Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
PureWow
The 15 Best Nordstrom Dresses to Wear to Summer Weddings, Vacations & More
By Ashley Sepanski,
20 days ago
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .
There are a lot of reasons to love summer, but my personal favorite? It’s dress season, baby. We’re freeing the leg and ditching all heavy fabrics with crotch zippers and buttons (also known as pants). And the best place to unleash your inner Carrie Bradshaw and find your *signature* dress of summer, or multiple dresses of summer, is Nordstrom . You can count on big mama N to always be stocked with top designers and chic styles that are worth every penny. Since browsing endless options can feel overwhelming, I took the liberty of pulling a few off the rack that have that add-to-cart magic.
All of these dresses have at least a 4.5-star review, and I curated for a range of styles, body types, and budgets. Whether you’re heading to a black-tie wedding, a picnic in the park or a night out with the girls, there’s a look here just for you.
Flowy ruffles, a flattering A-line fit and pretty florals make this an ideal choice for family gatherings, like meeting your S.O.’s parents for the first time. It’s elegant, but still a little daring with the scoop back (it’s giving “lady in the streets, but a freak in the sheets”). Most importantly, the soft, breathable fabric with a stretchy waist band can handle hot temps and keep you cool and comfortable.
The second you slip this on, you’ll have all eyes on you. The one-shoulder neckline and form-fitting structure create a curvy silhouette that’s very va-va-voom. Pair with a bold heel for a pop of color and prepare to rake in all of the compliments.
This French Connection dress is très chic and très comfortable. Even though it’s technically a cotton sweater dress, the stitching and fabric make it a breezy dream ideal for summer. Truthfully, it’s like wearing a blanket your grandma made, if that blanket was a hot-ticket fashion item. Reviewers say it’s bra-friendly, but does show panty lines, so plan your intimates accordingly.
I can’t think of anything more Mediterranean than blue-and-white combos, flowy linen and delicate handmade details. Whether you’re perusing a local market or sipping wine with an ocean view, this dress oozes timeless elegance and romance. Puffy sleeves add a touch of whimsy and, let’s be real, another conduit for precious airflow to keep you cool during summer months.
As a wedding guest, you need to be able to sit, stand, move, groove and eat like a champ—all while look flirty yet put together. You can count on this gown to carry you through the night, no matter the event. The dark navy fabric has a subtle floral print and flowy ruffles that are romantic and eye-catching without being over the top. There’s also a coy keyhole in the front and back that’s a spicy cherry on top.
ICYMI, butter yellow is majorly trending this summer, and this Billabong cutie is one of the easiest ways to get on board with what's hip. The square neckline is flattering on tons of different frames, while the smocked bodice ensures you'll be comfy for hours. Dress this breezy frock down with rubber flip flops and an oversize straw hat or up with block heel sandals (preferably in a coordinating gold) and a chic clutch.
Preppy folks, rise up. Your tennis-watching, brunch-having, pickleball-playing outfit has arrived. It’s traditional in the best way, and sports flattering details like vertical stripes and lovely wrap-waist. Cotton fabric makes it a breathable, easy-to-care-for dream and the colors go with just about anything.
Ribbed tank tops are a do-it-all shirt for a reason. Now you can take what you love about the classic top and have it as a dress. Rock it with sneakers, heels or sandals—the possibilities are endless. And the best part? This mini dress is under $40.
There’s nowhere better to rock these bright colors and enchanting patterns than on the beach—coconut beverage in hand. I give major bonus points to FARM Rio for prioritizing sustainable materials and committing to plant a tree for every purchase. The linen fabric is airy and light, and the sultry back straps make the dress adjustable and form-fitting.
The way a quality trench coat never goes out of style, you can expect this shirt dress with a twist to make an appearance in your wardrobe year after year. The cinched waist creates an hourglass shape while the flared skirt shows off some leg. This is another option that can easily be dressed up or down depending on your shoe choice.
Get two for the price of one! I love that you can pair the top and skirt together or wear them separately. It’s the ultimate MVP item to add to your summer capsule wardrobe. The dress is 100 percent cotton, making it soft and breathable, while the high-waist cut of the skirt flatters almost every body type.
Leave it to Nike to create a dress you can work out in just as easily as wear to a party. The stretch fabric is cozy and airy, yet snug. Reviewers on the tall side call out that while it looks short, the dress doesn’t ride up and easily covers all the necessary tidbits. Pair it with sneakers and loud gold accessories or take it for a spin on the golf course—you really can’t go wrong.
Some days, the idea of squeezing into a bodycon cocktail dress can feel like hell on earth. That’s why this little number is a summer dream. Silky fabric paired with a flowy, off-the-shoulder cut means the dress looks fitted without clinging to your every nook and cranny. The rhinestone shoulder buckle adds just enough detailing without overpowering the look. Plus, that sultry cape is ready to catch the breeze from your every step.
Wrap yourself up in this flowy floral beauty. The beachy print is ideal for weddings, honeymoons, concerts and more. Reviewers love how breezy the dress is, but do warn that the fabric is a bit thin. One reviewer calls it a “dance all night” dress, which is kind of the goal of summer, right?
Crochet dresses are another hot item for 2024, and it doesn't get much more classic than this Topshop number. Wear it during the day as a swimsuit cover-up, then add a slip (or bralette and hot pants) underneath for al fresco dinner and drinks. Either way, your look is fabulously of the moment.
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Most Popular
Comments / 0