For reference on sizes, I'm almost 5'4" and typically wear an XS or S in tops, a size 4 in bottoms, and a 26 in denim. TTS or size up/down will be noted.
Last week I went shopping at Nordstrom at Towson Towncenter. This store is "homebase" for me. This is where I started my career in fashion over ten years ago. It also just so happens to be where I shop with many of my private clients.
I'm at this store all the time... shopping with or for clients, checking out what's new on the floor, and trying pieces on to see what's worth recommending to clients and you!
During my most recent visit I had time to do a mega try-on session. I put together 13 summer-ready outfits that are worthy of your wardrobe.
Keep scrolling to see what I styled...
outfit no. 1
Vince has some of the best elevated basics. I have timeless pieces in my closet that I've been wearing for 10 years. TEN!
Let's chat about this simple ensemble. The top is an actual wrap (a size too big here). I love a wrap because it works on almost all bustlines. Pink pants? Yes. There's also a white version but the pink isn't sheer 😉 I sized up to a 6 and will need to take in the waist simply because I'm a little bit bottom heavy. If you don't carry your weight there, grab these true to size.
My nude sandal is under $50 and you'll see I wear it with everything.
Sleeveless Cotton Wrap Shirt
VINCE
Shop now ›
Sleeveless Cotton Wrap Shirt
VINCE
Shop now ›
Cotton Crop Pants
VINCE
Shop now ›
Cotton Crop Pants
VINCE
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 2
This feels so Hollywood, so old school sexy. This is my typical size small, but she's a bit snug. I'd consider sizing up or just seeing if the sides can be let out at all to accomodate my thighs. Did you know you could do that?
Regardless, it's on sale (in this color only) and almost sold out. Please don't be sad, though, because there are ten other colors available in this sultry body-con dress!
Bailey Off the Shoulder Body-Con Dress
DRESS THE POPULATION
Shop now ›
Bailey Off the Shoulder Body-Con Dress
DRESS THE POPULATION
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 3
Here's a great vacation/summer party dress in a beautiful shade. My picture on that drab carpet doesn't do it justice! It has small cutouts on the side and is extremely light and airy. I'm thinking beach wedding guest appropriate too! I'd pair it with a bright bag too for fun. It's under $100, shocking! I fit in the small, true to size.
Cross Front Chiffon Maxi Dress
CHELSEA28
Shop now ›
Cross Front Chiffon Maxi Dress
CHELSEA28
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 4
I was the third person to grab this dress from the rack within 5 minutes. I saw someone with it, then I had to try it and then someone saw me and walked over to try it too! It's really just adorable. There's the tiniest little cutout under the bust, but the tie just about covers it and there's really nothing exposed. It's lightly lined.
I'd wear this with my sandals, my Birkenstocks and my sneakers too. The straps are adjustable. I'm wearing the six here because that other gal grabbed the 4, but I think my regular size would have worked perfectly too.
Smocked Back Midi Sundress
JULIA JORDAN
Shop now ›
Smocked Back Midi Sundress
JULIA JORDAN
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 5
I adore this linen blend high-low dress from Theory. I really don't know what else to tell you about it because it's just so simple - clean lines, beautiful fabric. The color is called Breeze... perfect.
I'd keep my accessories soft (as in color). Slides would be great with this as well as a heel. I'm wearing a size 4, TTS.
Linen Blend High-Low Dress
THEORY
Shop now ›
Linen Blend High-Low Dress
THEORY
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 6
I struck gold with the Vince this week. Here's an easy striped sundress I think you'll love! I'd wear this with block heel sandals and even a cool pair of slides. I'd love this with a slightly cropped denim jacket or sweater. I can see a spot of yellow or orange thrown in being fabulous if you want to add more color!
I'd do a dainty circular necklace here and maybe a wide brimmed hat if I had it!
Painterly Stripe Sundress
VINCE
Shop now ›
Painterly Stripe Sundress
VINCE
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 7
Here's Cinq a Sept again killing it with the dresses! This fiery red-orange is one of the hot colors this season and this dress says PARTY to me! I'm wearing a six (sized up and I think it was pretty perfect). It gaped a teeny bit on the sides in the six but a strapless bra would have tightened that up.
Neena Midi Dress
CINQ À SEPT
Shop now ›
Neena Midi Dress
CINQ À SEPT
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 8
Another winner from Farm Rio right here! I read reviews saying this is NOT for busty girls. It's typical that the cups on this designer's dresses are on the smaller side. This one I could get away with but even a smidge larger and I'd be spilling out. A picture says a thousand words and here you go. I love it!
Full of Flowers Midi Sundress
FARM RIO
Shop now ›
Full of Flowers Midi Sundress
FARM RIO
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 9
THIS! I need to order it one size down but I'm obsessed with it! I saw it on the mannequin and she was wearing my size four! I'm thinking this might be my party dress for my 50th in July. What do you think? When I stand up straight (at 5'4") it doesn't drag the ground,
FYI! I'd wear just a fun statement earring and skip the necklace, maybe add a cuff on my wrist in gold.
Floral One Shoulder Ruffle Cocktail Dress
ELIZA J
Shop now ›
Floral One Shoulder Ruffle Cocktail Dress
ELIZA J
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 10
My husband laughed when I came out in this but he just doesn't understand.
This is Cinq a Sept and they are always on cutting the edge of fashion, taking chances and I LOVE this. It's a cargo skirt and so stylish! I'd wear a fitted top (like this ribbed sweater with a sweetheart neckline) to keep my proportions in check and stick to neutrals since it's already making such a statement. I'm wearing a small.
Sweetheart Neck Rib Tank
HALOGEN®
Shop now ›
Sweetheart Neck Rib Tank
HALOGEN®
Shop now ›
Finey Drawstring Skirt
CINQ À SEPT
Shop now ›
Finey Drawstring Skirt
CINQ À SEPT
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 11
I found some new jeans I like! These are the Farrah high waist raw hem crop jeans in gray. The white version was sheer, but these are fantastic.
The yellow gauzy top by Rails caught my eye and that color just makes me happy!
These are my favorite new sunnies from Look Optic BTW. I wear them indoors when I want to look like a celebrity.
Jamie Crinkled Organic Cotton Shirt
RAILS
Shop now ›
Jamie Crinkled Organic Cotton Shirt
RAILS
Shop now ›
Farrah High Waist Raw Hem Crop Bootcut Jeans
AG
Shop now ›
Farrah High Waist Raw Hem Crop Bootcut Jeans
AG
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 12
This jacket. It's amazing. That's why I shared it up close at the head of this post. Amazing. Expect compliments. The end.
Khloe Heatset Daisies Blazer
CINQ À SEPT
Shop now ›
Khloe Heatset Daisies Blazer
CINQ À SEPT
Shop now ›
Perfect Tank
NIC+ZOE
Shop now ›
Perfect Tank
NIC+ZOE
Shop now ›
Farrah High Waist Raw Hem Crop Bootcut Jeans
AG
Shop now ›
Farrah High Waist Raw Hem Crop Bootcut Jeans
AG
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
outfit no. 13
Here's a favorite! I found this tie waist dress and knew it would be the perfect vacation piece for so many of my clients. It's incredibly light and flattering. The color is neutral and chic.
Add a jacket if you're not in love with your arms. A hat and sunglasses finish it off. I'm wearing a four. The tie can be tightened or loosened as you please. This one is a steal at just $99!
Tie Waist Midi Dress
JULIA JORDAN
Shop now ›
Tie Waist Midi Dress
JULIA JORDAN
Shop now ›
Shop the outfit...
discover more summer looks