Tag Archives: jeans

Let’s Ask: What Do We Wear?

For our Let’s Ask this week, we asked members of the UE community to answer the question: “What do you wear?” Here’s what they told us:

Where do you shop?

Physical Store

Kohl’s

Buffalo Exchange

Urban Outfitters

J. Crew

Local military surplus

H&M

Madewell

TJMaxx

Marshall’s

Topshop

Gap

Goodwill

Buffalo Exchange

Crossroads

Anthropologie

Online Site

Modcloth

Stitchfix

Gap

Amazon

Old Navy

Asos

Uniqlo

Nashbar

Rebecca Taylor

Dorothy Perkins

Nasty Gal

Forever 21

Roozt.com

theclymb.com

Piperlime

What are your favorite brands?

Tops

BDG

J Crew

Gap

Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Oxfords

Rebecca Taylor

Urban Outfitters

ModCloth

Target

Old Navy

Bottoms

Levi’s

J Brands

American Apparel

Uniqlo

Military surplus stores

Levi’s

Madewell

Rag + Bone

Zara

Target

J Crew

Forever 21

Gap

Old Navy

What is your favorite outfit?

“Even though I’m currently obsessed with mint, I think my absolute fav outfit is a deep red mandarin collar blouse (Modcloth) with black skinny jeans (Levi’s)! My comfiest black patent flats are from Target, and I prefer to wear a silver elephant pendant that I got from Kohl’s. Currently marathoning a pair of brushed-silver owl stud earrings that I purchased from a boutique in Tahoe.” 

“Dark wash skinny jeans (J Brand) with one of my standards: a pair of chucks or a pair of worn brown leather lace-up boots (Steve Madden). On top: a pale blue button up (Old Navy or Gap) or a white v-neck (Forever 21) with a grey blazer (Gap).  Sleeves always rolled up. For accessories: silver rings, a silver watch (American Eagle), messenger bag (J Crew), and–when I want a pop of color–a red checkered scarf (Borrowed! Originally from Lebanaon.)”

“I basically live in oxfords (Uniqlo) and jeans (Barneys). I can throw it on quickly when I inevitably hit the snooze button too many times, and it’s comfortable enough that I won’t hate my life by the end of the day. I’m really drawn to the idea of not having to think about what I’m wearing while still looking good. I’ve literally got my favorite button-down in 13 different colors, I just switch it up whether I wear it with a hoodie / sweater / cardigan (Opening Ceremony) to keep things from feeling like a uniform. (Leather boots; Guess wool military jacket; Polo scarf)”

“Cargo shorts from Old Navy and a t-shirt from any of several dozen places. I wear it every day.”

“Skinny jeans that I can safely sit down in (Levi’s), interesting tanktop (stolen from my cousin), slightly heeled boots (Steve Madden).”

“Oof. A favorite outfit is so hard! I have a navy dress with a Taj Mahal pattern (Dorothy Perkins) and knee high brown boots (Nordstroms) that I really like. The dress had great swing in the skirt and is sexy without trying too hard, and has a tie in the front so you can make it like a big bow too. I also love wearing a teal maxi skirt that is very big and dramatic (Laundry by Shelli Segal) paired with something simple like a black v-neck t-shirt (Target).”

“I can’t ever put together anything but, every once in a while, I’ll do okay. I like combat boots and Chuck Taylors, skinny jeans, a graphic tee and a leather jacket (Zara, H&M, Top Shop).”

“Gap jeans, Forever 21 sweater, and Toms!”

“I’m a New Yorker, so all black, all the time is in my DNA. I like to mix up classic lines with boho pieces, maybe with a pop of color thrown in with accessories. But my favorite, favorite outfit? Probably just a pair of black skinnies with a black-and-white striped top, some flats and fun jewelry (Gap, Loft, J Crew).”

What’s your best tidbit of fashion advice?

  • You’re most confident when you’re comfortable.
  • Just because you like it, doesn’t mean it looks good.
  • Don’t be afraid to wear bold colors… and lots of them!
  • Find a comfortable type outfit you like enough to wear most days and use layers to play with the look.
  • Anticipate the clearance sales.
  • Basics and statement pieces are all you’ll ever need.
  • Don’t be scared of prints—they are your friends, they make everything fun!
  • Great hair is so important.
  • If you wear leggings, make sure the top covers your ass!
  • Dress for your shape and weight!
  • Fit is key: I’m petite, so I love that I can get decent basics in petite cuts from Gap/Old Navy online.
  • I have no fashion advice to give, I just wear clothes that function well and are comfortable
  • It’s amazing what you can find at a good clothing swap. Some of my favorite items of clothing have come from swaps…and they can be great chances to try out new styles that you’re curious about but wouldn’t want to actually buy.
  • Everything is better in black.

We want to know what you wear! Tell us in the comments!

