34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

I’ll say it once, and I’ll say it again—you can never have too many button-down shirts, especially while traveling. A crisp button-down can cosplay as a bathing suit cover-up during a trip to the beach, or it can be styled with a tank top and a pair of linen shorts for a casual outing. If you need more outfit formulas, look no further than Marie Claire’s roundup of button-up shirt outfits.

Aside from ranking high on my list of vacation essentials, white jeans are classic summer staples that I will always have in rotation. Rag Bone’s Sofie Featherweight Wide-Leg Jeans are crafted from quality non-stretch denim, so I’ll be able to style them for years to come.

I own Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used this trusty accessory as a beach bag. With a depth of nearly 15 inches, it’s large enough to store all my bulky belongings (like my sunscreen products, books, and water bottles). I have the navy blue version, but I can’t take my eyes off this dusty pink colorway.

Y2K-inspired wedge sandals are officially trending again. Play into the style with these charming shoes from Franco Sarto, which feature an espadrille platform and luxe leather straps. These sandals are designed with ergonomic insoles and contoured padding for extra support so you can walk around comfortably for hours.

I recommend adding several slip-on dresses to your vacation wardrobe for practicality. This one from Madewell is 100 percent cotton, so it’s extremely breathable (which will be useful on sweltering summer days).

I recently traveled to Costa Rica, and my trusty travel purse never left my side during the entire trip. Now, I’m searching for a new one, and I think Zella’s crossbody bag might just be it. With an adjustable strap and a squeeze buckle closure, I can wear this piece around my waist or chest depending on my preference. It also has plenty of pockets, so my phone, passport, and credit cards will stay organized.

If you need to give your pants a break while on vacation, slip into this midi skirt to switch things up. It’s cut from lightweight fabric so you won’t overheat, and it also has a front slit (which not only provides an airy fit, but also allows ample movement).

Schutz’s Liliana Ankle Strap Sandals perfectly balance comfort and style. Unlike razor-thin stilettos, these warm-weather shoes have sturdy block heels which offer a strong sense of stability.

Vince Camuto’s blouse offers an elevated alternative to a standard black tank top with a rumpled satin texture and a spacious silhouette. Create a cute set with black linen pants (which you’ll find below), and take the all-black look a step further with jelly sandals of the same shade.

Breezy linen pants are a must-have for any vacation. If you already have a pair in white, try Vince’s black linen bottoms and style them with a coordinating top for a monochromatic flair.

Within my collection of travel outfits, I have a sturdy rotation of three shoe types: sneakers, casual flip-flops, and elevated sandals. I’ll be adding Veronica Beard's Melli sandals to the latter category, and I plan to dress them up with a sophisticated summer dress and a glossy handbag to match.

If your travel outfits are feeling a bit dull, liven things up with Frame's Henley top. This shirt is decorated with nautical-inspired stripes that will fit right into your seaside style mood board.

From afar, Rails’ Jasmine dress might appear to be an ordinary white dress, but look closely and you’ll notice distinct details like a smocked waist, a tiered hem, and a front button closure. There are plenty of styling routes to take, but I would recommend teaming this dress with neutral-toned sandals and a woven bag.

A trip to the shore calls for a range of bathing suit options. Diversify your assortment with this one-piece from Adore Me, which can be styled in two ways. Wear it as seen here, or cross the straps to create a high-neck halter style that will surely turn heads.

For a romantic dinner by the beach, slip into AllSaints' Hadley dress. This vibrant piece is made of luxe satin fabric that gives it a sultry feel. Commit to the color theme with a red handbag and coordinating sandals.

No matter where you’re jetting off to this summer, you’ll need a versatile white T-shirt in your travel capsule wardrobe. Style AllSaints’ cotton tee with linen pants and sneakers for a day of sightseeing, and when nightime rolls around, swap your laid-back look for an upscale maxi skirt and strappy sandals.

Shield your eyes from overpowering sunrays with this pair of gradient shades from Kate Spade New York. Designed with an eye-catching rectangular shape, these sunnies are bound to give your summer accessories collection a bold boost.

