Key pieces: Soft white jacket and matching pant | Veronica Beard Dash bag | Sandals, similar | Necklaces: here & here

Here’s Your New Year Wardrobe Checklist: 12 Key Pieces

I spent my entire career at Nordstrom working as a buyer and personal stylist, and my “work office” (aka “Room 3”) was actually a dressing room! This is where I met clients and friends to help them figure out which clothes to buy and how to wear them. Over the years in Room 3, hundreds of friendships were formed and many secrets were told. There were tears and laughter, sharing of parenting stories … and oh yes, clothes! I’m very grateful for those times because I learned so much about building really great wardrobes. And, now I get to share it with all of you 🤍

I used to joke that I couldn’t help anyone with just one item! In other words, I needed to see a complete outfit in order to know if the one item was worth buying. You see, many of us buy a single piece, then we get home and have no idea how to wear it. We’re all busy — some of us are working, some have special events to attend, or we’re traveling and need some ideas on what to pack. No matter what stage we’re in, building a wardrobe with the RIGHT pieces is important. It’s actually the key to getting dressed every single day … and maybe even feeling a little extra!

What’s in today’s post:

Today’s post has a wardrobe checklist of 12 key pieces that everyone should own – the items on this checklist are important for creating outfits. For example, everyone needs a great basic white tee. You don’t need 5 — just one that you absolutely love. Same with denim. Invest in 2-3 modern styles that fit well and then wear them all the time. The list goes on, so keep reading to see which items make a difference. Of course, you can make substitutions depending on your lifestyle, but this will give you a framework for building the best wardrobe for 2026. I hope you it helpful!

The Checklist

Trench coat | White tee & Button-up | Blazer | Stripes of any kind

Lightweight cashmere sweater or cardigan | Stylish sneakers | Modern denim | Neutral shoes

Skirts | Accessories | Black pants | Everyday bag

 

#1 Trench Coat – Classic and Relaxed

Left: Orolay trench coat | Flare jeans | Right: Oak + Fort flowy trench | Leather pants

A trench coat always looks chic, and depending on your lifestyle, you could have room for two. Everyone needs a classic trench — it’s versatile and super stylish. One option is this flowy trench by Theory, or this similar one at Aritzia. In this case, it’s almost more like a jacket that can be part of your outfit (rather than a jacket as an outerwear piece). It’s absolutely perfect over any dress, and it also looks great with jeans.

Classic trench coats – Can’t go wrong with a relaxed Burberry one like this, or a Max Mara cotton one like this. For an affordable version, love this Oak + Fort one I’ve been wearing on repeat all season long or this new one from Aritzia.

Shorter belted trench coats – Love this best-seller at Revolve and this brand new one at Aritzia. Both endlessly versatile.

Theory flowy trench – This is hands down a favorite, and all the colors are great options

 

#2 White tee + Button ups

I can’t tell you how many closets I’ve edited, and it’s always the same: we all have way too many white tees and shirts! You really only need a couple, and I speak from firsthand experience here. These are my recommendations.

Basic white tees – When it comes to basic tees, look for more fitted ones to layer under sweaters like this or this. And for a new style, this boxy tee is a great option for trousers and a nice statement belt. Sometimes we just need more casual tees for the weekends, and this Mother one is a personal favorite.

Button front shirts – Love this basic Frank & Eileen one, and this $39 one by Quince. I recently shared how to style it here. For a splurge but super cool piece, check out this shirt by TWP.

Isabel tank – This is the only white tank I wear on a regular basis. I sized up to a small for reference.

 

#3 Classic Blazers

Left: Veronica Beard blazer & Matching pant | Right: : Black blazer | Leather pants | Gold sandals | Burgandy clutch, similar | Frame sweater

Investing in a blazer is worth every penny. It elevates every denim outfit, and it’s also versatile enough to wear over dresses, skirts, or to a work event. If black isn’t your color, try substituting navy, ivory or camel. This is a critical piece on the checklist!

Veronica Beard Miller Dickey jacket – This classic blazer is still my go-to and because it’s shaped, and looks nice with wider leg denim and over dresses and skirts. If you have a business-casual event, try adding the matching pant. If you prefer different hardware options, the Veronica Beard boutique offers them. Don’t miss the dickey options, which you can see here.

Zara blazer options – Zara has an affordable and super stylish option here. Talk about well-priced! Others that have caught my eye include this, this and this.

Aritzia Generation blazer – Here is another great option that you can wear all year long. It’s a simple, gently oversized style that works with everything in your closet. Also check out this structured blazer here – so flattering!

 

#4 Stripes of Any Kind

Stripes have a way of adding a little “extra” style to your outfits. Try a striped sweater over a blazer or trench (kind of like a scarf). Below are my best recommendations.

Striped t-shirts – Look at this long sleeve one, or this classic one at Aritzia.

Striped shirts – Love this Veronica Beard, these by Frank & Eileen, and this one by Frame which you’ll get so many compliments on.

