Forever: Rag & Bone wool knit blazer (on sale with code NOVSAVE) | White tee | Coated Paige jeans | Boots | Zoë Chicco necklace
15 Forever Pieces Worth The Investment: Winter Edition
When it comes to curating a stylish, modern wardrobe, knowing where to invest makes all the difference. Over many years working as a Nordstrom Personal Stylist, I learned which key pieces truly stand the test of time. And, at the end of the day, I still believe in the same principle: less is more! Keep reading to see the elevated staples I recommend to all my friends & clients again and again.
Today’s post is the Winter Edition of my “15 Forever Pieces Worth the Investment.” It’s a thoughtful edit of timeless items that are stylish and incredibly versatile. From the perfect coat to luxe knits to everyday boots, each piece will help you make polished outfits all season long (and for many years to come). Keep this one handy!
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Discount codes for this post: Cinq á Sept: SUSIE15 | Zoe Chicco: SUSIEW15 | Frame: SUSIE15
Winter Style Board Inspo
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15
Classic coats like this red one and the navy scarf coat are elegant and worth the money
Love a dressy blazer this time of year, and this J.Crew one is so good! It sold out quickly last year, so don’t wait
When it comes to shoes right now, knee boots like these and neutral flats like these go with everything
Susie’s Favorite Outfits
Photo 1: Soft white coat | Prada bag | Snakeskin heels | Photo 2: Ba&sh navy crop trench | Mother jeans | Prada heels
Photo 3: Barbour jacket | SW boots | Celine bag | Photo 4: Leather jacket, similar | Vince trousers | Bottega bag
Here Are the 15 “Forever Pieces”
#1 Tailored wool coat – Begin the winter season with a new classic wool coat in any color you fall in love with! You’ll be surprised at the versatility of a fun color. Of course, a classic camel or black is always a good idea too. Wear it over dresses, with your favorite denim, or even with a tonal pair of trousers. Reiss makes some of my favorite coats, including this new scarf coat and this classic wrap style. To see some great options at Nordstrom, click here. And, for more affordable options, look at Aritzia (this and this). And, check out this J.Crew one and this one by Mango.
#2 A beautiful everyday 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. Two years ago, I splurged on the “it” Bottega bag, and it’s still one of my personal favorites. I wore it every day in Paris. Also, everyone is loving this new Gucci bag, which comes in a smaller size here. Or, go for the crossbody one — it holds so much! For an affordable brand, Veronica Beard has good options. The Dash bag is a personal favorite and looks like a designer style. Finally, two other affordable choices include this one by Marc Jacobs and this one by Rebecca Minkoff.
Boots, Boots, Boots
#3 Boots – Right now, boots are a must-have piece in our wardrobes. Whether you love a pointy toe style like this Stuart Weitzman pair or an everyday one like this, these will get lots of wear this season and beyond. Since knee boots are trending, some favorites include this everyday low heel boot style, these Sam Edelmans (ankle version is here), and this classic with a heel. See more boot ideas on my LTK here and in a recent blog post I wrote here.
#4 Of-the-moment midi skirt – If you add a skirt to your wardrobe, you’ll see firsthand how versatile it is. Skirts are easy to dress up or down, and your outfit options are endless! They work with many different styles of shoes, including knee boots, sneakers, flats and of course, dressy sandals. This one at Tuckernuck is a favorite, and it’s the perfect item to give many of your classic pieces an update. Others include this leopard slip skirt, or this faux leather.
#5 Belts are the accessory to add this year – There are many options at different price points. You can go for a cool girl style like this $98 studded one which is inspired by this Khaite Instagram favorite. Also in the mix should be a classic one like this YSL, this one or this chain one. Talk about an easy way to elevate all your outfits!
Outfit Inspo … More Forever Pieces You’ll Love
Left: Coat | Doen sweater | Jeans | Brown boots | Bracelet | Gucci bag | Right: Alex Mill coat | Frame pants | Bag | Slingbacks | White top
#6 LBD – I mean … everyone should have a LBD or two hanging in their closets, right? At the moment, I’d suggest this gorgeous Staud dress – it runs small so go up one size (more sizes here). I love the ALC Renzo — it’s the most flattering wear-everywhere dress that’s a top seller. Eliza J is an affordable brand at Nordstrom, and look at this and this – both so pretty. Cinq á Sept has great options too, look at this and this. And finally, you can’t ever go wrong with a Vince dress – like this slip dress and this strapless one.
#7 Silk blouse – This Frame Gillian silk blouse is hands down a favorite in my own closet — I’ve had it for four years! There’s something about a beautiful silk blouse that always reads elegant and sophisticated. See a new metallic color here and all the other options here. Also this Vince classic is another favorite.
#8 Puffer jackets – Whether you go for a classic Moncler style like this, or a Barbour style like this or this, puffer jackets are here to stay! They’re stylish, practical and everyone should own one (or two). I love this Moncler (I’ve had mine for years). The Aritzia Super Puff line is also great.
Jewelry and Blazers …
#9 Beautiful jewelry and watches – Having your own special pieces of jewelry is helpful when it comes to completing your outfits. Look for medallion style necklaces and diamond layers, 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, Zoe Chicco diamond necklaces are absolutely gorgeous – I wear this and this everyday. I’ve worn this Gigi Clozeau beaded necklace for years, and same with this Foundrae Protection necklace. When it comes to classic tennis bracelets, love this Dorsey one and this one by Ring Concierge. And finally I get so many compliments on these square hoop earrings and sparkly charm – it’s such a pretty combo.
#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 still a 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. Also, for affordable options, definitely check out Zara. And finally, I can’t forget this Cinq a Sept Khloe ruched sleeve blazer – a best-seller that everyone loves.
Outfit Inspo
Left: J.Crew blazer | Reformation skirt | Knee boots | Clutch | Earrings | Right: Staud dress | Sandals | Leopard clutch | Valentino earrings
#11 A touch of leopard – Leopard is having a moment this season, and one might argue, it never went away! For years, I had shoes similar to these that I wore with everything from jeans and dresses. I’ve also had my eye on this Veronica Beard clutch (above) and this low heel slingback. Of course, if you love leopard as much as I do, find a piece that speaks to you and go for it. Shoes are a great place to start!
#12 Scarves you’ll love forever – Solid or printed, you can’t go wrong here. Create the classic French look by adding a scarf to your outfit. For example, try this solid black one. For a designer option, look at this Gucci one.
#13 Cashmere – A classic cashmere sweater (like the $50 ones from Quince) 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, consider buying two in the same color — wear one, and wrap the other one over your shoulders. So chic! If you love shopping at Nordstrom, right now they have great options. For the best info on cashmere care, look at this website.
Left: Scarf coat | Red sweater | Frame jeans | Gucci bag | Vince flats | Right: J.Crew blazer | Doen cami | Sandals | Prada bag
The last two …
#14 Loafers – A classic loafer is a great addition to any closet, and they don’t have to be boring or expensive. Look at this white pair, and you’d be surprised at how versatile they are. Of course, a black loafer is a classic, look at this Gucci look-a-like pair. And, if you want to go all out, look at this Gucci pair, this pair from Prada and this classic YSL pair.
#15 – Black pants & jeans – This time of year, I mostly wear black or blackish wash jeans, and currently this Mother and this Paige are my favorites. They’re slimming, work with everything, and look nice all the time. Same with nicely tailored pants. You can style them with sneakers, boots, flats or sandals, and they’ll look super chic and elevated. Some of my recommendations include this new Frame one and this Vince one and this ankle Pintuck one – all so good – I’ve tried them all!
Thank you for reading xx
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