What I'd Pick From Nordstrom If I Could Only Wear 5 Pieces for an Entire Year

When I find myself wanting to pare down my wardrobe I often ask myself: If 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.

1. White Button-Down Shirt

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.

2. Neutral Blazer

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.

3. Black Crewneck T-shirt

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.

4. Straight-Leg Jeans

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.

5. Simple Black Dress

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.

Runners-Up: Neutral Oversized Sweater and Black Leggings

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.

Next: The Anti-Whim Shopping Guide: 31 Picks That Won't Fall Victim to the Trend Cycle