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Top Trending Summer Styles to Shop at Nordstrom
The temperatures are rising and your Instagram feed is a blur of European vacation content and spritzes — summer is officially in full swing. Whether you’re escaping to Montauk for long weekends, island-hopping through the Aegean, or savoring al fresco dining season at home, there’s no shortage of summer fashion trends to elevate all your plans this season. From standout prints like gingham and polka dots to breezy drop-waist dresses that deliver effortless elegance, now is the time to add summer 2025’s top trends to your cart — and as any fashion editor will tell you, Nordstrom remains the ultimate one-stop-shop for that.
Whether you’re on the hunt for new dress brands or summer travel essentials to pack on all your warm-weather escapes, Nordstrom has you covered with the latest drops from top designers and cult-favorite brands. If your summer wardrobe is due for a refresh, the retailer is brimming with this season’s biggest trends at every price point. Case in point: WAYF’s chic new collaboration with New York stylist Coco Schiffer is packed with one of summer’s hottest prints: gingham, in corset-style midi dresses and matching two-piece sets. On the accessory front, affordable labels are giving the flip-flop trend a luxe, runway-worthy refresh. And for that finishing touch? Mini straw bags are having a moment, and there’s a fresh wave of styles from insider-loved brands like Clare V., Reformation, and Staud at the top of our wishlist.
Ahead, discover the top five trends of summer 2025 that are already defining the season’s best style moments — plus, the must-have pieces to add to your Nordstrom cart now.
Gingham Print
No print captures the spirit of summer quite like gingham — which is back in full force this season. While it may remain a timeless favorite of cool-girl brands like Ganni and Commes des Garcons, the current gingham resurgence takes the print to new heights. Take Anna Sui’s spring 2025 collection, for example; the designer doubled down on head-to-toe gingham prints in a range of summer-ready pieces— from cottage-core-inspired dresses with matching bomber jackets to high-waisted bikinis and oversized knits in shades of light blue and rosy pink. At Tanya Taylor, classic black and white gingham took form in breezy midi dresses and short shorts. From sweet matching two-piece sets to smocked sundresses and billowy linen tops, summer’s gingham trend is a chameleon that takes form in virtually every piece of your warm-weather capsule wardrobe. Opt for the print in breezy linen for a soft, effortless look that works for both picnics and seaside escapes, or go bold in a matching two-piece ensemble that doubles down on the print in the best way possible.
WAYF x Styled by Coco Gingham Linen Blend Vest
WAYF’s collaboration with New York stylist Coco Schiffer is full of gingham gems, but this linen vest (which also has a matching mini skirt) is especially sweet for a ’60s-inspired mod moment this summer.
Avec les Filles Tie-Front Gingham Linen Blend Top
Channel a summer picnic in the chicest way possible with this tie-front gingham top. The lightweight linen and billowy, long-sleeved design makes it ideal for anything from weekend brunch to the office to literal picnics.
Nobody’s Child Gingham Organic Cotton Midi Sundress
Meet your new go-to summer dress. The checked gingham pattern is very of the moment, while the midi silhouette and flattering smocked bodice bring a touch of timeless appeal — making this a versatile hybrid of trendy and classic.
All in Favor Embroidered Gingham Sleeveless Cotton Top
Pack a punch in red gingham with this sweet smocked cotton top. Featuring a boatneck silhouette and floral embroidery, the feminine details will pair perfectly with everything from midi skirts to your favorite denim.
Madewell Gingham Miniskort
Remember the magic of skorts? This Madewell mini brings back that throwback style in a classic gingham print that can be styled a million different ways this season, whether you want to pair it with a white button down and heels for the office or a tank and sneakers for Summer Friday happy hours.
Fashionable Flip-Flops
Like it or not, the flip-flop has made a triumphant — and undeniably chic — comeback, largely thanks to The Row’s elevated take that redefined the shoe through a luxury lens. For summer 2025, the trend has evolved beyond a poolside shoe into a full-blown fashion statement: think heeled thong sandals, minimalist designs accented with sculptural hardware, and even a revival of classic rubber Havaianas, now reimagined with a square toe and buzz-worthy Gigi Hadid collaboration. On the Spring 2025 runways, labels like Toteme and Alaïa embraced kitten-heel flip-flops in vibrant hues, while The Row stayed true to form with luxe leather iterations exuding quiet luxury. Whether you’re after a modern twist or a nod to nostalgia, this season’s lineup proves the flip-flop is fashion’s most unexpected hero.
Tony Bianco Ives Flip Flops
This pair of Tony Bianco leather flip-flops is a favorite for its luxe, The Row-inspired appeal at an affordable price point. The sleek silhouette paired with the platform make them any minimalist’s dream.
Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel Sandals
Available in a wide range of colors including everything from classic black and white to punchy neon green, these kitten heel thong sandals are perfect for all your nights out this season.
Jeffrey Campbell Linques Flip Flop
Gold hardware is a sleek way to elevate the flip-flop trend. This affordable pair featuring a sculptural gold detail gets the look just right, offering a touch of shine while staying true to the minimalist nature of thong sandals.
Havianas Slim Square Flip-Flops
Yes, the quintessential rubber flip-flops of your youth are back, this time with a square-toe design for a modernized refresh that feels on trend and of the moment.
