Checklist: L’Agence Kenzie blazer | White trousers | Gold sandals | White tank | Handbag, similar | Sunglasses
Here’s your wardrobe checklist: 12 pieces to own 🙌🏼
I worked at Nordstrom for 25+ years, and my “work office” (aka “Room 3”) was actually a dressing room! This is where I met clients and friends to help them figure out which clothes to buy and how to wear them. Over the years in Room 3 hundreds of friendships were formed, many secrets were told, there were tears and laughter, sharing of parenting stories … and oh, clothes! I’m very grateful for those times because I learned so much about building really great wardrobes that I get to share with all of you. 🤍
I used to joke that I couldn’t help anyone with just one item! In other words, I needed to see a complete outfit in order to know if the one item was worth buying. You see, many of us buy a single piece, then we get home and have no idea how to wear it. We’re all busy — some of us are working, some have special events to attend, or we’re traveling and need some ideas on what to pack. No matter what stage we’re in, building a wardrobe with the RIGHT pieces is important. It’s actually the key to getting dressed every single day … and maybe even feeling a little extra!
Today’s post has a wardrobe checklist of 12 pieces that everyone should own. These items are important when it comes to creating outfits, and having the right pieces will make getting dressed much much easier! For example, everyone needs a great basic white tee. You don’t need 5 (!!), just one that you absolutely love. Same with denim. Invest in 2-3 modern styles that fit well and then wear them all the time. The list goes on, so keep reading to get more ideas on which items make a difference in your closet. Of course you can make substitutions, depending on your lifestyle, but this will give you a framework for building the best wardrobe for 2024. I hope you find this checklist helpful!
The checklist
White tee + button up | Black blazer | Flowy trench coat | Stripes of any kind
Lightweight cashmere sweater or cardigan | Cool sneakers | Neutral shoes | Skirts
Trousers | Modern denim | Accessories | Everyday bag
#1 Trench coat – classic and relaxed
Left: J.Crew classic trench | Frame flare jeans | Right: Flowy trench | Gold clutch
A trench jacket is always chic, and in some ways (depending on your lifestyle) you could have room for two of my favorites. I really think everyone needs a classic trench. It’s versatile, and super stylish right now. Another trench option is the flowy trench by Theory. This one is really good, and it’s almost more like a jacket that can be part of your outfit (rather than a jacket as an outerwear piece). It’s absolutely perfect over every dress you might have, and it also looks great with jeans.
Classic trench coat – Love this $98 Orolay one, this Burberry one and this J.Crew style I’m wearing above Theory flowy trench – This is hands down a favorite, and I love all three colors Sandro Pleat back trench – I adore this trench and if you’re looking for another color besides the classic tan, try this navy
#2 White tee + button up
I can’t tell you how many closets I’ve edited, and it’s always the same: we all have way too many white tees and shirts! You really only need a couple, and I speak from firsthand experience here. My two recommendations are:
ATM white schoolboy tee – It’s arm flattering, not too tight, and it has a really nice texture
Frank & Eileen button up shirt – I’ve owned mine for almost 5 years. It’s great quality, gently oversized, and you’ll wear it all year ’round
Isabel tank – This is the only white tank I wear on a regular basis. I sized up to a small for reference
#3 Black or navy blazer
Left: L’Agence Kenzie blazer | Trousers | Middle: Veronica Beard blazer | Right: Veronica Beard Miller blazer | Vince slipdress
Investing in a blazer is worth every penny. It polishes up every denim outfit, it’s also versatile enough to wear over dresses, skirts, or to a work event. If black isn’t your color, try substituting navy, ivory or camel. This is a critical piece on the checklist! My favorites include:
Veronica Beard Miller Dickey jacket – This classic blazer is still my go-to and because it’s shaped, looks nice with wider leg denim, and over dresses and skirts as well. If you have a business casual event, try adding the matching pant — it’s a great one! If you prefer different hardware options, the Veronica Beard boutique offers them Cinq a Sept Khloe – I’ve talked about this blazer for a couple of years, and because of the slightly oversized fit,and the ruched sleeves, it’s still the perfect, more relaxed style of blazer to try. Rag and Bone Slade – Right now, I’m loving the Slade blazer paired with wide-leg denim. I just picked up this new tweed one and love it!
