Embracing Summer Trends

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle.
All opinions are 100% honest & all items were hand-selected by me.

I know there’s a bit of debate when it comes to fashion trends and, truthfully, this is a question I get asked a lot, so I wanted to share my thoughts on it.  For wardrobe basics, I think it’s best to stick with the classics, especially if you’re choosing to spend a little more to get quality pieces.  When it comes to trends, I recommend searching for budget-friendly options & choosing things that aren’t so much “trends”, but simply silhouettes, prints or designs that are coming back in style again.  For example, we saw a resurgence of snake print & leopard this year (both are timeless when done well).

In addition to careful selection, it’s also important to remember that not all trends work for all body types – and, by the way, that doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with your particular shape!  Sometimes it just takes a bit of trial & error to find a winner, but that’s all part of the fun!  To help you navigate through this season’s trends, I’m partnering with Nordstrom to highlight 3 of the most wearable options for summer & showing you how to style them in a way that feels fresh & modern.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe & sticking to what you know works for you.  But, if you never try something new, you’ll never know how great it might make you feel…so, why not?  Ordering from Nordstrom is risk-free because they offer free shipping & returns so you can order multiple sizes & send back anything that doesn’t suit you.  I love this because it gives me a chance to test out trends at home so I can try on each piece with items I already own to see how truly versatile it will be (something you can’t do in-store).

I purposely styled 3 very different looks for you, so hopefully there’s something for everyone – one is feminine; one is modern & one is more classic.  Read on for all the scoop & be sure to let me know which outfit or trend is your favorite!

BUTTON & TIE DETAILS

I’ve mentioned before that button accents are still going strong this season, as are tie-front tops & tanks.  This ditsy floral print dress from Row A combines two trends in one & I’m such a fan of this mustard color because it transitions so easily into the fall.  If you click through the link, you’ll see that it’s shown being worn off-the-shoulder but I wanted to show you that you can still wear it with the sleeves up (no strapless bra needed!).  You can also tie the front in a way so there’s no skin exposed.  I appreciate that these aren’t functioning buttons so you don’t have to worry about any gaping issues.  I found this to run true to size & it also comes in a pretty green floral + it’s now under $30!  Other buttoned & tie-front styles I love: this pastel midi dress, this flattering white top, this belted dress & this gauze shirt.

What I’m wearing:
c/o Row A Floral Print Dress, c/o TopShop Beaded Bag,
c/o BaubleBar Pearl Hoop Earrings,
c/o Gorjana Necklace, c/o BP Cork Heels

BODYSUITS + CROPPED DENIM

I honestly never thought I would be into bodysuits again after wearing them in the 90’s, but there are so many new styles that I love like this green floral one from ASTR the Label.  It doesn’t even look like a bodysuit, but I love that it stays in place when you move around (no need to adjust your tuck throughout the day).  This would be great for the office too – I’d pair it with these pants from June & Hudson & these neutral heels.  This trend is best (& super slimming) when worn with high-waisted separates.  More bodysuits to check out: here, here, here and here.

If you’ve been on the fence about swapping out your skinny jeans for a new silhouette of denim, consider this your official memo.  I did not think these would work for me at first, but if the key is finding a high-waist pair that fits snug through the hips.  If you tuck your top into them, they are so flattering – not to mention, the relaxed fit is infinitely more comfortable!  I sized down one size in this pair and Nordstrom has so many affordable options to try like these, these & these.

What I’m wearing:
c/o ASTR Wrap Bodysuit, c/o STS Blue Crop Flare Jeans,
TopShop Pumps, c/o TopShop Beaded Bag,
c/o Similar Earrings, c/o Gorjana Necklace

PAPER BAG WAISTS

I am not a shorts girl, but when I do wear them, I prefer a style that’s loose through the leg and not tight on my thighs (I personally think this is more flattering on everyone).  So when paperbag waists started popping up everywhere, I was excited to get my hands on some!

These shorts are just the right inseam length and will be so lightweight & breathable for those hot summer days.  I found them to be true to size + the belt is removable so you can replace with one from your own closet if you prefer.  They also come in a tan/rust hue that I’m considering ordering – when you find great-fitting shorts, buying multiples is absolutely acceptable!  These neutral shorts have a cute casual feel; these drawstring shorts look so comfy for weekend wear & these striped pants would be perfect for a day at the beach.

What I’m wearing:
c/o Halogen One-Shoulder Top, c/o Leith Paperbag Waist Shorts,
c/o BC Footwear Wedges, c/o Similar Earrings, c/o Knotty Straw Bag

NORDSTROM APPAREL PICKS

SUMMER BAGS & SHOES