22 Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Own By The Time She Turns 25
Gone are the days of oversized tees and sweatpants with slides. It’s time to dress like you deserve – and master your fate doing it.
You’re a quarter of a century old, and you’ve learned a lot in your relatively short life. You know how to find the area under a curve, that Gutenberg’s printing press changed everything, and that literally no one looks good in clothes that don’t fit – not even the Olsen twins. Discovering your personal style is an important part of coming of age. And while embracing different aesthetics is a welcome – even essential – part of the process, there are some universal pieces you’ll want to include in the rotation.
In college, you can get away with owning mostly sweats and a tie-dye Hannah Montana tee. (Whatever gets you to that 8 a.m. class.) But now that you’ve graduated to young professional, it’s time to get serious. Which means no more 24/7 yoga pants. And while it may be obvious that it's time to broaden your fashion horizons, what’s not as straightforward is knowing what to wear instead.
The following is our compilation of the 22 wardrobe essentials every woman should own by the time she’s 25 – but only if her goal is to manifest every single thing she’s ever wanted.
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Base Layers
Sleek Turtleneck or Bodysuit
True elegance begins with the right foundation; in this case, a sleek turtleneck or bodysuit. Elevated layering pieces like these can be worn on their own or underneath a great blazer or sweater. The result is a lot of mileage with day to night (and night to day) versatility. Opt for high quality versions to get your money’s worth.
Abercrombie & Fitch Soft Matte Seamless Tee Bodysuit, $50
Commando Butter Turtleneck, $128
Basic Tank
A basic tank is an underrated closet essential. While indeed a great layering tool, this overlooked staple can also be the star of the show (look no further than recent runways for proof). Wear it with jeans or a cute wrap skirt for a curated outfit worth repeating.
A New Day Women's Ribbed High Neck Tank Top, $8
The Line By K Ximeno Tank, $75
Frilly Tank
Similar to the basic tank, a frilly tank is also a necessary layering piece. It can stand on its own, or go under a ruffled cardi or slip dress for extra mystique. A dainty wardrobe must.
Miss Selfridge 2 Pack Tank Top with Lace Detail, $35
Leset Pointelle Classic Tank Top, $78
Tops
Pretty Blouse
Nothing can make you feel more like a boss but make it feminine than a pretty blouse. Invest in a high quality version (silk is a great option), and you’ll always have something exquisite to wear for interviews and important meetings.
Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve Satin Button-Up Shirt, $70
LoveShackFancy Jacque Top, $395
Cozy Knit
A cozy knit sweater is something that will pay for itself in spades. Make sure it’s soft, and the right cut for your body (meaning, it feels amazing when you put it on), and you’ll have a forever wardrobe fave.
J.Crew Cable Knit Cardigan Sweater, $138
Anine Bing Sydney Sweater, $350
Blazer
You’d be surprised by how quickly the right jacket can pull your outfit together. Throw a chic blazer over one of your luxe base layers, and everyone will think you’re CFO. Shock them when you tell them you’re only an intern, or don’t, and leave them in awe of your acumen.
Abercrombie & Fitch Classic Suiting Blazer, $120
Everlane The Italian Wool Oversized Blazer, $228
Longline Coat
Don’t ask me how it happens, but a longline coat gives you immediate credibility. In fact, it’s our belief that con artist Frank Abagnale Jr.’s success in Catch Me If You Can came directly from the long line of longline coats he sported when initiating a scam. You don’t have to go the illicit route, but if you want to be taken seriously as a professional (and make it fashion), a trench or wool coat goes a long way.
Gap Icon Trench Coat, $168
Show Me Your Mumu Penny Lane Long Coat, $298
Bottoms
Classic Straight Leg Jean
When in doubt, look to the French. This maxim hasn’t failed us yet, and we’ve no intention of giving it up now. Nothing’s more French than a classic straight leg jean. The style pairs well with just about any top and shoe, and can be worn on any day of the week. Versatility at its finest.
Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean, $98
Veronica Beard Daniela Straight Leg Jean, $298
Funky Jean (Flare, Wide Leg, Kick Out Crop, Etc.)
In addition to a classic straight leg, another closet staple is a funky jean – i.e. one with some personality. Tailor it to your unique style, and you’ll have another all-purpose bottom that you just love to wear. My personal favorite at the moment is this comfy wide leg version from Gap.
Gap High Rise Stride Wide-Leg Jeans, $80
Frame Le Slim High-Rise Palazzo Jeans, $278
Working Girl Trousers
One thing adulting has taught me is how helpful it is to have a great pair of trousers. Find the right fit for your body, and they’ll feel like sweats, without the sweats. Pair them with a pretty blouse or a soft knit, and you’ll have a five-star outfit, with very little effort.
Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Pant, $90
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Pant, $218
Sleek Black Leggings
Thought leggings were dead? Think again. While slightly less ubiquitous than they’ve been in the past, they’re still a mainstay in any upleveled wardrobe. The hot girl version? Sleek, elevated, and high-rise.
Spanx Look At Me Now Legging, $68
Commando Butter Luxe Legging, $158
Easy Skirt
Everybody needs an easy skirt. If you're a denim girl, a front-slit maxi may be your go-to. If not, a tiered flowy variety will do. Either way, pair it with a cute top and boots for effortless working girl chic.
Free People Come As You Are Denim Maxi Skirt, $118
Staud Sea Skirt, $225
Dresses
Day Dress
A comfy day dress is another oft-overlooked essential. As one fashion redditor put it, you need “an easy, throw-on dress in a resilient, robust fabric that doesn't need fragile care. Extra points if it dries smooth and doesn't need additional ironing.” Style it with some comfy shoes and a great bag, and you’re ready for whatever the day brings.
Asos Design Gathered Tiered Maxi Dress, $65
Reformation Sai Dress, $218
Slip Dress
Never underestimate the power of a silky slip dress. Simple on its face, the end result is anything but when styled correctly. Make sure it fits like a glove, and pair it with some cute sandals or trainers for a “wrong shoe” look.
Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress, $80
Stone Cold Fox x Revolve Gatsby Gown, $670
LBD
Sister to the silky slip dress is the fabulous LBD. Slightly fancier than its sibling, this wardrobe staple is perfect for cocktail parties and late-night dinners. With endless options to choose from, finding one that fits your style is a breeze.
BHLDN Lucy High Shine One Shoulder Mini Dress, $168
Azaria Black and Vintage Cream Mini Dress, $269
Song of Style Dion Embellished Maxi Dress, $248
Loungewear
Sweatsuit
Lest you think only button-ups and trousers are allowed from now on, a fabulous sweatsuit is a must for any thriving woman. But these aren’t your college dorm sweatpants. This is an elevated lounge set that makes you feel like a million bucks (on its day off). The “set” idea is key here; or, if not an actual set, some luxe bottoms that you can mix and match with your elevated base layers will work too. Comfy, but make it “gets paid.”
Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Sunday Half Zip, $70 | Abercrombie & Fitch Essential Sunday Sweatpant, $70
Adidas by Stella McCartney Regular Sportswear Sweatshirt, $90 | Adidas by Stella McCartney Regular Sweatpant, $120
Shoes
Trainers
Trainers are the fancy way of saying white/beige hot girl sneakers. Think Sambas, Vejas, or New Balance. Surprisingly versatile and (not surprisingly) comfortable, this special pair of footwear is one you’ll wear multiple times a week – and love every minute of it.
Adidas Originals Rivalry Sneakers, $100
Veja V-12 Sneaker, $175
Loafers
Loafers are still very much a thing if you’re an upwardly mobile fashion girl. Cute with jeans, trousers, or a pleated mini with socks, these chic shoes are truly career-advancing if you do it right.
Asos Design Masterpiece Chunky Loafer, $40
ALLSAINTS Lola Loafer, $298
Versatile Boot
A really great boot says, “I am woman, hear me Dior!” (designer footwear not required). Fantastic boots instantly elevate your outfit and can be worn with almost anything. A veritable fashion gold mine.
New Look Flat Riding Boots, $84
FP Collection Take Me To Texas Tall Boots, $378
Sexy Black Pump
Sexy black pumps are like expensive lingerie: While wearing them, everyone can tell you’ve “got it,” but no one knows why. The universal symbol of feminine power and sensuality, this sultry shoe bestows a noticeable confidence boost that is certain to have far-reaching ripple effects.
Asos Design Strut Slingback Mid Heeled Shoes, $40
Bibi Lou Barr Kitten Heels, $190
Accessories
Carryall Bag
An elegant carryall serves two functions: holds everything you will ever own, and looks super put-together chic. Splurge on genuine leather if you want it to go the distance.
Asos Design Leather Tote Bag, $80
Cuyana Classic Easy Tote, $268
The Right Sunglasses
I don't know about you, but I've spent way too much money on cheap sunglasses that don’t reflect my personality or even look that good on me. Growing up means that moving forward, the only sunnies making the cut are those that reflect your personal style and make you feel like a bombshell – irresistibility included.
DMY BY DMY Romi Sunglasses, $245
Closing Thoughts
Growing up is hard to do. But not really if it means you get a whole new très chic wardrobe in which to do it. Start collecting these wardrobe essentials now, and they’ll pay dividends for years to come – in pay raises and mindset shifts. *Upleveled*
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