14 July 2024

Starting From Scratch? 12 Modern Essentials To Buy First!

12 essentials: Frank & Eileen shirt | Aritzia trousers | Kate slingback pumps | Bottega Veneta Small Andiamo bag

Starting from Scratch? 12 Modern Essentials to Buy First!

With the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in full swing, many of us are making 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? When it comes to making good solid outfits, you first need the foundational pieces. But, here’s the deal — they don’t need to be boring! Find the special pieces you love, then from there, you can start adding the extras! In other words, pick up the fun things that truly make a closet your own.

Today’s post gives you the ultimate guide to building your best wardrobe. There are 12 modern essentials that I highly recommend buying first. This will lay the foundation, and make it easy to add on until your closet is complete. I thought about each piece long and hard, and have included options depending on your preferences. Some of these items are on sale currently, so don’t wait! Building an amazing wardrobe takes time, so start now 😊 Happy shopping!

Recent Nordstrom Sale posts, ICYMI

Top Things To Grab On The Nordstrom Sale

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Men’s Edition

Susie’s Top 10 Picks: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The Best Investment Piece On The Anniversary Sale

Susie’s outfits

The 12 essentials to buy first!

Third pieces: Blazer | Denim jacket | Trench coat | Cardigan | Bomber jacket

Denim: Black denim | Faded blue denim

Skirt: Slip skirt – maxi or midi

Layering pieces: Printed or striped blouse | Cashmere crew | Button up

Dress: any versatile dress

Why these 12 essentials?

Row 1: Black blazer | Striped cardigan | Paige wide-leg jeans | Leopard print blouse

2: Slip skirt | Trench coat | Button up | Black wide leg jeans

3: Denim jacket | Cashmere crew | Knit dress | Bomber jacket

My highest recommendations ⭐️

Black blazer: Truly a wardrobe staple (substitute navy or even ivory 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 one is a great option.

Denim jacket: Another piece everyone needs! There are many versions, from this lady jacket style to a belted style (this one is on sale) to this best-selling 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 NSale Theory one, a trench coat is always stylish and versatile. I wore this $100 Orolay all last season. For an affordable version, there’s this Sam Edelman, I guarantee you’ll like it.

Versatile cardigan: I recently purchased this Veronica Beard striped cardigan similar to the one above, and ended up wearing it all the time. Striped knits like this one add so much to our closets, and since they’re a staple, they’re worth the investment. Of course, you can go with a basic one like this Vince one that’s part of the NSale. It’s equally as versatile, and I’m positive you’ll wear it often.

Bomber jacket: To keep things looking modern, a bomber jacket of any style is a cool addition. It could be anything from a leather one like this to a stretch cotton version like this Vince one, or something a little more fun like this Cinq a Sept I put on the board. As you can see, I believe you can’t ever have too many jackets 😉

Faded jeans: The most important thing here is to find a pair that fits you perfectly! Right now, longer lengths are trending, and I suggest a longer length in both black and faded blue. If your budget allows, then add an ankle length style like this one by Mother or this Paige Claudine. Pro-tip: If you’re 5’4″ and under, many brands are now making petites. Look at the Mother website, Anthropologie, and Frame. Talk about a total game changer!

Black jeans: I wear black jeans all year around (except in 100 degree weather!), both longer lengths and ankle lengths. The blackish/grayish wash is a good one, and so is the Mother Hustler — both are my personal favorites.

… and here are the last 5!

Printed blouses: Blouses are super important when it comes to creating a modern and elevated wardrobe because they’re versatile. Yesterday, I picked up this gorgeous striped Vince silk blouse, and highly recommend it. Leopard print is always in style, and on my recent trip to St. Tropez, I spotted over 25 people wandering through the lovely little streets wearing some kind of leopard print — talk about chic! I also just spotted this Frame blouse and this new one by Alice & Olivia. Both are perfect.

Button up: A button up shirt is another key item we should all own. I recommend white, faded blue or even a striped style. For this board, I went with the TWP shirt, which is modern and sleek. Notice the sleeve/cuff detail. I know, it’s a total splurge, but very worth it. For a more classic style, you can’t go wrong with Frank & Eileen. I love the Joedy shirt — it’s the one I’m wearing above.

Cashmere crew: This is a must-have in our wardrobes! No matter what time of year it is, I pack it for vacation and wear it every single time. On a recent trip to St. Tropez, I wore it one evening tied over my shoulders for extra warmth. Then, this past spring when it was chilly in LA, I wore it 7 days in a row layered over this ATM tee. You get the idea 😉 The one I love the most and highly recommend is this $50 Quince one. For a sale version, check this one out on the NSale.

Versatile black dress: If you’re looking for one dress that you can style many different ways, I recommend this strapless Veronica Beard one or this Norma Kamali. Both can be worn dressed down with flat sandals, or dressed up with heels and a blazer. Another option is a slip dress, and you’ll love this Vince one, or an affordable version like this from J.Crew. They both work 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.

Slip skirt: Skirts are making a comeback, and now is the time to add a versatile one to your wardrobe. It will give your outfit an update, and it’s another piece you can wear many different ways. Consider a maxi style, like this cool Vince one; but a midi style is probably a little more versatile. For options, look at this and this.