** This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and Collective Voice. All selections, styling, and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
Nothing is easier than a dress for spring/summer. It’s pretty much one and done… Just add sandals and a few complementary accessories, and you’re good to go! Nordstrom has a lot of new styles right now, so I ordered a few to try, and these are the ones that made the cut.
A t-shirt dress makes a nice shorts alternative in the summertime, and there’s nothing basic about this twist waist midi t-shirt dress. The waist detail takes the classic design up a notch, but it’s still casual and comfortable.
Caslon Twist Waist Organic Cotton Midi T-Shirt Dress (M) // Birkenstock Madrid (39) // Jenny Bird Puffy Faye Knocker Earrings // similar pendant
It’s made of breathable 100% organic cotton, and it has a wide crewneck and short sleeves that are cut at a slight angle that create flattering lines. It’s those small details that make all the difference.
The midi length keeps it current, and the placement of the slit makes for easy movement and creates an extra point of interest.
FIT TIP: One thing I’m always careful about is the length of a midi dress. I don’t like it when the hem of a dress or skirt cuts right apart the widest part of my calf, and this one a couple inches below that point, which is perfect. If it was any longer, it crosses over into maxi dress territory, which would drag me down, but this one has a really nice balance of proportions. I’m 5’5″, for reference.
This dress also comes in a black and white stripe and a pretty sage green stripe, and it runs true to size, or size up if in between. I went with the medium for a little extra wiggle room.
I styled this black dress with my Birkenstock Madrid slides in the metallic black. I had the wider Big Buckle version last year, and I still love those, but this more narrow buckle has a more delicate appeal while still providing all the support of the iconic Birkenstock footbed.
This dress would also look great with a white street sneaker, a raffia wedge sandal, or a strappy metallic slide.
Another casual dress that caught my eye at Nordstrom is this knit v-neck midi dress. It comes in rust, olive, and this navy; and I really like the v-neckline and sleeveless design. The wide straps fit easily over a regular bra.
Caslon V-Neck Midi Dress (S) // Dolce Vita Selda Raffia Slides (7.5) // Jenny Bird Puffy Faye Knocker Earrings // similar pendant
The fabric is a modal/cotton/spandex blend that’s little thicker than the one above, and it’s really nice and soft. I love that the drawstring waist, but it’s a tad snug in the size small. I would recommend sizing up, if in between.
This time, I wore my Dolce Vita raffia slides. They have a comfortable molded footbed, which I especially appreciate these days with my injured ankle. These don’t require breaking in the way the Birkenstocks do, and they offer a good amount of support. Plus, they’re super cute, and the raffia upper is very much on trend right now.
A slightly more elevated option is this Ming Wang Abstract Floral Knit Dress. This dress has such a nice and easy fit and feel, and the navy and white gives the bold abstract floral print a classic appeal.
The comfortable knit fabric skims the body without clinging, and it has such a flattering fit, with cap sleeves that create those pleasing vertical lines I mentioned above.
Ming Wang Abstract Floral Knit Dress (S) // Nordstrom Carolina Slide Sandals (8)
The shape and fit of a sleeve can make or break a garment, and this one is designed particularly well. Notice how these sleeves are solid navy, with white trim, rather than carrying over the print of the dress into the sleeves, which could be awkward and hard to place, due to the large abstract print. I appreciate thoughtful details like that.
This is a dress you can easily dress up or down, depending on your choice of footwear, and I went with flat slides since I’m still nursing an ankle injury. The interlocking straps create a nice visual interest, and the gold metallic plays into current trends.
When I’m back in heels, I’ll wear this with white block heel slides or a neutral wedge sandal.
Finally, if you have a wedding or special occasion coming up this spring or summer, this Mila Mae Abstract Floral Maxi Dress is one to consider. I love the swirly abstract print, and the shape is super flattering. Plus, it’s regular bra-friendly!
Mila Mae Abstract Floral Maxi Dress (M) // similar slides // Jenny Bird Puffy Faye Knocker Earrings // similar pendant
This dress just slips on over the head, and it has enough stretch to slide over the body, which makes getting dressed nice and easy. It’s fully lined, and the medium fits me perfectly, so I’d say it’s TTS or size up if in between.
Since it has some gold in the design, gold footwear is the perfect complement. If I could wear heels, I would wear this dress with strappy gold heels like the Sam Edelman Kia. They’re my go-to for dressier looks, and they would be perfect with this dress. But if you’re relegated to flats, as I am right now, a simple gold slide works too!
