The 16 Best Nordstrom Dresses for Every Event On Your Summer Calendar

Name: Hutch Pleated Cocktail Dress
Brand: Hutch
Price: 398 USD

Easy, breezy, heat-wave essentials

By Abby Hepworth

•

Updated Jun 30, 2025

Additional reporting by

Ashley Sepanski

Courtney Campbell

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

Abby Hepworth for PureWow

Ah, Nordstrom, how we adore thee. Seriously, the retailer is a top tier favorite for picking up anything and everything you might need to refresh your wardrobe, from designer beauty to affordable home decor. But perhaps the most beloved category to scroll through is the dresses. Nordstrom’s selection is jam-packed with options for all events and budgets, from breezy linen minidresses to impress your friends at brunch to chic tailored work dresses to give you a boost of confidence at your next big meeting. And, of course, there’s no shortage of wedding guest dresses to shop, either. Browsing through the seemingly endless options can get overwhelming fast, so I took the liberty of pulling 16 of the best Nordstrom dresses currently available that all have that special “turn heads wherever you go” kind of magic.

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The Best Nordstrom Dresses at a Glance

Best Long-Sleeve Dress at Nordstrom

Madewell Splitneck Linen Minidress

$138 at Nordstrom

Best Maxi Dress at Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Square-Neck Maxi Dress

$69 at Nordstrom

Best Vacation Dress at Nordstrom

Farm Rio Pineapple Tapestry Studded Linen Shift Dress

$348 at Nordstrom

Best Linen Minidress at Nordstrom

Open Edit Sleeveless Linen-Blend Minidress

$80 at Nordstrom

Best Shirtdress at Nordstrom

Staud Cafu Long Sleeve A-Line Dress

~~$375;~~ $207 at Nordstrom

How I Chose the Best Nordstrom Dresses

All of the dresses on this list come highly rated and recommended by PureWow editors and fellow Nordstrom shoppers. I made sure to pay attention to fit details, fabrication and size range when combing through the thousands of styles on Nordstrom’s site. Finally, I made sure to include a range of prices so you can stock up on dresses for wedding receptions, dinners with friends, days at the office and everything in between no matter your budget.

Nordstrom

Best Long-Sleeve Dress at Nordstrom

1. Madewell Splitneck Linen Minidress

Madewell

I’m a sucker for a long-sleeve minidress and this linen number is truly one of the best. I adore the curving silhouette, exaggerated further by the balloon sleeves. There’s a small elastic band in the back to help create that cinched waist look and pockets on the sides (a noteworthy feature for any frock). Reviewers say the material is super-lightweight and wonderfully breezy, but doesn’t appear sheer so you can wear whatever undergarments are most comfortable.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 00 to 16
Materials: 100 percent linen

$138 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Maxi Dress at Nordstrom

2. Vince Camuto Square-Neck Maxi Dress

Vince Camuto

I bought this maxi on a whim just days before a trip to Paris and let me tell you, I’m eternally grateful that I did. The fabric is super breathable (a must for summer weather anywhere) and doesn’t wrinkle very easily. And the placement of curved seams low on the hips and again just above the knee make this dress look far more expensive than its price tag. It can also easily be dressed up for, say dinner on the Seine or down for a more low-key hang. I will say, this is a true maxi dress—I’m 5’9” and it hits right at the top of my foot—so petite folks should prepare to wear heels or make a trip to the tailor for hemming.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: 100 percent viscose

$69 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Vacation Dress at Nordstrom

3. Farm Rio Pineapple Tapestry Studded Linen Shift Dress

Farm Rio

Farm Rio is *the* brand to shop for vibrant, summer-ready prints and patterns. Nordstrom carries lots of cute styles, but it’s this mini shift that really grabbed my attention. The shape of the sleeves is incredibly elegant, and I adore the contrast between the tropical linen and the brass studs along the neckline, hem and pockets. It’s also fully lined to help give a bit more structure to the lightweight fabric. FYI: This dress runs small, so consider going up one from your usual size when adding to your shopping cart.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to XL
Materials: 100 percent linen

$348 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Linen Minidress at Nordstrom

4. Open Edit Sleeveless Linen-Blend Minidress

Open Edit

Can you ever have too many linen minidresses for summer? Probably, but that won’t stop me from adding this V-neck cutie to my collection. It’s currently available in five gorgeous color options: black, white, sage green, pale blue and pale yellow. The dress also features a tie in back allowing you to cinch the waist for a more dramatic silhouette if you like, or leaving it loose for maximum air flow. The V neckline is repeated in back with a slightly deeper V, but it should still sit high enough to cover a regular T-shirt bra.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to XL
Materials: 53 percent linen, 44 percent rayon, 3 percent spandex

