42 Nordstrom, J.Crew, and Gap Finds That Are About to Replace All My Summer Basics
Do you ever start shopping and realize that you don’t just want one or two items but suddenly crave an entire wardrobe overhaul? Same. On a recent perusing of the new-arrivals section on of my favorite sites, I came across so many strong pieces that I started envisioning a whole new wardrobe with these chic updates. More than anything, it was the new wardrobe basics at Nordstrom, J.Crew, and Gap that really caught my eye and made me consider replacing the very versions in my own closet to start off summer 2025 on a strong note.
These aren’t just your plain tanks or basic shorts. No, the new closet updates I’m about to showcase here each have something special about them that sets them apart from the rest—especially the ones already in my closet. Think trendy thong heels, delicate and airy embroidered cotton tops, and even elevated-looking capri pants that are taking over my heart (and cart) right now. They may be more forward than basic, but I already know these will become the foundation for my entire summer wardrobe. Yep, I’m crushing big time on these simple but impactful finds, and I think you will, too. Scroll down to shop them all.
Nordstrom
Open Edit
Crepe Capri Leggings
Capri pants are basically a wardrobe staple for me now.
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
Trust—they make every outfit way chicer.
Reformation
Archie Organic Cotton Blend Jersey Tank
Easy tank, of-the-moment color.
Open Edit
Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants
To wear with tanks, bikinis, and button-downs alike.
Madewell
Handwoven Leather Tote
For the beach and way beyond.
AGOLDE
Dame High Waist Mid Length Relaxed Denim Shorts
If I’m wearing denim shorts in 2025, they’re going to be a relaxed mid-thigh shape.
Rubi Shoes
Annalise Mini Round Sunglasses
I had to do a double take at the price.
Treasure & Bond
Blouson Twill Utility Jacket
The ultimate spring-to-summer transition piece.
Cotton On
Lola Low Rise Suiting Pant
I’m always looking for the ideal black pants, and these come very close to perfection.
Mansur Gavriel
Gaia Leather Shoulder Bag
The skinny strap is so chic.
Reformation
Betsy Bloomer Shorts
Love or hate them, bloomers are back again.
J.Crew
J.Crew
Como Woven Straw Tote
The nicest-looking raffia bag I’ve seen all season.
J.Crew
New Soleil Pant in Striped Linen
J.Crew
Pintuck Mixy Dress
This khaki hue feels fresher than all the white dresses currently in my closet.
J.Crew
Perfect-Fit High-Neck Tank Top
The name says it all: It’s perfect in every way.
J.Crew
Crochet Beach Skirt
Crochet beach skirt? Say less.
J.Crew
Crochet Balconette Underwire Bikini Top
The color and texture make this look and feel like a designer bikini.
J.Crew
Relaxed Premium-Weight Cropped T-Shirt in Stripe
White tees are out—striped tees are in.
J.Crew
Eyelet Short in Linen-Cotton Blend
J.Crew
New Colbie Wide-Strap Sandals in Suede
Well these look triple their price, now don’t they?
J.Crew
Packable Straw Hat
Can’t go on vacation without one.
J.Crew
Lace-Trim Shift Dress
From the beach to dinner and back again.
J.Crew
Andi Ballet Flats in Mesh
I wore my mesh flats to death last summer, so I’ll be replacing them with these while they’re on sale for less than $100.
J.Crew
Bungalow Wire-Frame Sunglasses
J.Crew
Claudia One-Piece in Classic Sculpt
Nineties-supermodel vibes.
Gap
Gap × DÔEN
100% Linen Gingham Midi Dress
A piece from the latest Gap x Dôen launch that’s still in stock? Say it isn’t so.
Gap
100% Linen Tie-Front Shirt
Compliments are inevitable.
Gap
100% Linen Easy Shorts
More comfortable than denim shorts, more elevated than track shorts.
The trendiest $30 you’ll spend all season.
Gap
100% Linen Oversized Shirt
BRB, swapping my white shirts with pretty pastel hues.
Gap
Curvy High Rise Barrel Jeans
This shape gets a 10/10 from me.
Gap
Gapstudio Satin Slip Dress
Gap
Lace-Trim PJ Cami Set
Way too pretty to only wear as pajamas.
Gap
Sheer Rib Sweater T-Shirt
This would be so fun as a vacation piece.
Gap
365 Low Rise Linen-Blend Trouser Shorts
Ask anyone I know. Tailored Bermuda shorts are the only kind I wear anymore.
Gap
Linen-Blend Square-Neck Maxi Dress
Gap
CloseKnit Cropped Halter Top
Gap
Easy Bubble Midi Skirt
I love this trendier spin on a classic white skirt.
Gap
Modern Apron-Neck Tank Top
Suddenly, all my white tanks are falling flat.
Gap
11″ Mid Rise Longline Denim Shorts
