Summertime’s almost here, and Memorial Day is right around the corner. It’s had me thinking about all the summer essentials I might need. And I’m a huge list-maker.
After taking a look at last month’s favorites from our readers and team, it was the perfect time to round it all up for a pretty summer…list? Not exactly. But a capsule of sorts. And last month’s top favorites were too good to not talk about. Hello, look at this stunner of a dress (princess vibes?) and perfectly woven bag. I didn’t even know it needed to be on the list ’til now.
April Best Sellers: Shoes, Summer Dresses & Breezy Clothes For The Office… Or Your Travel Packing List
When it comes to our top sellers for April, it’s all about the gorgeous dresses, classic shoes and worth-it closet essentials. Plus, this body care set I’m tempted to grab for glowy summer skin.
We’re officially setting ourselves up for the perfect summer over here.
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1. Cordani Slingback Wedge Sandal
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
Approved by the queen of comfort shoes — Linzi. Need I say more? Definitely give her comfort shoe guide a peek.
Linzi’s Note: I have these in a different colorway and I LOVE them. Comfortable and cute!
2. Vince Warren Court Sneaker
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | Bloomingdale’s | Neiman Marcus
This court sneaker is a little bit retro; the perfect, classic shoe for summer. It comes in other nostalgic colorways (I’m eyeing that green myself).
3. La Ligne Celina Smocked Dress
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | La Ligne (sizing up to 3X)
I’m with Linzi on this sundress. Although I’ve never tried a La Ligne dress myself, I’m always drooling over their dresses. They have so many styles, colors, patterns and cuts that I think would be super flattering. This Celina smocked dress is a perfect example.
Linzi’s Note: La Ligne NYC dresses are my top brand pick if they fit your budget. Beautiful materials, sophisticated look, and designed with playful elements that are interesting and unique. FAR from boring, for sure. The Celina dress, with the pretty puff sleeves, smocked bodice and fabulous tulip skirt, has pockets AND a two-way zipper. Comes in four colorways: this navy dot print, a modern floral, poppy and black. Amazing!
4. OSEA Bestsellers Body Care Set
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | Revolve
I LOVE that this set gives you all the options — body scrub, body oil, body butter and body balm. They all can do different things especially depending on your skin type. What really caught my eye about this brand, though, was their vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, glass packaging (more sustainable), and their use of seaweed (a superfood rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients).
Amy’s Note: The set I’ve gifted to nearly every mom in my life.
5. MOTHER The Hustler Ankle Flare Jeans
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | Saks Fifth Avenue
I love a good raw-hem jean with a slight flare at the bottom. And since these are ankle flares, this length might actually hit us shorties at the perfect spot for all the shoes.
Shana’s Note: These are the only other pair of pants I’ve been wearing these last two weeks is my patch pocket Mother Denim jeans because they are, in fact, as soft as sweatpants. And they still looked (and felt) really good after a long flight. These jeans have been re-stocked recently, but sizes seem to be going fast (color me not surprised).
6. STAUD Jackson Midi-Dress
Where to Buy: Saks | Bloomingdale’s | Shopbop | Nordstrom
Oh, STAUD dresses. Shana and Linzi have had me obsessed with them forever. There’s something for everyone. Their variety of styles is never-ending — from grand, dramatic styles to simple, understated classics. If you’re looking for a well-made, versatile, long-summer dress, this Staud Jackson dress is it. Linzi included in her roundup of graduation guest dresses.
Linzi’s Note: Well, I think I’ve done it. I’ve found a stunner of a dress from STAUD that I’m hoping is going to work for ALL the spring and summer special events, including graduations. The crisp cotton-poplin fabric is gorgeous (and MUCH fancier looking than your run-of-the-mill cotton dress), the dress comes in several beautiful colors, the style is sophisticated (but not boring), it has a nice stretchy middle, AND…wait for it…pockets!
7. New Balance 237 Sneaker
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
New Balance has been my go-to for sneakers recently. They’re some of the most comfortable I’ve ever had with zero breaking-in needed. I’m definitely tempted to try these 237s. That colorway would work with so many outfits.
Shana’s Note: My personal faves! These New Balance platform sneakers are still sold out in light gray, but a new black/dark gray/white color combo just hit and it’s pretty great.
8. & Other Stories Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | similar option
This is such a classic button-up for summertime — a closet essential that can get go professional or casual. And it works with all the pant styles.
Amy’s Note: I scooped up this 100% cotton, pinstripe button-up from & Other Stories, and it’s amazing. My true size, medium, is naturally oversized, which is just how I wanted it (but you could size down if you prefer something more fitted). The top is lightweight (hello, warm weather) and crisp for easy rolling of the sleeves and tucking, yet creates minimal noise (almost zero) compared with other crisp-style tops, and is still very soft.
9. Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal
Where to Buy: Zappos | Nordstrom | Shopbop | Revolve | Bloomingdale’s | Free People
I’m new to the Birkenstocks game. I used to think they had limited styling potential with my wardrobe. But then I did a deep dive into all the potential outfits I could wear with them. They’re a classic that’ll be around forever.
Linzi’s Note: Comfortable, walkable, adjustable straps, look pretty with EVERYTHING (dresses, denim, pants, shorts…the list goes on); available in narrow/medium (A-B width) and regular/wide (C-D width); most “non-Birk looking” Birks I own (for those of you not sold on typical Birk styles); great color options (I own and wear regularly the black, cognac/gold, and now these sandcastle beige ones above); the cognac Madrids have been my favorite and most worn, but the sandcastle/gold combo is SO pretty in person!
