The 10 + Pieces That Actually Earned a Spot in My Closet

Links to 3rd party web sites may be provided on this Site. When you click on an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission. Products that are gifted are marked c/0. See my Privacy Policy for more information.

After my spring wardrobe reset—editing bras, basics, tees, and finally facing the swimsuit drawer—I found myself being much more intentional about what came in next.

Less impulse buying. More pieces that actually work.

Interestingly, the best sellers weren’t trendy statement pieces. They were the practical, flattering, everyday staples that make getting dressed easier—and honestly, those are always the best investments.

These were the standout favorites—both in my own closet and through what readers purchased most—plus a few newer additions I recently added and genuinely love.

Because if something is going to take up hanger space, it better earn it.


Reader Favorites + Best Sellers

Wacoal Red Carpet Convertible Bra

Not the most glamorous purchase, but possibly the most useful.

This is the strapless bra I kept after my closet cleanout because it actually does its job. Supportive, flattering, and versatile, it converts to traditional, halter, crisscross, one-shoulder, and strapless styles, which makes it a workhorse for spring and summer dressing. If you wear dresses, off-shoulder tops, or anything remotely tricky, this one earns its place.

Many of you picked up the  True & Co One-shoulder bra (here), now under $20 at Nordstrom Rack, perfect for all those one-shoulder tops and dresses.

I also want to give a shout-out to the HoneyLove crossover bra (here) and the Natori Bliss Perfection Contour bralette (here) for its deep V-neck and slightly more push-up than the HoneyLove bra. With both styles, I was able to scoop “all’ of the breast into the cup, including side boob. This gave me a smooth back AND side under a fitted tank top and good separation, support, and comfortable straps for my narrow shoulders. You can read more in detail on last week’s bra search (HERE).

AllSaints Stevie Slim Fit Tee

This has become my favorite fitted tee.

It reminds me of those slightly shrunken 1990s tees—but better suited for my midlife body. It’s fitted without feeling too tight, flattering without trying too hard, and works with everything from denim to skirts.

I personally prefer a more fitted tee, and this one gets it right.

Quince $42 European Linen Tank

Such a good warm-weather basic.

Quince square neck linen top and wide leg jeans
Favorite flare jeans | Quince linen tank

Simple, breathable, easy to layer, and the kind of piece you reach for constantly. It works under blazers, with linen pants, denim, shorts—everything.

I also own the Quice knit sweater tank, $29.90 | HERE.

Ruti Travel midi skirt, quince ribbed tank top
RUTI Go-to Skirt | Quince $29.90 knit sweater tank

A very easy summer staple and excellent quality for the price.

Shop all linen pieces at Quince (HERE).

Back 70 Easter Mule Sneaker

The Back 70 Easter Mule sneaker has been one of my most-worn pieces – and I don’t really wear sneakers.

Comfortable enough for everyday life, yet elevated enough to still feel polished. I love pieces that bridge style and function, and this one absolutely does that. It has that relaxed European “I didn’t try too hard” energy—which I always appreciate.

Browse all Back 70 Sneaker options at Anthropologie (HERE).

Quince $30 Organic Fleece Blazer Insert

This Veronica Beard dupe is one of those unexpectedly useful pieces, and the most popular item sold on my Shop LTK page. Why? The Quince $30 fleece blazer insert slips perfectly into Veronica Beard jackets. To watch my video review of the fleece blazer insert, click (HERE).

Woman in her 50s wearing a wide-leg jeans, and suede sneaker mules, styled for a casual weekday look

Longchamp Le Pliage Energy Crossbody

This bag continues to be a favorite for so many women—and I completely understand why.

Lightweight, practical, polished, and endlessly useful. But what makes it especially fun right now is how people are styling it—swapping out straps, tying scarves on the handle, or even using a longer silk scarf as a shoulder strap. It gives the bag personality and makes a classic feel fresh again.

Longchamp Le Pilage Nylon Crossbody, HERE | Leather, HERE

Newer Pieces I Recently Added

Mother Lemon Twist Sneak Jean

I first tried these jeans on at one of my favorite boutiques in Carmel-by-the-Sea back in February and immediately liked them.

It sits somewhere between a barrel jean and a wide-leg jean—so it has a different shape than my other denim, which I loved. It moves beautifully, has a comfortable rise that isn’t too high, and feels modern without trying too hard.

