The Wardrobe Start-Up List

If you are looking to revamp your closet or, like me, are transitioning from the wardrobe of a college student (yoga pants and hoodies) to that of a real life adult, it can be difficult to figure out what you really need. I have always been more of an eclectic shopper. I like to pick and choose from different stores, selecting individual pieces instead of complete outfits. While this is a more enjoyable and less stressful way to shop, it is not always cost effective and can often lead to another shopping trip when the shelf holding your legging collection drastically overshadows your meek collection of t-shirts.
To avoid this problem when shopping for my grown-up wardrobe, I did my research and investigated what other fashion bloggers thought was "essential" to a 20-something's wardrobe. I compiled these lists along with a few additions from my own personal collection and have laid them out here for you. These items are ones that are nice to have laying around and can easily be transitioned from one outfit to the next, day to night, and fall to spring. For the sake of space (and because I am writing this from my work desk and don't have the luxury of time today) I have not included pictures of each item-- most of them are pretty self explanatory.

Essentials:

1. Dark wash jeans (I recommend skinny fit so that you can wear them with boots, heels, and casually)

2. Black jeans

3. Black slacks (These can be any style. High-wasited or ankle length are both classic fits that will last you a couple years without going out of style)

4. Pencil skirt (Black or dark grey will go with almost any top)

5. GOOD leggings (please read GOOD as in as professional as possible. A good pair of leggings can be work under a long tunic or sweater and with boots during the fall and winter. These can be plain black, leather, or patterned-- just make sure they are high quality and not see-through or ripped)

6. White button-down shirt (Oxford style is best though a blouse-ier option can be used)

7. Three or more loose-fitting tank tops (By these I mean blouse-like tanks that can be worn under a sweater, blazer, or by themselves in the spring and summer)

8. Black fitted blazer

9. Chambray button-down 

10. Two or more cotton t-shirts (these can be any style-- I prefer v-neck-- just keep it profesh)

11. Black pumps (Sidenote when buying heels: it is worth the extra $20 to re-tip your heels with rubber caps. They won't break as easily, you'll slip less, and they will last so much longer)

12. Nude pumps

13. Brown leather boots (These can be any style though they should be appropriate for work-- at the very least on casual Fridays. The boots in my last "Look of the Day" would be an example.

14. Comfortable flats

15. Comfortable and CLEAN sneakers (These can be anything from Nike's to Converse, just make sure they are clean and properly laced when wearing them to casual Friday)

Optional:

1. Little black dress (Something you can wear to a nice dinner or throw a blazer over and wear to work is perfect)

2. Maxi skirt (I recommend a fun color but an elegant black one is always nice too)

3. Patterned cardigan

4. Opaque black tights (Tights-- as in NOT pants. These are perfect to wear under dresses and skirts during the winter months)

5. Solid color shift dress (Again, something you could wear to a nice dinner or wear at work under a blazer. Think something Julia Braverman would wear on NBC's Parenthood. **If you don't understand the reference, shame on you.)

Nice Additions:

1. Three tops and three bottoms for working out (I am loyal to the Nike and Zella brands almost exclusively)

2. A medium-size black purse (This should be something you can throw a wallet and keys into and not lose them in the abyss but also fit a tablet or folder comfortably)

3. A colorful scarf

4. A thin, colorful belt (I have one that is light pink-- I find I can wear it with most things because it is pretty color neutral. You could also go bold but beware of the seasonal colors)

5. A nice watch (I cannot stress enough how much a nice watch can improve an outfit and your overall appearance. Even though it might seem superficial, an interviewer/employer/supervisor will notice if you have a nice, clean, unscratched watch. It shows you know how to care for things and that you value time management. Definitely worth splurging a little to say all of that with an accessory. I recommend Fossil-- they have an 11 year warranty on almost all of their watches)

6. Two jackets/coats (At least one of these should be waterproof or water-resistant)

7. Two pairs of nice pajamas (Nothing says adult like sleeping in wrinkled boxers and an oversize t-shirt, right? Wrong. Spend some money and get a decent pair of pajamas. Two pairs are ideal for a week without doing laundry)

8. Black, nude, and a strapless bra (You will need these. It is better to have them and use them once than need them once and ruin an outfit with your dingy white bra straps)

9. A good pair of tennis shoes (Your knees are a precious body part that will eventually quit on you. Prolong their life with a quality pair of tennis shoes)

10. A nice pair of sunglasses (You are better off buying a quality pair of sunglasses, trust me)