I Was a Nordstrom Stylist, and This Is My Classic Capsule Wardrobe
The capsule wardrobe is a curated set of beloved staples you can mix and match, and it's a smart way to simplify your closet and make getting dressed easier. While everyone's capsule wardrobe varies based on personal style, it's still intriguing to see how others create and define their capsule wardrobes for inspiration. Jennifer Sattler, a former Nordstrom stylist and the mastermind behind Closet Choreography, has shared her version of the perfect capsule wardrobe in the past and is here today to highlight the items she'd include in a classic capsule wardrobe.
Below, you'll uncover the items Sattler is pulling for her classic capsule wardrobe. These pieces are modern yet timeless. Keep scrolling for visual inspiration on how Sattler wears the items and shopping inspiration to help you mix any of the featured items into your capsule wardrobe.
Navy Blazer
On Sattler: Veronica Beard blazer
"A navy blazer may be the most iconic classic wardrobe staple of all time." — Sattler
Striped T-Shirt
On Sattler: Amour Vert tee
"Inspired by fashionable French women, a striped top is my favorite summer closest essential." — Sattler
Linen Shorts
On Sattler: Veronica Beard shorts
"Something linen is the calling card for almost every popular coastal-grandmother look. A pair of relaxed or tailored linen shorts serve a multitude of uses in this classic fashion capsule. Style classic linen shorts sporty or back to a blazer for work." — Sattler
Straight-Leg Jeans
On Sattler: Frame jeans
"High-rise tapered jeans are dominating classic denim trends. Take my jean quiz to find the best fit for your body type. Barrel-leg jeans are big right now. If you want to keep with the classics, go for a non-stretch straight-leg style like classic Levi's or celebrity-favorite Parker from Agolde." — Sattler
Bouclé/Tweed Jacket
On Sattler: J.Crew jacket
"A cropped silhouette and dainty details are the signatures of this versatile, lightweight layer. A preppy pop of color looks great with this classic capsule." — Sattler
Striped Dress
On Sattler: Veronica Beard dress
"Make the most of the solid staples you own by adding a neutral-print striped dress." — Sattler
Camp Shirt
On Sattler: Lucky Brand shirt
"This version of the infamous button-down will work on repeat with all the summer outfits in this capsule. A cropped or shrunken silhouette is the most modern." — Sattler
White Jeans
On Sattler: Fidelity jeans
"White jeans are a wardrobe staple. You'll never regret having more than one style that flatters your figure. For this capsule, I'm focused on a beachy wide-leg, cropped silhouette that vibes well with the other shapes and silhouettes on this checklist." — Sattler
Polo Shirt
On Sattler: Banana Republic polo
"A polo shirt paired with linen shorts or white jeans will keep you comfortable and on-trend. There are plenty of polos to pick from right now." — Sattler
Woven Accessories
On Sattler: Bottega Veneta sandals
"You probably snatched up a cool, colorful woven summer bag when you were shopping my resort casual capsule wardrobe. Complete this classic fashion capsule with traditional woven shoes and braided accessories in rich neutrals like brown and cognac." — Sattler
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 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.
-
Celebs Are Quietly Swapping Out This Timeless Boot Trend—Here's What They're Wearing Instead
Look to Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and others.
By Michelle Scanga
-
If You're Not Into Powder Pink, Kendall Jenner Wore a Spring Color Trend That's Equally Pretty
There are other pastels in the sea.
By Allyson Payer
-
I'm Refining My Wardrobe—36 Staples I'm Eyeing for 2025
Polished is the word.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
I Just Got Back From Europe, and Now, I Want to Shop These Trends From H&M, Nordstrom, and J.Crew
Think effortless elegance.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears Today
A true fashion icon.
By Judith Jones
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% Classic
Just as you are.
By Drew Elovitz
-
The Only 38 Classic Fashion Pieces That Matter Now
And forever.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Jasmine Tookes Shares Her Favorite Styling Tricks in Banana Republic's New Campaign
This off-duty style is on point.
By Drew Elovitz
-
So You Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe? Start With These 7 Elegant Foundational Pieces
They don't have to cost the Earth.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I Shop for Spring Basics Early—7 Key Items I'll Be Wearing in NYC in a Few Months
*Shivers while googling how many days are left until spring.*
By Natalie Cantell