage-inspired crewneck is going to be your summer go-to.
Boxy and cropped to just the right length — hovering below the belly button but above the hips — this soft-as-butter tee from Aviator Nation is a cult-favorite not only because it looks great when paired with denim shorts or sweats but because the brand name has some serious cache. Available in seven colors and sizes XS to XL, the tee has a vintage feel that we’re obsessed with.
Perfect for pairing with jeans and a tank or layering over a summer dress, this cropped linen jacket is for warm weather. Combining a point collar and a boxy silhouette, the lightweight jacket comes in sizes XXS to XXL and three neutral colors, along with Classic Navy. As Shapoff notes, “Soft neutrals are also still going strong.”
Best Nordstrom summer bottoms
Reformation is a go-to for everything from wispy dresses to structured blazers, so it’s no surprise it nailed the perfect summer miniskirt. Easy and breezy, the flowy A-line skirt is made of black linen, has a cute scalloped waistband and comes in sizes XS to XL.
Versatile and comfy, these cargo shorts are a summer staple, according to Adams. “I love the style and color of these shorts,” he says. “The Blue Water hue is a great pop of color that can make a simple outfit easy to style. I’d pair this with a green tank top, a baseball cap and a simple white sneaker.” Also available in gray, white and brown, the drawstring shorts have side cargo-flap patch pockets, in addition to back welt pockets.
Tenniscore is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down, and shapewear brand Spanx makes one of our favorite skirts for the sport. Crisp and just the right length, the Get Moving skort has sculpting inner shorts with a handy ball pocket and a high-rise fit that is sure to be flattering.
We’re always ready to invest in another pair of jeans regardless of the season, and the Good Luck Barrel-Leg Jeans — you know, that cult-favorite style of wide legs that taper at the ankle — are Free People’s number-one seller this year. Subtly distressed, they come in sizes 26 to 30, have a button closure and a mid-rise, relaxed fit, and they are crafted super-soft, nonstretch denim fabric. Read: They’re going to be your go-to jeans all summer long.
The pajama pant trend is riding high this summer, and we like this affordable pinstripe pair because it bridges the gap between real pants and PJs, incorporating the pinstripe pattern and an elastic waist but also featuring a back pocket.
Best Nordstrom summer matching sets
Matching sets are having a moment, and this option from Free People is among Adams’ favorites. “I like this fitted top with the crop length,” he says. “It being paired with a wide-leg pant allows for the easiness of a dress but adds a level of style to your appearance. I’d style this with a dad sandal and a large tote.” Available in sizes XS to XL, the poplin set is perfect for everything from running errands to date night.
“This is a great set to be worn out for a lunch or running errands or straight to the pool as a cover up,” says Adams. “The Beige Beach color just adds to the versatility and ease. I’d style this as a girl on the go and pair it with a running sneaker and an athletic crossover bag.” Available in five colors and sizes XS to XL, the high-quality set consists of a double-weave gauze fabric that is lightweight and super soft against the skin, making it the ideal summer set.
This relaxed black linen set is the perfect travel outfit. The coordinated pair looks put together, but it’ll keep you comfortable with its flowy fit and cooling linen.
Best Nordstrom summer swimwear
Perfect for the beach, pool, boating and everything in between, this flowery one-piece from Billabong is flattering and cute all at once. We love the underwire construction that provides ample support, the cheeky backside coverage and those adjustable straps.
Cult-favorite brand Andie is popular for a reason — all the suits are incredibly flattering, not to mention quality enough that they’ll last you for multiple summers. We love the cool-girl vibe of the Malibu style, which comes in sizes XS to 3X and has a high neckline, adjustable snap buttons and an under-bust elastic for maximum chest support.
Boasting the hottest swim material of the summer — crinkle stretch, of course! — this Always Fits suit from Good American is beloved by shoppers for being super comfortable and providing a universally flattering silhouette. Available in sizes XXS to 5X, the suit comes in four hues and has a high cut that will elongate your legs. For a more traditional cut, check out the brand’s similar one-piece here.
Nothing says summer”quite like a blue-and-white striped bikini, right? Right! We love this nautical-inspired option from Aussie swimwear brand Sea Level, which is available in sizes 4 to 14 and comes in black and white or blue and white.