Whether you just want to level up your everyday looks, or you have a special occasion you’re shopping for, Nordstrom has a dress for that!
Shop more of my favorites here:
As always, when you shop at Nordstrom, you get their free shipping and free returns. And don’t forget about their BOPUS (Buy Online Pick Up in Store) and contactless curbside pickup options.
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18 Responses
I ordered both of the Caslon dresses. I kept the black twist-front midi, but sadly had to return the tank dress. I also tried the small and the gathered waist was very tight and uncomfortable. The medium would be too roomy for my small bust. I love the pink swirl dress!
That’s too bad. I actually think I could use the room in the chest, so I’m going to try the medium. Glad the black one worked out for you!
Do you happen to know the paint color on your walls shown on the indoor photos? We’re looking to repaint and I’m so overwhelmed by all the choices! This color seems subtle, yet cozy and inviting.
It’s Ben Moore Edgecomb Gray.
Holly, Benjamin Moore’s Agreeable Gray is very similar to Edgecomb Gray…thought you might want to check out that color too. I use it in all of my rental properties – and even in my own home. Good luck! 🙂
Did you use slides just for the pictures? Are you just wearing that little booty thing or are you completely well now?
The slides are just for these pictures. That’s why I’m standing so awkwardly in one place in every picture, lol! I wear the Dolce Vita ones around the house a little bit, but I’m in a lace-up brace and sneaker most of the time.
Jo-Lynne, you look so nice in all four of the dresses. And the flats you are wearing work just fine with them. I had not noticed the navy cap sleeves on the floral dress until after you mentioned them. That is a very nice detail!
It’s so hard with that last one! I was so sad/nostalgic! But it truly won’t last long! Mine are now in their 30’s and 40’s. Same as you ( boy, girl,girl)
They are married and we have 8 grandchildren ❤️
Your blog, tips , are my favorite! Appreciate your hard work and your honesty! Tina
I love the Maggie London Sheath dress in Navy but size 4 is already sold out. Since it’s new do you think they will restock? Is there anyway to be notified with Nordstrom on restocks? Would be nice if so. It’s the perfect dress style I like for my body type and height. You look good in all the ones you styled but if I go that long I feel frumpy at my height.
No need to apologize on sharing about your feelings about your last one getting ready to leave the house. Those of us who have gone through it know. I had three kids also and each one was hard. You’d think by child 3 it would get easier, but it’s the last. I would be sad at strange times. Each child leaving changes the dynamics of the house and I missed the sports and activities they were in. I’ve been emptied nested since 2013. We were just 4 1/2 hours away this last weekend visiting my son and family and the subject came up. He was #3. Now he is married with a 3 yr. old girl and another girl due June 4 th. So now we have those fun times to share. Wish they lived closer. You still have your other two hanging out so you’ll be ok. Do you think Caroline will go back?
I have no way of knowing if the dress will be restocked. Nordstrom gets a lot of returns, so it’s worth keeping an eye on it.
She is hoping to, but we haven’t made a firm decision yet.
Love the Caslon navy tank dress! Looks so easy and comfy for summer. I’d probably have to get it hemmed since it might be pushing maxi length on me, but might be worth it. That shade of navy is very flattering on you btw.
Thanks, it is really pretty, not too dark.
Navy is tricky, I never realized how many shades there were til the ER I used to work in made us wear it. Some made me look sick, but the cooler toned ones like this really flatter “winter” color seasons. Just read all the comments about Becca graduating, such a bittersweet mama moment! Praying for you and Paul as you adjust to an empty nest!
My middle is graduating high school this year too. She is a musician also (trumpet) but plans to continue to play in college. Is your daughter going far away to school? My daughter is going from TX to OH. I’m not ready!
Sending them far away is hard, but it is SO good for their confidence and independence. My son went to college nearby and my older daughter went away, and both were hard and bittersweet, but it was nice that I could get to my son easily when I needed to.
Love the dresses I prefer to wear them in the summer months over shorts
Oh sweet lady! Don’t feel you need to apologize for your feelings! Our kids growing up is hard stuff. My oldest is an hour and a half away this week at orientation for his new “big boy job” as my husband says. I’m SO proud of him! But I cry a LOT. Because even though he’s 19, I wasn’t ready. Holding your heart close in prayer as you walk through these bittersweet times. ❤️🙏🏻