Like many of us, I’ve started to look at my closet a little differently. Call it pandemic fatigue, call it growing up—whatever the reason, I’ve become far more intentional about what earns a place on my hangers.
Not too long ago, I found myself staring at a wardrobe filled with cocktail dresses and statement blouses, beautiful pieces that once brought me joy. But during lockdown, they sat untouched, more like relics than practical options. That realization was a turning point. I began asking not “what will make me stand out?” but instead “what will make my wardrobe last?” A simple shift, but one that changed the way I shop—and dress.
Dressing Through Change
If I’m honest, this change wasn’t just about fashion. Like so many, I felt adrift during those uncertain months. I worried about family, about work, about health. At the same time, life moved forward. My husband and I moved into our first home together, got married, and created a new rhythm in our daily lives. Through all of it, I found myself craving quality and comfort—things that felt grounding, like a glass of wine at the end of the day or wrapping up in a cashmere sweater.
Fashion, for me, became less about turning heads and more about creating a sense of stability. I didn’t want clothing that belonged to just one season or one occasion. I wanted pieces that felt like companions, ones I could reach for again and again without worry they’d be out of style before the year ended.
What Stuck
Even as the world has opened back up—restaurants buzzing again, shops filled with new arrivals—I notice I still reach for the same things I did last year. Crisp cotton poplin dresses. Oversized button-down shirts. Simple, breathable fabrics that don’t ask too much of me. It isn’t that I’ve stopped shopping (let’s be real, I still shop), but I’ve found myself holding onto this practical mindset. I’m no longer interested in cycling half my closet out each season just because trends say so.
Luxury in Balance
That doesn’t mean I’ve sworn off the thrill of fashion. I still love the feeling of slipping into something beautiful and well-made. But I’ve lost interest in buying luxury just for the sake of saying it’s luxury. What excites me now is the layering—pairing a luxe cashmere sweater with a $100 cotton dress, finishing it with timeless shoes and a simple French market bag.
That blend feels honest. It’s not about labels or price tags, but about how the pieces work together and how often I’ll actually wear them. A $30 tank can become as much of a wardrobe hero as a $500 coat if it earns its keep. To me, that’s where true style lives: in the mix, not the exclusivity.
A Few New Favorites
With that in mind, I’ve been curating slowly and intentionally, adding classics that won’t just look good now, but seasons from now too. And since Nordstrom’s legendary Anniversary Sale is happening this week, I couldn’t resist browsing their new arrivals. For anyone who doesn’t know, this sale is unique: new-season pieces debut at reduced prices, making it the perfect opportunity to stock up on timeless staples before they jump back up.
Here are a few pieces I found worth noting:
- Cashmere Sweater – The kind of piece you’ll wear on repeat, layered over dresses in summer evenings or under coats in winter.
- Cotton Poplin Dress (under $100) – Simple, breezy, and endlessly versatile.
- Organic Pointelle Tank (under $30) – Affordable, breathable, and perfect for layering.
- Linen Pants – A warm-weather classic you’ll never regret buying.
These aren’t flashy pieces, and that’s the point. They’re meant to be lived in—worn for errands, dinners, trips, and everything in between. They’re the building blocks of a wardrobe that doesn’t require a constant refresh.
Moving Forward
If the last few years taught me anything, it’s that clothing doesn’t need to scream for attention to be valuable. Sometimes the quietest pieces—the ones that fit well, feel good, and last—are the ones that serve us best. My wardrobe has shifted from something performative to something personal, from “look at me” to “this feels right.”
And honestly? I’m not looking back.
So, whether you’re navigating your own post-pandemic reset or just craving a little simplicity, I’d encourage you to rethink the pieces you reach for most. Invest in the ones that make you feel good, not just the ones that look good in the moment. Your wardrobe (and your sanity) will thank you.