I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist—These 5 Elevated Winter Basics Are the Most Fashionable

Sandy Koszarek wearing a gray crewneck cardigan and wide-leg jeans.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

As a former VIP Nordstrom stylist, Sandy Koszarek spent years helping clients shop and build out their wardrobes. She continues to do this in a different medium as a content creator (hello, Stylish Sandy), sharing styling tips and product recommendations to her audience and followers. One fashion category she's recommended throughout her career—from her Nordstrom days to her role now as a content creator—is elevated basics.

Koszarek believes basics are the foundation of a well-balanced wardrobe because they can be styled with a range of pieces, and it's those elevated selects, particularly fashion-forward basics, that she gravitates toward most. On that note, five basics are the front-runners for Koszarek this winter because she thinks they're incredibly fashionable and can take any look to the next level with their chic and elegant nature. Keep scrolling to see and shop the fashionable winter basics in question.

Overcoat

Sandy Koszarek wearing a tan overcoat, white button-down, and light-wash jeans.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"A wool overcoat is a must-have for the winter months. It's timeless, practical, and looks so chic styled with any outfit." — Koszarek

Cozy Knit

Sandy Koszarek wearing a gray crewneck cardigan, white tee, and wide-leg jeans.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"Cashmere and cozy knits are my favorite basics for winter. They're practical and feel luxe and fashionable, elevating any outfit." — Koszarek

Dark-Wash Denim

Sandy Koszarek wearing a white long-sleeve, patterned scarf, and dark-wash jeans.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"I'm wearing dark-wash denim this winter—an essential basic that's flattering, dressy, and always looks fashionable." — Koszarek

Boots

Sandy Koszarek wearing a tan overcoat, white button-down, and chocolate brown skirt.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"Boots are a must-have for the season. Fashionable tall boots, over-the-knee styles, and booties are favorites I'll be wearing this winter with everything from jeans to skirts." — Koszarek

Trousers

Sandy Koszarek wearing a white long-sleeve, burgundy trousers, and pointed toe heels.

(Image credit: @stylishsandy)

"Trousers are a wardrobe staple I love to wear with cozy knits and button-downs—a perfect alternative to denim that always looks polished and fashionable." — Koszarek

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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.