15 April 2025

The Stylist-Approved “Rule” For Making Great Outfits!

Susie wearing simple spring transition outfit with all black top and jeans, and a utility jacket in Palm Springs.

Stylist Rule: Rails jacket | Black top | Black jeans | Bottega bag | Sandals

The Stylist-Approved “Rule” For Making Great Outfits!

A good friend recently asked me this Q: where do I start when refreshing a wardrobe? Well, I immediately came up with the following suggestion: start with the single, most important piece when creating outfits — the item we stylists refer to as the “third piece.” This is the key to every great outfit.

What is this “third piece” rule and why is it important? The third piece is basically a jacket of any kind: leather, denim, blazer, utility, cardigan, trench — you get the idea. Based on my personal experience, you should own several different styles for maximum versatility. And, jackets tend to stay relevant longer, which is why I think they’re worth the investment.

Today’s post is about the stylist approved “rule” for making great outfits: always have a great third piece! The best spring jackets out there include everything from this one under $100 to this cool denim jacket to this versatile trench coat. All chic and stylish, they are truly the secret to a stylish, put-together, confident look. Keep reading to see my jacket round-up — all available on Nordstrom.com. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with any of these!

ICYMI: 

If You Struggle To Make Great Outfits, Here’s Why

8 Trends I’m Wearing This Spring To Look More Fashionable

11 Luxury Fragrances That Are Worth The Price

 

5 Jackets Everyone Should Have in Their Closet

These will cover you for every occasion!

Rag & Bone denim fleece jacket | Veronica Beard blazer | Cinq A Sept Holly jacket

Denim jackets | Trench | Utility | Leather | Blazer

 

Trench Coats

Favorite Daughter trench

Left: Dress | Pumps | Shell earrings | Bag | Right: Tank | Jeans | Bag | Sandal | Earrings | Sunglasses

Trench coats are so chic right now, and every cool girl is wearing a version. From a cropped style like this to a soft flowy trench that’s more like a jacket, this is one of the best investments you can make for your wardrobe.

Other favorites worth checking out

This Mango one is well-priced and the quality is really good

If you prefer a trench with a hood, check out this one

This flowy one is a favorite, and it works with everything from dresses to jean outfits

 

Denim Jackets

Cinq a Sept denim jacket

Left: Tank | Linen pants | Tote | Earrings | Sunglasses | Flats | Right: L’Agence dress | Clutch | Sandals | Sunglasses | Perfume

I might have a bit of a denim jacket obsession, and for good reason!! They go with everything 🙂 Whether you prefer an oversized denim jacket like this one, or something with a few more details like this Ulla Johnson one, you really can’t go wrong. They’re cool, and look good any time of year layered over your favorite dresses.

Other favorites worth checking out

Love this new L’Agence one, and the white buttons make it perfect to wear with all your whites this spring

This brand new one by Paige caught my eye

I saw this cute ruffle one while shopping in the NYC Nordstrom store – so cute

 

Utility Jackets

Caslon Utility jacket

Left: Pink sweater | Denim skirt | Earrings | Sneakers | Straw bag | Right: Green stripe top | Jeans | Sandals | Earrings | Sunglasses

Utility jackets are wardrobe classics, and this $59 one is has been a favorite for years. Find one you love, I bet you’ll wear it all the time!

Other favorites worth checking out

Love this Rails one I’m wearing in the opening photo — the black buttons add a little something extra

For a fashion one, look at this one – it’s fun and under $100

For something a little more classic, look at this Nili Lotan one

 

Casual Blazers

Open Edit blazer

Left: Muscle tee | Jeans | Earrings | Sandals | Handbag | Sunglasses | Right: Tank, similar here | Trousers | Sandals | Earrings | Clutch

The blazer options are endless right now, and they come in many pretty colors that I spotted on the Nordstrom site. Look at this new butter yellow one – so stylish! If you want the look of a blazer but want to feel a bit more comfy, this Rag & Bone is hands down a favorite, and it has just been re-stocked.

Other favorites worth checking out

Hands down, the Veronica Beard Miller Dickey jacket is an all time favorite. I wore mine last week in NYC

A second favorite that’s equally as versatile is this best-selling Khloe blazer with ruched sleeves

 

Leather Jackets

Left: Striped top | Jeans | Earrings | Handbag | Sandals | Right: Denim button-up | Jeans | Sunglasses | Handbag | Prada slingbacks

Other favorites worth checking out:

Always love an AllSaints leather jacket, and this one feels new and cool

This Nordstrom one is well-priced, and I used it on this style board in case you want some outfit ideas

Dying over this little mint green one (!!)

 

Thank you for reading and thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post xx

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