Forever pieces: Alice & Olivia faux leather shirt and matching skirt | Bottega Veneta bag | L’Agence sandals

15 Forever Pieces That Are Worth the Investment

Build your forever closet for 2024 and beyond

Do you ever stand in your closet, look at all your clothes and think to yourself, “I have nothing to wear?” If you do, this post is for you! After decades of helping women in the dressing room and seeing firsthand what works and what doesn’t, I’ve put together some helpful insider stylist tips for you. One of the most important things you can do to create a beautiful wardrobe that lasts is to invest in items that are the foundation for making great outfits. At the end of the day, I believe less is more. So, here are 15 forever pieces that are worth the investment!

If you want to create a solid capsule wardrobe, this is the place to start. These 15 items are stylish and modern, and will create amazing outfits you’ll wear most months of the year. I’m really excited to share these suggestions with you — hopefully they’ll inspire you to get dressed with ease and confidence. Never again will you feel like you have “nothing to wear!” 🌟

Start here!

Top row: Black blazer | Slip skirt | Denim shirt | Black dress | Trousers | Flats | Bracelet | White Alaia bag | Prada scarf

Bottom row: Frame jeans | Blue cashmere | Loewe tote | Black boots | Cartier watch | Black trench | Burgundy wool coat

Susie’s favorite fall outfits

 

These are the 15 forever pieces …

#1 Of-the-moment midi skirt – Skirts are having a moment, and if you add one to your wardrobe, you’ll see firsthand how versatile they are. Easy to dress up or down, your outfit options are endless! They work with many different styles of shoes, including knee boots, sneakers, flats and of course, dressy sandals. I just picked up this soft white skirt from Aritzia, and it’s the perfect item to give many of your classic pieces an update. Others include this Veronica Beard stretch silk skirt, this J.Crew slip skirt, this Paige denim midi skirt,  and this Paige faux leather skirt.

#2 Always stylish trench coat – Whether you opt for a Burberry classic like the Kensington or something equally as stylish (and more affordable) like this J.Crew one, you’ll be surprised how often you reach for it. There’s a reason why a classic trench always works! It’s stylish, and you can wear it dressed up or down. Try it with joggers and a hoodie, with your favorite denim also with your nicer dresses. Check out this Barbour water resistent trench, and this Sandro pleated trench.

#3 Cashmere – A classic cashmere tee (like the $50 Quince ones) is a piece that will last you for years. Right now, a cashmere sweater looks super stylish if you casually throw it over your shoulders. Also love the idea of buying two in the same color — wear one, and wrap the other one over your shoulders — so chic! If you prefer nicer quality, you can’t go wrong with one by Vince. This v-neck is amazing, and so is this one.

More Knit Pieces …

Theory just came out with this short-sleeved version that’s a little relaxed. Any of these will look nice paired with faux leather pants, or even a faux leather skirt. A few others I recommend include this Veronica Beard cashmere cardigan and this Anthropologie cashmere oversized sweater.  For the best info on cashmere care, look at this website.

#4 Classic wool coat – Begin the season with a new classic wool coat in any color you fall in love with! You’ll be surprised how versatile a fun color is. Of course, a classic camel or black is always a good idea. Wear over dresses, with your favorite denim, or even with a tonal pair of trousers. We can always enjoy a beautiful Max Mara coat, but of course, there are more affordable options. Look at this one by Fleurette and this one by Sam Edelman.

#5 Carry-all tote – Everyone should own a tote or two! Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, going to fitness classes or traveling, having a go-to bag that holds everything you need is key. I really like this new Naghedi tote, and it also comes with a cute matching pouch. This YSL one is a workhorse, and is very durable. For a little pattern, consider a Goyard, and for an affordable version that’s also super stylish, look at this one by Rebecca Minkoff.

Outfit inspo … more pieces you’ll love

 

Left: Vest and matching skirt | Blazer | Alaia bag | Flats | Right: Blazer | Striped shirt | Gucci bag | Frame jeans | SW boots

#6 Nicely tailored pants – Pants have been popular for the past few seasons. You can style them with sneakers, boots, flats or sandals, and they’ll look super chic and elevated. Some of my recommendations include this Aritzia Effortless trouser, this J.Crew pair and this Veronica Beard one.