Graduating from Jeans

I am fairly certain that in every single photo of me from age 8 to age 22, I am wearing jeans and a t-shirt. (Except for maybe my prom pictures…maybe.) I always wore 100% denim flare jeans, since I had some strange vendetta against stretch denim—which I’ve since learned is, in fact, forgiving and magical when done right, but that’s another article. The t-shirts were fairly uniform, I was a fan of the “girl-cut”—despite the ridiculous name for this style—with cap sleeves and slim silhouettes. Maybe they were band t-shirts, or maybe they were surf company shirts, or maybe they were just solid colors. It mattered very little to me. I would don a hoodie if it was chilly (I grew up in a place without recognizable seasons). And lastly, I wore low top Chuck Taylors until the soles wore through, at which time I would replace them with an identical pair.

I didn’t follow fashion or really try at what I was wearing, beyond not wearing black with brown or navy blue with black. This was my formula, it worked for me. That was until I realized that I would have to step it up when I entered the professional world. I quickly found myself lost without the comfort-blanket of my old “uniform.”

I over corrected. At first, I tried to wear skirts, ruffle-blouses, little blazers, and heels every day. This was exhausting and frustrating. The only way I could make this work was to lay out outfits for the entire week on Sunday night, accessories and all. I quickly got bored and ended up wearing the exact same outfits week after week. But the bigger issue was that it was just uncomfortable. I felt like a fake, like I was raiding my mom’s closet. You know those photos of little girls flopping around in their mom’s heels? That’s how I felt. Instead of focusing on my work, I was preoccupied with my clothing. So, after careful observation of what folks in my office wore, I revamped. I am now much closer to my original M.O., but am still “office appropriate.”

Here is my uniform for my business casual office:

1) Plain Top: There are about as many different dress tops as there are stars in the sky, but there are a few things I am not flexible about: I need my tops to be a solid color, washable, with some subtle but elevating detail, and a flattering shape that can be worn under a cardigan. The top that fits these requirements for me is from Banana Republic. It is cotton, with a tiny little satin ribbon around the neckline, and it is a super flattering shape. I have it in like 8 colors, so I don’t always end up wearing the white on Monday, black on Tuesday, etc. It is extremely comfortable and I don’t have to buy a new thing every season. Plus, and this is really the biggest thing, they’re not dry-clean only, so I don’t accidentally destroy all of my shirts when I forget to check the care tags yet again on laundry day!

2) Cardigan / Jersey Blazer: Again, almost all the same requirements as above (especially the washable part), but if there is a pattern or a more striking detail, that’s fine by me. Cardigans are great because they are super comfy and versatile. Jersey Blazers, a blazer made from jersey or another stretch fabric but with the same tailoring details, is amazing because they look even more professional but they are extremely comfortable. And have pockets. My aim here is to be able to mix and match so that I have the maximum number of outfits with the minimum number of potential opportunities to walk out the door looking like I got dressed in the dark.

3) Chunky / Splashy Necklace: This is my not-so-secret weapon to make an otherwise casual outfit feel much more formal or interesting. The bigger or more interesting the necklace, pin or fascinator (why not?), the less likely someone else is to notice that this is my regular Tuesday shirt.  My go-to spots for cheap but fun costume jewelry are Forever 21, the Anthropologie sale rack, Claire’s and Target.

4) Pants: This is the trickiest part for me, since jeans are my favorite thing to wear (though yoga pants might be edging them out). I wish I could wear jeans every day to work. But since I can’t, the only thing that works for me is to make friends with someone who works at Nordstrom, Macy’s, Ann Taylor Loft or Banana Republic. When I talk about what I want with the experts at these stores, my focus is always on comfort and versatility. Yes, they are more expensive than some of the other options, but I can get away with only a few pairs, instead of a million from H&M that wear out instantly. I have a pair of extremely plain slacks in black, dark grey, navy blue and brown. My bases are completely covered. And since they are so basic, I feel no remorse whatsoever about wearing them more than once in a week (after doing laundry, of course).

5) Finally, ballet flats: These are my favorite things in the entire world. I like knowing that if I need to run, I can, but I will still look good while doing it. Plus, I won’t end up with an aching back or side eye from a supervisor. Perfect black ballet flats (simple, plain, comfortable, not matronly, and not exceedingly expensive) are a little bit of a unicorn sometimes, but it’s worth looking for the perfect pair and wearing them until they’re totally done because they go with virtually everything.

My workplace is pretty consistently business casual, so while I still hate dressing up every day, at least I know it could be worse. Whenever I get a little bored with my wardrobe, I search for inspiration from people who actually enjoy getting put together and who do it well. Check out Broke-in-Boots’s Instagram, Jennylee always has a killer outfit. You can also always search the hashtags #fashiondiaries or #instafashion, #workflow, #ootd, #outfitoftheday, or #workchic on Instagram for inspiration.

But I’d also love to know your go-to formulas for werkin’ it at work—even when you’d rather not?

