15 Cool Selects for Hot Summer Occasions
Staples you’ll reach for all season long.
By 
As soon as Memorial Day hits, summer begins—at least according to the sartorial calendar by which we live. And whether the temperatures near you call for layering moments or you’re in search of the perfect minidress that looks effortlessly airy (and, bonus, breathes well enough to keep you from sweating profusely), stocking your closet with appropriately seasoned staples is key to feeling your chicest.
Indeed, you want pieces that are sleek and fashion-forward without so much of a hint of finicky. You know, ones that are cool in every sense of the word, so no matter what amalgamation of social events makes up these months—which are sure to fly by, be warned—you’ll have easy options to reach for in even the most hurried moments. Translation: Buy right, and your outfits will all but build themselves.
Sound ideal? We’ve rounded up 15 of our most covetable picks this year, all available at Nordstrom, which for those in the know is truly the one-stop summer style shop. Each is ideal for various iterations of a summer soirée, so you’ll be prepared for anything your scene throws at you. And there’ll be no need to pack them all away when Labor Day approaches, either—switch straight over to autumnally appropriate with a well-placed turtleneck or a forever-fashionable leather jacket as September creeps in.
Read on for our favorites, and we’ll see you by the pool (with your latest straw tote, no doubt).
The perfectly red accent and a flattering mid-thigh length make this number flirty and feminine without feeling saccharine. Wear it to cocktails on the sand with comfortable wedges and sculptural sunnies.
Forget borrowed-from-the-boys—this oversize dress screams “laid-back fashionista.” Subtle striping and a billowing silhouette make it ideal for a morning coffee run in town.
With a body-skimming cut and beachy hues of peach and blue, this knit dress feels like a cover-up that got a glow-up. It’ll quickly become a closet staple, and don’t worry, it can stay that way: You can wear it with a white oxford shirt underneath to a luncheon in fall, too.
It’s giving Upper East Side vibes, with an approachably cool sensibility that we’re here for. Wear this pick with gladiator sandals or flatforms and an oversize day clutch for maximum effect.
The perfect blouse balances form and function, and this cargo shirt hits the intersection on the nose. Well-placed oversize pockets provide just the right touch of dimension, and the flattering volume is ideally tuckable.
Whether or not you’re into the whole matching-set thing, these cargo shorts are a must. Pair them with the coordinating top, or reach for a more pared-back white tank top. Either way, slides with an oversize footbed round out the look.
It’s your classic blue-striped button-down—with an ultra-modern take. A fun silhouette and short sleeves make the wearable blouse feel updated and sophisticated, yet still low-key enough for a farmer’s-market hop.
A feminine mule complete with low-height heel and floral motif makes for a great summer shoe. The off-white neutral shade is wearable with nearly anything in your closet, to boot.
Shorts-with-heels is the chic look for summer. Pair these with a strappy sandal or even a stiletto pump for a very of-the-moment vibe.
With a sheer weave and simple silhouette, this anything-but-basic tee is just the right amount of sexy. Wear yours with a monochrome bralette and wide-leg trousers for sunset cocktails.
Flexible and airy, this denim is as soft and comfy as it looks. Pair the jeans with a white baby tee or boxy cardigan and pull-on wedges for a no-brainer outing look you’ll love.
The chunky hoop is having a moment—and it’s the most wearable trend of the season. Dress these up with matching metal, or pull on mixed bangles for a more daytime look.
If fulfilling your skater-girl-that-never-was dreams is on your sartorial bucket list, these cropped pants are the ticket. Wear them to a game (professional or your 6-year-old’s, either will do) with a classic white tank and fashion sneakers.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of straw totes on the market—how’s a gal to choose? Our advice: Go for a classic design with quality materials and stylish details that make all the difference. This AllSaints one nails the look, with a cute handle, a longer shoulder strap, and a wearable soft black hue we love.
Don’t shy away from a logo moment, particularly when it’s as classic as this one. The slip-on design makes it right for running-out-the-door afternoons when you want something better than a flip-flop, but nowhere near fussy. It comes in tons of fab colors, too.
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