$80 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Shirtdress at Nordstrom

5. Staud Cafu Long Sleeve A-Line Dress

Staud

A white shirtdress is a classic capsule wardrobe staple, no matter the season. This Staud version takes a more minimalist approach than some, with a simple collarless neckline and hidden button placket that can be done all the way up for maximum coverage or unbuttoned all the way down to the waist. The elastic waist is incredibly comfortable and is designed to move with you throughout the day. It is fully lined, so while nude-colored undergarments are probably best, you don’t need to worry about anything appearing see-through. The sleeves are cuffed to hit about 3/4 down the arm, but can also be unbuttoned and folded down for a full-length sleeve or rolled up if you prefer.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XS to L
Materials: 100 percent cotton

~~$375;~~ $207 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Work Dress at Nordstrom

6. Nordstrom Pleated A-Line Dress

Nordstrom

This silhouette of this midi dress is perfection, and I’m not the only PureWow editor who thinks so. VP of Editorial Content Candace Davison is also a fan, noting just how beautiful and versatile the draping is. “Everybody could use a neutral dress that works as hard as you do—as in, it’s flattering from all angles and you can just throw it on and go, with minimal styling to look elegant. That’s the key with this style, which offers a little sleeve coverage and a breeziness that will help you stay cool this summer while you wear it on repeat.” Plus, it has pockets, meaning you won't have to keep your purse on you all night.

Fast Facts

Size range: XXS to L
Material: 93 percent viscose, 7 percent polyester

$100 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Most Comfortable Dress at Nordstrom

7. Free People Alejandra Smocked-Bodice Sundress

Free People

On days when it’s just too hot to think, comfort is the only thing I care about. So it’s a real win when the most comfortable dress in my wardrobe also happens to be super cute. This Free People number is made of a breezy lightweight polyester that allows for maximum air flow and won’t trap heat or sweat. Add to that the smocked bodice, removable adjustable straps and very on-trend boho ruffle skirt and you’ve got yourself an absolute must-have add-to-cart.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: 100 percent polyester

$168 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best All-Season Dress at Nordstrom

8. Cleobella Meadow Long-Sleeve Dress

Cleobella

Cleobella may be best know for it’s prints, but the cotton dobby fabric of this long-sleeve minidress is just as fun, if a tad more subtle. The more you look, the more gorgeous detailing you’ll find, like the longer smocked cuffs at the wrists or the tiered pleating along the hem. The ruffle along the neckline also adds some interest up top, and I truly can’t get over the matching fabric-covered buttons along the front. The tasseled tie is also fully adjustable and can even be replaced with a sturdier belt come fall, or removed altogether for a flowier silhouette.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: 100 percent organic cotton

~~$248;~~ $174 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Knit Dress at Nordstrom

9. Nordstrom Sleeveless Cotton-Blend Dress

Nordstrom

A chic twist on the classic T-shirt dress, this cotton midi is every bit as soft as you hope it will be. The cotton-spandex material feels as comfortable as your favorite tee, and offers plenty of stretch to conform to the shape of your body. That said, if you’re between sizes you may way to opt for the larger of the two for a bit of extra wiggle room. The slight flare to the skirt and uninterrupted block of color help to elongate your frame, as does the addition of a vertical seam straight down the front. Choose from white, Robin’s egg blue, butter yellow or the rich chocolate brown pictured here.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: 93 percent cotton, 7 percent spandex

$70 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Short-Sleeve Dress at Nordstrom

10. Reformation Leannah Smocked Minidress

Reformation

Cute, comfy and a little bit sassy, this minidress is a true triple threat. The cotton-blend fabric is breathable and light, and the smocked bodice conforms to fit your figure with ease, providing all-day-long comfort. It’s also bra-friendly, no specialty undergarments needed, and the puff sleeves lend a Bridgerton vibe that’s very on trend for summer 2025. P.S. If the brown check pattern isn’t your vibe, it also comes in plain white or white with dainty blue flowers.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 0 to 12
Materials: 98 percent organic cotton, 2 percent spandex

$228 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Breeziest Dress at Nordstrom

