20 July 2025

15 Wardrobe Essentials to Buy First When Starting from Scratch

Buy first: Frame cropped trench | Mother denim | Sandals | Eyelet blouse

15 Wardrobe Essentials to Buy First When You’re Starting from Scratch

With colder weather around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking ahead to fall wardrobe essentials. We all want a stylish wardrobe that easily comes together. And, when it comes to making good, solid outfits, you need to start with the foundational pieces. But, here’s the deal: they don’t need to be boring! Find elevated essentials you love, then layer in the extras. In other words, pick up the fun things that will truly take your closet to the next level!

In today’s post, I’m sharing the ultimate guide to building your best wardrobe. These 15 essentials are the pieces I recommend you buy first. Think of them as the starting point of every solid wardrobe! From there, it’s super easy to add on until your collection 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 😊 Cheers!

Recent Nordstrom Sale posts, ICYMI

How to Make Your Outfits Look Expensive (NSale Picks Inside)

Your Ultimate Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: What to Buy!

Don’t Miss These Hidden Gems From The Nordstrom Sale

The 10 Best Things to Buy at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Susie’s Outfits

Photo 1: Vince bomber jacket, new version here | Stripe cardigan | Spanx pants | Photo 2: Veronica Beard dress | Prada bag

Photo 3: Trench | Skirt | Photo 4: Button-up shirt | Black trousers

⭐️Current discount codes⭐️

Frame Denim: SUSIE15 | Cinq a Sept: SUSIE15 | Zoe Chicco: SOSUSIE15

The 15 Pieces to Buy First!

Denim & other bottoms: Black denim | Faded blue denim | Black kick flare pant

Layering pieces: Button up | Classic silk blouse | Striped tee | Elevated polo knit | Cashmere crew

Dress/Skirt: Any versatile dress or skirt

Why These 15 Essentials?

Row 1: Denim jacket | Embellished bomber jacket | Ivory crepe blazer | Elevated polo knit

2: Knit red dress | Trench coat | Striped tee | Paige Anessa jeans

Row 3: Stripe button up | Leather jacket | Vince kick flare pants | Cashmere crew

⭐️My highest recommendations ⭐️

#1 – Classic blazer: Truly a wardrobe staple (substitute navy, ivory or black if that’s a better color for you). You can’t go wrong with a relaxed blazer like this leather one or this cool girl Anine Bing one. For something more classic, the Veronica Beard Miller jacket and Cinq a Sept Khloe — are still two favorites.

#2 – Denim jacket: Another piece everyone needs! If you want a little update, this new one is perfect. Also love this Reformation one. For something a little more classic, look at this lady jacket style or this Chloe-inspired one. Find a versatile one you love and wear it all the time

#3 – Trench coat: Every wardrobe needs a gently oversized trench coat. While a Burberry is a classic, there are many equally stylish options at a fraction of the price. Check out this one. And, I wore this $100 Orolay all last season! Another option is going for a cropped style, like this one by Frame, this splurge Anine Bing, or this affordable version

#4 – Bomber jacket: To keep things looking modern, a bomber jacket of any style is a great addition. It could be anything from an embellished one like this, or a classic beige one like this new Vince. I’m also eyeing this soft white one — talk about versatile! As you can see, you can never have too many jackets 😉

#5 – Leather jacket: I think one of the coolest pieces you can own is a relaxed leather jacket. And, after searching for over a year, I finally landed on this one. It’s super comfy, and modern, and all your outfits will look stylish with this one piece

… keep reading for 5 more

#6 – Versatile cardigan: Last year, I purchased this Veronica Beard striped cardigan and ended up wearing it all the time. For a solid version, you can’t go wrong with this one by Vince — it’s cozy and versatile. For another option, consider this Jenni Kayne. And, just yesterday, I noticed that Quince has an affordable copy here

#7 – Faded jeans: The most important thing here is to find a pair that is modern and fits you perfectly. Right now, longer lengths are trending, so I suggest a longer length in both black and faded blue. My current favorites that fit everyone include the Paige Anessa, or Frame Le Slim Palazzo. 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!

#8 – 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 always a nice choice, especially if you wear a lot of black. It gives a little contrast instead of a solid black jean. Options include this Paige Anessa in the wash Viper Black, this Mother style in the color Night In Venice, and this Frame one in the wash Destroyer. For a great solid black, the Frame Le Slim Palazzo and Reboot are very flattering.

#9 – Kick flare pants: A few months ago, I wrote an entire blog post on the pant suddenly everyone is wearing. You can read it here, and see an Instagram video I shared here. Two favorites include this Vince one (I own these myself and love), and the Insta famous High Sport one.

#10 – 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. Last summer in St. Tropez, I wore it most evenings 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 a basic tee. You get the idea 😉 The one I love the most and highly recommend is this $50 Quince one.

And here are the last 5!

#11 – 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 Rag & Bone shirt which is versatile and stylish. Other options include this Frank & Eileen one — it’s one of my highest recommendations.

#12 – Elevated knits: Think modern polos that are a little cooler than basic tees. I love this new one by Frame and this classic Vince one. If you want a basic tee, this Mother is my current favorite that’s loose and easy to wear.

#13 – Versatile dress: If you’re looking for one dress that you can style many different ways, I recommend this Norma Kamali. It can be worn dressed down with flat sandals, or dressed up with heels and a blazer. Another option is a slip dress like this Vince that works most seasons, and the styling options are endless. The red dress I used on the board above is by Vince, and it’s also available in black — check it out here.

#14 – Striped knits – Stripes add the perfect amount of pattern, and you’ll have them for years! Some options include this Alex Mill tank, this new Vince tank and this short sleeved tee.

#15 Classic silky blouse – I always recommend a black silk blouse to everyone, assuming it’s a color you feel good in. It’s my go-to, especially when I don’t know what to wear, but want to be a bit dressed up. Love this button front one by Vince. For something more feminine, this Frame one is another personal favorite. Find one you love — you’ll have it for years and be covered for all occasions.