#7 Everyday button-up – A classic button-up like this favorite belongs in everyone’s closets! I prefer a slightly oversized one like this for a more relaxed look. This is another classic that works with every single bottom hanging in your closet. Throw a cashmere one over your shoulders for extra warmth, and don’t forget a belt. Look at the latest Ralph Lauren show held in the Hamptons — these essentials were on full display! Recs include this Frank & Eileen shirt, this Paige dot blouse, and this Vince silk blouse.

#8 Classic denim – This year, to create a stylish fall outfit, consider full length wide-leg jeans. They’re modern and up to date, and will breathe new life into all your outfits. Wear them with blouses, your favorite blazers, long coats … the list goes on. For shoe options, try a strappy sandal for happy hour or pointy toe boot when the weather cools off. The three that work for most everyone include this Frame Le Slim Palazzo, this Paige Anessa in a black wash, and this Paige Anessa medium blue wash pair.

Jewelry and Blazers …

#9 Beautiful jewelry and watches – Having your own special pieces of jewelry is helpful when it comes to completing your outfit. Look for include medallion style necklaces and diamond layers and chains, along with classic hoop earrings and bracelets. Remember, it’s ok to mix fine jewelry with more affordable pieces. If you’re up for a splurge, I love anything by Foundrae. This Zoe Chicco diamond necklace is absolutely gorgeous. I’ve worn this Gigi Clozeau beaded necklace for years, and just received this Ring Concierge bracelet for my birthday!

#10 Well-fitting blazer – I can’t think of a better investment piece than a classic, well-fitting blazer. The Veronica Beard Miller Dickey jacket is an all-time favorite, and you can choose black or navy with either gold or silver buttons. For something a little cleaner and slightly oversized, check out this one from Aritzia. It’s well-priced and gives you a current look. Try it over a dress or with your favorite jeans. For an edgy style, look at this J.Crew faux leather blazer. And, this Cinq a Sept Khloe ruched sleeve blazer is a best seller that everyone loves.

Outfit inspo

 

Left: Burgundy coat | Frame jeans | SW boots | Stripe sweater | Scarf | Right: Trench | Camel sweater | SW boots | Paige jeans | Gucci bag

#11 Flats – This season, flats are having a moment! Everything from studs to velvet to pointy toes, these are the stylish shoes to add to your closet this fall. For a splurge look at these Valentino ones. This Schutz style is a more affordable option. I saw many velvet ballet flats on our recent trip to Italy, so now those are on my radar too. And, I saw the most gorgeous Chanel ones at the Heathrow airport.

#12 Boots with a kitten heel – My favorite kind of boots! These are the style to add for fall. Whether you add a shorter boot or a knee boot, these will be your classic boots to wear with denim, skirt and dresses. Consider this Stuart Weitzman pair. Of course, I rarely suggest grabbing two colors. But, these are so good, I would! For a knee boot, look at this one — amazing!

#13 LBD – I mean … everyone should have a LBD or two hanging in their closets, right? At the moment, I’d suggest this ALC Renzo — the most flattering wear-everywhere dress. This Milly lace one is another great option, I just ordered it for an upcoming special event. Also love this Vince dot one — all so good!

And the last two pieces …

#14 Versatile handbag – When you want to create a great day-to-night outfit, a bag that works for both is one of the best investments you can make. Last year, I splurged on the Bottega bag, and it’s still one of my personal favorite pieces. Also, everyone is loving shades of wine this year, and I have my eye on this Gucci and this Loewe. Both are gorgeous! For an affordable brand, I always think Rebecca Minkoff has good options, and same with Rag & Bone.

#15 Fun Scarves – Solid or printed, you can’t go wrong here. Create the classic French look by adding a scarf to your outfit! I love this solid black one, and this designer inspired J.Crew one is also a good choice.

Thank you for reading xx

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