The 15 Best Nordstrom Dresses to Wear to Summer Weddings, Vacations & More
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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.
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The Best Nordstrom Dresses at a Glance
How I Chose the Best Nordstrom Dresses
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.
1. Vince Camuto Floral Tiered Ruffle Dress
Nordstrom
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.
$139; $63 at Nordstrom
2. Dress the Population Tiffany One-Shoulder Mini Dress
Nordstrom
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.
$148; $74 at Nordstrom
3. French Connection Nellis Stripe Sleeveless Cotton Sweater Dress
Nordstrom
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.
$98 at Nordstrom
4. AllSaints Dinah Dekorah Floral Maxi Dress
Nordstrom
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.
$399; $280 at Nordstrom
5. Xscape Evenings Ruffle Metallic Gown
Nordstrom
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.
$268 at Nordstrom
6. Billabong Sun Spell Smocked Maxi Sundress
nordstrom
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.
$70 at Nordstrom
7. Polo Ralph Lauren Stripe Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt Dress
Nordstrom
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.
$248 at Nordstrom
8. BP. Rib Tank Mini Dress
Nordstrom
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.
$40 at Nordstrom
9. FARM Rio Ainika Shell Print Linen Minidress
Nordstrom
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.
$190 at Nordstrom
10. Luxely Haven Faux-Wrap Dress
Nordstrom
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.
$168; $84 at Nordstrom
11. Petal & Pup Otis Cotton Crop Top & Maxi Skirt Set
Nordstrom
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.
$89 at Nordstrom
12. Nike Sportswear Chill Knit Mini Rib Cami Minidress
Nordstrom
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.
$55 at Nordstrom
13. Vince Camuto Rhinestone Detail One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress
Nordstrom
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.
$74 at Nordstrom
14. Petal & Pup Gemma Floral Strapless Maxi Dress
Nordstrom
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?
$79 at Nordstrom
15. Topshop Sleeveless Crochet Minidress
nordstrom
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.
$100 at Nordstrom
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