Here are the nine summer items a fashion writer is buying from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale for a beach vacation, including on-sale Birkenstock sandals, breezy dresses, swimsuits, and more.

Including rarely on-sale Birkenstocks and dresses I’ll wear after my trip, too.

I’m leaving for Hawaii in less than a month, so I’m trying to cut back on spending not related to the vacation. I deleted Postmates and Poshmark from my phone, allowed my gel manicure to grow out so far, it now looks like french tips, and have let my bob become a, well, lob. But after looking through Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, I’ve decided there are a few deals I can justify as “vacation purchases.” 

From waterproof flip-flops and rare Birkenstock savings to swimwear and versatile dresses, these are the nine things I’m eyeing from Nordstrom’s massive Anniversary Sale ahead of my beach vacation.

9 Best Summer Deals From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

• OluKai Ohana Flip-Flops, $55 (Originally $75)
• Spanx AirEssentials Shorts, $55 (Originally $78)
• Good American Whip Stitch Sweetheart Bikini Top, $59 (Originally $79) 
• Good American Stitch Bikini Bottoms, $38 (Originally $69)
• Sweaty Betty Explorer T-Shirt Minidress, $85 (Originally $128)
• Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal, $105 (Originally $140)
• Lemlem Elene One-Piece Swimsuit, $150 (Originally $250)
• Vince Smocked Tank Dress, $198 (Originally $295)
• Nocturne Embroidered Long Dress, $207 (Originally $309)

Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Slide Sandal

Orig. $130 $105 at Nordstrom

Birkenstock’s Madrid sandals are on rare sale, which, IMHO, is reason enough to buy them, though I also anticipate that they’ll be the perfect vacation shoe. The style features the brand’s famous cork footbed, as well as a single strap that’s secured with oversized gold hardware. The sandals perfectly combine everyday comfort with elevated details, meaning I can (and will want to) wear them everywhere, from morning walks and casual beachside lunches to sunset dinners.

Vince Smocked Tank Dress

Orig. $295 $198 at Nordstrom

In a perfect world, I’m pairing those Birkenstocks with this dress from Vince, which is now almost $100 off. A black dress is something everyone should have, and I adore that this one pairs a classic silhouette with smocked fabric, which instantly makes the wardrobe basic feel less, well, basic. I could see myself living in this on vacation—it’s lightweight and can be dressed up or down—but I also know I’ll get plenty of wear out of it beyond my trip and summer. This dress with a blazer and boots is about to be my fall uniform. 

Spanx AirEssentials Shorts

Orig. $78 $55 at Nordstrom

These shorts from Oprah’s favorite AirEssentials collection were a quick add-to-cart thanks to their lightweight design, elastic waistband, and material shoppers call “so soft.” Whether I’m heading to the beach or on a hike, I know I’ll want a pair of easy-to-slip-on, super comfy shorts, and customers say this pair from Spanx offers just that, with one person even writing that they’ve been wearing them “on repeat” all summer long.

Good American Whip Stitch Sweetheart Bikini Top and Bottoms

Orig. $79 $59 at Nordstrom Orig. $69 $38 at Nordstrom

Of course, I’m also planning to grab at least one new swimsuit before I head out, and I’m kind of obsessed with this set from Good American, which includes a sweetheart bikini top and cheeky, high-cut bottoms. A leopard print bikini has been on my wishlist since the beginning of summer when Demi Moore wore one—it’s just sexy and cool—and with this one now on sale, I’m finally grabbing my own.

Below, find more of the on-sale styles I’m shopping ahead of my summer vacation from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, including (yes) another swimsuit, a crochet dress, and shopper-loved flip-flops.

Nocturne Embroidered Long Dress

Orig. $309 $207 at Nordstrom

OluKai Ohana Flip-Flops

Orig. $75 $55 at Nordstrom

Sweaty Betty Explorer T-Shirt Minidress

Orig. $128 $85 at Nordstrom

Lemlem Elene One-Piece Swimsuit

Orig. $250 $150 at Nordstrom