I scrolled through 13,000+ Nordstrom new summer arrivals — here are my top 10

Never underestimate the power of a good T-shirt. This crewneck style from Cotton On comes in 14 colors and is a total steal for $20, so I plan on stocking up. Since you can wear a basic tee with jeans, shorts, under cardigans and when traveling, you'll never regret adding another cotton T-shirt to your collection. I'm grabbing this pretty lavender shade this month, as well as the light pink (my favorite color!).

I'm all about going bold in the summer — and this smocked cotton dress in bright red is at the top of my list. Just look at that elegant square neckline and floaty full skirt. It's perfect for those days when you're running errands and have a dinner date on the calendar. 

Oh, and it's also super cute to wear on vacation. Pair it with a jean jacket and neutral wedges. 

Ready for a throwback? Jelly shoes — yes, the ones from the '80s and '90s — are trending this summer, and I'm all about the nostalgic style. This Mary Jane design is an easy way to add a dose of fun to your warm-weather look. (I'm all about this soft blue, but they also come in red, green, pink and clear.) 

Thanks to the cork footbed and square toe, you don't have to worry about scrunching up your feet into these. Nordstrom shoppers say they are "so comfortable." One even wrote: "I wore these straight out of the box for the last couple of days. They’re very soft and the soles are grippy, so you won't slide around." 

The bag that I use as a carry-on when I fly has seen better days, so I'm swapping it this season for a Béis tote. This one has room for a 15-inch laptop, as well as a change of clothes and toiletry kit. It also has a pocket on the outside to store your phone and other essentials. 

Thanks to the trolley slip, simply pop this tote on top of your rolling luggage for easy airport maneuvering. Plus, the bright color makes it easy for me to spot, even when my travel day gets hectic.

A linen button-up is a summer wardrobe superhero. You can wear it with shorts, jeans and white pants, or over a bathing suit (my favorite). It offers tons of coverage from the sun and it doesn't matter if it gets wrinkled in your beach bag. 

This style from Faherty comes in five different stripe combos, but this peach, pink and blue version is my pick. You can also snag the matching shorts and have a full set.

Flip-flops are a warm-weather staple, but my kick-around rubber ones typically don't cut it when I'm getting dressed up. This dressier pair from Dolce Vita is a great alternative. 

I love the raffia straps and the stitching around the sole. Plus, I'll never say no to a little added height — these slip-ons have a comfortable 1-inch heel. 

I'm one of those people who wear jeans all year long, but I gravitate towards bright white styles during the summer. These cropped skinny jeans hit right above the ankle and have a cuffed, frayed hem for an added touch. I plan on wearing them to the office with a blouse or cardigan and to brunch with friends with a colorful tank top. 

Nordstrom shoppers note that they're "flattering," "stretchy" and "lightweight." You can also shop these pants in five other colors, including black, tan and yellow. 

Beyond Yoga makes some of my all-time favorite activewear. I especially swear by the brand's Space Dye material. Why, you ask? Well, it's wildly soft, stretchy and doesn't ride up during a workout. So when I spotted my favorite cropped tank in this brand new blue shade, I immediately added it to my cart.

This top features a racerback, UPF 50+ protection and has a shelf-bra for added support. I also plan on treating myself to the matching leggings so I have a cute workout set to wear to the gym this summer.

Tired of your leather purses? Me too! Thankfully, this linen bag from Mango feels fresh for the season. This crescent-shaped shoulder bag is a great size for an everyday bag (it has room for your phone, wallet and earbuds), but the black piping also makes it feel appropriate for an evening out. 

Pro tip: You can also adjust the strap so it sits just right on your shoulder.

Who says you can't wear a little black dress during the summer? This off-the-shoulder number from Lands' End is sophisticated yet versatile. I love how the bodice is made from a soft jersey knit while the skirt is a flowy poplin. The top has a hidden shelf bra for extra comfort and support. 

You can easily dress this dress up or down for any occasion. Add strappy heels and wear it to a wedding, or pair it with flats for an afternoon wine tasting.