10. BTB Los Angeles Tropic Like Its Hot Straw Tote
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
I think the slogan speaks for itself. Who doesn’t like a good punny beach bag?
Scotti’s Note: Pourin’ Chandon and…SNOOOOOOOOOOOP! Best. Bag. Ever. (Over 30% off too!)
11. Crocs Brooklyn Wedge Slide Sandal
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | Amazon | Zappos
I’m officially reconsidering my position on Crocs. I appreciated the Croc people but I had sworn against being a Croc person myself. But…I kinda…love these.
Laura’s Note: Mmmkay…a pair of Crocs I actually like!
12. p448 Cancun Sneaker
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
These are a pair of shoes you’ll have in your forever closet. I love how they fall somewhere in-between vintage and on-trend. They look like retro tennis shoes and somehow also have the chic simplicity of modern sneakers.
Shana’s Note: These p488s feel like orthotics. If anyone else is feeling their feet, uh, age…these p448 Cancun sneakers. Not only do they have a slight platform, but the inserts have arch support and honestly feel like wearing orthotic inserts. I can’t believe how supportive they are – the Birkenstock of sneakers, perhaps?
13. Melie Bianco Brigitte Large Satchel
Where to Buy: Anthropologie
*Insert crying emoji*. I just adore this bag and every single color it comes in. Ugh, Amy! I might have to have it.
Amy’s Note: I first clicked on this purse because it’s amazingly similar to a high-end luxury bag by Bottega Veneta, but a fraction of the cost (it’s vegan leather). Then I read the reviews — and people are singing praises about the quality. Not to mention, there are multiple colors to choose from!!
14. Vuori Villa Tank
Where to Buy: Vuori
Shana sold me at feather-light. I really appreciate it when I have clothes on but it doesn’t feel like I have clothes on. You know what I mean? Maybe asking for a lot here, but I think Vuori nailed it. Especially since this is an easy choice as a travel top.
Shana’s Note: Vuori’s Villa collection is made from a “Lightweight, Performance 4-way Stretch Woven” fabric, which basically means it’s feather-light and silky soft. It’s also 45% recycled polyester, a detail I always appreciate. The Villa tank top and joggers are absolutely perfect for travel, but I’ve been wearing them to run errands or just lounge around on warmer days. The set wears like a sweatsuit in terms of comfort, but the vibe is Real Clothes.
15. FARM Rio Sweet Floral Long Sleeve Minidress
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | Saks Fifth Avenue
This is one of Jess’ faves, and I mean…I get it. I think you could still get away with the sleeves in the summertime since the dress itself is short. I totally appreciate a good long sleeve top in the summer. But the obvious thing — that print! FARM Rio makes some of the best. If you’re looking for vacation wear, they have all the gorgeous tropical prints.
The price is worth it and goes to a Latine-Owned/Founded brand from Brazil that plants a tree with every purchase. Truthfully, I enjoyed reading their About Page. Smiles all around.
16. Cinq à Sept Khloe Crepe Ruched Blazer
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | Saks Fifth Avenue
Another closet staple is a good blazer. The thing about this one though, the shoulders have the perfect amount of structure and the ruched sleeves make it just a little bit different than a normal blazer. I can’t decide if I like the white or the black better.
Scotti’s Note: Not only does this blazer have a modern, strong shoulder (without being overwhelming), but the shape (slightly longer, hinting at oversized while still being flattering) really nails it. I often find that blazers that fit in the shoulders are too tight in the body, especially across my hips…not so with this one. The ruched sleeves were also perfect…I didn’t have to worry about the sleeves being too long or having to fold them up.
17. Naot Pixie Sandals
Where to Buy: Zappos | Amazon | Nordstrom
Another one on Linzi’s comfort shoe guide. I like the rustic cork on the one strap next to the gold strap…balance. If you like a little height but hate wearing heels, I think this is a good in-between. Just 10x comfier.
Linzi’s Note: Naots look a ton better ON feet than in these photos. Nice support and high-quality design.
18. MOTHER The Rambler Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | Shopbop | Anthropologie
Okay, I never thought I would love a pair of white jeans. (I’m very, very pale and pink-toned, so it never felt like it worked for me personally). But maybe it was just the skinny jeans version because these wider-leg white jeans are calling my name. It feels less like…skin? Gross, sorry.
Amy’s Note: GOOD white jeans can actually be hard to find, but leave it to MOTHER to make these perfect-fitting jeans in a gloriously bright white (super-stretchy, super-soft, and magically not see-through). My true size in the Rambler Ankle Straight-Leg Jeans is spot-on.
19. Frank & Eileen Cropped Wide Leg Sweatpants
Where to Buy: Shopbop | Nordstrom
Forever here for all the loungewear. Especially if it travels well. I want a variety of sweatpants because they really change an outfit depending on the style — jogger, wide-leg, straight-leg. Because yes, I wear my loungewear out as a real outfit. But Shana nailed it on these Frank & Eileen cropped sweats. These just look cooler than the average sweatpants.
Shana’s Note: I don’t know exactly what makes these sweatpants look cooler than any other pair I own…but they do. And they’re made from a really durable sweatpant material that doesn’t stretch or bag out. I actually recommend getting the whole travel set from Frank & Eileen (it’s my go-to for long plane rides), but maybe snap up the pants at Shopbop while they’re on sale.
20. Favorite Daughter The Lovesick Cotton Blend Dress
Where to Buy: Nordstrom | Anthropologie
A Juliet dress if I’ve ever seen one. I mean, the off-the-shoulder ruched straps, buttons going down the front, the little slit, the slightly-structured fit…gorgeous!
Which pieces do you guys have your eyes on for summer?
-Danielle
