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    1. Fashion

    The Effortless Items a VIP Nordstrom Stylist Says Everyone Needs

    Wardrobe staples.

    Bobby Schuessler's avatar
    By Bobby Schuessler
    Published 25 August 2023 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Sandy Koszarek posing with jean jacket white pants and raffia bag
    (Image credit: Courtesy)
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    As a VIP stylist at Nordstrom, Sandy Koszarek spent her days helping clients discover their personal styles through her fashion recommendations. She continues this work with her content on Stylish Sandy. Throughout her styling process, she would often suggest a variety of elevated basics to serve as potential foundational elements in a client's wardrobe.

    After years of watching what her clients gravitated toward and seeing the summer items that her followers are currently buying, Koszarek has identified six effortless items she thinks are worth adding to a closet because of their popularity and versatile nature. Below, you'll uncover an edit of the simple pieces in question that are chic and could really work for a range of styles. Keep scrolling for more.

    1. Black Dress

    Sandy Koszarek posing in black dress

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    "Every closet needs a comfortable and carefree black dress—one with an effortless, versatile style so that you can dress it up or down for any day or evening events." — Koszarek

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    Open Edit Cutout Back Ponte Dress

    Open Edit Cutout Back Ponte Dress
    $59 AT NORDSTROM

    Topshop Strappy Back Ruffle Hem Maxi Dress

    Topshop Strappy Back Ruffle Hem Maxi Dress
    $85 AT NORDSTROM

    Favorite Daughter The Lovesick Off the Shoulder Cotton Blend Dress

    Favorite Daughter The Lovesick Off the Shoulder Cotton Blend Dress
    $278 AT NORDSTROM

    Chelsea28 Cross Back Cutout Dress

    Chelsea28 Cross Back Cutout Dress
    $79 AT NORDSTROM

    Asos Design Jersey Sheath Dress

    Asos Design Jersey Sheath Dress
    $32 AT NORDSTROM

    Nordstrom Short Sleeve Tiered Dress

    Nordstrom Short Sleeve Tiered Dress
    $119 AT NORDSTROM

    2. Button-Down Shirt 

    Sandy Koszarek posing in white shirt and white pants

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    "Oversize button-down shirts are a personal favorite and an essential item to have in your closet. I love the versatility when styled over a tank top with casual pants or paired with jeans for a chic, relaxed look." — Koszarek

    River Island Stripe Boyfriend Button-Up Shirt

    River Island Stripe Boyfriend Button-Up Shirt
    $49 AT NORDSTROM

    Nordstrom Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt

    Nordstrom Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt
    $79 AT NORDSTROM

    Topshop Stripe Oversize Cotton & Linen Button-Up Shirt

    Topshop Stripe Oversize Cotton & Linen Button-Up Shirt
    $50 AT NORDSTROM

    Good American The Good Shirt

    Good American The Good Shirt
    $115 AT NORDSTROM

    Citizens of Humanity Kayla Oversize Poplin Button-Up Shirt

    Citizens of Humanity Kayla Oversize Poplin Button-Up Shirt
    $198 AT NORDSTROM

    Nordstrom Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt

    Nordstrom Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt
    $63 AT NORDSTROM

    3. White Sneakers

    "White sneakers are an easy and versatile item that belongs in every closet. Whether paired with casual pants, jeans, or dresses, they add a carefree feeling to your outfits, making them a go-to choice for effortless and on-trend looks." — Koszarek

    Nike Blazer Low '77 Sneaker

    Nike Blazer Low '77 Sneaker
    $90 AT NORDSTROM

    Sam Edelman Ethyl Low Top Sneaker

    Sam Edelman Ethyl Low Top Sneaker
    $80 AT NORDSTROM


    Adidas Primegreen Stan Smith Sneaker

    Adidas Primegreen Stan Smith Sneaker
    $100 AT NORDSTROM


    Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneaker

    Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneaker
    $60 AT NORDSTROM


    Golden Goose Super-Star Low Top Sneaker

    Golden Goose Super-Star Low Top Sneaker
    $595 AT NORDSTROM


    Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneaker

    Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneaker
    $110 AT NORDSTROM

