I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist: A Great Closet Has These Understated Trends in It

Sandy Koszarek is a stylist and blogger (her site is Stylish Sandy) who once worked in the Nordstrom VIP styling department. As a result, she has years of experience helping clients build out their wardrobes. While she certainly suggests bold, trendier picks in her sessions, there are a few more understated trends she likes to recommend first because of their versatile nature. These "non-fussy” items, as she calls them, can act as the foundational elements of a great, well-balanced closet.
Below you’ll uncover the five low-key yet chic items Koszarek thinks will elevate a wardrobe. You’ll notice that everything included in the mix is very easy to style with a range of items.
Keep scrolling for more, including visual inspiration from Koszarek and inspired shopping picks for all of the trends on her list.
Flared Jeans
"Long and cropped flared jeans are staples in my denim wardrobe. It's a trend that's easy to style with retro sneakers or heels. You can easily throw these on and head out the door."
Lavender
"Lavender is a trending color I'm wearing this spring. It's a fresh color suitable for the season, and it's also easy to incorporate into my wardrobe by adding an oversized blouse, handbag, shoes, or accessories."
Retro Sneakers
"Classic and retro sneakers are staples in my shoe wardrobe. I always wear them with jeans plus, I like to style them with wide-leg trousers and midi dresses for a contemporary look."
Wide-Leg Trousers
"I'm wearing wide-leg trousers this spring. They are a versatile staple in my wardrobe that's easy to style with heels or sneakers, depending on the occasion."
Denim on Denim
"I love the denim-on-denim trend. It's a fun and effortless combination that is easy to style. You can mix light and dark denim, complementary washes, skirts, shirts, and jackets, to achieve this trendy look."
Next, 9 Uncomplicated Outfits that Will Have You Excited for Summer.
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.
-
Model Pritika Swarup Has an Angel's Complexion, so I Asked for All Her Skin and Makeup Secrets
Her must-haves for "runway-level radiance."
By Jamie Schneider
-
Listen, Listen, Listen—These 35 Spring Dresses From Revolve Will Get You Endless Compliments
The only curation of stunning dresses you need this season.
By Chichi Offor
-
I'm a Former Nordstrom Buyer—These Are the 8 Trends I'm Wearing to Look Even More Fashionable
Modern vibes.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
I'm Hunting for Chic Spring Basics—33 I'm Considering From Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew
From cropped trench coats to linen trousers.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Whoa, I'm So Into the New Drops at Nordstrom, Zara, Shopbop, and J.Crew—Very Much Yes to These 41 Finds
Linen pants, pretty dresses, and so much more!
By Bobby Schuessler
-
A Chic Wardrobe Starts at Nordstrom—I'm Really Feeling These 41 Stylish New Items
Modern spring finds.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Look, If I Were You, I'd Buy These 42 Upscale Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew Items Before Anyone Else
They're too good.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Elegant Dressers Will Find These Nordstrom Jackets, Shoes, and Dresses Irresistibly Chic
There's something for every budget.
By Judith Jones
-
Hold Up! 5 Nordstrom Staples That'll Definitely Elevate Your Spring Outfits
Spring shopping made easy.
By Chichi Offor
-
Hurry—the Nordstrom Spring Sale Is Nearly Over, and These Last-Chance Items Are Worth Adding to Your Wardrobe
Up to 50% off.
By Judith Jones