#4 Neutral shoes
This might be one of the most important style tips I can share! I highly recommend everyone own a pump, a slingback, or a simple sandal in a neutral color that blends with your skin. You’ll wear it with denim, every single dress you own, and more.
Pumps and slingbacks – Love this Splurge Jimmy Choo, this Sam Edelman slingback and this Chanel copy
Sandals – Consider this Schutz Ariella for a dressy option, this lower heel Schutz style and this affordable loafer
#5 Accessories
Accessories are the special touches that add a lot to your outfits. This is where I suggest taking the time to only add pieces you love. Glamorous sunglasses, scarves, belts and jewelry elevate your outfits. Here are some ideas:
Sunglasses – I’ve worn this Gucci pair for years, and still love them. These Celine sunglasses are cool girl – love them
Jewelry – There are many good options at all price levels. For a splurge, Foundrae is the “it” brand right now, which you can see on the Twist website. Because of that, everyone is doing a lesser expensive version. Look at this and this
Belts – You really only need one or two, and for a splurge, try this Celine belt or anything by Gucci. More affordable brands to check out include Rag & Bone or B-Low-The-Belt
Scarves – Scarves are back! Add one or two to your collection – love this and this – look here for cool designer-inspired ones
#6 Stripes of any kind
Stripes have a way of adding a little “extra” style to your outfits! I love a striped sweater over a blazer or trench (kind of like a scarf). Here are my recommendations:
Striped t-shirts – Look at this Veronica Beard one, this Frame one or this long sleeve one
Striped sweaters – Love this new Frame one, and this one by Velvet
#7 Trousers/black pant
Aritzia trouser | Stripe sweater | Cashmere cardigan
Trousers are so chic, and they aren’t going away any time soon! Try them in black, winter white or beige
Trousers – Love this Aritizia one, this Favorite Daughter one and this Frame one
Black pant options – Spanx slim straight style and this kick-flare. Also look at this Frame style
#8 Cool sneakers
We all need simple, classic white sneakers that are clean! Favorites include:
Adidas Sambas – Sneakers don’t get any cooler than Sambas — they’re hard to find, but when you do, you’ll never look back Veja V-10 – This classic French girl sneaker is sustainable, super cool and well-priced
#9 Lightweight cashmere sweater or cardigan
A year ’round light gray or beige cashmere sweater is a classic everyone should own. Right now, I’m loving a crew style layered over a white tee, with just a little bit of the tee showing. It’s all over Tik Tok, although many of us already did this years ago 😉
Classic cashmere sweaters – I love the J.Crew ones, and the Nordstrom ones when they’re in stock Cardigan – Love this Vince one and this J.Crew Juliette cardigan (it runs roomy so size down)
#10 Skirts — they’re trending this year
Whether you prefer a slip skirt or a knit style or even a more form fitting one like this, a skirt is a nice switch up and freshens up our wardrobes
Slip skirts – Vince has the best one that’s cut on the bias and really flattering. I also have tried this Anthropologie one, and it’s another great option
Other skirts – I spotted this Vince style recently, and also this Good American one sold out, but I found it mostly in stock here
#11 Modern denim
Left: Frame Le Slim Palazzo | Right: Mother Hustler Roller
I talked about denim the other day in this post, read here. I think the coolest style to own right now is a wider-leg or a slim straight leg style. Longer lengths are trending as well. Denim is an important piece on your checklist!
Wide-leg jeans – Look at this new pair at J.Crew, this Frame Le Slim Palazzo, and this one by Mother
Straight leg jeans – I have this AGOLDE in my basket to try. Also love this AG Mari style
#12 An everyday bag
Since we wear handbags every single day, they should be updated and cool! Whether you prefer a crossbody style or tote, here’s #12 on the checklist:
Affordable
Splurge
Thank you for reading xx
