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

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 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

MANGO

Cotton Button-Up Shirt

$50

Caslon

Linen Blend Button-Up Shirt

$25

Levi's

Lola Oversize Cotton Poplin Button-Up Shirt

$70

Nordstrom

Poplin Button-Up Shirt

$69$35

MANGO

Samari Linen Button-Up Shirt

$80

2. Trousers

"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

Topshop

Elastic Waist Wide Leg Pants

$70

Open Edit

Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants

$70

Nordstrom

Flat Front Wide Leg Pants

$76

Halogen

Pleated Straight Leg Pants

$89$67

MANGO

Herringbone Pleated Wide Leg Pants

$90

ELOQUII

Ultimate Wide Leg Trousers

$90$60

3. Chic Black Dress

"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

Open Edit

Cowl Neck Satin Slipdress

$69

& Other Stories

V-Neck Midi Dress

$129

COS

Dropwaist Rib Minidress

$135

Topshop

Sleeveless Poplin Midi Dress

$75

ELOQUII

Strapless Poplin Maxi Dress

$140$112

Vince Camuto

Sleeveless Maxi Dress

$69

4. Modern Denim

"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

Citizens of Humanity

Horseshoe Jeans

$288

Levi's

Ribcage High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

$98

AGOLDE

Harper High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Jeans

$218

Madewell

The Curvy '90s Straight Crop Jeans

$128

MOTHER

The Bookie Heel Bootcut Jeans

$278

5. Tailored Blazer

"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

Veronica Beard

Miller Dickey Jacket

$695

French Connection

Harrie One-Button Blazer

$178

Tahari ASL

One-Button Blazer

$159

Reiss

Harper Cotton Jacket

$425

Open Edit

Linen Blend Blazer

$90

TOTEME

Tailored Suit Jacket

$870

Tahari ASL

Summer Tweed Open Front Jacket

$179

6. Slingbacks

"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

Open Edit

Cammie Kitten Heel Slingback Pumps

$60

Cult Gaia

Reina Slingback Sandals

$448

Sam Edelman

Bianka Slingback Pumps

$140

Paloma Barcelo

Bademia Slingback Sandals

$375

Larroudé

Ines Slingback Pumps

$330

Reformation

Eleonora Slingback Sandals

$248

7. Striped Cardigan

"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

MANGO

Stripe Cotton Cardigan

$50

Splendid

Lily Stripe Cotton Blend Crop Cardigan

$148

Favorite Daughter

The Caroline Stripe Crop Cardigan

$268

& Other Stories

Stripe Cardigan

$129

Halogen

Stripe Cardigan

$49