At the time, I didn’t need another pair of jeans.

Fast forward to my spring closet reorganization, and I realized I no longer owned a pair of white jeans. I had finally let go of my old skinny and boyfriend pairs from somewhere around 2005—and good riddance.

Then I saw they added a Natural wash to the Lemon Twist, and that was it.

I ordered my usual size 27. Sometimes I size up to a 28 in Mother, but not here—they got too baggy for my liking.

I’m 5’7″, bought regular length, and had them hemmed slightly for flat sandals since I rarely wear heels.

I also love that this is a softer, natural white instead of optic white—it feels easier and more elevated for everyday wear.

If you’re looking for a fresh denim shape for spring and summer, this one is very cool.

SHOP: Mother (here) | Nordstrom, sold out in ecru (here) | Bloomingdale’s (here) | Anthropologie (here) | Evereve (here)

L’Agence Alicent Jean

Now, if the barrel-meets-wide-leg shape isn’t your thing and you want something more polished, the Alicent jean is excellent.

I own this style in both dark and light wash **select sizes in light wash 60% off at Nordstrom Rack,HERE **, and I get asked about them constantly.

I’d describe it as a wide-leg trouser jean you can dress up or down—very flattering, very versatile, and incredibly chic. Now, it is available in ecru (here), which is such a beautiful spring option.

Compared to the Mother Lemon Twist, this one feels more classic and refined.

I love both for different reasons:

Mother feels cooler and more directional.

L’Agence feels polished and timeless. Shown below in the light and dark denim wash.

Adrianna Papell Lady Sweater

This one is a true hidden gem.

While consignment shopping, I found the Adrianna Papell lady sweater in cream and black stripes with gold buttons—my size, $24.

I honestly thought it was Veronica Beard or Frame at first.

Easy purchase.

It looked instantly chic with my Citizens Horseshoe jeans and a cream tank. Done.

When I got home and logged it into my Indyx app, I discovered it was still available—and 67% off.

Ladies… It’s now under $35 (was $109)

No, the buttons aren’t the chunky Veronica Beard version, but honestly, I like this better than the J.Crew version because it’s lighter, less bulky, and the natural cream tone looks more expensive than optic white.

It’s polished, easy, and adds great texture to denim, trousers, or skirts.

A real sleeper @ Nordstrom Rack | HERE

The Linen Cover-Up I Wore Every Day

I mentioned this in my last post, but it deserves repeating because it is that good.

This is the most understated, elegant, easy cover-up—and honestly, the only one you really need.

I wore it every single day on my last trip to San Diego, poolside with rolled sleeves, a wide-leg lightweight pant, my Eric Javits straw hat, and Oka-B Moria Sandals (shop more Oka-B styles, here)—and felt surprisingly polished and elegant just walking around the pool.

It has enough coverage to feel comfortable, but still looks elevated and intentional.

By Elan (HERE), I sized up to a medium for extra movement, and it washed beautifully and hung dry perfectly.

What I love most is that it can do more than pool duty—it also works as a topper over a dress or linen pants for an easy, casual dinner.

Because of the tie waist, you can wear it more fitted or loose like a tunic.

PRESS HERE to shop, I promise—it’s a winner.

RUTI Go-To Skirt & V-neck Tank

Mastering In-Between Season Dressing

The RUTI go-to skirt and sculpted v-neck tank are not only 2 of the most-worn items in my closet, but readers love this skirt as well. Both of these pieces are perfect travel partners as they pack easily, can be worn day or night, and pair with everything from sandals to sneakers. The skirt is lightweight, has pockets, an elastic waist, and a beautiful drape. The tank is double-layered, giving it a higher top than your average tank. I found both pieces to run TTS.

Skirt | HERE, Tank | HERE

One More….

If you missed last week’s blog on refreshing the most overlooked pieces in your wardrobe—bras, underwear, tees, sleepwear, and swimwear—you can catch up (here).


Final Thoughts

The best pieces in your wardrobe usually aren’t the loudest ones.

They’re the pieces that make getting dressed easier.
The ones you reach for constantly.
The ones that quietly make everything else work better.

That’s what I’m always looking for now.

Not more.

Just better.

Don’t Miss a Post!

Similar Posts