The 16 Best Nordstrom Dresses for Every Event on Your Calendar

Name: Hutch Pleated Dress
Brand: Hutch
Price: 393 USD

Including Anniversary Sale finds

By Natalie LaBarbera

•

Updated Jul 15, 2026

Additional reporting by

Courtney Campbell

Abby Hepworth

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 I adore thee. Seriously, the retailer is a favorite for picking up anything and everything you might need to refresh your wardrobe, from designer beauty products to affordable home decor. But my favorite category to scroll through is the dresses.

Nordstrom’s selection is jam-packed with options for every event and budget, from breezy linen-blend styles that will keep you cool during a heat wave to chic work dresses that will give you a confidence boost at your next big meeting. And, of course, there’s no shortage of wedding guest options. Browsing through the seemingly endless array can get overwhelming fast, so I took the liberty of pulling 16 of the best currently available that all have that special, “turn heads wherever you go” kind of magic.

Psst: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is taking place now through August 9. How soon you can shop the sale depends on your cardmember status (Icons starting July 14, Ambassadors July 15 and Influencers July 16) with the sale opening to everyone on July 18.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

How I Chose the Best Nordstrom Dresses

When choosing the best Nordstrom dresses, I paid attention to fit, fabric and size range. I also 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

1. Madewell Melody Dress

Madewell

If you’re looking for a transitional style to take you from late summer to early fall, this mini from Madewell should be in your cart. It’s made from 100 percent cotton, so it’ll still feel breathable while the weather’s hot, but come fall, a cardigan or denim jacket will look so cute layered over top. (P.S. It has pockets, too.)

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: cotton

~~$148~~; $100 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

2. Nordstrom Stretch Cotton Dress

Nordstrom

This stretchy Pima cotton dress is ideal for days when you want to look put-together enough to grab lunch with friends but still feel totally comfy if you have to run errands afterward. It has a relaxed fit that won’t feel restrictive, and reviewers say it’s flattering. “The fit is perfection and I am busty. I wear this dress with no issues,” wrote one.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: pima cotton and spandex

~~$90~~; $45 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

3. Faherty Michelle Denim Dress

Faherty

Everyone needs a classic denim dress in their closet, and if you haven’t found the perfect one yet, snag this one from Faherty while it’s nearly $70 off. It’s designed with functional front buttons, so you can adjust the neckline, plus it has deep front pockets and two smaller ones at the chest.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 0 to 14
Materials: organic cotton, linen and polyester

~~$188~~; $120 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

4. Open Edit Linen Blend Shift Dress

Open Edit

This easy-fitting shift dress is made from a breezy linen and rayon blend that won’t feel too hot no matter the weather. Despite its lightweight fabric, the dress is machine washable, so you can easily wear it on repeat when a heat wave hits. It also has an effortless slip-on design that will make it easy to toss on if you’re running late in the morning.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XL
Materials: linen, rayon and spandex

$90 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

5. Reformation Woodson Shirtdress

Reformation

Whether you have a wedding to attend soon or are looking for a new date night dress, this one from Reformation fits the bill. It’s made from lightweight viscose, and the lace insets add a romantic touch. When you’re not wearing it for a night out, you can easily dress it down with flats or even a cute pair of sneakers. And did I mention it’s nearly $100 off during Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale?

Fast Facts

Size Range: 0 to 12
Materials: viscose

~~$298~~; $199 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

6. Petal & Pup Josie Dress

Petal & Pup

This dress looks so comfortable that I know I’d have no problem wearing it all day long. The breezy babydoll cut allows for easy movement, and the smocked top is stretchy, so it won’t dig into your skin. The thin straps are adjustable, too, so you can customize exactly how long you want them to be to get the best fit.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 0 to 12
Materials: viscose

~~$109~~; $75 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

7. AllSaints Harmonia Dress

AllSaints

The mesh overlay on this AllSaints dress gives it a stunning, unique look. Dress it up with heels, a clutch and sparkling jewelry, or keep it casual with your favorite flats, an oversized tote and a patterned silk scarf. No matter how you plan to wear it, you’re going to want to take advantage of the chance to grab it on sale while it’s more than $100 off.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 0 to 12
Materials: polyester

