I'm a Gen Z Editor—6 Summer Trends I'm Buying During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Do you hear that in the distance? It's our editors practically all pulling out their credit cards at once. That's right—the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is finally here, and as expected, we've already collectively spent hundreds of dollars.

As a Gen Z editor (and one of the youngest at Who What Wear!), I know a thing or two about what trends fashion people between the ages of 18 and 25 are obsessed with. Whether I see them IRL during a "research trip" (aka dillydallying) in the Lower East Side or via my TikTok algorithm, there are six summer trends already taking over my brain and online cart this summer.

From classic ballet flats to ultra-baggy Gen Z–approved jeans, these six Gen Z summer trends are the moment right now, and thanks to Nordstrom, they're all deeply discounted during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Run—don't walk—to get them before they sell out.

Colorful Sneakers

A fun, sporty pop of color will instantly elevate any outfit, according to Gen Zer. Just look at all of the trending sneakers over the last year and a half if it's any indication of the bright, in-your-face sneakers we love.

rag & bone

Retro Court Sneaker

$191

New Balance

Gender Inclusive 574 Sneaker

$70

New Balance

550 Basketball Sneaker

$88

On

Cloud 5 Coast Sneaker

$112

New Balance

574 Sneaker

$70

New Balance

550 Basketball Sneaker

$88

Maxi Skirts

Personally, there's nothing more Gen Z than a flowy maxi skirt. Whether it's a slip skirt, denim, or a cargo look, we're all about this summer staple. Wear with your favorite white tank of choice to let the skirt do all the talking.

WAYF

Finley Satin Skirt

$55

Madewell

Raw Hem Mid Rise Denim Midi Skirt

$65

Good American

Cargo Midi Skirt

$130

1.STATE

Bias Cut Midi Skirt

$60

Joe's

The Tulie Denim Skirt

$140

Halogen

Rib Sweater Skirt

$69

Wide-Leg Jeans

Everyone I know wears wide-leg jeans—Gen Z included. Big pants + short shirt are how my friends and I dress off-hours, so it's no surprise that Nordstrom took note and discounted a ton of oversize denim styles for the Anniversary Sale.

FRAME

Barrel Leg Jeans

$186

Wit & Wisdom

'ab'solution Skyrise Cuffed Wide Leg Jeans

$65

Madewell

The Perfect Vintage Patch Pocket Wide Leg Jeans

$85

Joe's

The Trixie Cuffed High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans

$128

PAIGE

Alexis High Waist Ankle Barrel Jeans

$166

FRAME

Francoise Wide Leg Jeans

$186

Ballet Flats

Is there anything easier than ballet flats? Gen Z doesn't seem to think so. This slip-on style goes so well with miniskirts, jeans, and anything in between. It's no wonder this French-inspired shoe silhouette is some of the first to sell out when discounts hit.

BCBGeneration

Marzi Ballet Flat

$60

Sam Edelman

Zooey Ballet Flat

$85

Franco Sarto

Vana Flat

$70

Mansur Gavriel

Square Toe Mary Jane Flat

$300

Bernardo Footwear

Gwynn Woven Ballet Flat

$150

ANN MASHBURN

Square Toe Ballet Flat

$170

Elevated Basics

Caslon

Long Sleeve Thermal Polo

$33

Nordstrom

Maxi Pencil Skirt

$80

Open Edit

Ruched Cap Sleeve Sweater

$36

Treasure & Bond

Herringbone Oversize Blazer

$70

AllSaints

Stevie Cotton Crop T-Shirt

$35

Frank & Eileen

Barry Crinkle Button Down Shirt

$159