
Every fashion person has a solid foundation of basics to balance out their most stylish looks. Sandy Koszarek, a former VIP Nordstrom stylist and content creator (don’t miss out on Stylish Sandy), has always relied on elevated basics (versatile selects that are forward in nature) and recommends these pieces to her clients and followers. For summer, it’s those particularly elegant basics that she wears to keep her ensembles looking polished and sleek.
Below you’ll find the eight stylish basics Koszarek thinks are key to upgrading any outfit. The items are modern, relevant, and very chic. Keep scrolling for visual inspiration from Koszarek, along with a range of shopping recommendations.
1. White Skirt

“A white skirt is the perfect piece to elevate a summer wardrobe. Add a tank or tee for an easy and pulled-together look.” — Sandy Koszarek

Open Edit
Cotton Poplin Maxi Skirt

Madewell
Smocked Waist Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt

Caslon
Cotton Gauze Midi Skirt

ELOQUII
High Waist Stretch Cotton Poplin Midi Skirt

Solid & Striped
The Noreen Cotton Maxi Skirt
2. Linen Trousers

“Linen trousers are classic and very chic. Wear them with a tank or tee for a casual look or dress them up with a cardigan or lightweight blazer.” — Koszarek

Open Edit
Everyday Linen Blend Pants

Reiss
Ashby Wide Leg Linen Pants

Madewell
Barrel Leg Crop Linen Pants

Open Edit
Wide Leg Linen Blend Pants

Nordstrom
Linen Blend Wide Leg Pants
3. Raffia Bag

“A raffia bag adds texture and elevates any wardrobe. It’s a chic accessory you can wear with most outfits all season long.” — Koszarek

AllSaints
Lullah Straw Tote Bag

MANGO
Straw Shopper Tote Bag

maje
Natural Raffia Mini Tote

Tory Burch
Ella Small Straw Basket Tote

4. Short-Sleeve Cardigan

“A lightweight cardigan is a perfect layering piece to add to your wardrobe. Wear it buttoned as a top or open over a tank or dress; it’s a piece you can always count on to pull a look together.” — Koszarek

Topshop
Short Sleeve Cardigan

Lipsy
Stripe Short Sleeve Cardigan

Free People
Most Wanted Short Sleeve Cotton Blend Cardigan

MANGO
Striped Crop Cardigan

Princess Polly
Suzu Short Sleeve Cardigan
5. Slide Sandals

“Classic slide sandals are a great addition to any wardrobe. Depending on the style, they’re perfect for casual chic looks, lounging poolside, or running everyday errands.” — Koszarek

Nordstrom
Babette Slide Sandals

Marc Fisher LTD
Zuri Slide Sandals

Stuart Weitzman
Villa Slide Sandals

Sam Edelman
Irina Slide Sandals

Gucci
Palma Slide Sandals
6. White Jeans

“White jeans are a wardrobe basic I always come back to. They’re easy to dress up or down and always look chic and pulled together.” — Koszarek

AGOLDE
’90s Mid Rise Relaxed Straight Leg Organic Cotton Jeans

NYDJ
Teresa Wide Leg Jeans

Citizens of Humanity
Palma High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

Eileen Fisher
High Waist Wide Leg Ankle Jeans

MOTHER
The Rambler Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
7. Maxi Dress

“A maxi dress is a summer basic that elevates any wardrobe. It’s versatile enough to dress up or down—and makes a great travel piece, too.” — Koszarek

Madewell
Mixed Media Scoop Neck Maxi Dress

DÔEN
Ischia Convertible Organic Cotton Maxi Dress

Marcella
Hutton Sleeveless Mixed Media Maxi Dress

Open Edit
Curved Waist Strapless Maxi Dress

8. Summer Blazer

“A lightweight blazer is a must-have wardrobe essential that pulls an outfit together and completes your look.” — Koszarek

Open Edit
Everyday One-Button Linen Blend Blazer

Naked Wardrobe
Oversize Linen Blazer

Nordstrom
Stretch Linen Blend Boyfriend Blazer

MANGO
Double Breasted Linen Blazer

Lauren Ralph Lauren
Stripe Linen Blend Blazer








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