Photo by Andy Sutterfield

Photo by Andy Sutterfield

Five Outfits Every 20-Something Needs in Her Closet

Ladies, your twenties are all about finding out who you are and making tons of decisions. Among those, trying to come up with outfits every day, sometimes multiple times a day, risking that moment of dread that happens as you peruse your belongings: All your dresses are too casual or too fancy. It’s too cold for bare legs, but still too warm for tights. Your jeans are a decade old, and nothing matches!

If this sounds anything like your inner thought process, listen up, because these five staples are a great starting point for every 20-something’s closet.

1. An interview outfit.

I don’t know about you, but I spent a lot of time in my early 20s interviewing for jobs. There’s nothing more exciting than getting that call—but then it hits, that punch to your gut when you realize you have nothing to wear. Eliminate that panic by having a go-to interview outfit. This way, you can focus all your attention on mentally prepping for your interview (and updating your portfolio), instead of wasting effort on scrambling to put together an outfit.

But, not every job is going to require the same kind of outfit, so make sure you know what your industry dress code is. I once got the advice that you should be dressing for the job you want, not the job you’ll get. For example, I go to work every day wearing jeans, but my designated interview outfit is a dress, boots, and a blazer.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to show off your personality with your accessories (purse, shoes, jewelry), but do keep your interview outfit on the conservative side. Too-short hemlines and cleavage-baring necklines aren’t professional: there’s a place for them, but not at an interview!

For a more in-depth look, check out “Hirin’ Attire: Job Interview Wardrobe Tips.”

2. An LBD and FMPs.

My two favorite acronyms: Little Black Dress and Fuck Me Pumps. Don’t roll your eyes. Just accept it for what it is. Every woman should have them.

No matter your style, a little black dress is an important wardrobe item. It can be used for practically any event – dates, nights out on the town with the girls, dinner parties, weddings, etc. The dress can reflect your personality: there’s no “right” LBD, just the right one for you.

FMPs are equally important. These are the shoes that make your legs look amazing, and you feel like a super model in them. These are the shoes that your date sees and immediately thinks about defiling you… with the shoes on. Even if you think heels aren’t necessarily for you, give them another try. Heels come in all kinds of heights and styles, and I’m sure you can find a great pair that gives you that extra boost.

Pro Tip: Invest in a pair of Dr. Scholl’s cushioned insoles for your FMPs. They will change your thoughts about heels and discomfort forever.

3. Jeans that show off your assets.

I’m sure you already have jeans in your closet, but everyone should have a great pair that can make any outfit.

Keep the following in mind:

  • First, they should be dark wash. Light wash jeans were all the rage in the 80s; medium wash in the 90s; but, dark wash jeans are here to stay. They’re the most flattering: they’re slimming and stream-lining, and they can be paired with any top in all the lands. Dress them up with a silky top for night, or wear a tank top, and flip flops for a warm day.
  • Second, they should be tailored. Make sure you get jeans that fit. No matter what your body type is, there is a pair of jeans out there for you, waiting for you to find them. When you try them on, make sure you use a 360° mirror to check out what you look like from every angle. If they’re long, pay a few extra dollars and get them hemmed. It really does make a difference.
  • Last, they should be nice. Use your own discretion as to what that means, but I have converted even my most frugal friends to the ways of designer jeans, because they fit better and last longer. Designer jeans are made from better material, so they won’t wear out in a few months like non-brand ones.

Pro Tip: If you’re not willing to shell out big bucks (or you simply can’t afford it), places like Loehmann’s or Nordstrom Rack frequently have great brands on sale. Or, go try on an expensive pair in the store to find the size/style for you, then buy them cheaper online at Bluefly, Overstock, or eBay. Used clothing stores like Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet are also good places to try if you don’t mind doing a little hunting.

4. A matching set of sexy bra and underwear.

As a 20-something, it’s highly likely you are either dating or in a relationship. And there may come a point where you’ll take your clothes off in front of someone else. When the time comes, don’t be wearing old, threadbare, or mismatched underwear. It’s important to have a sexy set that makes you feel confident—something that you’d want to show someone else.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to be crazy risqué. No need for a red, lacy, see-through set: just have something that makes you feel sexy and self-assured. I actually feel more attractive when I wear matching underwear, so I’ve invested in several matching sets for a daily basis. But, I still have a different “fancier” set for special occasions.

5. A cozy pair of sweats.

In stark contrast to fancy undergarments, it’s equally important to have a cozy pair of sweats to wear around the house. Your twenties can be hectic, and sometimes, my favorite activity is just staying in all day and catching up on TV. The best thing for those days is a pair of comfy sweats.

I have a friend who was in such dire need of them (and so ready to get out of her jeans), she stopped in the middle of a road trip to get a pair from Target. She now changes into them as soon as she gets home from work each day.  Your sweats should be the most comfortable thing you can imagine putting on after a long day at the office. Or the perfect thing to wear while reading on the couch, drinking tea, and snuggling with your dogs (you just got an insider look at my Saturdays).

Because, really, your 20s are all about finding what makes you comfortable and learning how to balance that with how you present yourself to the outside world. And, while learning how to be your best self, it’s important to look the part.

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Photo by Charlotte Lewis