Buy first! Left: J.Crew trench | Frame flare jeans | Right: Citizens of Humanity shirt | Jeans | Sandals | Dior tote
Starting your closet from scratch? 10 essentials to buy first!
With the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in full swing, many of us are making lots of purchases and starting to think about our fall wardrobes. I know … summer basically just started, but it’s still a good idea to buy strategically. After all, who doesn’t want a stylish wardrobe that easily comes together? So, below are 10 essentials I highly recommend buying first. This will lay the foundation and make it easy to add on until your closet is complete!
When it comes to making good solid outfits, you first need the foundational pieces, aka basics. From there, you can start adding the extras. In other words, the fun things that truly make a closet your own. Yesterday, I shared this video on Instagram about the 10 essentials to buy first, and this post will show you the exact pieces I shared. And, because we’re in sale mode thanks to Nordstrom, I made an almost identical board with all sale pieces. I hope you like it 😊 Happy shopping!
Recent Nordstrom Sale posts, ICYMI
The one investment piece you need is on sale!
Susie’s top 10 picks: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Recent LTK posts, click here
10 essentials to buy first
Third pieces: Trench coat, denim jacket, lightweight cardigan, black blazer
Denim: Black and faded blue
Layering pieces: Striped top, light blue button up, black blouse
Dress: A black slipdress — so versatile
Susie’s outfits
Left: Denim jacket | Michael Stars dress | Sandals | Naghedi tote | Right: Frame blouse | Frame mini boot jeans | Chloe tote
Susie’s 10 pieces from the Instagram post
Row 1: Cardigan | Stripe tee | Jeans | Black blazer
2: Button up | Trench coat | Denim jacket | Black jeans
3: Vince dress | Tote | Sandal | Sneaker | Black blouse
Why these 10 essentials?
I thought about these long and hard 😊
Black blazer: Truly a wardrobe staple (substitute navy if that’s a better color for you). You can’t go wrong with a Veronica Beard Miller jacket, or the Cinq a Sept Khloe — my two favorites. For a sale version, this Zella one is super cool and casual – it just sold out, but hoping more stock arrives soon!
Denim jacket: Another piece everyone needs! There are so many versions, from this $98 Levi’s to this best-selling L’Agence to this one by Frame. Find one you love and wear it all the time!
Trench coat: Whether you want to splurge on a Burberry or go for this J.Crew one, a trench coat is always stylish and versatile. I wore this $100 Orolay one all last season. For an affordable version, you can’t go wrong with this Sam Edelman.
Lightweight cardigan: I recently purchased this lightweight cashmere cardigan from Cuyana, and it was perfect on the airplane. It’s soft, and it’s a great length. For an affordable option, look at this one on the NSale or this J.Crew one.
Black jeans: I wear black jeans all year around (except for 100 degree weather!), both longer length or ankle length. The blackish/grayish wash I’m wearing above and the Mother Hustler (in this wash) are my two favorites.
… and here are the last 5!
Faded jeans: The most important thing here is to find a pair that fits you perfectly! Look at the Paige Claudine or Paige Cindy which is available in petite and plus sizes.
Striped top: Having a striped top in your wardrobe adds a little interest to every outfit. Whether it’s a t-shirt, a lightweight sweater or a polo style like this one, I highly suggest adding to your collection.
Blue button front: A faded blue blouse looks nice with faded jeans or black denim (or pretty much any denim). I love this short sleeved one and wear mine on repeat. For a long sleeved version, look at this one by Frank & Eileen.
Black blouse: I used to tell everyone I helped that a good black blouse does wonders! Must admit, I was always surprised at how many people don’t own a black blouse. When I don’t know what to wear, a black blouse and black jeans always look polished no matter where I’m going. I LOVE this one by Frame, but I know it’s a crazy splurge. Vince has one on sale right now that you might consider, and Vince Camuto is another option.
Slip dress: A black slip dress is another versatile piece that works most seasons, and the styling options are endless. So, whether you pair it with a denim jacket, a cozy cardigan or a structured black blazer, you’ll always feel (and look) good. I wear the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra under mine!
10 essentials: all on sale!
Row 1: Cardigan | Polo | Jeans | Blazer (similar)
2: Striped shirt | Trench coat | Denim jacket | Black jeans
3: Slipdress | Tote | Sandal | Sneaker | Vince black blouse
Thank you for reading xx
