Four Casual Summer Outfits + 3 Pairs of Great Shorts!

Casual Summer Outfits

Casual Summer Outfits

Ohhh yes, we’ve got a warm week ahead, and I’ve got four perfect casual summer outfits for it, full of many summer staples!  For today’s post I’m partnering with Nordstrom, and since they have some of the best staples I’m really excited to share them with you.  Here we go!

SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6/8 in clothes, 8.5 to 9 in shoes.

 

Summer Outfit: Striped Tee + Jean Shorts + Cognac Tote + Sandals Striped Tee + Jean Shorts + Cognac Tote + Sandals Cognac Tote + Cognac Earrings + Jean Shorts + Striped Tee

Denim Shorts + Striped or Plain White Tee + Tan Accessories
I usually add tan accessories to this really basic combo to make it a little more interesting and to help ground it a bit.

Denim shorts are a summer staple, but it’s hard for me to find a great pair!  I want them to be longer than 3″, have a wide enough leg opening to not squeeze my thighs (which for me means a 23-24″ leg opening) , and be comfortable.  Well, THESE ARE WINNERS!

They’re on the expensive side, but you’re getting what you pay for.  Not only do they have a 3.5″-4″ inseam and a leg opening of 23″ (!!), they are stretchy and sooo soft!  I didn’t even know denim shorts could be soft until a couple months ago, and now I’m never turning back!  See the shorts HERE.

I also NEED to tell you about these sandals.  I got them last year and paid more than I’d ever paid for sandals.  Usually I buy cheap $16 sandals, but these were so, so, soooooo worth the money!  They have a cushioned footbed, rubber sole, and soft, flexible leather.  They are SO DARN COMFORTABLE.  I wear these for all-day walking.  They’re a great sub when you need comfy shoes but it’s too hot for sneakers!

My exact pair is from last year, but they have an updated version this summer that is just as comfy HERE and they’re ON SALE!!!  They come in tan, metallic leather, black, blush, and white.  PMTers have been telling me they LOVE them, so catch them HERE!

Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size XS)
Shorts: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 29)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Sandals: Born (this year’s version–wearing size 9)

 

Casual Summer Outfit: Black Twist Tee + Linen Shorts + Cognac Bag + SandalsLinen Shorts + Black Twist Tee + Bib Necklace + Cognac Bag Cognac Bag + Black Tee + Green Linen Shorts + SunniesOlive Shorts + Black Twist Tee + Bib Necklace + Sandals

Olive Shorts + Black Top + Gold Necklace
While denim shorts are a no-brainer summer staple, I actually wear olive utility shorts more!  These are lighter weight than denim shorts.  They are made of linen which is breathable and keeps you cooler on humid summer days.

These have a 3″ inseam, but since I wear them lower on the hip, they seem longer than 3″.  The leg opening is 25″, and the rise is 10.5″.  Wearing size M.  Small fit, but I preferred M around my hips.  If you’re unsure of sizing, just order two sizes like I did, since Nordstrom offers free shipping and free return shipping!  ??  They come in tons of colors and prints HERE!  I’m tempted to get the chambray pair and the Ikat pair too.  😀

And PSA: this twist tee is on sale for $13!!  I have it in 4 colors and it’s one of my most-worn pieces because it’s so easy to wear!  I wear size XS but could also wear S for a looser fit.  Scoop it up in black, white, or grey HERE!

(I remixed the black twist tee 3 ways for spring/fall HERE.)

I added a subtle pop of leopard with these sandals!  Mine are old, but there’s an almost identical pair HERE in a classic Sam Edelman style that has a bit of cushion in the footbed.

Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size XS)
Shorts: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size M)
Bag: c/o Sole Society (exact)
Sandals: Old Navy (super similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom

 

Blue Maxi Dress + Turquoise Necklace + Cognac Bag + SandalsBlue Maxi Dress + Cognac Bag + Turquoise Jewelry Cognac Bag + Turquoise Necklace + Blue Summer Maxi Dress Sandals + Maxi Dress + Cognac Cross Body + Gold Earrings

Comfy Maxi Dress
You would think maxi dresses wouldn’t be great for casual style, but this one is soft and feels like pajamas.  Because maxi dresses are longer, I don’t feel self-conscious bending down or moving around a lot to do things with my kids!

I’ve had this dress in black and in a blue print for 3 years and continue to wear them each summer.  I’d been resisting the blue one for the last couple years, but I finally caved–it’s too pretty of a blue!!  And yes, you have to wear a strapless bra with this.  Last year I found this bra by Natori that I LOVE.  It was the first strapless bra that I didn’t hate or have to constantly adjust.  A strapless bra that stays in place?  Who’da thunk?

See the dress in several colors HERE.  I wear size S.  See the strapless bra HERE.

Also, this crossbody bag is another piece I’ve had for over 3 years and continues to be a go-to each summer.  I’m sooo glad it’s back again this summer, and you can find it HERE!  See some outfits I’ve worn it with HERE.

Shop for the Look:
Dress: Nordstrom (exact, also exact–wearing size S)
Necklace: Nordstrom
Bag: c/o Sole Society (exact)
Sandals: Target (similar)

 

Yellow Peplum Top + White Necklace + White Shorts + Cognac Tote + Sandals Yellow Peplum + White Shorts + Tan Sandals + Cognac Tote + White Pendant White Shorts + Yellow Peplum Top + Cognac Bag Yellow Peplum Top + Sandals + White Shorts + Cognac Bag

White Shorts + Top with Details
When I can’t rely on layers in the summer to make outfits more interesting, I make sure my tops have interesting details. The color, stripes, and peplum detail of this yellow peplum top help with that!   And confession: this top is a current obsession right now.  It’s also soooo soft!  It comes in 7 solid colors, this yellow stripe, and a black and white stripe HERE.

Lastly, white shorts are a summer must for me.  They freshen up all tops!  I already own a pair of white shorts, but they are distressed and sometimes I want a cleaner look.  Lucky for me, Nordstrom’s on a roll with shorts!  These have a 4.5″ inseam, 24″ leg opening, and 9″ rise.   And of course, they’re soft and stretchy which is now a requirement for any pair of denim shorts I own!

I’m usually a size 8 in shorts to accommodate my thighs, but I’m wearing 27 in these which is equivalent to size 6.  Find them in white or pink HERE.

Shop for the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size S)
Shorts: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 27)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Sandals: Target (similar–sooo comfy; similar)
Necklace: Nordstrom

 

This post was created in partnership with Nordstrom


NEVER MISS A POST!

Join PMT Emails for the latest blog posts, style tips, outfit inspiration, new releases, special sale alerts, exclusive giveaways, and behind the scenes peeks!

previous post
next post