When I find myself wanting to pare down my wardrobe I often ask myself: I could only wear 5 pieces for an entire year, what would they be? This helps me tremendously to refocus my shopping habits and streamline my current collection. It’s by no means easy to narrow it down so drastically but it really puts things into perspective. For the sake of this exercise (and my sanity), it only pertains to core day-to-day clothing—not shoes, outerwear, pajamas, workout clothes, bags, and other accessories.
I recently revisited the question and came up with a great set of wardrobe essentials that I wouldn’t mind wearing over and over again. So not quite uniform dressing but more of a mini capsule collection of sorts. The pieces would need to withstand the fast-moving trend cycles as well. To put together this cohesive edit, I headed over to Nordstrom, which is home to endless elevated basics. Then, to best help visualize this selection, I turned to looks that feature these classic-cool pieces from one of my favorite style muses, Alexis Foreman. Keep scrolling to see my top 5 picks and to shop options for each.
One of my main go-tos no matter the season is a white button-down shirt. It’s great for both casual and elevated looks and can worn in a variety of ways: open and layered, knotted, buttoned, half-tucked, and more.
I like the longer fit of this shirt.
A great oversized option.
The curved hem is a nice detail.
The sleeves on this shirt are roomier which adds a unique touch.
A pocketless pick.
One thing never fails when I wear a camel or tan blazer (or coat)—I always receive a compliment. There is just something about neutral blazers that feel polished, plus they are a chic break from your usual black options.
The color, the shoulders, the fit.
This blazer means business.
A sleek jacket to consider.
No need to keep rolling up your sleeves here.
Such a chic color.
I know many of you might reach for a white t-shirt but black tees are my personal favorite. They go with just about everything and feel a little more put-together, so they can be worn more formally as well. Another plus? They are better at hiding spills and stains.
Under $20? Yes, please.
Nordstrom shoppers love this tee.
Love the boxy fit.
One reviewer shared, “Have been looking for a perfect T. This is now my favorite. Length is perfect for a tuck in or left out. The sleeve/ shoulder is structured perfect. Neckline not too high, low enough to show jewelry.”
A faded black option worth considering.
Straight-leg jeans have been my top denim pick for a better part of a decade now in a variety of washes and lengths. They feel classic and offer a lot of versatility when it comes to styling for any occasion.
I usually like high-waist denim but this mid-rise pair is cool.
Levi’s are always a good idea.
Great for showing off your favorite shoes.
These jeans look vintage.
Designer jeans on major sale.
A simple black dress is a power player no matter the wardrobe, especially if you can style it for everyday or more formal occasions. I didn’t want to opt for a printed piece because I would get bored quick and the re-wears would be super obvious. What’s great here is you can change it up by layering on the blazer or an open button-down shirt. Another tip is to put the black t-shirt on top of the dress which transforms it into more of a skirt.
Like I said, a simple black dress.
Plissé everything.
Elegant yet can easily be dressed down.
A sexier option out of the mix.
The smocked waist is so stylish.
Definitely worth the investment.
Neutral sweaters in an oversized fit are perfect for layering on during chilly weather. You can also tie or drape them over your shoulders for a stylish addition to your look. The black leggings are super comfortable and can transform from an everyday option to dinner-worthy attire with the right shoe pick.
