Ex-Nordstrom Buyer Reveals 9 Summer Must-Haves for 2026
The Style Queen Has Spoken — And We’re Taking Notes
If anyone has earned the right to tell us what to wear this summer, it’s Susie Wright. With decades under her belt as a Nordstrom buyer — literally getting paid to predict what people would love — and a whopping 700,000-plus Instagram followers hanging on her every outfit post, this woman is the real deal. Her platform, So Susie, has become a go-to destination for chic, wearable inspiration, and her summer 2026 edit is no exception. Wright has handpicked nine standout pieces that perfectly capture her signature fashion style — effortlessly elevated, never try-hard. Think breezy drawstring linen trousers that you’ll want to live in all season, classic flip-flops getting their long-overdue fashion design moment, and polo tops fresh off the Chanel and Celine runways landing right in your wardrobe. Whether you’re a dedicated follower of her content or stumbling upon her genius for the first time, one scroll through her picks and you’ll immediately understand the hype. Summer dressing, according to Susie, is less about overthinking and more about finding that perfect balance between relaxed and refined. Spoiler: she nails it every single time.
Fringe, Florals, and That Perfect Pair of Jeans
Wright’s summer 2026 list reads like a love letter to warm-weather dressing done right. Among her must-haves are light-wash, loose-fit denim — the kind that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard — and fringe and tassel details that are, frankly, having their biggest fashion design moment in years. From statement necklaces to embellished dresses, Wright is particularly obsessed with a tassel dress from Anthropologie that she’s already packed for an upcoming European adventure. Very chic, very her. Bold, vivid color also makes a strong appearance on her list, with Wright championing bright blues as the shade of the season — fresh, striking, and absolutely impossible to ignore. Then there’s the midi skirt, a perennial summer hero that Wright insists never goes out of style. Paired with a simple tank and flat sandals or dressed up for an evening out, the midi skirt sits at the heart of her fashion style philosophy: versatile pieces that work overtime in your wardrobe. Rounding out the elevated essentials are embroidery and eyelet details appearing on everything from tops to denim, lending that delicate, handcrafted feel that transforms even the most basic outfit into something special.
Woven Wonders and the Accessories That Tie It All Together
No great summer wardrobe is complete without the right accessories, and Wright’s picks here are nothing short of inspired. Her love for woven bags and sandals is front and center this season — a fashion-moda movement that blends artisanal texture with everyday wearability. Whether it’s a slouchy market tote or a block-heel woven sandal, these pieces add that effortlessly polished finish that elevates even the simplest ensemble. Wright is proof that thoughtful accessorizing is where fashion style truly comes alive. Her Madewell tote, spotted throughout her social content, has practically become a signature piece at this point — and honestly, we completely understand why. The beauty of Wright’s summer edit lies in its cohesion. Every piece plays well with the others, reflecting a fashion design sensibility that’s rooted in practicality without ever sacrificing personality. Mix your drawstring linen pants with a polo top, throw on your woven sandals, grab that tote, and suddenly you look like you’ve spent the summer in the south of France — even if you’re just heading to brunch. That’s the Susie Wright magic: making great style feel completely within reach for everyone. And after all, isn’t that exactly what summer dressing should feel like?
Source: I’m a Former Nordstrom Buyer—These Are My 9 Summer Must-Haves