11. Caslon Ruffle Duo Cotton Gauze Dress

Caslon

On days when the humidity is creeping ever and ever higher, reach for this gauzy Caslon frock. It comes in four fun color options (white, blue, green and blue floral) and features a looser silhouette and flouncy skirt. Despite the V neckline, this dress is fully bra-friendly, though some reviewers did find the white color to be a tad sheer. There’s also a button at the collar to create a keyhole neck if you want to switch things up.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XXS to XL
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$80 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Belted Dress at Nordstrom

12. Donna Karan New York Drawstring-Waist Shirtdress

Donna Karan New York

Another top pick from Davison, this Donna Karan New York shirtdress is sure to ring in all the compliments. “I love a statement dress,” she tells me, “andand I'm a sucker for a universally flattering fit-and-flare style. The stretch linen prevents this dress from being too constricting, yet it still has shape and structure. It’s the kind of subdued stunner you could pair with a blazer for a work event or dress up for a graduation party, anniversary or vacation night out.” The unique grommet-adored adjustable belt also adds a touch of luxury to the more casual fabric, giving this dress even better versatility.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 2 to 14
Materials: 55 percent linen, 45 percent viscose

$199 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Scoopneck Dress at Nordstrom

13. Rebecca Taylor Poplin Smocked-Waist Dress

Rebecca Taylor

I’ve had my eye on this long-sleeve cotton midi for some time now, and think it may just be day I finally follow through, especially now that it’s 40 percent off. The matcha green hue is oh-so dreamy and far more complementary than you might think—it pairs just as well with vibrant hues like bright pink or cherry red as it does more subdued hues like baby blue, butter yellow or beige. The scoop neck can be adjusted with a tie in front, and the cuffs are elasticated so you know they’ll stay put if you pull them up for a 3/4-length look. It even has pockets—score!

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: cotton poplin

~~$395;~~ $237 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Beach Dress at Nordstrom

14. Faherty Palma Dara Stripe Mini Shirtdress

Faherty

This linen mini can take you from breakfast errands to an afternoon at the beach and back again for lunch with the gals. The straight silhouette is easy and chic, and that deep neckline shows just enough skin up top to balance out the mini length. As for sizing, this dress does run small. The fabric has little to no stretch, so I highly recommend double checking the size chart (specifically going off of your largest measurement, be it bust or hips) and adding to cart from there.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XS to XXL
Materials: 100 percent linen

$168 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best LBD at Nordstrom

15. ASTR the Label High Neck Midi Dress

ASTR the Label

Doesn’t this black midi give you major Audrey Hepburn vibes? Perhaps it’s the elegant high neckline and dainty (adjustable) straps, or maybe it’s the drop waist and mid-length cut. Whatever the case, this dress is incredible elegant and can so easily be made to fit almost any occasion you’ve got on your calendar this summer. Pair it with some simple huggie earrings and a flat sandal for a day of exploring your home town or add some pointy-toe kitten heels and a colorful statement earring for your next cocktail party.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: 100 percent cotton

$99 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Best Wedding Guest Dress at Nordstrom

16. Hutch Pleated Cocktail Dress

Hutch

Cocktail, formal, black tie—this pleated beauty from Hutch fits all these dress codes and more. The corset top has enough structure that multiple reviewers say they felt comfortable going without a bra, and the skirt is wonderfully lightweight. It’s currently available in four color options (solid navy, solid teal, a purple-orange floral and the pink-and-orange floral pictured above) though Hutch is often introducing more considering this dress’s best-seller status. Most reviewers say this dress fits true to size, but in my experience with the brand, if you’re between two sizes you’ll likely want to opt for the larger of the two.

FAST FACTS

Size Range: US 2 to 14, and 14W to 18W
Materials: 100 percent polyester

from ~~$398;~~ $261 at Nordstrom

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Nordstrom's Return Policy?

Nordstrom’s return policy is pretty simple. The department store accepts returns on a case-by-case basis. Basically, if you have an account with them to show your purchase, or a physical receipt and your item isn’t damaged, you’ll likely get a refund or be able exchange in person. The brand doesn’t send return labels with online orders, so if you’re returning via mail, you’ll be able to start your return online and get a QR code or printable return label to make your return at your local USPS or FedEx.

Abby Hepworth

Editor

Covers fashion, trends and all things running
Received certification as an RRCA run coach
Has worked in fashion for over a decade

read full bio

Ashley Sepanski

Freelance Writer

Ashley Sepanski is a freelance writer covering health, wellness and travel. She’s an ACE-certified fitness instructor and holds a master’s in Publishing and Digital Media from New York University. Her work has been published in Greatist, Oprah.com, Healthline and other media outlets.

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