Reformation blouse | Mother white denim | Strappy sandals | Poppy Finch necklace | Laura Lombardi link necklace

7 summer trends you’ll actually want t0 wear!

… and I’ve tested them all

It’s never too early to start getting your summer wardrobe together, and this year is going to be quite the change from last year! From pool parties to summer BBQs and lots of socializing in between, it’s time to switch it up: bye bye comfy clothes and sweats … hello pretty dresses, poolside attire and heels. We are all excited to get dressed up again, and here are 7 summer trends you’ll actually want to wear!

As you likely know, Nordstrom is always my go-to for most everything. They have the best selection of all my stylish favorites, and after working there for a lifetime (29 years to be exact), I kind of know my way around the store😊. The best part is I’ve tested them all, and I only recommend things that are really good. So keep reading to see what’s trending, what’s hot, and what you need for the perfect summer wardrobe. I’m sure you’ll find a few things you absolutely love!

P.S. If you’re new to my blog and want to stay up to date on all things stylish, subscribe here and never miss a post! As a thank you, you’ll receive my exclusive #Spring5 list — 5 Spring items, styled 15 different ways, only for subscribers. Join me now! We recently added a new section to the blog, “Em’s Picks”, which was created by my daughter Emily. Check it out xx

#1 Pretty dresses

Veronica Beard dress | Sandals | Gucci tortoiseshell sunglasses | Poppy Finch necklace | Laura Lombardi link necklace | YSL bag

Last year was all about comfy, floaty, wear-around-the-house dresses … but this year, pretty, fitted dresses top the list! It’s so fun to have places to go again, and since I’m heading to LA next week, I let myself splurge on this one by Cinq A Sept. I’ve also been showing this sleek Vince slip dress to my clients, and I’ll be packing this one too. Here are a few others I spotted recently — you really can’t have too many!

Pretty dresses

Slipdresses

#2 Stylish activewear

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Since we headed back to our local club and started playing weekly pickle ball, I decided it was time for some new activewear. Specifically, I was looking for pieces that can transition from an afternoon activity to dinner, since I’m seeing literally EVERYONE I know there! The first week I was hoping to fly under the radar because I wasn’t dressed appropriately, but now I have to step up my game 😉

These are all my new purchases, minus the cute pink shoes and hat — although I’d happily wear them too. I wore this cardigan to dinner the other night and it was the perfect weight and style for a casual meal. Today I chose the gray dress (see here on my IG stories), and I put this super cute Sweaty Betty sweater over it. (This is a good one — make sure and grab it while you can.) I’m also thinking about resuming tennis, so I decided to try this skirt and this green top, which were also part of last week’s pickle ball outfit. Easy and stylish!

#3 Canvas totes

While I will always love a straw bag (oh so chic), this year a canvas tote has been my go-to, and I’ve pretty much been carrying it every day. Plus, it’s practical! This year there are many choices, from splurge designer styles to reasonably priced ones. My faves are below.

Designer splurge

Affordable

Under $100

#4 Poolside attire

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

It’s vacation time! I don’t know about you, but I tossed my old suits after not wearing them for over a year. Find a great coverup like this one and get a new swimsuit, then add glamorous sunnies and an oversized hat — you’ll be ready for any pool party!

I’m loving the New Versace collection, which features seashell motifs from Gianni Versace’s ‘trésor de la mer’ collection from 1992. So cool, and while it’s a little out of the price range for many of us, look to future swim designers to “borrow” elements from this stylish and upbeat poolside attire collection. You’ll find everything from pool slides to totes to ready to wear!

#5 Special tops for going out

 

Left: Frame stripe top | Frame ruffle top | Mother denim | Sandals

Last year, most of us didn’t really have any place to wear pretty tops, so this year we should make up for it! Some of my favorites right now are by Frame, like this one and this one, and this pretty Alice & Olivia also caught my eye. Here are a few more I think you’ll like!

#6 Heeled sandals

I’m not talking about the “revenge” shoes we’re reading about everywhere, but do try wearing a 2-3 inch heel on your sandal — it just looks a little more dressed up. If heels aren’t your thing, that’s ok. There are many other options, so find some you love and have fun wearing them all summer long!

#7 The all-important jacket

Faux leather blazer | CamiNYC top | Prada sandals, similar | Mother denim, similar here | CALPAK, similar

I really can’t write a post without talking about jackets. I don’t go anywhere without this “third” piece — unless it’s a zillion degrees out! There are many summer jacket options (including blazers and more casual styles) that are perfect for happy hour and right into dinner. Two or three of these and you’re good to go!

Thank you for reading, and thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post xx