The Drop-Waist Dress
Effortlessly elegant and modern, drop-waist dresses are one of summer 2025’s top dress trends. Chances are, you’ve already seen this silhouette taking over every style insider on your Instagram and TikTok feeds — especially because it makes the perfect summer vacation look. The drop-waist trend is all about a lower waistline that creates an elongated silhouette, and it comes in many forms this season — from airy maxi dresses to structured minis and all that’s in between. On the spring 2025 runways, designers showcased the extensive range of dresses — from billowy, floor-sweeping styles at Proenza Schouler to tailored poplin takes at Jacquemus. Brands like Staud and Mango are offering structured, mixed-media iterations of the trend, with pleated skirts and crisp poplin fabrics paired with stretchy ribbed bodices. Whether you opt for a mini or maxi moment, the ease of this silhouette means it just calls for simple accessories, like flat sandals and a mini bag, and you’ve got an instant look with minimal effort.
Mango Pleated Tank Maxi Dress
Mango has the drop-waist dress trend on lock with many styles to choose from, but this pleated, two-tone maxi style is a standout option for summer. Effortless and instantly chic, it can be dressed up or down, whether you need something to wear to the office or while strolling through Capri on summer vacation.
Topshop Ruched Drop Waist Maxi Dress
Try the trend in this season’s standout color, butter yellow, with this ruched maxi dress that’s perfectly suited for summer soirees and vacations.
Staud Ari Sleeveless Mini Dress
Take the trend into mini territory with this pleated Staud dress that channels tenniscore vibes in an elevated way.
Farm Rio Stripe A-Line Midi Dress
Brazilian brand Farm Rio is a favorite for its bold colors and prints, and this summer-striped dress is no exception. Putting a twist on the drop-waist trend, this zig-zagged waistline creates a flattering, standout effect.
ASTR the Label High Neck Open Back Midi Dress
You can never go wrong with a classic little black dress, and this drop-waist midi style lends a retro, New Look-inspired silhouette that oozes effortless elegance.
Mini Straw Bags
Straw bags are a perennial summer favorite, but this season, the warm-weather staple is getting a scaled-down refresh. Once synonymous with oversized beach totes and Jane Birkin–inspired basket bags, the trend has gone mini, proving that great style can come in small (woven) packages. From Reformation and Staud’s leather-trimmed iterations to Rag & Bone’s unexpected silhouettes—think tiny Y2K cylinders and this year’s must-have East-West shapes—these compact carryalls deliver major fashion impact. And, as a bonus, their packable size makes them the ultimate plus-one for every summer getaway.
Clare V. Petite Pot de Miel Top Handle Bag
Offering the best of both worlds, this mini straw bag can be carried by its bamboo top handle or worn as a crossbody — either way, the structured mini will be the star accessory of your summer wardrobe.
Staud Mini Taru Raffia Shoulder Bag
A Y2K-inspired iteration of the classic straw bag, this mini cylinder style from Staud showcases exactly why the brand is a favorite amongst the fashion set: it’s effortlessly cool and packs a punch despite its compact size.
Reformation Emma Mini Bag
Leather detailing mixed with classic raffia creates the ultimate contrast in this wavy mini bag from Reformation. From vacations to weekend plans and beyond, it’s guaranteed to become your summer go-to.
Rag & Bone Realm Straw Satchel
An East-West take on the classic straw bag, this Rag & Bone satchel is the cool girl’s take on a timeless summer staple.
Polka Dots
From the runways to the street style scene and Instagram carousels of every style setter, polka dots have emerged as one of the season’s most unexpected print trends. The spring 2025 collections offered a preview of the great revival, with designers like Carolina Herrera and Jacquemus ushering in modernized takes on the classic print. Large black and white polka dots took form in crochet mini dresses and matching two-piece sets at Herrera, offering a range of laidback summer style to sophisticated cocktail attire that’ll replace your go-to LBD. Jacquemus also went with a more-is-more approach, delivering head-to-toe polka dots that spanned from ready-to-wear down to heeled pumps. This season’s best takes on the print range from silky slip dresses with day-to-night appeal to two-piece sets that can double up on the print or be mixed and matched — either way, you’ll make a statement.
Lulus Julia Polka Dot Slipdress
From summer weddings to date night and beyond, a classic slip dress is a wardrobe essential. This polka dot style puts a fresh twist on the ’90s piece but still pairs just as easily with your favorite accessories.
French Connection Polka Dot Strapless Peplum Top
Whether you style this strapless peplum top with its matching skirt, or opt for a pair of black wide-leg pants or denim, be prepared to make a statement in this classic polka dot print.
Lioness Ford Dot Print Funnel Neck Plissé Top
There’s nothing chicer than a summer turtleneck. This lightweight plissé top delivers sophisticated style in a mini polka dot print that can be styled with the set’s matching skirt or worn with white linen pants for a Euro Summer-approved look.
Lioness Polka Dot Lace Trim Halter Minidress
Channel your inner downtown cool girl with this mini halter slip dress featuring polka dots and lace trim all in one.
Mango Polka Dot Cardigan
Whether it’s chilly seaside nights or dealing with your office’s freezing A/C, summer still requires a cardigan every now and then. This Mango style featuring an enlarged take on the polka dot trend is a standout that’ll pair perfectly with all your white linen pants and little black sundresses this season.
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Meet the Author
Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Style Commerce Editor at WWD and Footwear News, where she writes and edits fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Previously, she served as Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan and Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR, where she oversaw digital content from fashion features to news and product reviews. With over a decade of experience as a digital fashion editor, she’s an expert in scouring the internet for the greatest emerging brands, top-rated products, and latest trends to shop.