Sweaters with stripes – Frame has some great options – love this short sleeve grey one, and this classic ecru one with navy stripes.

 

#5 Lightweight Cashmere Sweater

Left: Quince cashmere sweater | Slip dress | Right: Quince cashmere sweater | White jeans | Gold sandals

A year ’round light gray or beige cashmere sweater is a classic everyone should own. Right now, try a crew style layered over a white tee, with just a little bit of the tee showing. It’s all over Tik Tok, although many of us already did this years ago 😉

Quince favorites – Hands down, these are some of my highest recommendations. The $50 cashmere sweater is well made, the colors are all really good, and you can’t beat the price. Style it layered over a simple white tee, or over your shoulders for a little extra warmth. Another option is this cardigan, it’s basically a copy of the Jenni Kayne one.

Luxe cashmere sweaters – Love a classic Vince one like this or this — you’ll have them for years. Also can’t go wrong with a gorgeous Jenni Kayne one.

 

#6 Stylish Sneakers

We all need simple, clean, classic white sneakers!

Adidas  – Adidas is still a great option, and I just picked up these new white ones with a tan sole and gold stripes — I love them! Another favorite style is the classic Sambas or the Handball Spezial.  The new colors tend to sell out quickly so don’t wait.

Veja sneakers – These classic French girl sneakers are sustainable, super stylish and well-priced.  My favorites are the classic colors like these black & white ones, or these white & neutral tones — they go with everything.

Miu Miu – Miu Miu is undeniably having a moment. It’s the brand everyone’s talking about this season, and for good reason.  Their sneakers are no exception! Check out these suede retro trainers, and these too. Yes, they are a splurge, but so worth it!

Classic White – For basic, everyday white sneakers that work with everything, try these from Sam Edelman.

Backless sneakers – Backless sneakers are the style to look for right now. I wear these Chloe sneakers all the time but I spotted a similar pair from Dolce Vita. Check out a few more options here, here and here.

 

#7 Modern Denim

Left:  Frame blouse | Mother jeans | Bottega bag | Right:  Mother jeans | Wrap trench coat | Argyle sweater | Prada pumps | Blue bag

Denim is always a hot topic around here! Click here to see  “The 6 Denim Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2026”

 

#8 Neutral Shoes

This might be one of the most important style tips I can share. I highly recommend everyone own a pump, a slingback, or a simple sandal in a neutral color that blends with your skin. You’ll wear it with denim, every single dress you own, and more.

Pumps and slingbacks – Love this splurge Prada, these Marc Fisher slingbacks and this Chanel dupe.

Sandals and slides – I love this strappy sandal – it goes with everything. Also love this new Gucci flat. Consider this wedge sandal if you have any upcoming vacations!

 

#9 Special Accessories

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Accessories are the special touches that add a lot to your outfits. This is where I suggest taking the time to only add pieces you love. Glamorous sunglasses, scarves, belts and jewelry elevate your outfits. Here are some ideas:

Sunglasses – I’ve worn this Gucci pair for years, and still love them. These Celine sunglasses here and here are super stylish too.

Jewelry – There are many good options at all price levels. For a splurge, Zoë Chicco is the “it” brand at the moment. I’ve been wearing these necklaces here and here everyday for the past year. Use my code SUSIEW15 for 15% off your purchase. For an affordable cool-girl brand, look at Heaven Mayhem’s new collection. I’m currently eyeing these stunning drop earrings. Or check out these classic baby knot earrings or these statement earrings (code: SUSIE20 for 20% off at Heaven Mayhem).

Belts – You really only need one or two. For a splurge, check out this Bottega belt or this classic caramel one by Gucci. More affordable brands, include Rag & Bone, Madewell, or B-Low-The-Belt. Or try a fun animal print style like this.

Scarves – Scarves are back! Add one or two to your collection, like this one from Sezane or one from Ferragamo. You’ll feel a little French 😉

 

#10 Skirts — They’re Trending Again This Year

This is the fashion piece that will update all your outfits going into 2026

Skirt faves: Love polka dots, look at this and this. A lace trim slip skirt is so pretty right now, and I love this one by Reformation

 

#11 Black Pants

Left: Frank & Eileen button front shirt | Aritzia trousers | Right: Trench, similar | Vince pintuck pants | Bottega bag | Slingbacks, similar

Black trousers are super chic, and they aren’t going away any time soon. Also try winter white or beige

Favorite trousers – These by Aritizia, these super comfy and flattering Frame ones, and these Vince ones

Black pant options – Hands down, these drawstring waist ones have been a favorite purchase all year – they’re comfy, perfect for travel and super stylish.  Vince is a favorite black pant brand since they fit so nicely. Look at this best selling cropped one, and these leggings. Another option is the cult favorite High Sport pants – they’re so slimming and super stylish. I own them all, and highly recommend them to everyone.

 

#12 A Great Everyday Bag

Since we wear handbags every single day, they should be updated and cool! Whether you prefer a crossbody style or tote, here’s #12 on the checklist.

 

Thank you for reading xx

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