I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist—These Are the 5 Trend-Forward Basics I Wear to Look Stylish

As a former Nordstrom stylist (where she curated looks for VIP clients) and currently as a content creator (behind Stylish Sandy), Sandy Koszarek certainly has a pulse on what matters in fashion. While she wears various items, she often gravitates toward basics to round out her looks. She's also a fan of those more trend-forward and elevated basics. These pieces are versatile like other basics but have modern design elements or come in of-the-moment prints and colors.
There are five trendier basics Koszarek is wearing in 2025 to look stylish. She's also recommending the basics to her followers and friends when they want to elevate their wardrobes. Keep scrolling to check out her list, along with visual and shopping inspiration if you too want to add one (or all) of the styles to your wardrobe.
Barrel-Leg Jeans
"Barrel jeans are a trend-forward basic—chic and interesting. Pair them with any shoe to dress them up or down." — Koszarek
Butter Yellow
"Try a trending color like a subtle pop of yellow! It's fresh, versatile, and a chic transitional color to add to your wardrobe." — Koszarek
Tall Boots
"Though tall boots are a classic staple, they're now trending—perfect for wearing with dresses and skirts." — Koszarek
Animal Prints
"Animal prints are easy to style with basics, neutrals, and bright colors, making them the perfect print to add interest to any outfit." — Koszarek
Denim Separates
"Denim on denim is a stylish way to mix your favorite denim pieces for a modern, on-trend look." — Koszarek

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.
-
If You're a Plus-Size Fashion Person, You'll Want to Wear These 34 Nordstrom Items on Repeat
Shop a range of discounted and regular-priced finds.
-
24 Chic Under-$100 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds That Are Taking Over My Fashion-Editor Text Group
Longchamp, Levi's, Madewell, and more.
-
I Swear By Elegant Outfits—35 Standout Items That Would Fit Right Into My Closet
Here's to a chicer outfit rotation.
-
25 Nordstrom Pieces That Channel Jacquemus's Effortless French Minimalism
If you want the Jacquemus look for less, you need to read this.
-
The Nordstrom Brands Fashion People Shop for Expensive-Looking Staples Are Discounted for the Anniversary Sale
Under-$100 pieces ahead.
-
30 Nordstrom (Sale!) Items That Are Giving Cool L.A. Girl
Deep discounts ahead.
-
I'm a Former Nordstrom Buyer—This Is My Top 10 List From the Anniversary Sale
The expert is here.
-
If Your Goal Is Bougie on a Budget, Here Are 27 On-Sale Designer Items From Nordstrom You Need to See ASAP
Score that expensive look for less.