I'm a Former Nordstrom Buyer—These 6 Items Will Make or Break a Good Closet

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(Image credit: @susie.wright)

Former Nordstrom buyer and 55-year-old stylist, Susie Wright, is a breadth of sartorial knowledge. After all, her fashion résumé speaks volumes. She also does happen to fall in that over-50 bracket. And while age has nothing to do with what you should or shouldn’t wear, her more experienced style point of view is always quite intriguing. Recently she shared a few particularly noteworthy tips on her blog, So Susie.

Basically, she offered up the specific wardrobe staples she thinks could be worth considering. Of course, everyone’s style is different and personal, but there’s a curation of six items she thinks could make or break a good closet. "Having a solid wardrobe foundation not only makes getting dressed easy and effortless but also helps you be prepared for any occasion,” she said. "Everyone’s essentials are different, but as a stylist, I know which ones to recommend.”

In essence, it’s these items that are front-runners given their easy-to-style nature. They're all highly versatile and could mix and match with a range of basics and trendier pieces to create those well-balanced looks. With all that in mind, keep scrolling to check out the items that could be worth adding to your rotation to create that top-notch wardrobe. You’ll also uncover previous inspiration imagery as well as shopping recommendations as well.

1. Perfect-Fitting Jeans

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(Image credit: @susie.wright)

"You really only need three jeans in your closet: black, faded blue, and a gray wash. They must fit perfectly (not too loose and not too tight) and be the correct length.”—Wright

2. Perfect Tee

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(Image credit: @susie.wright)

"Invest in white, black, and gray—these are all you really need. The one I’m wearing by ATM is a favorite.”

3. Classic Coat

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(Image credit: @susie.wright)

"My philosophy on jackets and coats? Go for a classic like a trench. It can complete every single outfit you own.”

4. Neutral Shoes

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(Image credit: @susie.wright)

"The thing about neutral colored shoes is they really do go with everything. The key is to find a tone that’s close to your skin color so you can wear them with jeans, skirts, dresses… You name it!”

5. Black Separates

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(Image credit: @susie.wright)

"All black is always elevated! You don’t even need to spend a lot. Add a great shoe and a fun bag to feel put together and look sophisticated.”

6. Chic Accessories

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(Image credit: @susie.wright)

"We often overlook accessories, but they’re truly the most important elements of your outfit. Any one of these will pull your outfit together: Sunglasses add a little glamour, your favorite jewelry personalizes your look, and a great crossbody bag completes it all. It’s these finishing touches that take your wardrobe to the next level.”

Next, check out more items Wright believes can help make the perfect outfit.

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 retailers 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.