My Wardrobe MVPs of the Year: The Pieces I Reached for Again and Again

In past years, as December winds down, I’ve often shared roundups of my favorite outfits. This year, I’m doing something a little different, part of a broader focus on building cohesive, versatile wardrobes that truly work in real life. Instead of spotlighting individual looks, I’ve been thinking about the pieces I reached for again and again, the ones that always felt right and quietly made getting dressed easier. These are my wardrobe MVPs (Most Valuable Players).

What they have in common isn’t trendiness or novelty, but reliability: pieces that earned their place through constant wear and endless outfit combinations. Here are the pieces that earned that title in my closet this year. (Note: you can click on any text in red to go to product page & shop.)

The Jeans: A No-Fail Everyday Foundation

You probably won’t be surprised to see that denim tops the list. I wear jeans most days, and this was the pair that I reached for most often…

I know they’re not everyone’s cup of Darjeeling, but these dark wash barrel jeans from Ruti absolutely nailed my “neat, cool, quirky” style mantra. They were (and are) a no-fail foundation for effortless outfits. I’m wearing 8 Petite.

And if you prefer a more subtle version of barrel jeans, Ruti just re-introduced their Classic Barrel Leg Jeans with a gentler shape and clean dark wash. Use code SUSAN15 for 15% off all full priced Ruti styles!

The Cardigans: Versatile Layers I Relied On All Year

2025 was the year I re-discovered classic cardigans as a wardrobe mainstay, both at home and for travel.

What I love about these cardigans is how versatile they are. You can wear buttoned as a top or mid-layer, open over another top (or matching shell), or tied over the shoulders in lieu of a scarf.

My top picks are:

• Featherweight Cashmere Cardigans from J.Crew. (Also check out the matching cashmere shells.) I wear a Small in the cardigans and a Medium in the shell. I’ve worn that leopard one frequently this year, and have been pleasantly surprised at how well it holds up (almost no pilling!). Though color options are more limited now, I’m hoping they add more for Spring.
• Tuckernuck Riley Cashmere Cardigan. These have been my go-to’s for cooler seasons, and that Chocolate brown was one of my fall travel wardrobe MVP’s. I wear size Small.
• Lightweight Argyle from Vince. (Matching tee.) This wool-blend cardigan is very lightweight, perfect for transitional season wear. Both the cardi and tee are also available in Olive (great for you Autumns) and both are on sale. I’m wearing a Small in the cardigan.
• If you prefer wool-free sweaters, check out the Jackie Cardigan from J.Crew, or the Charming Cardigan from Talbots, or this 100% cotton one from Z Supply.

ICYMI: Best Lightweight Cardigans for Travel

The Shirts: Polished Alternatives to a Basic Tee

During the warmer months, these cropped cotton shirts delivered the perfect balance of ease and structure.

As with cardigans, these shirts can be styled multiple ways, and feel more put-together than a plain tee. My hands-down favorite is this striped no-iron cropped shirt from Lands’ End. I’m wearing a Regular XS here (photo on left). They’re also available in Petite, Tall, and Plus sizes in some colors.

Also shown, a super cropped brown poplin from WNU (purchased last spring in London), and a prior season cropped Étienne shirt from J.Crew. Also some nice striped 100% cotton options here.

The Sneakers: Comfortable, Travel-Ready, and Surprisingly Chic

This was somewhat of a surprise entry as they hadn’t been on my style radar, but once I tried them on…

I’ve been wearing these knit slip-on sneakers from Tod’s almost daily (similar). They’re insanely comfortable, great for travel, and tick all of my “neat, cool, quirky” style boxes. Even with the lower EU price and VAT refund (I purchased in Paris), they were still quite a splurge, but so far have earned their keep.

Here are a few similar (and more budget-friendly) options. You can click on images to go to product page and shop. If you’re reading on a mobile, scroll down to see all options.

And a quick non-wardrobe MVP worth mentioning…

Skincare MVPs: The Products I Used Consistently

You can still save up to 25% on my skincare favorites from By Brian: Illuminate & Contour Eye Treatment, Re-Creation Lip Treatment, Firming Neck & Chest Creme. These products are effective, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. You can also save on all of Brian’s cosmetics and classes, but this offer expires soon.

Final Thoughts: What Makes a True Wardrobe MVP

Wardrobe essentials don’t have to be plain or generic. At their best, they’re the pieces that express our individual style and confidence, while still being practical and easy to wear. I’d love to hear what YOUR wardrobe MVP’s were this year…let me know in the comments!

And I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading and being a part of this community in 2025, and wish you and your loved ones a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!

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