    4. White Jeans 

    Sandy Koszarek posing in denim shirt and white pants

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    "White jeans are a must-have staple for every complete closet. Count on wearing these often with various T-shirts, tanks, blazers, and oversize button-downs, creating carefree and chic outfits." — Koszarek

    FRAME Le Jane Raw Hem Crop Straight Leg Jeans

    FRAME Le Jane Raw Hem Crop Straight Leg Jeans
    $137 AT NORDSTROM

    AG Saige High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans

    AG Saige High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans
    $158 AT NORDSTROM

    Levi's Wedgie High Waist Straight Jeans

    Levi's Wedgie High Waist Straight Jeans
    $69 AT NORDSTROM

    EDWIN Marli High Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans

    EDWIN Marli High Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans
    $119 AT NORDSTROM


    AGOLDE Parker Crop Straight Leg Organic Cotton Jeans

    AGOLDE Parker Crop Straight Leg Organic Cotton Jeans
    $208 AT NORDSTROM

    Citizens of Humanity Isola Mid Rise Crop Slim Straight Leg Jeans

    Citizens of Humanity Isola Mid Rise Crop Slim Straight Leg Jeans
    $228 AT NORDSTROM


    5. Raffia/Straw Bag 

    "No summer wardrobe is complete without a raffia or straw bag. It's an easy accessory that adds a simple and chic touch to your outfits, making them must-have seasonal items." — Koszarek

    btb Los Angeles Joey Ruffle Raffia Tote

    btb Los Angeles Joey Ruffle Raffia Tote
    $199 AT NORDSTROM

    AllSaints Allington Straw Tote

    AllSaints Allington Straw Tote
    $139 AT NORDSTROM

    Saint Laurent Mini Le 5 à 7 Raffia Hobo

    Saint Laurent Mini Le 5 à 7 Raffia Hobo
    $1590 AT NORDSTROM

    Madewell The Small Transport Straw Crossbody

    Madewell The Small Transport Straw Crossbody
    $78 AT NORDSTROM

    COACH Structured Straw & Leather Tote

    COACH Structured Straw & Leather Tote
    $207 AT NORDSTROM

    Kate Spade New York Medium Katy Wicker Shoulder Bag

    Kate Spade New York Medium Katy Wicker Shoulder Bag
    $257 AT NORDSTROM

    6. Slide Sandals 

    Sandy Koszarek posing in denim shirt and white pants

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    "A slide sandal is an essential item that adds interest to your wardrobe and belongs in every closet. Whether styled with dresses, jeans, or trending shorts, they complete your outfits, making them chic and on-trend." — Koszarek

    Sam Edelman Bay Cutout Slide Sandal

    Sam Edelman Bay Cutout Slide Sandal
    $120 AT NORDSTROM

    Open Edit Lucca Slide Sandal

    Open Edit Lucca Slide Sandal
    $28 AT NORDSTROM


    Schutz Enola Flat Sandal

    Schutz Enola Flat Sandal
    $118 AT NORDSTROM

    Seychelles Portland Slide Sandal

    Seychelles Portland Slide Sandal
    $99 AT NORDSTROM

    Linea Paolo Daniela Slide Sandal

    Linea Paolo Daniela Slide Sandal
    $120 AT NORDSTROM

    This article was originally published on Who What Wear.

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    Nordstrom
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Bobby Schuessler
    Bobby Schuessler
    Social Links Navigation
    Market Director, Who What Wear

    Bobby Schuessler is the shopping director at Who What Wear, where he oversees the shopping and market vertical. He's also an experienced style writer and produces a range of fashion and style content for Who What Wear. He covers everything from the latest trends to the best fashion finds at retailers like Nordstrom and Shopbop to the chicest outfit ideas to consider for the season. He's also covered similar topics at other media outlets, including Refinery29 and Men's Health. In addition, his work and writing has appeared on the e-commerce platforms for major retailers like Nordstrom and Gilt.

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