Sponsored by Nordstrom Rack & ShopStyle Collective
I don’t know about you, but the second half of summer is my most favorite.
Not only is the weather better, but it’s also about the time I start (finally) enjoying my summer wardrobe. Something about the impending season change into fall that starts creeping closer has me focused on “romanticizing my life” and curating all the best outfits.
While I apparently missed the memo that Italy is this year’s hot spot for summer travel, that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy an Aperol Spritz on my back deck while dressed like I’m ready for an after-dinner boat ride, thankyouverymuch.
Morning coffee run? I’m slipping into my cutest sandals and accessorizing with a good bag and sunnies. A weekend work trip to photograph a wedding? I’m packing light sweaters and breezy cotton bottoms — and pretending it’s a whirlwind end-of-summer getaway.
And the very best part? If any of my wardrobe is lacking, there are amazing finds at Nordstrom Rack.
#RomanticizeYourLife With The Perfect Summer Packing List
What started as a search for a new crossbody bag sent me fantasizing about packing an entire suitcase for a spur-of-the-moment vacation.
Nordstrom Rack has the best collection of sweaters right now (more than one may have snuck their way into my cart), and it also has a gorgeous collection of dresses (this cutout dress would be stunning for vacation, weddings — anything).
If life is what you make it (or, perhaps, how you dress for it), this second half of summer is going to be fantastico!
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1. 360 Cashmere: Maggie Striped Cotton Sweater
This 100% cotton sweater by 360 Cashmere is exactly what I’m loving this season. It’s a coastal, beachy blue, with stripes that evoke feelings of summers on the water. I’ve been pairing light sweaters like this with shorts on the mild days and love how it looks.
2. 360 Cashmere: Clara Bateau Cashmere Top
Everything about this 360 Cashmere knit top is perfection, in my opinion. It’s a gorgeous, chic take on a summer T-shirt, made from 100% cashmere, with longer sleeves that really elevate an otherwise simple top.
3. O’Neill: Fern Woven Shorts
I love good non-denim shorts; something about them feels more sophisticated to wear while on vacation. These white shorts from O’Neill would be easy to dress up or down!
4. T Tahari: Saddle Stripe Long-Sleeve Sweater
This striped sweater from T Tahari comes in a few other colors (a few of which would be perfect for fall), but the classic cream-and-black is a wardrobe staple. A top like this makes any outfit come together (and is especially perfect on vacation).
5. C & C California: Double Gauze Camp Shirt
I much prefer cotton gauze over linen. I think it’s not only a softer material but also easier to wear because the natural crinkle texture of the gauze can hide any wrinkles. This C & C California gauze camp shirt is worth scooping up in every color for your suitcase!
6. Melrose & Market: Oversized Denim Jacket
To me, a good oversized denim jacket is the ideal summer layer because it looks just as good with a casual top and shorts as it does over a dress. The trick is finding a good wash that compliments everything in your closet. Look for lighter blue washes like this Melrose and Market one for easy wear!
7. ASTR The Label: Puff-Sleeve Cutout Gauze Midi Dress
Oh, this dress. It’s the dress I would pack for an Italian summer, without a doubt in my mind. I love the romantic puff sleeves, the flirty low neckline, and the fact it’s a cotton-linen mix. If you’re looking for something a bit more bold, it also comes in a stunning yellow that’s just begging to be photographed along a teal-blue ocean (or even in your backyard).
8. Lovestitch: Gauze Maxi Dress
This gauze maxi dress by Lovestitch is a classic. It has a TONNN of five-star reviews, and it’s available in more colors than I could even count.
9. BlankNYC: Linen Pull-On Drawstring Pants
The exaggerated drawstring waist on these BlankNYC linen pants is what caught my attention. When I want to wear easy outfits but still feel a little more put-together than normal, I look for pieces that have unique characteristics such as this (an “elevated” basic, if you will).
10. BCBGeneration: Solid Tie-Waist Pants
Wide-leg, woven pants are perfect for vacation…so it’s also what I’m reaching for at home while I’m romanticizing my end-of-summer days. I love the color of these BCBGeneration pants; it feels tropical while still easy to style up with other blue shades (and, of course, neutrals).
11. BP: Oval Sunglasses
I’m in a constant pursuit of the perfect pair of sunnies. The shape of these oval ones by BP are amazing.
12. Marc Jacobs: The Groove Leather Mini Messenger Bag
I’ve tried so hard to branch out with my bag choices over the past few years, but I just keep coming back to a classic black crossbody. It goes with everything (making it easy to pack for vacay). And honestly, Marc Jacobs makes some of the best classic black bags of all time. If you’re looking for something a bit more bold, however, check out the other colors this bag is made in!!
13. Steve Madden: Hoku Slide Sandal
When in doubt, pack cute black sandals (or slip into them for after-dinner drinks on your patio).
14. Steve Madden: Amir Slide Sandal
I love how these slide sandals have just a hint of a heel, making them very versatile for dresses and long pants but also not overly dressy for throwing on with shorts.
Do you have any end-of-summer getaways planned?! Let me know in the comments (and what you’re packing) so I can live vicariously through you!
Xx,
Amy
Thank you, Nordstrom Rack, for sponsoring this post! You’re my favorite place to go for top-quality brands at an affordable price, and some of my most favorite pieces I have scored over the years were from shopping at your store. And thank you, readers, for your continued support! We appreciate you being here so much!
Let’s be friends on Instagram! Sharing life from my sleepy little beach town, daily style, makeup favorites, Gilmore Girl binge-athons and endless cups of coffee – all with a good dose of adorable toddler content too.
This ones for the Pinners…
