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fashion

The 15 Best Nordstrom Dresses to Wear to Summer Weddings, Vacations & More

Easy, breezy, heat-wave essentials

Author image: purewow author
By  Ashley Sepanski
•
Published Jun 27, 2024

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

best nordstrom dresses universal
nordstrom

There are a lot of reasons to love summer, but my personal favorite? It’s dress season, baby. We’re freeing the leg and ditching all heavy fabrics with crotch zippers and buttons (also known as pants). And the best place to unleash your inner Carrie Bradshaw and find your *signature* dress of summer, or multiple dresses of summer, is Nordstrom. You can count on big mama N to always be stocked with top designers and chic styles that are worth every penny. Since browsing endless options can feel overwhelming, I took the liberty of pulling a few off the rack that have that add-to-cart magic.

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The Best Nordstrom Dresses at a Glance

1

Best for Meeting Your S.O.’s Parents

Vince Camuto Floral Tiered Ruffle Dress

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$139; $63 at Nordstrom
2

Best LBD

Dress the Population Tiffany One-Shoulder Mini Dress

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$148; $74 at Nordstrom
3

Best ‘70s Vibe

French Connection Nellis Stripe Sleeveless Cotton Sweater Dress

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$98 at Nordstrom
4

Best for a Mediterranean Vacation

AllSaints Dinah Dekorah Floral Maxi Dress

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$399; $280 at Nordstrom
5

Best Wedding Guest Dress

Xscape Evenings Ruffle Metallic Gown

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$268 at Nordstrom

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How I Chose the Best Nordstrom Dresses

All of these dresses have at least a 4.5-star review, and I curated for a range of styles, body types, and budgets. Whether you’re heading to a black-tie wedding, a picnic in the park or a night out with the girls, there’s a look here just for you.

best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a white scoop neck tank midi dress with tiered ruffles and a pink floral pattern.
Nordstrom

Best for Meeting Your S.O.’s Parents

1. Vince Camuto Floral Tiered Ruffle Dress

What I Like

  • soft, stretchy fabric
  • peek-a-boo scoop in the back
  • flattering on multiple body types

What I Don't Like

  • runs large
  • must hand wash

Vince Camuto

Flowy ruffles, a flattering A-line fit and pretty florals make this an ideal choice for family gatherings, like meeting your S.O.’s parents for the first time. It’s elegant, but still a little daring with the scoop back (it’s giving “lady in the streets, but a freak in the sheets”). Most importantly, the soft, breathable fabric with a stretchy waist band can handle hot temps and keep you cool and comfortable.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: S to XL
  • Material: 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
$139; $63 at Nordstrom
best nordstrom dresses dress the population
Nordstrom

Best LBD

2. Dress the Population Tiffany One-Shoulder Mini Dress

What I Like

  • versatile
  • comes in multiple colors if black isn’t your vibe

What I Don't Like

  • snug top may not work for larger chest sizes
  • runs small

Dress the Population

The second you slip this on, you’ll have all eyes on you. The one-shoulder neckline and form-fitting structure create a curvy silhouette that’s very va-va-voom. Pair with a bold heel for a pop of color and prepare to rake in all of the compliments. 

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XXS to XXL
  • Material: 97 percent polyester, 3 percent spandex
$148; $74 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A photograph of a woman wearing a yellow, blue, brown and white striped boho dress with tank top straps.
Nordstrom

Best ‘70s Vibe

3. French Connection Nellis Stripe Sleeveless Cotton Sweater Dress

What I Like

  • statement pattern
  • lightweight

What I Don't Like

  • may stretch out over time

French Connection

This French Connection dress is très chic and très comfortable. Even though it’s technically a cotton sweater dress, the stitching and fabric make it a breezy dream ideal for summer. Truthfully, it’s like wearing a blanket your grandma made, if that blanket was a hot-ticket fashion item. Reviewers say it’s bra-friendly, but does show panty lines, so plan your intimates accordingly.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XS to XL
  • Material: 100 perent cotton
$98 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a white dress with blue florals and puffy sleeves.
Nordstrom

