4 must haves for a fuss-free winter closet.

Long Cardigan.(also similar here.) Shirt. (also have/love this one.) Jeans. (Rag and Bone distressed version in store.) Bag.(new favorite.) Similar Shoes. Scarf. Similar Necklace.

This week has been my busiest of the month by far.  We are leaving earlier than we thought for Christmas vacation, and everything got pushed up by about a week, which means I’ve been running around like a madwoman nonstop since last Saturday.  But really, with Christmas in just over a week and last day to ship deadlines rapidly approaching, what mother/woman/person isn’t in total crunch mode right now?

When I’m busy like I am this week, I love falling back on my fuss-free closet go-tos that work great for running around town and still make me feel put together.  I have different ones for every season, and here  are my 4 must-haves for a fuss-free winter closet..

A cozy long cardigan.  These are one of those magic items in your closet that take any outfit from basic to pulled together look.  Plus I love that it’s like wearing long cozy robe over your clothes.  I picked up the tan version of this sweater from Nordstrom during the anniversary sale and I loved it so much that I grabbed it in black as well.  There are so many great long cardigans at Nordstrom this time of year, just decide on a color and take your pick.

Great skinny jeans.  The magic jean, can be paired with booties, riding boots, wellies, sneakers or flats like I’m wearing here.  I bit the bullet and started buying better skinny jeans last year, and until then I never really liked the style on me, but man, buying the right pair makes all the difference in the world.  My favorite brands: Rag and Bone, AG and Madewell.  These rag and bone ones come in a cropped length which is great for petites like me.  (Still need them hemmed but not as much.) Nordstrom carries the best jeans and I love that you can have them hemmed for free right in store.

A carry all bag.  This time of year especially, when the days are jam packed with errands, I need to have my whole world in my bag and with me at all times.  That means that at any given moment my handbag has: a wallet, phone, keys, at least two pairs of sunglasses, small umbrella, lipstick bag, small planner, notebook, multiple fine-tip sharpies, snacks for Ava, headphones and a spare charger for my phone.  Hashtag: MOMBAG.  I don’t need just any bag, I need a mom bag.  I love shoulder totes (that’s an absolute must) they need to be big enough to fit all my gear (see list above) but not so big that they drown my small frame.  And I like to them to be structured.  I hate floppy bags.  If it can’t stand on it’s own when I set it down, it’s not the bag for me.  I just snagged this Kate Spade shoulder bag a few weeks ago and it is exactly what I was looking for.  I’d been looking for the perfect black bag and this one is just right.  When I need something for brown I carry a this Tory Burch bag.  I always buy my handbags at Nordstrom because shipping is free and fast, they have everything, and I know if I have a problem they’ll take care of me, because they have the best customer service.

Scarves.  Like a little hug for your neck, they keep me so much warmer.  Throw one on over your coat and instant outfit.  This plaid one is my favorite right now.  I love the charcoal color and the awesome price.  I like to dress festive pretty much during the entire month of December which means I’m wearing at least a little red almost everyday, and chances are, I’ve thrown some plaid in there as well.  This scarf kind of whispers Christmas but it doesn’t scream it, so I know I can wear it all winter, even after the holidays are over.

So there you have it!  What are your must-haves for a fuss-free winter closet?

*created in partnership with Nordstrom.