Dressing for Your Next Chapter

There are many things about the post-graduation life that can impose a bit of anxiety in our minds. Whether you find yourself moving to a new and unfamiliar city or starting your first ever real job, it all can contribute to some sort of stress. One question that I imagine will always be on my mind is, “What will I wear?” I feel like there is an awkward balance during this stage of life because you are obviously no longer a college student, but you may still want to dress in a youthful and fun way, especially when you are still in your early twenties. One way to navigate this transitional stage of life is by having a few go-to pieces that can instantly elevate an outfit while maintaining a look that still feels mature and youthful.  

The first piece I find never fails to elevate an outfit is a statement belt. Belts are extremely versatile and can be worn for almost any occasion. Whether you find yourself on a casual day out or a dressier dinner, a belt is something that can complete the look you’re going for. One of my favorite ways to style a belt is to choose a thicker design and use it to give a waist to a somewhat shapeless outfit. Not only does it create a statement piece within the look, but the waist that it adds can also make the outfit more visually appealing 

Another way I like to dress up and differentiate my outfits is by adding statement necklaces. I believe that adding jewelry into an outfit makes it feel more intentional and as if more thought had been put into the look as a whole. And if one necklace isn’t enough, layering is a great way to go. Mixing different sizes, shapes, and colors is an amazing way to elevate an outfit and personalize it to your own individual style. Adding these kinds of accessories is a good way to make the outfits you find yourself wearing post-grad feel a little younger and more fun. 

Lastly, everyone should have a few good layering sweaters. Layering is one of those things that can make an outfit more visually appealing and a bit more mature. There are a few things that I like to keep in the back of my mind when shopping for a sweater that I’m intending to layer. First, is the sweater made of materials that can keep me comfortable? Fabrics like merino wool and cotton make the perfect sweaters for this purpose. The two are both lightweight and designed to help regulate body temperature and increase ventilation, meaning that no matter the layers that are underneath, you won’t find yourself overheating. Another thing I ask myself is does the sweater have a neck that will allow my underlayers to show through? Half the fun of layering is the little sneak peaks of the undershirts you have on poking out. I find that wider neck or boatneck sweaters help ensure that the layering effect takes place.  

So, as you graduate and step into the “real world”, I hope you can feel more confident answering the question, “What will I wear?”