Cropped trench, similar | Dark wash denim | Slingbacks, similar | Lady Dior bag | Phone case
How to Solve the ‘Nothing to Wear’ Problem … For Good
Do you ever stand in your closet and think “I have nothing to wear” even though you a closet full of clothes? Well, you’re not alone. As a former Nordstrom buyer and personal stylist for over 25 years, I’ve helped thousands of clients and friends get dressed for everyday life. And, there are some things you learn in the dressing room that only stylists know. It’s not about having more clothes, it’s about having the right clothes!
In today’s post, I’m sharing my best style advice from the tried-and-true posts that will help you get dressed effortlessly. My goal is to help you feel confident in your outfits, and finally solve the “nothing to wear” dilemma … for good. This is a collection of my top recommendations to help you transform your style and create endless outfits. Keep reading to see all my favorite styling secrets in one place: a complete guide filled with wardrobe essentials, outfit formulas, style inspiration, and the key pieces that will elevate your wardrobe. I hope you enjoy it! xx 🤍
15 Essential Pieces That Work Every Time
We all want a stylish closet that feels effortless — and it all starts with the right essentials. Foundational pieces are key to making your outfits come together easily, but here’s the thing: they don’t need to be boring! When you find elevated basics you truly love, it makes getting dressed much easier.
A great-fitting pair of jeans, a timeless blazer, and a versatile pair of shoes are pieces you’ll wear on repeat. These staples create a solid base and give you something reliable to build around—no matter the season. When you invest in pieces you can style multiple ways, getting dressed becomes easier, and your wardrobe starts working harder for you.
✦ Check out 15 Must-Have Pieces to Build Your Wardrobe From Scratch✦
5 Outfit Formulas That Work Every Time
These style tips will help you with easy outfit-making
Moncler puffer | Trench | J.Crew barn jacket | Blazer | Jeans | Gucci bag | Coach bag | Boots | Slingbacks
#1 – Start with a versatile shoe/pant combo. The right bottom is the starting piece of every great outfit! I’ve tested this over and over in the dressing room, and trust me, it works every time. Let’s take it a step further! Once you find the right bottom, then make sure you have several shoe options to go with it. This is important for laying the foundation for a stylish outfit.
#2 – A stylish “Third Piece” is essential for your wardrobe. One thing I learned very early on is that investing in “third pieces” is worth every penny. A great blazer, jacket or coat will totally complete your outfits. And, based on my own experience, these are the pieces we all still wear (and love) years later.
#3 – Match your top and bottom. If you pair a matching top and bottom, then really any jacket will work — and it’ll elevate the entire outfit. The combos can be black/black, cream/écru, white/white, gray/gray or faded blue/blue. Easy, quick and very stylish!
#4 – Match your jacket and top. Coordinating your jacket with your top makes styling easy! From there, any bottom works—skirts, jeans, or trousers. A soft white jacket with a matching top is always chic, for example. Other examples include black/black, brown/brown, camel/camel — all of these will give you endless outfits for years to come because they are classic colors.
#5 – Match your accessories. Here’s one of my favorite tips: if you can match or coordinate your accessories by color or pattern, then you have the perfect finishing touch to every outfit. Try to put together a few sets: a bag/shoe combo, a bag/belt combo, or a scarf/bag/shoe combo in matching or coordinating colors.
✦ Check out the 5 Fall Outfit Formulas That Work Every Time for more ✦
Forever Pieces That Are Worth the Investment
Forever pieces: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
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 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.
If you want to create a solid capsule wardrobe, this is the place to start. These items are stylish and modern, and will create amazing outfits you’ll wear most months of the year.
✦ Check out the Forever Pieces That Are Worth the Investment for more ✦
Add A Trend Piece to Elevate Your Wardrobe
Once the basics are in place, elevate your wardrobe with a few standout pieces. Adding just one or two trend items helps keep your outfits feeling current. My term for these important pieces that make many different stylish outfits is “outfit makers,” and adding just one or two helps keep everything current and updated.
Pro-tip: make sure items you purchase can be worn at least three ways. By choosing your trend pieces thoughtfully and carefully, you’ll end up with a stylish wardrobe. In this post, I share five fall trends and style them each three ways so you have plenty of ideas on how to wear a piece!
✦ Check out 5 Trend Items that Make Stylish Fall Outfits for more ✦
Stylist Pro-Tip: Too Many Clothes Makes it Hard to Get Dressed!
Creating a wardrobe that truly works to make great outfits starts with editing. If a piece doesn’t fit, flatter, or make you feel good, it’s time to let it go. A streamlined closet filled with pieces you actually love is far more valuable than one overflowing with “maybes.” When every piece in your closet has a purpose and feels like you, getting dressed becomes something you actually look forward to. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.
Closet Inspo
✦ Check out Your Closet Clean Out Checklist: 7 Easy Steps for more ✦
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