I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist—These 8 Elegant Basics Elevate a Wardrobe
Every fashion person has a solid foundation of basics to balance out their most stylish looks. Sandy Koszarek, a former VIP Nordstrom stylist and content creator (don't miss out on Stylish Sandy), has always relied on elevated basics (versatile selects that are forward in nature) and recommends these pieces to her clients and followers. For summer, it's those particularly elegant basics that she wears to keep her ensembles looking polished and sleek.
Below you'll find the eight stylish basics Koszarek thinks are key to upgrading any outfit. The items are modern, relevant, and very chic. Keep scrolling for visual inspiration from Koszarek, along with a range of shopping recommendations.
1. White Skirt
"A white skirt is the perfect piece to elevate a summer wardrobe. Add a tank or tee for an easy and pulled-together look." — Sandy Koszarek
Open Edit
Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt
Madewell
Smocked Waist Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt
Caslon
Cotton Gauze Midi Skirt
ELOQUII
High Waist Stretch Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt
Solid & Striped
The Noreen Cotton Maxi Skirt
2. Linen Trousers
"Linen trousers are classic and very chic. Wear them with a tank or tee for a casual look or dress them up with a cardigan or lightweight blazer." — Koszarek
Open Edit
Everyday Linen Blend Pants
Reiss
Ashby Wide Leg Linen Pants
Madewell
Barrel Leg Crop Linen Pants
Open Edit
Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants
Nordstrom
Linen Blend Wide Leg Pants
3. Raffia Bag
"A raffia bag adds texture and elevates any wardrobe. It's a chic accessory you can wear with most outfits all season long." — Koszarek
AllSaints
Lullah Straw Tote Bag
MANGO
Straw Shopper Tote Bag
maje
Natural Raffia Mini Tote
Tory Burch
Ella Small Straw Basket Tote
4. Short-Sleeve Cardigan
"A lightweight cardigan is a perfect layering piece to add to your wardrobe. Wear it buttoned as a top or open over a tank or dress; it's a piece you can always count on to pull a look together." — Koszarek
Topshop
Short Sleeve Cardigan
Lipsy
Stripe Short Sleeve Cardigan
Free People
Most Wanted Short Sleeve Cotton Blend Cardigan
MANGO
Striped Crop Cardigan
Princess Polly
Suzu Short Sleeve Cardigan
5. Slide Sandals
"Classic slide sandals are a great addition to any wardrobe. Depending on the style, they're perfect for casual chic looks, lounging poolside, or running everyday errands." — Koszarek
Nordstrom
Babette Slide Sandals
Marc Fisher LTD
Zuri Slide Sandals
Stuart Weitzman
Villa Slide Sandals
Sam Edelman
Irina Slide Sandals
Gucci
Palma Slide Sandals
6. White Jeans
"White jeans are a wardrobe basic I always come back to. They're easy to dress up or down and always look chic and pulled together." — Koszarek
AGOLDE
'90s Mid Rise Relaxed Straight Leg Organic Cotton Jeans
NYDJ
Teresa Wide Leg Jeans
Citizens of Humanity
Palma High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
Eileen Fisher
High Waist Wide Leg Ankle Jeans
MOTHER
The Rambler Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
7. Maxi Dress
"A maxi dress is a summer basic that elevates any wardrobe. It's versatile enough to dress up or down—and makes a great travel piece, too." — Koszarek
Madewell
Mixed Media Scoop Neck Maxi Dress
DÔEN
Ischia Convertible Organic Cotton Maxi Dress
Marcella
Hutton Sleeveless Mixed Media Maxi Dress
Open Edit
Curved Waist Strapless Maxi Dress
8. Summer Blazer
"A lightweight blazer is a must-have wardrobe essential that pulls an outfit together and completes your look." — Koszarek
Open Edit
Everyday One-Button Linen Blend Blazer
Naked Wardrobe
Oversize Linen Blazer
Nordstrom
Stretch Linen Blend Boyfriend Blazer
MANGO
Double Breasted Linen Blazer
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Stripe Linen Blend Blazer
