I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist—These 7 Items Make My Outfits Feel More Elite

A Nordstrom stylist wearing elevated essentials.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

You could say that curating wardrobes is Sandy Koszarek's thing. She spent years as a VIP stylist at Nordstrom, where she helped clients build out their closets, and currently creates styling content for her brand, Stylish Sandy. She often shares key items she deems essential to a wardrobe. Next up, she's sharing the current hero pieces in her wardrobe because they help make her outfits feel more elite.

The pieces in question feel particularly elevated, bringing that desirable relevant and refined spin to a look. In other words, when Koszarek styles one of these elite items, her ensembles feel next-level, chic, and compliment-worthy. Keep scrolling to check out Koszarek's A+ wardrobe staples along with styling and shopping inspiration.

1. White Button-Down Shirt

A Nordstrom stylist wearing a white button down and red pants.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"A white button-up makes my wardrobe feel elevated. It's a versatile staple that always adds a chic, polished touch to any outfit. I switch to a linen style in summer to stay cool and stylish." — Koszarek

2. Trousers

A Nordstrom stylist wearing white trousers and a white blazer.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"I love wearing trousers, especially linen ones when it's warmer. They're a comfortable wardrobe staple and look chic with slingback heels, sneakers, or sandals." — Koszarek

3. Chic Black Dress

A Nordstrom stylist wearing a chic black dress.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"A little black dress is a classic piece I wear when I want a sophisticated and elevated look. It's timeless and always looks chic." — Koszarek

4. Modern Denim

A Nordstrom stylist wearing modern denim.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"Modern denim is the starting point for many outfits. I love wearing straight or wide-leg jeans with a white T-shirt or button-up for a chic, classic look." — Koszarek

5. Tailored Blazer

A Nordstrom stylist wearing a tailored blazer.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"A tailored blazer is a favorite staple in my wardrobe that instantly elevates any outfit. When it's warmer, I wear linen to stay cool while looking chic and sophisticated." — Koszarek

6. Slingbacks

A Nordstrom stylist wearing slingbacks.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"Slingbacks are a wardrobe staple that looks chic and elevated with everything from dresses to shorts. This season, I'm adding a kitten-heel slingback to my wardrobe!" — Koszarek

7. Striped Cardigan

A Nordstrom stylist wearing a striped cardigan.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"I often wear cardigans. A striped style draped over my shoulders always feels elite and elevated and is a simple way to add a sophisticated touch to my outfit." — Koszarek

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.