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I may not have a tropical getaway booked this summer, but with Nordstrom’s new vacation edit collection, I might as well. The go‑to fashion retailer has curated a stunning lineup of must‑have vacation essentials — and, if I’m being honest, the dresses are the obvious star.
With over 2,000 options to choose from, shoppers can customize their summer closet with everything from quiet‑luxury pieces to slimming smocked dresses, gorgeous floral frocks and breezy fabrics and silhouettes. In other words, this stunning edit has a little something for everyone to build a getaway‑ready wardrobe — even if the only place you’re jetting off to is your own backyard. Shop the 15 Nordstrom vacation dresses I can’t stop daydreaming about below.
Must-Have Dresses From Nordstrom’s Vacation Edit
1. Our Favorite: What makes this breezy linen‑blend dress a standout is its versatility. The slimming puff‑sleeve midi is just as gorgeous paired with statement heels at the office as it is with sunnies and sandals on a seaside vacay.
2. Gorgeous Design: Print lovers: this smocked‑waist midi is bound to turn heads. Adorned with a black‑and‑white floral print and a slimming silhouette, it brings polished ease to your vacation-ready wardrobe.
3. On Trend: Polka dots are in, and this sleeveless cotton maxi dress brings the trendy print to a vacation fit. Whether for a night out or a laid‑back weekend outing, this dress‑up‑or‑down piece is ready for any and every adventure.
4. Laid-Back Luxe: Slouchy, cozy but still chic, this flowy spaghetti-strap maxi dress gives you room to breathe. The quiet-luxury dress honestly looks like it came from Reformation, minus the splurge.
5. Mixed Media: At first glance, this drop-waist mini dress looks like it has that easy, everyday feel — until you notice the contrasting drop‑waist hem that sets it apart. It’s a fun piece for any wearer who wants to stand out in a crowd.
6. Stand-Out Style: Real talk: I already own this colorful Petal & Pup tie‑shoulder maxi, and it is stunning. The tiered, slimming silhouette draws attention away from the midsection, letting you focus on looking — and feeling — your absolute best.
7. Pared-Down Polish: Keep it simple and chic with this belted shirt dress. This rich-mom style piece, available in olive or red, works as well at the office with a blazer as it does packed in your suitcase for a polished vacation ensemble.
8. Denim Demure: Denim lovers, this lightweight denim shirtdress is for you. Practical and pretty, the high‑low hem dress has a softer, more refined feel than traditional denim.
9. Luxury For Less: Admirers of luxury brands like Zimmermann and Alemais won’t be able to resist this designer‑lookalike dress. The pleated fit‑and‑flare mini highlights the best of your figure, with a gorgeous citrus print to top it off.
10. Wear Everywhere: Whether you’re sinking your toes in the sand or running errands around town, this sleeveless wrap dress — fitted bodice, wrap skirt and all — is a great throw-on-and-go outfit. It has all that coziness of your favorite tee with the chicness of a resort-ready piece.
11. Size-Inclusive: Bright, bold and beautiful, this plus‑size Vince Camuto dress is the kind of feel‑good piece that inspires countless compliments. The smocked back tailors the bust just right, while the flowy skirt permits you to twirl.
12. Petite-Friendly: As a petite girl who spends far too much time at the tailor, I’m relieved to find a petite floral dress that fits my figure. Slimming, bright and elongating, the blue and white maxi dress is almost impossible to resist.
13. Core Pieces: If capsule collection-centric pieces are your jam, don’t miss this airy T-shirt maxi dress. Anything but plain, the recycled cotton dress features a sultry-but-sophisticated slit that shows off your gorgeous legs.
14. On The Nose: If a tropical vacay is on the horizon, lean into the theme with this tropical‑print midi. The babydoll dress’s sunset scene steals the show, finished off with a flirty sweetheart neckline and ruffled hem.
15. Wedding Guest-Approved: Reviewers rave that this cap‑sleeve linen maxi is “flattering,” “perfect” and “adorable.” I’ve even set it aside for an upcoming weekend wedding because the fit is just that good.
I used to work at a boutique, and spring-to-summer was always our sign of what shoppers couldn’t get enough of. The second the weather warmed up, everyone skipped past anything fussy and went straight for breezy midis, easy maxis and throw-on dresses that looked put-together (no styling stress required!). I could easily predict which ones […]
