Believe it or not, the official start of summer is less than a week away. If the season snuck up on you before you had a chance to refresh your wardrobe, there's still time to get some last-minute shopping in — and Nordstrom's selection of warm weather essentials is simply too good to pass up this year. To help you sort through the staples that deserve a spot in your closet, Shop TODAY Lifestyle & Fashion Contributor Melissa Garcia stopped by Studio 1A for our latest installment of What to Shop This Week.
Elevated basics are the key to staying cool and comfortable this summer, and our fashionable finds below are sure to help you beat the heat. For starters, now's the time to upgrade any basic baggy T-shirts to breathable Pima cotton crewnecks. Garcia's fitted picks for men and women look perfectly polished, especially when tucked into lightweight linen or athletic shorts. There's also an editor-loved utility dress featuring two front pockets, an adjustable drawcord waist and moisture-wicking fabric for those swelteringly hot days. You can easily dress it down with chunky sneakers or dress it up with strappy sandals — and we found a pair of slides from Steve Madden that are totally trending right now. Everything on Garcia's must-have list is well under $100, but because she knows where to look for the retailer's best deals, she even hunted down a stylish sling bag for 40% off.
From effortlessly chic clothing to surprisingly affordable accessories, consider this season's capsule wardrobe sorted.
Nordstrom summer fashion seen on TODAY
Ready to switch up your belt bag? Garcia says that sling bags are the new hands-free essential this season, and she found a super affordable one so you to get in on the trend. This modern, compact and practical pick is perfect for busy summer days, traveling through the airport or even going to the gym. You can wear it as a cross body or over your shoulder thanks to the adjustable straps, and it features two spacious sections — including a padded zip pocket to protect your phone.
Editor's note: This style has sold out, but we found a similar item you might like below.
This handy belt bag comes in four neutral colors so you can match it to any of your favorite outfits. Not to mention, the two different compartments will help you stay organized on the go.
In search of the ultimate one-and-done summer outfit? Look no further than this throw-on-and-go dress featuring seriously stylish utility. It’s like an exercise dress but even more functional thanks to the zip-front top, deep front pockets and adjustable drawcord waist. Plus, it’s made of moisture-wicking material with tons of stretch to provide a flattering silhouette for all shapes and sizes. You can sport this new arrival to upcoming barbecues, while running errands or even in transit to your next vacation destination. Garcia does note that it runs a touch big so you may want to size down.
Now’s a great time to stock up on T-shirts before the season’s in full swing, and Garcia found the perfect luxe basic for less. Not only does it come both black and white, but the fitted look can really elevate even the simplest summer outfits. This new arrival is great for layering or styling solo — the true mark of a capsule wardrobe essential — and it’s made of a cotton, modal and spandex blend for just the right amount of stretch.
Whether you want shorts for working out or for everyday wear, you can’t go wrong with this performance lifestyle pair from Vuori. They’re practically built for movement with a super stretchy feel and built-in base layer that acts as a moisture-wicking boxer brief. Garcia says that they’re truly the most amazing men’s short — and customers seem to agree based on the nearly perfect five-star rating.
Not too short and not too long, these 100% linen shorts are just the right length for that coastal comfort look. They’re lightweight, breathable and have an adjustable drawstring waist so you can ditch restrictive buttons and zippers. Garcia mentions that this summer staple is also easy to dress up or down, since it pairs as well with a simple tee as it does with a stylish blazer. And who can beat that price point for a name-brand find?
These genuine leather sandals look like they’re from an expensive designer brand, but with Garcia’s find you won’t even spend 60 bucks. Available in black, white and brown, they’re minimal enough to pair with everything from shorts to dresses. Plus, these slides feature a cushioned footbed to keep you comfortable all day long.
There’s nothing better than finding that perfect everyday tee, and we’re glad to say that the search is finally over. Made from 100% Supima cotton, this elevated crewneck is super soft, washes well and can be dressed up under a blazer or dressed down with cargo shorts. Garcia also likes that it has a nice weight to it — especially compared to those thin T-shirts you might find in the back of your closet — and because of the incredible quality she suggests stocking up in multiple colors.
More Nordstrom summer fashion
It never hurts to have a spare pair of sunnies on hand this season — especially when they're just 15 bucks a pop! Nordstrom-exclusive brand BP. has tons of styles to shop, whether you prefer classic frames or trendier shapes.
Scarves are trending this season, and they have to be the easiest way to elevate any summer outfit. Pick one of these stunning prints to be wrapped around your shoulders, styled as a headscarf or even tied to a purse strap.
Have enough crewnecks in your closet? Give this gorgeous boat neck tee a try! It's comfortable enough to wear out casually but elegant enough to dress up for a special summer occasion.
Shorts season just got a whole lot more supportive thanks to this pair with shaping panels. According to the brand, they "comfortably mold and hold" and are 33% off for a limited time.
Step into summer style with these ultra chic slides. They boast a memory foam-cushioned footbed for comfort, a trending square-toe style and are available in both muted and bold color options.
Speaking of one-and-done outfits, this dress is perfect for summer outings. The ruched sides and midi length make it a stylish pick, while the cotton and spandex fabric blend make it super comfy.
Trade in your flip-flops for a pair of comfortable slides this season. According to the brand, the footbed absorbs shock, mimics the shape healthy feet and features supportive arches.
Lobster-core is taking over this summer, and we love this nautical T-shirt for adding a pop of color to your closet. The embroidered detail adds texture, and it's sure to be a hit among seafood fans!
We love wearing oversized sunnies as a statement piece, and also to shield the eye area from those summer rays. This pair offers 100% UV protection, per the brand, and comes in five fun colors.
Who doesn't love lounging around the house in a comfy shorts set? These feature a drawstring waistband and waffle texture. We wouldn't be surprised if they become your new favorite pair.
Looking for a little extra height this summer? These sandals will do the trick, and they just so happen to be 30% off! Choose from cream, tan or blue colorways — all with a stylish raffia platform.
Whether you're running errands, playing pickleball or simply lounging around the house, this athleisure dress will keep you comfy all summer long. Plus, we love the trendy scuba fabric!
It's time to swap out your suede satchel for something more summery, and we found just the bag for the job. This crochet crossbody is convertible so you can carry it on your shoulder or as a clutch too with an easy adjustment of the strap.
If you haven't given bike shorts a try yet, this is the summer to secure a pair. Our high-waisted pick provides a silky, buttery feel, per to the brand, with durability to last this season and beyond.
If you didn't know that UGG made flip-flops, you're in for a treat. You can expect the same high-quality construction from the brand you know and love, but in a style that's fit for the season.
How we chose the best summer fashion at Nordstrom
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We combed through Nordstrom's summer collections and new arrival to highlight some of the best deals and finds worth shopping, including editor favorites and recommendations from Shop TODAY Lifestyle & Fashion Contributor Melissa Garcia. We also consider factors like customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
For sponsored content, the Shop TODAY editorial team independently chooses products to recommend that are sold by the retailer (in this case, Nordstrom). The retailer does not review or approve the content.Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the expert
- Melissa Garcia is a Shop TODAY lifestyle and fashion contributor, a professional stylist and the founder of Melissa Garcia Styling. She has experience working on national brand campaigns, appearing on major television broadcasts and hosting fashion events for commerce destinations. With a relatable approach and her own eye-catching personal style, Garcia has become a go-to fashion resource in American media.
