During major sale periods, it’s often good for me to take a step back and really think about what I’m wearing these days. What clothing items are actually working for me? It’s not that I’m opposed to an occasional purchase just for fun (like this cocktail ring, for example) but in general, basing my sale picks on the outfits I already know and love is always a smart move. And there are many times that the odd sale colors left won’t last my next closet clean-out.
14 Timeless Wardrobe Essentials Worth Investing In & On Sale Now
So. Here are 14 clothing pieces that I’ve been wearing or using for years. They’ve lasted through several closet clean-outs, they are wardrobe essentials I’m still actively wearing or using, and they’re pieces that I would 100% buy again.
1. Halogen Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
Halogen Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater (size small)
I sound like a broken record, but this thing is GOOD. While it’s not as thick as a $400 cashmere sweater, it’s shockingly good for the price. The sleeves are long enough, there’s a little extra room in the body, and the turtleneck is perfect — not too tight or nor restricting or floppy. I dress mine up AND wear it over my skiing base layers. Truly a wardrobe workhorse. On crazy sale (and won’t last long). If Nordstrom follows the same pattern as last year, this sweater won’t be restocked until next November/December.
2. Sweaty Betty Base Layers
I’ve been wearing these base layers for YEARS. They’re warm, wicking, and wayyyyyyy cuter than anything on the market. Literally the only thing I use all ski season. Worth every cent. (Currently $46 off if you buy a bundle — matching top and bottom).
3. Athleta Conscious Crop Top
One of my favorite workout tops is Athleta’s Conscious Crop top. Super-flattering, comfy, and comes in a range of sizes (including plus sizes). I own this top in a bunch of colors. I wear a size medium in the top (size range A-C, even though I’m *technically* a D), and a size small in the leggings. The leggings are my favs from Athleta: the Salutation Stash 7/8th leggings. They rarely go on sale, but I found one pair (with lace detail) on sale.
4. MMLaFleur Cardigan
MM LaFleur Morendi Cardigan (XS/S) in almond
This cardigan can be dressed up (and easily worn to the office…someday), but I’ve been wearing the heck out of it despite this crazy year. Why? Because I can throw it on over my workout gear, add sneakers, and I’ve got a solidly cute running-errands outfit.
5. Adidas Superstars
Adidas Superstars (runs a half-size big)
Still my most-worn shoes OF ALL TIME. Sustainably made, and they look good with everything. There’s not a single trip I take where I don’t pack these sneakers, and I wear them practically year-round.
6. J/Slides Sneaker Boots
I wore the black pair last winter — even sightseeing in freezing Detroit, MI — and I loved them SO MUCH I bought the taupe on crazy sale this year. They’re waterproof and warm, and I think they’re still in stock only because the product picture is stupid. Ignore it — I HIGHLY recommend these boots.
7. Maje Tops
Maje is one of my favorite French designers, and their tops always nail that nonchalant French-girl vibe. Most of the Maje tops I have look fancier than they are: a t-shirt with mesh cut-outs, or a fluttery, fancy top that manages to evoke a romantic-punk vibe (that’s also really comfortable to wear). I don’t see anyone else on the market quite doing the Maje thing (or at least not as well). Love.
8. Clare V. Bags
I own several Clare V. bags…only because I am almost powerless to resist. These bags successfully walk the line between quirky and classic and always make an outfit 1000% cooler. And because their unique styles are so heavily rooted in classic shapes (almost vintage at times), they literally never go out of style. This is one time I think you should feel free to take a risk on a wacky sale color — it’ll likely still work with half your closet. (Weird, but true.)
9. TUMI Backpacks
I still find myself taking my Tumi backpack everywhere. Not only are they incredibly well-made, but they have all of the pockets and an almost….glamorous(?) vibe. Almost the entire TME team has one. Pretty AND practical.
10. Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm
Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm
I’m never NOT going to use this cleansing balm. It literally melts my makeup off (even stubborn eye makeup), smells amazing, and leaves my skin feeling….perfect. I have this product in the same category as vitamins or toothpaste: a must-have. All Colleen Rothschild products are 20% off with code BYE2020. (Oh! This cleanser also comes in jumbo size….and get extra muslin cloths – they make a big difference.)
11. Everlane ’90s Cheeky Jeans (in Deconstructed)
Everlane’s ’90s Cheeky Jeans (TTS)
Currently 30% off, making them only $54! I seriously love these jeans. They have the look of rigid jeans, but are really comfy to wear. They look cute with both sneaks and boots. (You can see all of our Everlane post-holiday sale picks here – with selfies.)
12. PAIGE Willa Boots
PAIGE Willa Boots in snake (runs a tiny bit small, but will stretch out)
Nordstrom just dropped my old Paige Willa Boots back into their sale section for a whopping 60% off. These boots are perfect if you’re looking for something to effortlessly pair with any sort of cropped jeans in the winter. (I had done an entire article on the best boots to wear with cropped jeans in winter, if interested, and these Paige boots were a big winner.)
13. Lululemon Align Leggings
Lululemon Align Pant 25″ (size 4) | Keep the heat thermal longsleeve (size s)
Of all of the workout leggings I’ve ever tried, Lululemon’s align leggings are the ones that feel the most like…nothing. They’re made from that Nulu fabric that they describe as “buttery soft and weightless” and YES. An apt description. Truth be told, the first time I tried them I almost felt…exposed, but they are 100% opaque, and are comfortable even for all-day lounging around. That said, I much prefer the darker colors to a really light one. Not all colors are on sale, but there are some good options in the ‘we made too much’ section (linked above). I especially am eying up the ‘mini-heathered herringbone’.
And if you need a top for running outside in the cold, Lulu’s thermal long-sleeve is a long-time fav. The black is on sale, too.
14. ABLE Tiger Graphic Tee
ABLE’s Gloria graphic tee (xs)
ABLE’s Gloria graphic tee is the one exception: I haven’t actually been wearing for years. But I have been wearing similar white graphic tees and have found — in general — they’re the most versatile option. And this one? Is one of the BEST. Everything at sustainably made ABLE is 25% off, and I highly recommend picking up these seriously cool earrings, too. Another one of my favs.
BONUS: Biossance Skincare Kits
Gang, I thought the Biossance kits would no longer be available after Dec 25th…but as of Saturday night, they’re still up on the Biossance website, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention them. I’m a HUGE fan of Biossance – so much so that we have an exclusive Biossance x The Mom Edit Candlelit Glow gift set. It’s like getting 35% off the full price products, so sets, in general, are a smart idea. Personally, I’d look for a set that include the Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum (my very top product pick). Our Candlelit Glow set obviously has it, but the Moisturizing Dry Skin Basics Set does also (as well as Rose Oil, and the richest-ever Omega Night Cream) and is a whopping 45% off. I might pick up the Oily Skin Basics Set (50% off) for my budding teenager to try.
xo,
S
Oh hey, Pinners, this one’s for you…
