I'm stocking up on warm weather essentials (think white jeans, flowy dresses and comfy walking shoes) from top brands like Ryka, NYDJ and Free People.
Jeanine EdwardsDirector, Commerce Initiatives
Wed, April 23, 2025 at 8:49 PM UTC
Being a shopping editor may sound like a dream job — and don't get me wrong, it is! — but it definitely requires massive amounts of discipline. Every day, I come across dozens of products I'd like to own, but do I have the space — or money — for all of it? No way. Over the years, I've gotten much better about being discerning with my purchases, but every once in a while, I slip up. Like spending two hours scrolling through the more than 7,000 sale items currently up for grabs at Nordstrom and winding up with hundreds of dollars worth of stuff in my cart? Yeah, not my finest hour.
But on the bright side, I can speak with authority when I say there are so many hidden gems in Nordstrom's markdowns section right now. While you'd probably expect deals on cold-weather items like sweaters and coats, I was pleasantly surprised to find lots of discounts on cute spring/summer essentials like dresses, skirts and sandals. These popular Sam Edelman slides have been on my radar for a while now, and at 30% off, I think it's finally time to pull the trigger. I also can't stop thinking about this pretty lace-detail blouse that's like an elevated version of a classic white tee. I'm convinced I'll wear it a ton, so that means I should buy it, right?
If you're ready to add a few new items to your wardrobe for the season, but don't want to go broke doing it, head over to Nordstrom. There are plenty of great on-sale finds to match everyone's personal style. If you need some shopping inspo, I'm sharing what's in my cart below.
I'm weird about knees, so more often than not, the dresses I buy are either midi or maxi length. I'm also a huge fan of vertical stripes — because they're slimming! — so this frock is a no-brainer for me.
It offers plenty of coverage, which means I can wear it to the office without feeling exposed, but the belted waist still makes it feel feminine and adds definition. For work, I'd pair this style with heeled sandals; come the weekend, I'd add white sneakers.
Free People clothing is very hit or miss for me, but this skirt is a definite hit. I like the lightweight design for warm summer weather, and the print is pretty, without being too loud.
It's machine washable, so caring for it will be a breeze, and the longer length means I won't have to worry about exposing too much when I need to bend over.
I'll be the first to admit that white tees are a total wardrobe essential. While I own quite a few, they're all pretty plain and not ideal for when I want something comfy, but also a bit dressy.
Enter this gorgeous flowy blouse with delicate lace insets on the neckline. It's like the classic, only more elevated, and I can just imagine wearing it with midi skirts, tailored linen pants and so much more this season.
White jeans are scary, I know. Not these, though! Not only are they not see-through, but the fabric is specially designed to "help flatten the tummy and lift the rear." Umm, yes, please! The cropped silhouette also means I can show off all my cute shoes while wearing them.
If you're completely opposed to white jeans, I get it. I'm also eyeing this light wash straight-leg pair that would look good all year round.
The beauty of slides like these? Just slip your foot in and walk out the door. The metallic color is a neutral that will match with any outfit, and the simple two-strap design perfectly complements every ensemble.
There are lots of other colors to choose from, but I'm going with gold because it makes the sandal look more dressy than, say, a Birkenstock.
I live in linen during the hot, sticky summer months in New York City. It's breathable and, more importantly, doesn't stick to me when I'm sweating. This dress is a splurge at over $100, but the olive green color is super flattering on lots of different skin tones, and the halter neckline is a stunning way to showcase the collarbone.
I could easily wear this piece on a date with heels and dangly earrings, or to lunch with a friend with flat sandals and a denim jacket.
Slowly but surely, I'm embracing wider-leg jeans. They really do have a leg-lengthening effect, and who doesn't appreciate a little extra breathing room? Lots of Nordstrom shoppers rave about this Billabong pair, and they make a pretty convincing case to consider adding them to my closet.
"Cute, comfy and flattering" is how one shopper described them. "The perfect true wide leg without being too wide. ... The color is also perfect."
Listen, if others are allowed to wear snoafers (a sneaker loafer hybrid, that is), then let me have my Mary Jane sneakers, please. The cutout up top allows air to pass through so my feet don't overheat on hot days. Plus, I can easily get them on and off without having to bend over to open and close the strap every time (yes, I'm at that age).
I like the vibrant blue shade shown here, but there's a neutral gray on sale, too.
If you're not sure your current sunglasses are polarized, grab these universally flattering rectangular frames while they're nearly 40% off.
Polarized lenses don't just help to reduce glare and filter out certain light waves — they can also help to prevent eye strain. In addition to black, these sunnies are available in blue and translucent yellow.
Do I technically need another water bottle? No. But is this deep berry Hydro Flask just too pretty to pass up? Yes, of course!
Plus, drinking more water is never a bad idea, so anything that encourages me to keep sipping is a worthy purchase, right?
Now's the time to score great deals on Free People, Lucky Brand, Hydro Flask and more at Nordstrom. (Getty)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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