10 Must Haves for A Grown Up Closet

By Annie Lempke •  Updated: 10/12/15 •  5 min read

We are all about simple, comfortable clothes that looks amazing together. Remember our 3 comfy work outfits that still look pro?

These 10 things are the best and most staple additions to add to your closet as you inch your way into adulthood. Building a wardrobe that makes you feel comfortable is so helpful in everyday life. It’s important to mention that these are probably the 10 things that we are open to stretching our budget on because they will be worn time and time again!

All 10 things can be be combined to make different outfits that work for a business setting or a casual setting.

1. Blazer or Versatile Jacket

imgA blazer or jacket that can be dressed or dressed down is crucial. It can be thrown one for an interview or for a night out to make you feel more comfortable or warmer. I don’t think you can go wrong with black or a neutral color. Depending on the climate where you live, you might want to pick a lighter or heavier option. Here’s my favorite easy to wear blazer and I love The Swing Trench from Everlane.

2. Black Jeans

img-1Black imgjeans or a pair of skinny black pants are the easiest thing to wear in my closet. Any season, and no matter where I am going, I can throw them on and feel good in them because I know they match with just about everything. I opted for a pair without rips so that I can wear them to more formal activities, too! I loooove these classic Madewell ones as well as this cheaper option from ASOS!

3. Blue Jeans

img-2img-3There isn’t too much to say about jeans that you don’t already know. They are potentially to most versatile piece of clothing, ever. Now, it’s quite a feat to nail your down wardrobe to just one pair when there is sooo many options but I think you should have one go-to pair. Skinny or boyfriend, light or dark,  just make sure they are comfy and easy to match with other things you have. I feel like these Madewell ones are everyone’s fave and I also love these from Nordstrom!

4. White T-Shirt

Screen Shot 2015-10-10 at 8.41.37 AMWe have a thing about white t-shirts. We love love love this The Cotton Drop Shoulder T from Everlane. I mean, a good white shirt that washes well and isn’t paper-thin is worth its weight in gold. We love our white t-shirts so much that we even have a separate post about all the cool ways you can wear it.

5. Black T-Shirt

_10790999This one is almost as essential as the white one. You should have a great black shirt that you can throw under your blazer and then even keep it on when you rush to a workout class. One thing I like to make sure about my black shirts is that they aren’t see through. Therefore I can wear it over any color bra or even a sports bra on my lazy days. Everlane strikes again with this The Cotton Drop Shoulder T and I love this one from Nordstrom!

6. Oversized Sweater

img-1img-2A great cardigan is one that you can look at tell that it’s comfy. It’s the perfect thing to throw over a dressier outfit if you’re feeling a little un-comfy. Stay away from itchy materials and find one that’s soft. Again, I’m a fan of neutral colors like this cute gray one, but if you like some brighter tones, go for it right here!

7. A Go-to Dress

 I have a love-hate relationship with dresses. For the times you do love to wear a dress, you should have one that can be worn under your comfy cardigan or your blazer. If you want a neutral color, I love the Ponte Short-Sleeve Dress from none other than Everlane! Or if you’re feeling a pattern or a color, try this lovely one.

 8. A Structured Top

A shirt that is more structured than a t-shirt is probably a good idea. You’ll need it when need to be in full-adult mode. We can’t get enough Everlane (because they are an awesome company that does awesome things) and The Silk Pocket shirt is perfect.

9. Dress Pants

Another need for when you don’t feel like wearing a dress or need to be in adult-mode. Everlane (yes, again!) makes two types depending on the look you like. The Slouchy Trouser fits true to size even with the “slouchy” and The Slim Trouser if you want the more fitted look.

10. A Casual Button-up

img-4img-5So many options, here. You can do a solid, a plaid-flannel, a chambray, or a crazy pattern. Just make it one you love, and one that will work with jeans or black pants! One you can wear over a t-shirt or just by itself.  This one (it’s a popover, which I think is actually easier to wear) looks great with black or white pants AND jeans and this one is perfect for jeans.

You better believe that we are really passionate about having an intentional wardrobe, and this post is just a quick snapshot of the good stuff.  Building a wardrobe full of  basics and staples is important! If you want a more in-depth look into how to build a stress-free closet, check out The No Brainer Wardrobe.

And as if that wasn’t enough, this post breaks down our favorite beauty products.

10musthavesforagrownupcloset