I Worked at Nordstrom for Years—Here's My Vacation Capsule Wardrobe

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(Image credit: @closetcoreography)

Simply put, capsule wardrobes make getting dressed easier with the idea of focusing on a few key staples that can be mixed and matched to create a range of outfits. While everyone may have their own version of their capsule wardrobe based on personal style, it’s always interesting to learn how others style for inspiration. On that note, Nordstrom veteran and mastermind behind Closet Choreography Jennifer Sattler offered up her insight into her vacation/resort capsule wardrobe. Sattler worked as a Nordstrom stylist for years, so she certainly knows a thing or two about styling and putting together stellar outfits.

"My resort casual capsule wardrobe only takes 10 pieces to say I’m going somewhere,” she said. "Use this 23-outfit capsule to pack for paradise or to get excited about sunny weather.” Below, you’ll uncover the 10 items Sattler always packs that can mix and match extremely well. You’ll also notice styling references from Sattler, along with shopping recommendations for each category.

White Dress

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(Image credit: @closetcoreography)

"When it’s warm, a white dress is just as versatile as a famous little black one. Choose a style you can wear over your swimsuit or do dinner alfresco."

Solid Swimsuit

"A swimsuit is essential on any vacation near water. I suggest at least one solid-color suit that can do double duty as a bodysuit when you style it with pants or shorts from my capsule."

White Tank

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(Image credit: @closetcoreography)

"A white tank is one of my new wardrobe checklist staples everyone needs in their wardrobe and a piece I always pack. The most flattering styles to wear solo are usually ribbed and have a square or slightly halter neck."

Cardigan

"A cardigan has made its way into most of my capsule wardrobes. I love the styling and layering possibilities a piece like this gives you."

Woven Bag

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"Woven bags are pretty, practical, and a must-have for your next tropical trip. A classic straw tote is iconic. This season I’m swapping mine out for a colorful plastic tote. So fun!"

Flowy Pants

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"Pick a versatile print or solid color, in the right fabric, and wear your palazzo pants from the plane to the pool to a party."

Convertible Top

"A long-sleeve style with some stretch and an open neck is the best choice because you can slip it off the shoulder or convert it into a strapless style."

Distressed Jeans

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"Jeans with raw hems and perfectly placed rips give your vacation attire a laid-back beachy vibe."

Matching Set

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"A matching set makes a great travel essential. Together, the pieces looked pulled together and take no effort to assemble."

Low-Heel Sandals

"Standout heels are making a fashion statement this season and are one of the hottest accessory trends this year. A low-heel style is the most versatile pick for this capsule. They will be dressy enough to wear out to dinner with your white dress or casual enough to throw on with your distressed jeans."

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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.