What Not to Wear: A compilation of our best closet tips and tricks- we suffered so you don’t have to
By: Reagan (Linde) Pierce
Sometimes you just need a little wardrobe inspiration to break you out of your routine. So, as an older sister, allow me to share some hard-earned sisterly advice on building a strong wardrobe for your early twenties that won’t break the bank and will help you look and feel your best in college and beyond.
Here are some of my loves and learns from over the years. I have worked on the Hill, I wore pin every Monday during college, and I now work a more relaxed office job. Needless to say, my closet has needed to accomodate a wide variety of dress codes over the years. I have found some key pieces that work for any internship or post-grad job and can also fit into your everyday wardrobe. My feet have blistered and my $5 H&M shirts have fallen apart after the first wash so yours don’t have to. Here are some of my favorite items and axioms of shopping to help you guide your next clothing purchases.
Clothing is an investment- You don’t need to break the bank, but when looking to make purchases (especially for work attire), buy timeless pieces that will last rather than buying multiple cheap items just to keep up with the trends. Occasionally, buying cheaper can be the right move, but when I am buying staple pieces (sweaters, dress pants, work shoes) I opt for buying quality over quantity. Most brand have big sales during the year or outlet stores you can check out. If you see something you love but can’t afford right now, hold off and wait for the price to drop. I have pieces that I bought on sale back in high school that are still staples in my daily wardrobe.
Quality Clothing can be Repaired- Clothing will naturally show some wear and tear, but when you buy quality clothing, you can take it to get repaired. This is why I recommend getting genuine leather loafers and bags, wool or cashmere sweaters and socks, and dresses and pants that are worth getting tailored. Not only will it be cheaper in the long run to repair rather than re-buy, it is more sustainable and will create a healthy degree of separation between you and the latest trends and fast fashion.
Thrift!- You do not have to buy all of your clothes new. When I want to try out a trend or am looking for something that I know will be out of my price range to buy new, I start at the thrift store. There are certain brands that I look for every time I go thrifting because I know that they were made with high quality fabric and stitching that is built to last. You can build a phenomenal high-quality wardrobe off of thrifting alone if you know what to look for. I always grab things from J Crew, Banana Republic, Madewell, Gap, and older Ann Taylor and Ralph Lauren as they are good quality brands and will hold their value. Stay away from fast fashion brands like Shien, Target, H&M, Zara, and Forever 21. They may look ok in the store, but chances are, they won’t hold up as long as you need.
NEVER Cheap out on Dress Shoes-There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to walk around throughout the day because you have a massive blister on your heel from the $20 pair of heels you bought at Target. Only once in my life has Target had a good pair of heels (they are no longer in production), so fight the urge to get the trendy cheap pair. You will almost always regret it. My best advice surrounding dress shoes is to:
Try and avoid wearing heels to work at all cost. If you must wear heels, a small heel or block heel are your best options. Antonio Melani, Huma Blanco, and Gianni Bini have good options.
Buy heels that fit your body type (not everyone looks good in stilettos!)
Find shoes that fit your arches
Start Small- You don’t have to go out and re-buy all of your clothing and completely break the bank with new, high quality purchases. But as you start working, think about buying those nicer pieces that will last longer. Give yourself time to reframe your approach to buying.
The most important thing is that you feel good in what you’re wearing. So look for pieces that you love and want to hang on to in the long run!
