While in school, you can live in casual clothes, but once you graduate, your wardrobe needs to graduate as well. From jobs to interviews and events, you’ll need a versatile wardrobe that meets all of your needs. While you’ll need to build a wardrobe over time, these five items of clothing you should purchase after graduation will provide a good foundation to start with. This list works for both women and men, and can be adapted to fit your individual needs.
A Blazer
When it comes to clothing that can be worn over and over again in different situations, nothing beats a blazer. A blazer with built in structure like a good cut of fabric or darting will make a huge difference in your wardrobe, and can be dressed up or down to meet your needs.
For the most versatility, opt for charcoal, black or navy. These colors will give you the widest range and ability to wear the blazer with different outfits.
I talk about the third piece rule a lot, and this is the perfect place to put it into action. A structured and well fitted blazer automatically pulls an outfit together and makes it feel more formal. If you’re trying to keep your business casual attire professional, wearing a jacket will always help.
A White Shirt
When it comes to five items of clothing you should purchase after graduation, a white shirt is potentially one of the most important and versatile. This means a white button down shirt for men, (or women) however women could also opt for a white blouse. This is a catch all piece that can be dressed down with jeans, worn under a suit or blazer, or can be worn in just about any other situation you can think of.
Another great thing about a white shirt is that it can be bleached if something spills on it. I’ve gotten red wine out of a white shirt with bleach, so a white shirt is a great option for events.
Non denim pants
While there’s nothing like a great pair of jeans, sometimes you need to take things up a notch. Everyone should own some style of non-denim pants. This could mean trousers, slacks, or chinos, and in some cases you might even be able to get away with colored denim, however it’s essential to own pants other than classic blue jeans.
Nice shoes
When it comes to five items of clothing you should purchase after graduation, you can’t forget about footwear! Purchase a pair of nice shoes that can be worn at work or to dress up a casual outfit. This could mean a pair of pumps or nice flats for women, and for men, think about trying a pair of shoes such as wingtips or simple leather boots. The goal is to have a shoe option that appears polished and put together, and can be worn in a variety of situations.
A work bag or briefcase
After graduation, you’ll need to upgrade your backpack to a nice work bag or briefcase. Look for something sturdy and versatile, and make sure that you can comfortably fit your computer and all of your daily essentials. This is my favorite work bag for women. I love this option because it looks like a purse, holds up really well, and has a zip closure at the top to keep all of your items safely tucked away. I’ve used this bag for numerous events and to travel with.
This is a great messenger bag for both women and men. It holds up well, is very versatile, and the leather looks better with age!
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Graduating is a big deal, and as you step into the next stage of your life, it’s important that your clothing reflects your drive and success. These five items of clothing you should purchase after graduation will ensure that you’re prepared to dress for any occasion, and will help propel you into the next stage of your life while looking polished and put together!