Best for a Mediterranean Vacation

4. AllSaints Dinah Dekorah Floral Maxi Dress

What I Like

  • beautiful vintage print
  • lace details
  • flatters multiple body types

What I Don't Like

  • dry clean only
  • limited sizes

AllSaints

I can’t think of anything more Mediterranean than blue-and-white combos, flowy linen and delicate handmade details. Whether you’re perusing a local market or sipping wine with an ocean view, this dress oozes timeless elegance and romance. Puffy sleeves add a touch of whimsy and, let’s be real, another conduit for precious airflow to keep you cool during summer months.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: 00 to 8
  • Material: 100 percent polyester
$399; $280 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a blue gown with tiered ruffles and a halter top neckline.
Nordstrom

Best Wedding Guest Dress

5. Xscape Evenings Ruffle Metallic Gown

What I Like

  • keyhole in front and back
  • delicate pattern
  • playful ruffles

What I Don't Like

  • spot clean only

Xscape Evenings

As a wedding guest, you need to be able to sit, stand, move, groove and eat like a champ—all while look flirty yet put together. You can count on this gown to carry you through the night, no matter the event. The dark navy fabric has a subtle floral print and flowy ruffles that are romantic and eye-catching without being over the top. There’s also a coy keyhole in the front and back that’s a spicy cherry on top.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: 4 to 16
  • Materials: 95 percent polyester, 5 percent spandex
$268 at Nordstrom
best nordstrom dresses billabong
nordstrom

Best Classic Sundress

6. Billabong Sun Spell Smocked Maxi Sundress

What I Like

  • smocked bodice
  • on-trend yellow hue

What I Don't Like

  • might be too long on shorter frames

billabong

ICYMI, butter yellow is majorly trending this summer, and this Billabong cutie is one of the easiest ways to get on board with what's hip. The square neckline is flattering on tons of different frames, while the smocked bodice ensures you'll be comfy for hours. Dress this breezy frock down with rubber flip flops and an oversize straw hat or up with block heel sandals (preferably in a coordinating gold) and a chic clutch.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XS to L
  • Materials: 100 percent viscose
$70 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a 3/4 length sleeve striped shirt dress. It is white and navy blue and has a bow wrap at the waist.
Nordstrom

Best Shirtdress

7. Polo Ralph Lauren Stripe Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt Dress

What I Like

  • wrap waist
  • goes with anything
  • machine washable

What I Don't Like

  • limited sizes available

Polo Ralph Lauren

Preppy folks, rise up. Your tennis-watching, brunch-having, pickleball-playing outfit has arrived. It’s traditional in the best way, and sports flattering details like vertical stripes and lovely wrap-waist. Cotton fabric makes it a breathable, easy-to-care-for dream and the colors go with just about anything.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: 2 to 14
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton
$248 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a black ripped tank mini dress.
Nordstrom

Best Dress for People Who Hate Dresses

8. BP. Rib Tank Mini Dress

What I Like

  • simple and classic
  • cool girl vibes
  • multiple color options

What I Don't Like

  • may be short on tall frames

BP.

Ribbed tank tops are a do-it-all shirt for a reason. Now you can take what you love about the classic top and have it as a dress. Rock it with sneakers, heels or sandals—the possibilities are endless. And the best part? This mini dress is under $40.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XXS to XL
  • Materials: 96 percent cotton, 4 percent spandex
$40 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a white dress with coral colored seashell designs. The dress has thin straps.
Nordstrom

Best Summer Print

9. FARM Rio Ainika Shell Print Linen Minidress

What I Like

  • eco-friendly
  • adjustable criss-cross back
  • airy linen

What I Don't Like

  • may be short on tall frames

FARM Rio

There’s nowhere better to rock these bright colors and enchanting patterns than on the beach—coconut beverage in hand. I give major bonus points to FARM Rio for prioritizing sustainable materials and committing to plant a tree for every purchase. The linen fabric is airy and light, and the sultry back straps make the dress adjustable and form-fitting.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XXS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent linen
$190 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a faux tan wrap dress with a twist in the middle of the waist.
Nordstrom

Best Work Dress

10. Luxely Haven Faux-Wrap Dress

What I Like

  • timeless look
  • machine washable

What I Don't Like

  • only comes in two colors

Luxely

The way a quality trench coat never goes out of style, you can expect this shirt dress with a twist to make an appearance in your wardrobe year after year. The cinched waist creates an hourglass shape while the flared skirt shows off some leg. This is another option that can easily be dressed up or down depending on your shoe choice.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: 0 to 16
  • Materials: 72 percent cotton, 25 percent nylon, 3 percent spandex
$168; $84 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a two piece cotton crop top maxi skirt set. It is white with black ribbon detailing.
Nordstrom

