Cropped trench | 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, with 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 🤍
6 Fall Basics That Should Absolutely Be on Your Radar
Left: J.Crew trench | Black pants | Amazon clutch | Gucci slingbacks | Right: TWP button up | Khaite jeans | Jimmy Choo shoes | Liffner bag
When it comes to building an effortless wardrobe, the secret is focusing on pieces that are elevated, current, and incredibly versatile. Recently when I was in New York, I noticed every stylish person was wearing a pretty simple outfit. Basically, it was a classic straight leg jean, flats, a sweater over the shoulders and a really cool bag. It reminded me that outfits don’t need to be complicated, but the pieces do need to be current.
6 basics: Relaxed trench | Straight-leg jeans | Button-up | Cashmere sweater | Leather jacket | Drawstring pants
✦ Check out the 6 Important Fall Basics That Should Absolutely be on Your Radar ✦
The Jackets That Work With All Your Jeans
Jackets: J.Crew black double-faced wool | Madewell blazer | Suede bomber | Red lady jacket | Reformation tie jacket
Jeans: Frame cigarette | AG skinny jean | Treasure & Bond ecru | Madewell Barrel jean | Paige Anessa
Shoes: Black mule | Riding boots | Suede loafers | Slingbacks | Brown suede boot
Sometimes it’s tricky to try to figure out jacket and shoe parings for each style of denim. So, I created this definitive guide to the jean outfits that will work all season long!
✦ CLICK HERE for the exact jacket and shoe pairings that work with every style of jean this fall ✦
Your Basics Might Need a Refresh
Left: Barbour coat | Loafers | Right: Trench | Lodge pants
Every now and then, it’s a good idea to review all your basics, and scoot anything aside that’s starting to feel a little dated. Recently, I shared 6 items I’m pausing — for now — and which trends I’m wearing instead. For example, I’ve paused joggers and have been wearing drawstring pants instead. Click below to see the 6 pieces, and remember to wear what you love. These are just my ideas 🙂
✦ Check out – I Put These Fall Items on Pause, and I’m Wearing These 6 Trends Instead ✦
The Most-Talked About Shoe Trends for the Season
Images via Pinterest
These are the shoe trends everyone will be talking about this fall. There are some new styles emerging, along with a few classics carrying over from last year. You’ll see every transitional shoe you need for your fall outfits, as well as a little street style inspo, and some new outfits to help you get ready for this transition.
✦ Check out – The Most Talked-About Shoe Trends for Fall 2026 ✦
Forever Pieces That Are Worth the Investment
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
There are certain pieces that form the foundation of your wardrobe … so here’s my list of 15 forever pieces that are worth the investment. It’s a thoughtful edit of timeless, versatile pieces that are incredibly stylish and modern. From the perfect coat to luxe knits to everyday boots, each piece will help you put together polished outfits for every occasion. Keep this post handy as a reference to help you get ready easily and effortlessly.
✦ Check out – 15 Forever Pieces Worth Investing in This Fall ✦
Sometimes It’s the Little Things
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
After 25+ years as a Nordstrom Buyer and Personal Stylist, I’ve learned that looking put together usually comes down to the little things, like steamed clothing, sparkling jewelry, great undergarments and a few beauty tricks. None of it is groundbreaking … but it all really adds up.
✦ Check out – 15 Little Finds That Make a Big Difference ✦
5 Outfit Formulas That Work Every Time
Mother Bookie jean | Black blazer | Burberry relaxed trench | Quilted jacket | Plaid car coat
Shoes/bags: Loafer | Slingback | Sneaker | Khaite boot | Shoulder bag | Valentino bag
#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. Now, let’s take it a step further! Once you find the right bottom, 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 -These 5 Fall Outfit Formulas Work Every Time ✦
Stylist Pro-Tip: Too Many Clothes Makes it Hard to Get Dressed!
Creating a wardrobe that truly works starts with careful 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 ✦
Thank you for reading xx
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the links, we may make a commission.
