23 August 2025

15 Forever Pieces That Are Worth the Investment

Forever pieces: Alice & Olivia faux leather shirt and matching skirt | Bottega Veneta bag | Snake print sandals, similar

15 Forever Pieces That Are Worth the Investment!

Build your forever closet for 2025 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. After all, at the end of the day, 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!

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Susie’s Favorite Fall Outfits

Here are the 15 forever pieces …

#1 Of-the-moment midi skirt – Skirts are still having a moment, and if you add one to your wardrobe, you’ll see firsthand how versatile it is. Easy to dress up or down, your outfit options are endless! Midi skirts go with many different styles of shoes, including knee boots, sneakers, flats and of course, dressy sandals. I just picked up this print slip skirt that will look super stylish with a leather jacket or a cozy sweater. Others include this best-selling Tuckernuck one, this faux leather one, this denim one and this Veronica Beard dot one that comes with a matching top.

#2 Always stylish trench coat – Whether you opt for a Burberry classic or something equally as stylish (and more affordable) like this Favorite Daughter one or this J.Crew one, you’ll be surprised how often you reach for it. There’s a reason why a classic trench always works! Try it with joggers and a hoodie, with your favorite denim, and also with your nicer dresses. Right now, I’m loving this scarf one by Sezane, this cropped version and 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 like this cardigan or this best-selling one.

More Knit Pieces …

Here’s a short-sleeved version that’s quite versatile. 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 stripe cardigan and this Nordstrom cashmere hoodie. For the best info on cashmere care, look at the Quince 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 good 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. Consider 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 Madewell.

Outfit Inspo … More Pieces You’ll Love

#6 Nicely tailored pants – Trousers 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. For something a little more relaxed, look at this one.

#7 Everyday button-up – A classic button-up like this favorite belongs in everyone’s closets! It’s 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. I love this cool girl one by TWP, available here and here. Frame makes this one that’s really similar, then for something more basic, look at this Polo Ralph Lauren one and this Frank & Eileen white ruffle collar one.

#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. This season I’m noticing darker rinse jeans, and I just picked up this one which fits nicely — and talk about slimming! It’s on the style board above.

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, check out anything by Foundrae. This Zoe Chicco diamond necklace is absolutely gorgeous. I’ve worn this Gigi Clozeau beaded necklace for years, and this Ring Concierge bracelet is amazing for the price!

#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. This Cinq a Sept Khloe ruched sleeve blazer is also a best-seller that everyone loves.

Outfit Inspo

#11 Flats – This season, flats are having a moment, from loafers to studs to velvet to pointy toes. For a practical and stylish loafer, look at this one. Then for a splurge, look at these Valentino calf hair loafers. Also, ballet flats are everywhere, and this pair caught my eye. To read more about loafers, click here to see this recent post.

#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. 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 Veronica Beard knit one is another great option. Also love this Theory blazer dress — 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 this Bottega bag, and it’s still one of my personal favorite pieces. This one on Amazon is really good for a dupe! Also, burgundy bags like this Gucci and this Loewe are gorgeous! For an affordable brand, I always think Rebecca Minkoff has good options, and same with Rag & Bone, Veronica Beard and Madewell.

#15 Fun scarves – Scarves are making a comeback this fall. Solid or printed, you can’t go wrong here. Create the classic French look by adding a scarf to your outfit, this solid black one. These J.Crew silky ones are also a good choice.

Thank you for reading xx

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