Key Pieces: Rag & Bone Miramar jacket | Frame striped top | Ecru jeans | Sandals | Dior bag

Here’s Your 2025 Wardrobe Checklist: 12 Key Pieces

I spent my entire career working at Nordstrom as a buyer and personal stylist, 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 yes, clothes! I’m very grateful for those times because I learned so much about building really great wardrobes. And, now I get to share it 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 key pieces that everyone should own.

These items on this checklist 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. Of course, you can make substitutions depending on your lifestyle, but this will give you a framework for building the best wardrobe for 2025. I hope you it helpful!

The Checklist

Trench coat | White tee & Button-up | Blazer | Stripes of any kind

Lightweight cashmere sweater or cardigan | Stylish sneakers | Modern denim | Neutral shoes

Skirts | Accessories | Black pants | Everyday bag

 

#1 Trench Coat – Classic and Relaxed

Left: Trench coat | Flare jeans | Slingbacks | RIght: Flowy trench | Gold clutch

A trench coat is always chic, and depending on your lifestyle, you could have room for two in your wardrobes. I really think everyone needs a classic trench — it’s versatile and super stylish. One 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 any dress, and it also looks great with jeans.

Classic trench coat – Shorter trenches like this Frame one that’s back in stock and this one are good choices. And of course, love a classic Burberry trench coat like this.

Theory flowy trench – This is hands down a favorite, and all three colors are great options

Sandro Pleat back trench – Just love this trench

 

#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. Here are my two recommendations.

Frame Baby tee – When it comes to basic tees, I still love the arm flattering, not-too-tight ATM tee. Lately I’ve been wearing this one by Frame — it feels a little more updated

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 Classic Blazer

Left: L’Agence Kenzie blazer | Trousers, similar | Middle: Veronica Beard blazer | Vince slipdress | Right: Veronica Beard Miller blazer

Investing in a blazer is worth every penny. It elevates every denim outfit, and 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!

Veronica Beard Miller Dickey jacket – This classic blazer is still my go-to and because it’s shaped, and looks nice with wider leg denim and over dresses and skirts. 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. Use my code: SUSIE15 for 15% off your order.

Rag and Bone Slade – Check out the Slade blazer paired with wide-leg denim. There are lots of options here. I prefer the wool one over the ponte fabric.

 

#4 Stripes of any kind

Stripes have a way of adding a little “extra” style to your outfits. Try a striped sweater over a blazer or trench (kind of like a scarf). Below are my best recommendations.

Striped t-shirts – Look at this ruched sleeve one, this Frame one or this linen one

Striped shirts – Love this Veronica Beard, this red striped one and these by Frank & Eileen

Sweaters with stripes – Check out this new Frame cardigan, and this one by J.Crew

 

#5 Lightweight Cashmere Sweater or Cardigan

Left: Quince cashmere sweater | Slip dress | Right: Veronica Beard cashmere stripe cardigan | Spanx black pants

A year ’round light gray or beige cashmere sweater is a classic everyone should own. Right now, try 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 😉

$50 Quince cashmere sweater – Hands down, this is one of my highest recommendations. It’s well made, the colors are all so good, and you can’t beat the price. Style them layered over a simple white tee, or over your shoulders for a little extra warmth.

Cardigans – Love this Quince one, this classic Vince one and this J.Crew Juliette cardigan (it runs roomy so size down)

 

#6 Stylish Sneakers

We all need simple, clean, classic white sneakers!

Adidas  – Adidas has been on a roll lately, and Sambas continue to be “cool girl” sneakers. They work well with many outfits.  Another favorite style is the Gazelles, check out this super cute blue suede style or these platform ones.  The new colors tend to sell out quick so don’t wait

Veja sneakers – These classic French girl sneakers are sustainable, super stylish and well-priced.  My favorites are the classic colors like these black & white ones, or these white & neutral tones — they go with everything

Miu Miu – Miu Miu is undeniably having a moment. It’s the brand everyone’s talking about this season, and for good reason.  Their sneakers are no exception! Check out these pink suede retro trainers, and these too. Yes, they are a splurge, but so worth it!

Classic White – For basic, everyday white sneakers that work with everything, try the Sam Edelman Ethyl, or the P448 Monza, I own both and wear on repeat

#7 Modern Denim

Left: Striped blouse | Le Pixie Flare jeans | Right: Leopard blouse | Frame Le Slim Palazzo jeans

Denim is always a hot topic around here! Look at these recent posts here and here. I think the best style to own right now is a wider-leg or a slim straight leg. Denim is an important piece on your checklist!

Wide-leg jeans – Look at these by Mother, this Frame Le Slim Palazzo, Paige Anessa and AGOLDE Harper — all best-sellers

Straight leg jeans – I just bought this écru pair by Frame, and really like this new dark wash Levi’s

Petite jeans – look at Lil Mother — talk about a total game changer!

 

#8 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 Prada, this Stuart Weitzman slingback and this Chanel copy

Sandals and slides – I’m still wearing this go-with-everything lower heel style. Also love this Gucci loafer. Consider this well-priced sandal if you have any upcoming vacations

 

#9 Accessories

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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 super stylish

Jewelry – There are many good options at all price levels. For a splurge, Zoë Chicco is the “it” brand at the moment. I’ve been wearing this necklace everyday for the past year. Also been wearing these bracelets here and here. Use my code SUSIE15 for 15% off your purchase. For an affordable cool-girl brand, look at Heaven Mayhem and check out these knot earrings

Belts – You really only need one or two. For a splurge, try this Celine belt or anything by Gucci. More affordable brands, include Rag & Bone or B-Low-The-Belt. A current favorite is this designer-inspired studded belt from Madewell

Scarves – Scarves are back! Add one or two to your collection, like this and this

 

#10 Skirts — They’re Trending This Year

This is the fashion piece that will update all your outfits going into 2025

Denim skirts – This one is a favorite in any wash, also love this longer style by Madewell and this one too

Slipskirts – They’re a wardrobe staple, and this Vince one goes with everything. Same with this J.Crew one

Other stylish skirts – Here’s a new Vince one, and I also spotted two at Veronica Beard — here and here

 

#11 Black Pants

Left: White jacket cardigan | Black knit pants | Green phone case | Pink layering sweater | Right: Ann Taylor coat | Vince pants | Heels

Trousers are super chic, and they aren’t going away any time soon. Try black, winter white or beige

Trousers – Love these by Aritizia and these by Frame

Black pant options – Vince is a favorite black pant brand since they fit so nicely. Look at this long length boot cut one, this cropped flare and these leggings. I own them all, and highly recommend them to everyone.

 

#12 A Great 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

Designer

 

Thank you for reading xx

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