Keeping Up with Contemporary

Once upon a time, I stared at everything in my closet and realized that the clothes once loved during my high school years, and college years, finally needed to go. I had collected a plethora of camis, trendy crop top t-shirts, and shirts that were so low cut that there was no way that it was age appropriate for me to wear now. It’s the kind of epiphany you come to when you finally accept that you’re in your twenties.

You’re in that exciting phase of your life where you’re either still pursuing your education, going to parties, job interviews, internships, or maybe you’re already in the workforce. Regardless, you’re going to want to dress the part for any of the above occasions, but you want to look classy, yet keep up with the trends and not wear things that will age you, or that are too young.

So, where does one start in their twenties when it comes to style? What are some of the best places to shop for outfits? What is worth splurging on? I’ve compiled a little list that will hopefully help with those questions.

Style Necessities & Tips

• Basics are your best friend. Stock up on neutral colors of camisoles, tank tops, t-shirts, cardigans, dress pants, button-up shirts, blazers, shoes, and purses. (You’ll thank me later, because you’ll be able to pair them with anything in the future that you own.)
• Find clothes that fit and flatter. Don’t buy clothing items that won’t flatter you, or are ill-fitting. If you do buy something that is too loose and can’t find it in another size, have it tailored.
• Quality over quantity.  It’s better to own something you’ll love and wear a million times that is durable, than to wear something that will fall to pieces. Even if you splurge a little, if that item will get a lot of use, it’s worth it. Think cost per wear. Take the dollar amount of the item and divide it by how many times you think you will wear it within a year.
• Accessories add character.  Just because you wear the same clothing, doesn’t mean you can’t change things up. Buy a new piece of jewelry to dress up a t-shirt, or find a scarf that you can pair with lots of outfits.
• Try to avoid materials that shrink easily. Rayon is one fickle material. Depending on if it’s combined with other synthetic materials, or is on its own, it can sometimes shrink in the wash. Cotton tends to be durable for the most part, as well as polyester. Although, when buying polyester clothes, pay attention to how the clothing is sewn on the edges to make sure the threads will not unravel.
• A sweater comb works wonders. There were times when my favorite cardigans start to pill, or form small balls of fuzz. Needless to say, it didn’t look good. I bought a sweater comb, ran it over the cardigan, and voila! Good as new! Just make sure to use it on only tight knits, try to avoid loosely knitted clothing or fabrics that you think it may ruin.
  • D-Fuzz-It Sweater Comb at Von Maur:
  • http://www.vonmaur.com/Product.aspx?ID=25765&pos=1&pg=1
• Buy trends that will last several years.  Just because something is considered the ‘it’ style of the year, doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll stay years later. Find styles that you know will be classics and stand the test of time. You’ll get more use out of them.

Where to Shop

• Zara is one of the best places to find professional clothing, gorgeous dresses, and unique statement jewelry that’ll keep you looking on trend and fabulous. The styles there for the most part are timeless, so you’ll definitely be wearing them for several years. Whether you choose to save with their sales, or splurge on items there, they’re worth every penny.
• Nordstrom.com  is one of the best websites ever. I’ve fallen in love with Nordstrom countless times when looking for affordable purses that look high end and are well-made for sometimes under $30.  Also, look out for their half yearly sales and annual sales during June and July. Another plus is that their website offers free shipping.
• Nordstrom Rack has everything you need from basics, dress clothes, purses, jewelry, and a beauty section. You’ll find every trend that you could possibly think of there, but at affordable prices.
• Abercrombie is an unexpected place to shop, but it no longer has a moose logo on every piece of clothing. Their jeans are extremely good quality denim, and their maxi skirts are breathtaking. Abercrombie’s website is always having sales, so make sure to sign up for their e-mails.
• Kohls is one of my favorite places to shop. If I could live in Kohls for the rest of my life, I probably would. I basically live for the clearance section as it is. A few weeks ago, I found a Lauren Conrad sweater for $5, and their Apt. 9 brand has the perfect button-up dress shirts that fit and flatter. Also, J.Lo and Rock & Republic know what they’re doing when it comes to their clothing lines each season.
• Goodwill is another fantastic place to check out for dress clothes. There have been times when I’ve found Loft shirts, or even a gorgeous Karen Kane dress that must’ve cost at least close to $100, but that I bought for under $10.

Recent Finds at Zara 

 

Happy shopping! 

 

FTC: Not sponsored.

Update: These particular items are no longer available.