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    1. Fashion
    2. Summer fashion

    9 Under-$90 Nordstrom Basics That Make Up the Ultimate Summer Capsule Wardrobe

    So versatile.

    Judith Jones's avatar
    By Judith Jones
    Published 12 July 2024 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    GettyImages-1422618615
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    When it comes to summer dressing, I'm all about leaning into simple, easy, and elegant basics that I can easily mix and match, as I don't have to think too hard about assembling outfits. After all, with a busier-than-usual schedule of summer activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in front of my wardrobe figuring out what to wear. It's times like this when a minimalist's approach to dressing is exactly what I need.

    With this in mind, I've put together the ultimate summer capsule wardrobe made up of elevated basics that will see you through the season in style. Since my goal is elevated yet inexpensive, I've kept all the staples in this edit under $90, and they're all from Nordstrom—a go-to retailer we editors love to shop for basics.

    Keep scrolling for the nine summer basics under $90 that make up the ultimate summer capsule wardrobe.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    Nordstrom basics

    (Image credit: Future)

    1. Linen Pants

    Casual and relaxed wide-leg linen pants are an essential part of your summer capsule wardrobe. Whether you go for crisp white, trend-forward stripes, or taupe, they'll add a chic and effortless touch to every summer outfit.

    Shop:

    The Harlow Linen Wide Leg Pants

    Madewell
    The Harlow Linen Wide Leg Pants
    $88 at Nordstrom

    Stripe Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants

    Caslon
    Stripe Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants
    Was $59, Now $44 at Nordstrom

    Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants

    Open Edit
    Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants
    $70 at Nordstrom

    2. Basic Top

    Basic tops will make up the backbone of your minimalistic summer looks. Think white or black tank tops, sleek tube tops, and simple white tees.

    Shop:

    Cotton Rib Tank

    COS
    Cotton Rib Tank
    $25 at Nordstrom

    Dusk Stretch Knit Top

    Reformation
    Dusk Stretch Knit Top
    $58 at Nordstrom

    Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt

    Nordstrom
    Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt
    $35 at Nordstrom

    Fits Everybody Tube Top

    SKIMS
    Fits Everybody Tube Top
    $44 at Nordstrom

    3. Sleek Sandals

    Minimalist-chic sandals will work with everything in your closet. Opt for black or tan in sleek silhouettes.

    Shop:

    'liners' Flip Flop

    TKEES
    Liners Flip Flop
    $60 at Nordstrom

    Lynley Slingback Sandal

    Steve Madden
    Lynley Slingback Sandal
    $70 at Nordstrom

    Tori Kitten Heel Sandal

    Open Edit
    Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
    $50 at Nordstrom

    Mayhem Slide Sandal

    Steve Madden
    Mayhem Slide Sandal
    $90 at Nordstrom

    4. Casual Shorts

    From cotton boxers to effortless linen, a chic pair of casual shorts will be your go-to on laid-back summer days.

    Shop:

    Serif Logo Boxer Shorts

    Sporty & Rich
    Serif Logo Boxer Shorts
    $90 at Nordstrom

    Alania City High Waist Shorts

    French Connection
    Alania City High Waist Shorts
    $88 at Nordstrom

    High Waist Denim Shorts

    MANGO
    High Waist Denim Shorts
    $50 at Nordstrom

    5. Simple Dress

    A summer capsule wardrobe calls for versatile dresses that feature simple silhouettes in black, white, and neutral hues. Opt for a style that will take you from day to night seamlessly.

    Shop:

    Sammie Pleat Strapless Stretch Cotton Sundress

    WAYF
    Sammie Pleat Strapless Stretch Cotton Sundress
    $88 at Nordstrom

    Scoop Neck Minidress

    MANGO
    Scoop Neck Minidress
    $50 at Nordstrom

    Long Sleeve High-Low Shirtdress

    Nordstrom
    Long Sleeve High-Low Shirtdress
    $90 at Nordstrom

    Sleeveless Poplin Midi Dress

    Topshop
    Sleeveless Poplin Midi Dress
    $75 at Nordstrom

    6. Raffia Bag

    A timeless raffia or woven bag is one you'll come back to every warm-weather season, making it a must-have addition to your wardrobe.

    Shop:

    Large Valeta Crocheted Raffia Bag

    MANGO
    Large Valeta Crocheted Raffia Bag
    $90 at Nordstrom

    Mini Woven Seagrass Crossbody Basket Bag

    Madewell
    Mini Woven Seagrass Crossbody Basket Bag
    $88 at Nordstrom

    The Crocheted Shoulder Bag

    Madewell
    The Crocheted Shoulder Bag
    $65 at Nordstrom

    7. Maxi Skirts

    Whether you go for a sleek black linen maxi skirt or a full white poplin skirt, a midi- or maxi-length silhouette in black or white is an essential piece to add into your summer rotation.

    Shop:

    Back Slit Linen Skirt

    MANGO
    Back Slit Linen Skirt
    $90 at Nordstrom

    Ruched Waist Maxi Skirt

    Topshop
    Ruched Waist Maxi Skirt
    $60 at Nordstrom

    BDG Urban Outfitters, Maxi Skirt

    BDG
    Maxi Skirt
    $64 at Nordstrom

    Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt

    Topshop
    Cotton Poplin Skirt
    $65 at Nordstrom

    8. Relaxed Button-Down

    It goes without saying that a relaxed button-down is a year-round staple, and it is particularly versatile in summer—whether it's worn over a bikini or with linen pants. It's a chic, relaxed silhouette that will always look timeless and cool.

    Shop:

    Samari Linen Button-Up Shirt

    MANGO
    Samari Linen Button-Up Shirt
    $80 at Nordstrom

    Oversize Pinstripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt

    EDIKTED
    Oversize Pinstripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt
    $51 at Nordstrom

    Popover Chambray Button-Up Shirt

    French Connection
    Popover Chambray Button-Up Shirt
    $78 at Nordstrom

    Oversized Beach Shirt

    BP
    Oversized Beach Shirt
    $25 at Nordstrom

    9. Chic Vest

    Vests will add just the right amount of polish to your summer look. They go with everything from full skirts to linen pants. In summer, opt for lightweight cotton and linen iterations in white and beige hues.

    Shop:

    Selene Linen Blend Vest

    Steve Madden
    Selene Linen Blend Vest
    $69 at Nordstrom

    Gabriella Linen Vest

    WAYF
    Gabriella Linen Vest
    $75 at Nordstrom

    V-Neck Vest

    MANGO
    V-Neck Vest
    $85 at Nordstrom

    This article was originally published on Who What Wear.

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    Nordstrom
    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Judith Jones
    Judith Jones
    Fashion Market Editor, Who What Wear

    Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.

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