I'm a Former Nordstrom Stylist—This Is My 2023 Capsule Wardrobe

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(Image credit: Jennifer Sattler)

Capsule wardrobes make the art of getting dressed that much easier with the idea that a few core staples can be mixed and matched to create a range of standout looks. While everyone's personal style certainly varies, we're routinely intrigued by how various creatives define their capsule wardrobes for potential inspiration. And that's where Jennifer Sattler comes in. She's currently a stylist and the mastermind behind Closet Choreography. She also worked as a stylist at Nordstrom for years, so her sartorial point of view is, well, on point. And her 2023 capsule wardrobe is quite noteworthy. 

"So many of us choose to start over and redo our wardrobes at the start of the new year," Sattler said. "If you've decided it's time for a new wardrobe, make sure you have these eight closet essentials below." With that in mind, keep scrolling to find Sattler's 2023 checklist, complete with a range of shopping recommendations if you want to add the items to your own capsule wardrobe. 

Striped Top

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(Image credit: Jennifer Sattler)

"Neutral prints are the key to keeping a minimalist capsule wardrobe interesting. Incorporate neutral prints like a striped top. Neutral prints are easy to wear with other prints for a fashionable look."

Black Pants

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(Image credit: Jennifer Sattler)

"Keep this closet essential looking jet-black no matter how many times you wear it by choosing a fabric that has some spandex in it."

Slip Dress or Skirt

"Well, you would have guessed a little black dress would be on the list. As a personal stylist, I'm always checking my clients' closets for one. As if a classic slip dress doesn't do enough, deconstruct it into a skirt and matching camisole top, and watch your capsule-wardrobe outfits multiply even faster."

Basic White Top

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(Image credit: Jennifer Sattler)

"I have a lot of clothes, but I wear my white tops the most. A crew-neck tee, ribbed tank, and classic white button-down are on constant rotation in my closet."

Longer Cardigan

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(Image credit: Jennifer Sattler)

"A cool cardigan tops my list of layering pieces that pull an outfit together effortlessly. A V-neck cardigan is the most versatile."

Lightweight Jacket

"A lightweight utility or denim jacket is an essential layer that makes it easy to transition your wardrobe from season to season. It's thin enough to layer over a hoodie and under your favorite winter coat but stylish enough to stand alone over a slip dress or basic white tee."

Blazer

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(Image credit: Jennifer Sattler)

"This is my blog's all-time best seller! The minute you put one on, your silhouette transforms from head to toe. It's kind of my stylist's secret weapon for improving just about any outfit."

Ankle-Length Jeans

"Jeans have become the backbone of every woman's wardrobe, but most of us wear the same pair all the time. Make sure you have at least one great pair of ankle-length jeans. Those will go with any shoe you choose."

Next, check out more information on how to build a capsule wardrobe.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.