Make sizzling summer days a bit more bearable with a gauzy top that won’t stick to your skin. Madewell’s Crop Camp Shirt has a slightly cropped hemline, so you’ll experience even more airflow in comparison to other full-length options.

I don’t know about you, but while I’m on any vacation, I always make sure I carve out time for a midday lunch. For moments like this, I usually like to wear a cute skirt paired with a fitted tee and chunky sandals. I’m currently eyeing Faherty’s mini skirt, mainly because its beige shade will make it compatible with a variety of tops.

If you’re looking for a vacation dress that offers a bit of shape but isn't constricting, pick up this Chelsea28's ruched dress. This piece boasts a bodycon design that nips at the waist but is still comfortable for all-day wear.

Although clothes are usually top of mind when packing travel essentials, don’t forget about staple jewelry pieces that will pair well alongside any outfit. With a simple shape and a timeless gold hue, Nordstrom’s chunky hoop earrings will do just that.

After an exhausting day of activities, you’ll inevitably want to lounge around your hotel. Do just that and pull on these silky soft shorts from SPANX, which feature a light-as-air fabric, so you’ll feel like you’re practically wearing nothing at all.

Apart from your beach bag, you’ll also need an easy-to-style purse that you can wear beyond the shore. Consider Madewell’s crossbody bag, woven with sumptuous strips of leather and enhanced with subtle hints of gold hardware.

Boiling temperatures will make you want to forgo wearing clothes, but unless you’re in the privacy of your own home, that’s not really an option. However, you can opt for pieces with a barely-there feel (like this peekaboo top from BDG).

Thanks to its streamlined silhouette and simple color palette, Halogen's v-neck top can be cycled through countless vacation looks. This wardrobe staple is also available in white, brown, and blue. Add all three to your wardrobe for a sleek standalone top or layering piece.

A few months ago, I bought a pair of OluKai sandals and I haven’t looked back since. The brand specializes in designing beach-ready shoes that are both stylish and durable, and for that reason, I’ll continue to depend on this label for all my vacation wardrobe needs. These cushioned flip flops are my next footwear purchase.

There are several strict rules in my style playbook, one of which is that I can never leave for vacation without packing at least one floral dress. This Billabong piece is going straight into my suitcase. I love the loose-fitting design, and because it's made of a stretchy fabric blend, I’ll be wearing this dress on repeat.

You can have some fun with Loewe's statement-making sunglasses. These designer shades have been marked down in price by $130—a huge discount that you likely won't see again soon. Bottom line? Snag them now before it's too late.

Planning on relaxing along the coast this summer? Expect frequent temperature dips and make sure to prepare yourself with a cozy layer, like Halogen's ribbed cardigan. You can also incorporate this summer sweater into your lineup of airport outfits in case you get a bit chilly while on the plane.

When it’s simply too hot to wear a maxi dress, opt for a frock with a shorter hemline. French Connection’s polished mini dress is decorated with a sweetheart neckline and a sculpted bodice for a flattering look.

If you're the type to work out on vacation, first of all, hats off to you. Second, allow me to introduce you to a pair of sweat shorts that will carry you through every type of cardio session, from a morning run to an intense pilates class.

In addition to packing countless SPF products, remember to also bring a straw hat to your sun-filled destination. Brixton's option is a fan-favorite that Nordstrom shoppers can't seem to get enough of. "This hat looks great and it's also made with relatively large holes that promote ventilation during hot summer days," says one reviewer.

Your list of vacation essentials isn’t complete without Commando's camisoles. These wardrobe basics will serve as reliable tops that you can style with any pair of bottoms. Wear them with flowy pants for a relaxed day by the shore or dress them up with a slip skirt for an evening out.

As someone who doesn’t own many rings, I’m on the hunt for some that I can use to embellish my vacation outfits. That said, I’d rather not pay a pretty penny to do so, which is why I’ll be buying Nordstrom’s Demi Fine Timeless Rings. Two for $40? I’d say that’s quite a deal.