Best Two-Piece Set

11. Petal & Pup Otis Cotton Crop Top & Maxi Skirt Set

What I Like

  • sultry square neckline
  • comfy elastic waist

What I Don't Like

  • hand wash only

Petal & Pup

Get two for the price of one! I love that you can pair the top and skirt together or wear them separately. It’s the ultimate MVP item to add to your summer capsule wardrobe. The dress is 100 percent cotton, making it soft and breathable, while the high-waist cut of the skirt flatters almost every body type.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent cotton
$89 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a muted grape colored knit mini cami dress with a Nike stripe on the top.
Nordstrom

Best All-Purpose Dress

12. Nike Sportswear Chill Knit Mini Rib Cami Minidress

What I Like

  • sporty
  • versatile
  • microrib texture

What I Don't Like

  • very form fitting

Nike

Leave it to Nike to create a dress you can work out in just as easily as wear to a party. The stretch fabric is cozy and airy, yet snug. Reviewers on the tall side call out that while it looks short, the dress doesn’t ride up and easily covers all the necessary tidbits. Pair it with sneakers and loud gold accessories or take it for a spin on the golf course—you really can’t go wrong.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XS to XXL
  • Materials: 61 percent polyester, 31 percent lyocell, 8 percent spandex
$55 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a bright pink one-shoulder dress with a rhinestone detail on the shoulder and a flowing piece of fabric attached to it.
Nordstrom

Best Cocktail Dress

13. Vince Camuto Rhinestone Detail One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress

What I Like

  • flattering silhouette
  • rhinestone detail

What I Don't Like

  • hand wash only

Vince Camuto

Some days, the idea of squeezing into a bodycon cocktail dress can feel like hell on earth. That’s why this little number is a summer dream. Silky fabric paired with a flowy, off-the-shoulder cut means the dress looks fitted without clinging to your every nook and cranny. The rhinestone shoulder buckle adds just enough detailing without overpowering the look. Plus, that sultry cape is ready to catch the breeze from your every step.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: 2 to 14
  • Materials: 100 percent polyester
$74 at Nordstrom
best-nordstrom-dresses: A woman wears a dark blue satin maxi dress with white floral details on it.
Nordstrom

Best Maxi Dress

14. Petal & Pup Gemma Floral Strapless Maxi Dress

What I Like

  • light and airy
  • strapless

What I Don't Like

  • top may be loose on smaller busts
  • hand wash only

Petal & Pup

Wrap yourself up in this flowy floral beauty. The beachy print is ideal for weddings, honeymoons, concerts and more. Reviewers love how breezy the dress is, but do warn that the fabric is a bit thin. One reviewer calls it a “dance all night” dress, which is kind of the goal of summer, right?

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XS to XL
  • Materials: 100 percent polyester
$79 at Nordstrom
best nordstrom dresses topshop
nordstrom

Best Crochet Dress

15. Topshop Sleeveless Crochet Minidress

What I Like

  • on trend
  • crocheted material allows for a breeze

What I Don't Like

  • base layer not included

topshop

Crochet dresses are another hot item for 2024, and it doesn't get much more classic than this Topshop number. Wear it during the day as a swimsuit cover-up, then add a slip (or bralette and hot pants) underneath for al fresco dinner and drinks. Either way, your look is fabulously of the moment.

Fast Facts

  • Size range: XS to L
  • Materials: 60 percent cotton; 40 percent acrylic
$100 at Nordstrom

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Nordstrom's Return Policy?

Nordstrom’s return policy is pretty simple. The department store accepts returns on a case-by-case basis. Meaning, if you have an account with them to show your purchase, or a physical receipt and your item isn’t damaged, you’ll likely get a refund or be able exchange in person. The brand doesn’t send return labels with online orders, so if you’re returning via mail, you’ll be able to start your return online and get a QR code or printable return label to make your return at your local USPS or FedEx.

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purewow author
 Ashley Sepanski

Freelance Writer

Ashley Sepanski is a freelance writer covering health, wellness and travel. She’s an ACE-certified fitness instructor and holds a master’s in Publishing and Digital Media from New York University. Her work has been published in Greatist, Oprah.com, Healthline and other media outlets.
read full bio

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