We, the fashion editors here at WWW, often turn to Nordstrom to uncover new products to recommend in various stories. We also routinely shop the retailer to freshen up our personal closets. One category that's always a go-to at Nordstrom is the basics department. There's just consistently an A+ offering of simple pieces that have the power to become true foundational items in our wardrobes. You know, those special finds that could, in theory, make our closets stronger because of their versatile and easy-to-style nature.
If you keep scrolling, you'll uncover the forward basics that a few of us are eyeing at the moment to take our offerings to the next level. As a preview, you'll see everything from staple denim cuts to comfy T-shirts to easy shoe silhouettes. Go on if you're in the mood for a little shopping inspiration.
Skims
Stretch Cotton T-Shirt
"I'm always on the lookout for a white tee that I can wear in an ultra-casual way as well as an elevated one, and this one is just that."
Agolde
Parker High Waist Crop Straight Leg Jeans
"I've been eyeing darker-wash jeans for a while now, trying to find a pair that's just the right wash. Now, I found one. I love that darker-wash jeans are a bit more formal than the light washes that have been popular over the last few years—very French and chic."
Edikted
Oversize Faux Leather Bomber Jacket
"I love that this jacket combines a must-have leather jacket with a trendy bomber. I'm already imagining ways that I could wear it—with jeans and a T-shirt as well as with a dress to make it less formal."
Open Edit
Blazer
"A more polished wardrobe starts with a great black blazer."
Reformation
Selena High Rise Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jeans
"The fit of these jeans is so good, and I like that they're under $200 when so much designer denim isn't these days."
Rag & Bone
Icons Rover Chelsea Boot
"You know you're getting quality with Rag & Bone."
Citizens of Humanity
Annina High Waist Organic Cotton Trouser Jeans
"If you've been keeping up with the Who What Wear editors over the past year, then you'd know that most of us are all about the baggy-jeans trend right now. You have to check how how these look from the side and the back, incredibly chic."
Skims
Long Sleeve Stretch Cotton Tee
"Having this long-sleeve in my closet has been a lifesaver. I think it's time to add another color to my collection."
Schutz
Mikki Up Block Heel Tall Boots
"Black knee-high boots are a must in every editor's closet, and this pair's thick heel has had me 'hot-girl walking' to every occasion on my calendar with comfort. The fact that I can wear them with anything makes them so worth the investment."
Frame
Mixed Rib Midi Sweater Dress
"Every time I see a sweaterdress on the market, I end up convincing myself I don't need one, and then a day comes where all I can think is 'This would've been the perfect day for a sweaterdress.' This one looks ideal for transitional weather."
Levi's
501 '90s Straight Leg Jeans
"I know. I can't believe I don't have a straight-leg pair of jeans in this classic medium wash either. Levi's is always the way to go."
Ganni
Cleated Mid Chelsea Boots
"I've had a pair of chunky Zara boots that I've been wearing for years, and I think it's time to invest in something to replace them. These stompers from Ganni are high on my list."
COS
Woven Miniskirt
"This skirt is on sale, and I think it's worth every penny."
Sam Edelman
Michaela Mary Jane Flat
"These are understated and elegant. I'd believe you if you told me they were from The Row."
Allsaints
Leather Crossbody Bag
"I live for crossbody bags because they're so functional, and I love how this one's strap wraps around the bottom of the purse."
Open Edit
Oversize Blazer
"This is such a beautiful blazer that looks more expensive than it really is. I love how jackets like this make my basic jeans-and-a-tee looks instantly polished and put-together."
River Island
Square Neck Bodysuit
"It's all about the skinny straps for this bodysuit. The minimal vibe feels simultaneously '90s and modern."
Pistola
Cassie High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
"I absolutely love the fit on these. From the baggy, relaxed silhouette to the super-deep color, it's a step up from your typical pair of jeans."
& Other Stories
Stripe Long Sleeve Cotton Button-Up Shirt
"More menswear-inspired basics—are you shocked? A classic button-down is one of those 'boring' items that often gets overlooked, which is why adding one will ensure you have a well-rounded closet."
Cos
Double Pleat Wool Trousers
"Relaxed trousers are easily the one basic that gets the most airtime in my wardrobe. They're versatile, polished, and comfortable, and this pair checks all those boxes."
Vagabond Shoemakers
Hedda Knee High Boot
"When I say that I wear these almost every day, I mean it. I think every wardrobe would benefit from a pair of tall, structured boots, and these are well worth it with details like a '90s-inspired square toe and walkable heel."
Vince Camuto
Midi Slip Skirt
"When it comes to slip skirts, it's always smart to have a rotation for every season since they're so versatile. This pale blue would look dreamy with a gray sweater."
Agolde
'90s Crop Loose Straight Leg Organic Cotton Jeans
"Yep, I'm very much behind the slouchy-denim trend."
Toteme
Square Toe Mule
"I'm usually not a flats person, but these square-toe mules from Toteme are calling my name."
Now, shop more elevated basics:
Open Edit
Satin Button-Up Shirt
The sheen of satin adds something extra to this classic button-down shirt.
River Island
Jolene Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans
The rise is a bit daring, but at the end of the day, light-wash, wide-leg jeans are always cool.
Open Edit
Ribbed Sweater Tank Dress
Two words: the back.
Asos Design
Oversize Denim Snap-Front Shirt
All the fashion people are doing denim on denim lately.
Cos
Regular Fit Heavyweight T-Shirt
Because every other shirt is relatively see-through.
Eloquii
Crop Flare Doublecloth Trousers
The cropped flare is perfect for showing off your shoes.
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.