I'm in My 20s, and These Are the 6 Work Staples I Invested In First
Let me start by conceding that the state of the world looked nothing like it does today when I stepped out of college and into my first full-time job a mere three years ago. I know I certainly could have used a road map for navigating the major life transition at that time, so I can only imagine how game-changing a few words of advice are for those attempting to enter the "workforce" at this particular moment in time.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not qualified to dole out career advice, but I am in a position to recommend a few key staples that will lay the foundation for a chic and professional work wardrobe and will (hopefully) see you through to a fulfilling career. I landed my current job at Who What Wear fresh out of college and promptly focused on upgrading my wardrobe to align with my new role and daily life in an office. But being a recent post-grad in my early 20s, I didn't have the budget to completely overhaul my closet (nor did I want to necessarily), and so I forced myself to be selective with what I did invest in. I looked for pieces that would be versatile and timeless so they'd live in my closet for years and, above all, ones that felt polished and professional for this new working life.
Looking back, I'm happy to report that I think I did a pretty good job with building out a work wardrobe in my 20s, and I hope that many of these items will also see me through to my 30s and, hey, maybe beyond! Keep scrolling to discover the six staples I recommend investing in.
Though I prefer a straight-fit for a classic work ensemble, it doesn't always matter the kind of jeans they are so much as the wash and the details. I happen to think that dark-wash and black jeans will always contribute to a polished look, and I stray away from jeans with too much distressing. Those with tailored, non-frayed hems are failsafe for work and beyond.A pretty top is a must, as it's a great way to add some personality to your work outfits, and I'm a fan of puff sleeves and square necklines. To get the most use out of your purchase, look for a style that you can easily wear with jeans, skirts, and trousers, and keep an eye out for a neckline that hits near or above the collar bone to keep things professional.The holy grail of work attire, if you ask me, is the checkered blazer. It's timeless but on trend, versatile but polished. I think everyone needs one in their lives, whether or not a 9-to-5 is your life. I happened to find mine at a vintage store but love that there are many great affordable versions out there in case picking through a secondhand store is not your speed.When I don't feel like wearing jeans or trousers, I reach for a cute midi dress and, depending on the season and my mood, pair it with flats, heeled sandals, or boots. I've linked a few of my current-favorite midi-length frocks below that all have sleeves, but as you can see here, layering a white tee underneath a strapless dress is one of my go-to styling tricks to make it office-friendly.I never saw the value in flat shoes until I began working in an office. Between running to and from meetings and working at my standing desk, I prefer to give my feet a break from heels a few days a week, and ballet flats and loafers are my favorite ways to do so.Ah, the work tote—a cornerstone in any working wardrobe. I felt that investing in a sleek leather version was crucial to hold all my essentials (and laptop!) to and from the office and a much-needed update from flimsy canvas totes.
If you're into fashion and an avid TikTok scroller, you've probably come across the viral and somewhat controversial Coperni one-leg jeans . People who got their hands on them are asking followers how they should style them - and even whether or not they should keep them. Those who are still on a waitlist or are simply curious about the trend are going so far as to DIY the jeans by taking a scissor to one leg of an old pair. I, on the other hand, dared to step into the Romeo Hunte Black One Leg Pant ($232, originally $725), an alternative take on the same silhouette that's even more eye-catching (which, how is that possible?). These jeans were, without a doubt, one of the most polarizing looks I've ever worn - and I've tried some pretty divisive clothing, from Skims butt-enhancing shapewear to the brand's famous push-up nipple bra , and many a sheer naked dress . After wearing the jeans around town to run errands and obviously attracting some attention (st...
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Never have we been more envious of an inanimate object than when Pedro Pascal stepped out in a sparkly cardigan this week. As soon as we saw him walking the streets of London wearing the glittery knit, we longed to swap places with it - to be enrobing the heartthrob, catching the attention of random passersby, sparking internet discourse, and ultimately taking responsibility for his style breakout. Pascal has been serving look after look while promoting " The Last of Us " season one and "The Mandalorian" season three this year, working with stylists Julie Ragolia and Fabio Immediato . His latest came on Feb. 23 when he arrived to a radio interview wearing the shiny cardigan in question: a long button-down sweater made of silver foil yarn and created by menswear label 4SDesigns. He layered it over a sheer brown tank top and finished the look with black pants, leather boots, and his usual chunky-framed glasses. Just one day prior, the actor stopped by a photo call...