Classic pieces for a young lady

So this is a silly/fortunate problem to have, but between forgetting to spend my self-assigned allowance, a couple one-off jobs, and a birthday, I realized I have a couple hundred dollars of you-may-ONLY-spend-this-on-yourself money saved up. Yay! Not a ton of cash, but still. Despite paying my bills and carrying no debt, I'm a post-
college kid who is not used to having any spending power. I have the bizarre conviction that it'll evaporate. Or that if I don't have a plan, I'll fritter it away on trendy pieces/fancy ice cream/a single pretty dress that I do not need.

I have the idea that I should invest in something... responsible. A sturdy blazer I couldn't normally afford. A pair of classic heels. Or... something along those lines. I don't have much in the way of timeless pieces (my current stuff leans heavily towards...whimsy? sundresses? living in a sweaty climate?), so I suspect I need some sensible basics. I'm self-employed right now, so I don't need a traditional office/work wardrobe right this second, which makes this task even more nebulous.

What things should an Adult Lady have in her closet? What do you wish your twenty something self had bought? What's a responsible use of a clothing-budget windfall?

13 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

Do you have an amazing pair of jeans? One you can dress up or down, and wear to everything from every day activities to a date night? Other ideas: a nice blazer, a timeless white shirt, great pair of shoes (or boots depending on your climate), a well-made handbag, a nice watch. I guess it all depends on your style preferences and lifestyle.

K. Period.

That's a wonderful problem! Hooray!

I love love love my white linen blend blazer that I've worn in several WIW posts lately, and based on others' responses, others like it a lot too. It is a great item to throw on to dress up something just a bit. It is also only $88 at Nordstrom (it is by Gibson, in the TBD dept.).

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gi.....ltback=620

If you live in a warm climate, it could be a great addition to your wardrobe. The cut is just classic enough to stretch over several seasons of wear, but just body con enough to feel young. Order on the smaller range of your size if you do get it though, because it runs a tad big.

A great pair of pumps is a good investment, but can be hard to peg. I like an almond toe because it seems to weather the chunky/pointy/round transitions pretty well. However, more important is that it be something you'll actually wear. Don't buy a classic just because it is a classic item. It'll never be a classic to you.

Just thought of something else! A basic button down white blouse with a twist of some type is a great investment. I have several that have been great additions to my wardrobe. Look for a detail that really makes your heart sing. BCBG often does a great white button down with a twist. They are pricey and if you can find one on sale, that's best. However, I've bought them full price and gotten so much wear out of them that they really are a bargain. It should be just interesting enough that if you wear it with a cardi over the top, it will look interesting and simple, but not boring.

Good luck!

Update: totally agree with both Tanya and Shannon on handbag and watch. A great handbag is a lovely thing. A great watch is something you wear daily that shows your style, but also shows you aren't afraid to invest in something worthwhile.

Transcona Shannon

Well first off - congratulations of having some "me money" to spend - what a delightful problem to have!

I really like all of Tanya's suggestions - particular a fantastic handbag or watch, which can work with dressy or casual clothes.

Elly

I don't live in a hot climate, but I'm in the 20-something post-college set and am SO excited for you because I know exactly what it feels like to have gone years lacking buying power and a "grown up" wardrobe despite having moved into grown up roles because of budget.

My climate is totally different from yours, but here it goes:

For me, things that are always great investments that will get a ton of use are

new bras and undies
premium denim (may not be worth it if you live somewhere tropical and rarely wear denim)
boots (maybe not for your climate)

a nice, but practical-to-carry often, and not too expensive handbag could be a good choice if you don't have a leather or otherwise higher quality one-- just don't purchase something "classic and grown up" in a style you'd never carry-- that would be a waste

If I wanted something I wouldn't normally buy I'd pick up a good quality blazer (or in my climate a wool coat) however, if you rarely need a second layer, it might not work for you

I second the suggestion for a NICE WATCH if you don't have one-- but only if you wear them

or if you regularly wear studs or hoop earrings but don't have pairs with real precious metals

nicoleb

(website)

I think it's great to have adult-y basics in your closet but i will say - if you're closet leans towards whimsy find pieces that fill these holes but also appeal to you. When i started an office job a few years back i filled my closet with adult-y things and then learned....boring basic black pencil skirts and blazers really aren't my thing. now i keep an eye out for special details i do like in these shapes.

christieanne

I like the idea of a watch and tote or handbag. Also, if you don't have them, a blazer and skirt or trousers that can work as a suit or separately because you never know when you may have to attend a function that requires something more formal (or a funeral or the like).

Rachel

Active Member

Whee! Thank you everyone: this was a fun post. The idea of premium denim, a watch, and white button-downs hadn't occurred to me at all. I'm starting to feel that with time and attention and careful shopping, I could eventually end up looking like an adult. That's an exciting feeling!

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