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    1. Fashion

    From Ballet Flats to Button-Downs—These Chic Nordstrom Basics Are Perfect for Travel

    Easy and versatile.

    Judith Jones's avatar
    By Judith Jones
    Published 20 May 2024 In Buying Guides

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

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    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    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

    Supima® Cotton Rib Cutaway Tank

    Madewell
    Madewell Supima Cotton Rib Cutaway Tank
    $38
    $38 AT MADEWELL

    A white '90s tank is perfect for layering or wearing on its own.

    Dusk Stretch Knit Top

    Reformation
    Reformation Dusk Stretch Knit Top
    $78
    $78 AT NORDSTROM

    This black boatneck will take you from day to night seamlessly.

    Toni Stretch Organic Cotton Ribbed Crop Tank

    Rolla's
    Rolla’s Toni Stretch Organic Cotton Ribbed Crop Tank
    $69
    $69 AT NORDSTROM

    I love the idea of styling this under a relaxed white button-down.

    Cotton Button-Up Shirt

    MANGO
    Mango Cotton Button-Up Shirt
    $50
    $50 AT NORDSTROM

    A crisp cotton button-down is a travel essential.

    Oversize Stripe Button-Down Tunic

    Polo Ralph Lauren
    Polo Ralph Lauren Oversize Stripe Button-Down Tunic
    $168
    $168 AT NORDSTROM

    Wear over a bikini or with white pants for dinner—the styling possibilities are endless.

    Lino Linen Shirt

    MANGO
    Mango Lino Linen Shirt
    $60
    $60 AT NORDSTROM

    For hot summer days, you're going to appreciate having a breezy white linen button-down on hand.

    Relaxed Fit Cotton T-Shirt

    & Other Stories
    & Other Stories Relaxed Fit Cotton T-Shirt
    $29
    $29 AT NORDSTROM

    I never travel without a relaxed white tee.

    Relaxed Cotton U-Neck Tee

    AG
    AG Relaxed Cotton U-Neck Tee
    $68
    $68 AT NORDSTROM

    I recently got this, and it looks even better in person. I 100% recommend it for wherever you're traveling to.

    Tiny Apex Organic Pima Cotton T-Shirt

    Theory
    Theory Tiny Apex Organic Pima Cotton T-Shirt
    $75
    $75 AT NORDSTROM

    A chic baby tee you can wear on the plane and beyond.

    Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

    SKIMS
    Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
    $48
    $48 AT NORDSTROM

    This fitted tee is perfect to take you into the evening.

    Bottoms

    The Harlow Linen Wide Leg Pants

    Madewell
    Madewell The Harlow Linen Wide Leg Pants
    $88
    $88 AT NORDSTROM

    Comfortable, stylish, and practical—don't leave home without packing a great pair of white linen pants.

    Seaside Stripe Wide Leg Drawstring Pants

    EDIKTED
    EDIKTED Seaside Stripe Wide Leg Drawstring Pants
    $53
    $53 AT NORDSTROM

    These are my exact go-to pants for long-haul flights. They're cool and so comfy.

    The Dodger Sneak Wide Leg Jeans

    MOTHER
    MOTHER The Dodger Sneak Wide Leg Jeans
    $248
    $248 AT NORDSTROM

    For resort vacations, I try to avoid packing jeans, but for city getaways, I'll always pack a light-wash, relaxed, straight-leg silhouette.

    Lucy Stretch Organic Cotton Skirt

    Reformation
    Reformation Lucy Stretch Organic Cotton Skirt
    $198
    $198 AT NORDSTROM

    A white full skirt feels very of-the-moment and is surprisingly versatile.

    Layla Linen Maxi Skirt

    Reformation
    Reformation Layla Linen Maxi Skirt
    $158
    $158 AT NORDSTROM

    This is another excellent white skirt option to wear with flats and heels alike.

    Pleated High Waist Linen Shorts

    & Other Stories
    & Other Stories Pleated High Waist Linen Shorts
    $99
    $99 AT NORDSTROM

    Linen shorts that look polished are always a yes in my book.

    Stripe Stretch Cotton Poplin Shorts

    Good American
    Good American Stripe Stretch Cotton Poplin Shorts
    $99
    $99 AT NORDSTROM

    For a more relaxed resort getaway, I love a pair of striped poplin shorts.

    Dresses

    Marinia Linen Shirtdress

    Faithfull the Brand
    Faithfull the Brand Marinia Linen Shirtdress
    $219
    $219 AT NORDSTROM

    When it comes to dresses, I'm all about easy day-to-night styles.

    Jessi Sleeveless Linen Dress

    Reformation
    Reformation Jessi Sleeveless Linen Dress
    $148
    $148 AT NORDSTROM

    I never go on a summer vacation without packing a chic and simple LWD.

    Smocked Sleeveless Dress

    Madewell
    Madewell Smocked Sleeveless Dress
    $110
    $110 AT NORDSTROM

    Style with a pair of simple black Mary Janes for a chic look with zero effort required.

    Sammie Pleat Strapless Stretch Cotton Sundress

    WAYF
    WAYF Sammie Pleat Strapless Stretch Cotton Sundress
    $88
    $88 AT NORDSTROM

    I own this sundress in black and white, and it looks so beautiful on.

    Plissé Slipdress

    COS
    COS Plissé Slipdress
    $135
    $135 AT NORDSTROM

    The plissé fabric gives this versatile slip dress an elevated and easy feel.

    Shoes

    Fawna Lily Ballet Flat

    Clarks
    Clarks Fawna Lily Ballet Flat
    $100
    $100 AT NORDSTROM

    You'll always find a pair of elegant and functional black ballet flats in my suitcase.

    Reyes Mary Jane

    Dolce Vita
    Dolce Vita Reyes Mary Jane
    $84
    $84 AT NORDSTROM

    Mary Jane flats are perfect to pair with skirts and jeans alike. I love this ivory hue for a summertime feel.

    Gender Inclusive Sl 72 Rs Sneaker

    adidas
    Adidas Sl 72 Rs Sneaker
    $100
    $100 AT NORDSTROM

    This season's It sneakers make for the perfect travel shoes. This stunning color is surprisingly versatile.

    Arizona Soft Slide Sandal

    Birkenstock
    Birkenstock Arizona Soft Slide Sandal
    $130
    $130 AT NORDSTROM

    You just cannot go wrong with a pair of comfy and cool Birkenstocks.

    Tori Kitten Heel Sandal

    Open Edit
    Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
    $50
    $50 AT NORDSTROM

    A lightweight kitten heel for summer evenings out. Plus, you can't beat this price.

    Accessories

    Outta Love 49mm Cat Eye Sunglasses

    Le Specs
    Le Specs Outta Love 49mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
    $65
    $65 AT NORDSTROM

    Chic '90s sunglasses are all you need.

    Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings

    Jenny Bird
    Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
    $138
    $138 AT NORDSTROM

    The perfect-size gold hoops you can wear both day and night.

    Freshwater Pearl Necklace

    st. Moran
    st. Moran Freshwater Pearl Necklace
    $120
    $120 AT NORDSTROM

    A pretty pearl necklace is an elegant touch styled over tank tops and tees.

    Le Foulonné Leather Belt

    Longchamp
    Longchamp Le Foulonné Leather Belt
    $145
    $145 AT NORDSTROM

    Don't underestimate the power of a classic black belt.

    This article was originally published on Who What Wear.

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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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