~~$298~~; $194 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

8. Treasure & Bond Peplum Maxi Dress

Treasure & Bond

This pretty floral maxi features a peplum cut that feels trendy but not too overwhelming. It’s also fully lined, so you don’t have to worry about anything showing through its light color, and the breathable cotton and viscose fabric is machine washable for easy care. To top it off, it has pockets and a playful tiered hem, and it will look great on its own now or layered under a jacket when it cools down in the fall.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: cotton and viscose

~~$169;~~ $113 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

9. Beyond Yoga Starting Line Active Dress

Beyond Yoga

Active dresses are the perfect solution when you want something comfy, easy to move in, and cute enough to wear to meet friends for coffee. This one has a cute cross-back cut and, more importantly for anyone on the go, built-in shorts with pockets. I have a feeling it will go fast while it’s marked down by more than $40, so if you’re eyeing it, get it in your cart sooner than later.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XL
Materials: polyester and elastane

~~$128~~; $85 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

10. Halogen Faux Suede Midi Dress

Halogen

This faux-suede dress looks so much more expensive than it is—especially while it’s just $79 during Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. It has a chic A-line cut and a midi length that will pair nicely with knee-high boots and flats alike. It also has some stretch, so you’ll stay comfortable when you find yourself wanting to keep it on for happy hour after a day at the office.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: polyester and spandex

~~$119~~; $79 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

11. Caslon Ruffle Duo Dress

Calson

On days when the humidity is creeping ever higher, reach for this gauzy Caslon frock. It features a looser silhouette and a flouncy skirt, and despite its V-neckline, it’s fully bra-friendly. 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: cotton

~~$90~~; $60 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

12. Donna Karan New York Stretch Cotton Shirtdress

Donna Karan New York

A good shirtdress is a must for your work wardrobe, and this one’s made from a stretchy cotton material that looks polished but still feels comfortable. The sleeves have some volume for added style, and it comes with a removable faux-leather belt.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 2 to 16
Materials: cotton and spandex

~~$219~~; $130 at nordstrom

Nordstrom

13. Pact Organic Cotton Fit and Flare Dress

Pact

Searching for a dress that can truly be worn anywhere, from work to dinner dates to wedding showers? This is your match. It has a fit-and-flare cut that many shoppers say is flattering, and one reviewer wrote that it’s a “great dress for travel,” thanks to its versatility. It’s available in classic colors like this navy and black, along with a few fun colorful prints.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to XXL
Materials: organic cotton

$78 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

14. En Saison Lainey Dress

En Saison

A trendy polka dot print, removable straps, an airy cotton fabric (with lining!), and pockets—this dress has it all. Beyond that, it has a hidden side zipper that makes it easy to get in and out of and a subtle cutout at the back. “This dress is so chic! It fit [true to size] and [is] very flattering, also love the cute cutout and laced-up back detail [that] gives the dress some extra charm,” wrote one reviewer, who plans to wear it to attend a wedding.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XS to L
Materials: cotton

$162 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

15. Caslon Travel Dress

Caslon

Now $30 off, this cotton sweatshirt dress is worth adding to your wardrobe to wear on busy weekendss. It has a half-zip neckline and dropped shoulders that make it feel comfy without looking frumpy. It’s also machine washable and available in a nautical navy striped print, too.

Fast Facts

Size Range: XXS to XXL
Materials: cotton and spandex

~~$80~~; $50 at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

16. Hutch Pleated 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 makes it comfortable to wear without a bra, and the skirt is wonderfully lightweight. “This dress is everything it should be. The length was perfect. The corset is extraordinarily flattering. Did not need to wear any bra or shapewear,” one reviewer shared.

Fast Facts

Size Range: 0 to 14
Materials: polyester

$393 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.

Natalie LaBarbera

Contributing Editor, Commerce

Writes commerce stories and features that span multiple topics, including fashion, beauty, travel, home and sales/deals
Has contributed to reports on ethical fashion and continues to stay up-to-date on sustainablility developments
Completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in fashion studies at Parsons The New School

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Courtney Campbell

Freelance Writer

Courtney covers all things shopping and lifestyle at PureWow. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Elon University and has spent more than five years of her career writing and editing shopping content. She has also tested everything from kombucha kits to standing desks for product reviews. With a passion for service journalism, she loves covering food, lifestyle and home content. You can follow her on Instagram or see more of her experience on LinkedIn.

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