The matching bottoms offer a high-waist cut and full coverage for a retro feel.
Best Nordstrom summer shoes
Leave it to Larroudé to make the jelly shoes of yore super chic — as that is exactly what the designer shoe brand has done with the Milan Jelly Thong. Durable enough for the pool but stylish enough to wear to dinner and drinks, the Milan comes in eight colors and has a memory foam insole that makes long walks on the beach a breeze.
“This is probably one of the top shoe styles of this summer,” Shapoff says. “The black is fun to dress up or down with a dress or even long white linen shorts. The ivory crochet would style great with a white cotton dress, oversized leather shoulder bag and sunglasses for daytime.” Currently 20% off at Nordstrom, the mesh flats have a square-shaped toe, are ultra breathable and have an adjustable buckle closure.
When asked which trend shoppers should embrace this summer, Adams was steadfast on one. “The dad sandal,” he said. “There are so many versions of this from the classic Birkenstock to every major brand having their own version. I like the monochromatic buckle on this white sandal; it just gives you the summer feels. Pair them with a white midi sundress and straw bag for a quintessential summer look.” Available in three hues, the soft-leather sandal is also insanely comfortable, thanks to the foam-cushioned sole.
One can never have too many summer slides, and that includes this crisscross silhouette from Schutz, which comes in a puffy, smooth leather that feels ultra soft on the feet. Available in three neutral hues, the sandals are the perfect accessory for pretty much every outfit you put together this summer.
When the occasion calls for something a bit more elevated than your everyday flip-flops, consider the Nalani sandals from Aldo. We love the chambray blue (it also comes in a neutral hue), the fringe fabric detailing and that palatable price.
Just because the temps are heating up, doesn’t mean we can start skimping on our workouts. Ensure you get your run in with the Mach 6, Hoka’s lightest sneakers ever that combines creel jacquard uppers with super-critical foam midsoles and strategic rubber outsoles. All of which is to say, the Mach 6 are durable, lightweight and incredibly comfortable, and they comes in six colors, from neutral to electric.
“This sandal is the perfect summer shoe and can be styled with any summer look from shorts and a blazer to a high-waist pant look and, of course, the perfect summer dress,” says Jaz + Sarah. “The heel height is also not too high and great for that fun summer lunch. All the colors are amazing for summer, but our go-to pick would be the white leather style.” Available in 10 colors and fabrics, the Fluxx has a 3-inch heel and an adjustable ankle strap with buckle closure.
The reigning shoe trend of the year? The Adidas Samba, of course! For summer, we love the platform version of the sneaker in this Wonder White/ White/ Silver combination. The neutral, monochromatic palette is perfect for pairing with all your white summer linen ’fits.
Best Nordstrom summer accessories
“This Brixton cowboy hat is the perfect final touch for your summer day and evening look,” says Jaz + Sarah. “Style it with a chic white/cream summer dress or style it down with some great summer shorts, button-down shirt and tie-up sandals. The cowboy hat is the perfect summer accessory and also keeps your face protected from that summer sun.” Made from a chic white straw that’s accented by a slim leather band around the crown, the hat comes in sizes small to XL. If you can’t commit to the cowboy trend, consider instead this cute summer straw hat also by Brixton, that costs half as much.
Anklets are the 2024 summer must-have accessory, and this dainty set from Ettika is perfectly on-trend. Mixing 18-karat-gold plating, turquoise beads and mother-of-pearl, the stackable anklets can be worn together or solo and are sure to look even better with a tan.
Waterproof, packable and able to shake sand away, the Aloha tote is something everyone needs in their vacation arsenal. We love the top-zipper closure, the two zip pockets and the fact that the colorful bag is reversible. Shop the entire Aloha collection here, which includes everything from reversible totes and belt bags to zippered pouches, all in a variety of summery prints.
“These sunglasses are very chic, trendy and affordable,” Shapoff says. “Le Specs has such great-quality glasses. I love the easy oval shape and gold frames in this pair. These are easy to style with anything in your wardrobe, whether that be a pair of black trousers, white button-down and sandals, or a feminine dress like this one for a South of France vibe.” Channeling a ’90s aesthetic, the Poseidon style has adjustable nose pads and also comes in black frames.