Before I became a fashion editor, I traveled for a living. I presented a travel show, which meant among all the adventures, planes, trains, and jet lag, I spent a lot of time perfecting my packing. As you can imagine, I picked up a lot of tips and tricks along the way—especially when it comes to traveling light. First and foremost, I learned that having an arsenal of elevated and versatile basics is essential. I’m talking about the items that you can lean on day or night, that aren’t too bulky (especially for summer travel), and that can be easily mixed and matched throughout your stay.
So with summer travel at the forefront of our minds, below, I’m sharing some of my favorite chic basics from trusty retailer Nordstrom that are perfect for warm-weather trips, no matter where you’re going. From crisp button-downs to day-to-night dresses, these are the perfect blend of practical and stylish and will see you through your travel plans and vacations in style.
Tops
Madewell
Supima Cotton Rib Cutaway Tank
A white ’90s tank is perfect for layering or wearing on its own.
Reformation
Dusk Stretch Knit Top
This black boatneck will take you from day to night seamlessly.
Rolla’s
Toni Stretch Organic Cotton Ribbed Crop Tank
I love the idea of styling this under a relaxed white button-down.
MANGO
Cotton Button-Up Shirt
A crisp cotton button-down is a travel essential.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Oversize Stripe Button-Down Tunic
Wear over a bikini or with white pants for dinner—the styling possibilities are endless.
For hot summer days, you’re going to appreciate having a breezy white linen button-down on hand.
& Other Stories
Relaxed Fit Cotton T-Shirt
I never travel without a relaxed white tee.
AG
Relaxed Cotton U-Neck Tee
I recently got this, and it looks even better in person. I 100% recommend it for wherever you’re traveling to.
Theory
Tiny Apex Organic Pima Cotton T-Shirt
A chic baby tee you can wear on the plane and beyond.
SKIMS
Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
This fitted tee is perfect to take you into the evening.
Bottoms
Madewell
The Harlow Linen Wide Leg Pants
Comfortable, stylish, and practical—don’t leave home without packing a great pair of white linen pants.
EDIKTED
Seaside Stripe Wide Leg Drawstring Pants
These are my exact go-to pants for long-haul flights. They’re cool and so comfy.
MOTHER
The Dodger Sneak Wide Leg Jeans
For resort vacations, I try to avoid packing jeans, but for city getaways, I’ll always pack a light-wash, relaxed, straight-leg silhouette.
Reformation
Lucy Stretch Organic Cotton Skirt
A white full skirt feels very of-the-moment and is surprisingly versatile.
Reformation
Layla Linen Maxi Skirt
This is another excellent white skirt option to wear with flats and heels alike.
& Other Stories
Pleated High Waist Linen Shorts
Linen shorts that look polished are always a yes in my book.
Good American
Stripe Stretch Cotton Poplin Shorts
For a more relaxed resort getaway, I love a pair of striped poplin shorts.
Dresses
Faithfull the Brand
Marinia Linen Shirtdress
When it comes to dresses, I’m all about easy day-to-night styles.
Reformation
Jessi Sleeveless Linen Dress
I never go on a summer vacation without packing a chic and simple LWD.
Madewell
Smocked Sleeveless Dress
Style with a pair of simple black Mary Janes for a chic look with zero effort required.
WAYF
Sammie Pleat Strapless Stretch Cotton Sundress
I own this sundress in black and white, and it looks so beautiful on.
The plissé fabric gives this versatile slip dress an elevated and easy feel.
Shoes
(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)
Clarks
Fawna Lily Ballet Flat
You’ll always find a pair of elegant and functional black ballet flats in my suitcase.
Dolce Vita
Reyes Mary Jane
Mary Jane flats are perfect to pair with skirts and jeans alike. I love this ivory hue for a summertime feel.
adidas
Gender Inclusive Sl 72 Rs Sneaker
This season’s It sneakers make for the perfect travel shoes. This stunning color is surprisingly versatile.
Birkenstock
Arizona Soft Slide Sandal
You just cannot go wrong with a pair of comfy and cool Birkenstocks.
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
A lightweight kitten heel for summer evenings out. Plus, you can’t beat this price.
Accessories
Le Specs
Outta Love 49mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
Chic ’90s sunglasses are all you need.
Jenny Bird
Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
The perfect-size gold hoops you can wear both day and night.
st. Moran
Freshwater Pearl Necklace
A pretty pearl necklace is an elegant touch styled over tank tops and tees.
Longchamp
Le Foulonné Leather Belt
Don’t underestimate the power of a classic black belt.
