Note** These are my absolute favorite J brand which you can purchase here, and shoes are by Jessica Simpson, which can be purchased here!
As a child, you grow out of your clothing, but as you get older and your body stays relatively the same, it can be hard to distinguish when you need new clothing. Perhaps the hardest transition young adults make is having to cultivate an “adult” wardrobe after finishing school. Take this quiz and find out if your clothing fits your age and or lifestyle.
You know you have an adult wardrobe if…
You debate buying something that you can’t wear to work
You know you have officially become an adult (and possible workaholic) if you debate buying a clothing item that you can’t wear to work. You spend most of your time there, so why spend money on something you won’t be able to wear. The best items are ones you can wear at and outside of work alongside other items and accessories.
Side note** if you really love the piece, buy it. Even if you can’t wear it at the office, if you really love it, you’ll still wear it a lot.
You know the importance of investing in a few key pieces
When you’re in college and/or first starting out, investing in anything can seem intimidating, but as you get older and wiser, you learn the benefits of splurging here and there. You know you have an adult wardrobe if you splurged on that jacket you wanted, bought a good work bag, or invested in a nice pair of shoes.
…and buying budget friendly items to fill in the rest
While investing in a few pieces is important, staying on track financially is definitely number one. You know you’re an adult when you buy something nice, then proceed to buy the rest of the items you need on sale or at budget friendly prices to account for your recent spending.
Moderation is key, and peppering in nice items with you bargain finds is the way to create a wardrobe that is both adult friendly and will last you a long time.
You have outfits that cover the three main dress codes: casual, work wear, and formal
Between work, weekend activities, weddings, and formal parties, you’ve cultivated a wardrobe that has at least one outfit for each big category so that you’re not scrambling if something comes up last minute. Part having an adult wardrobe is keeping the perfect black dress or black suit tucked away so that it can be dusted off in an instant; not to mention for an unexpected work event or party.
Balance is key, and you know you have an adult wardrobe if you’ve achieved a balance of different outfits.
You start basing your shoe purchases not only on what looks good, but what is comfortable and functional
Back when you were young, it didn’t matter if the shoes were comfortable, as long as they looked good, but you know you have an adult wardrobe if those days are long gone. It comes with getting older, but along with looking good, shoes (and clothing in general) have to be comfortable as well. This doesn’t mean that style goes out the window, but shoes now must be equally attractive and comfortable.
You don’t have (a lot of) clothing you would feel uncomfortable wearing around grandma
Back in the day, grandma may have called your sense of style something along the lines of “interesting…” “ghetto” or “inappropriate,” but you know you have an adult wardrobe if that’s no longer the case. Either grandma has gotten used to the way you dress, or you’ve stepped up your game, but either way, it’s a good thing.
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So, did you pass the test? Do you have an adult wardrobe, or are you still stuck in the past? Tell me what you think and if there’s anything about your closet that makes you feel like an adult.