I Was a Nordstrom VIP Stylist—Try These 8 Elevated Basics in 2024
Sandy Koszarek, a content creator and former VIP stylist at Nordstrom, knows just how crucial basics are to building a versatile wardrobe. Items like turtlenecks and trousers may seem mundane but are as essential as jeans and sneakers. The key is to shop for quality over quantity.
Koszarek regularly shares her expertise with us. She recently divulged the top trends to expect in 2024, which you're probably already seeing on Instagram and TikTok. Today, she's letting us in on the secrets to pulling the best basics from Nordstrom, and since it's the end of the season, several pieces are on sale!
Keep reading for the eight must-have basics according to Koszarek, plus a few shopping recommendations for each item. Whether you need to splurge on a few key pieces or just want to replace worn-out staples, you're just a few scrolls away from having VIP guidance at your fingertips.
Wool Coat
"A wool coat is an essential basic that instantly elevates your look. An elevated longline style is trending and complements any outfit, from casual track pants to sophisticated work attire." — Koszarek
Striped Sweater
"Classic sweaters are a wardrobe essential, and a striped sweater adds that extra classic touch, elevating the entire look. Easy to style, striped sweaters go with jeans or trousers!" — Koszarek
Modern Denim
"Jeans are an essential item many of us reach for daily. But current styles like wide-leg and utility jeans are trending, adding a modern and elevated touch to your outfits. Consider cuffed denim for an alternate way to style your jeans." — Koszarek
Sneakers
"Sneakers are a wardrobe must-have, and when it comes to retro and classic white sneakers, they bring an elevated style that enhances any outfit." — Koszarek
Cardigan
"An essential item is an elevated cardigan with a luxe feel and unique details. It's a versatile third piece that can effortlessly elevate your outfits." — Koszarek
Blazer
"Blazers have a special place in my wardrobe as a favorite essential item. I look for quality fabrics, attention to detail like unique buttons, and current styling to get that elevated and refined look." — Koszarek
Turtleneck
"Turtlenecks are as essential as it gets, but when looking for elevated turtlenecks, look for luxe yarns, relaxed cuts, stripes, and details like bell sleeves. These are the little features that add something special to this wardrobe staple." — Koszarek
Trousers
"Trousers are essential wardrobe pieces that are versatile enough to be styled with sneakers or boots; the right style and fit will elevate your trousers." — Koszarek
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously at Who What Wear as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks. Her personal style tends to favor the classics: She loves crisp white button-downs, sneakers, and skinny jeans—and no look is complete without a great pair of oversize sunglasses and a trusty leather jacket. After she finishes reading the entire internet every day, she can be found dining out at her favorite restaurants, trying new beauty treatments, or indulging her historical-fiction habit.
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