This post was sponsored by Candies at Kohl’s as part of an Influencer Activation for Blog Meets Brand and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
After I graduated from college I moved my wardrobe from the tiny dorm closet to my slightly-less-tiny at-home bedroom closet. Then, I started an internship in the media world. Then, I got hired full-time as an associate editor. The past year has really been a time of transition.
And this year is when I really began to realize how much wardrobe needed to grow up and I found myself falling out of love with the polka-dot minidresses, shimmery tops, and fun T-shirts I’d worn the hell out of in college. I also found myself reaching for the same pieces every morning as I got ready for work … they were ones I’d worn a lot in college that actually ~grew up with me~ because they were sophisticated but fun.
So, in time for back-to-school season, here are some of my tips for making purchases that’ll actually grow with you from college classes to young-adult life in the working world. Plus, a great deal for some of my favorite items from the Candie’s collection at Kohl’s.
Focus on buying comfortable, stylish clothing and shoes
Whether you’re walking to class, hustling around in an internship, or commuting to your job, you want to be comfortable and stylish, so take this into consideration when you’re adding to your wardrobe.
For starters, purchase footwear that is comfortable and is made for walking.
By sophomore year of college, I had decided to stop buying shoes that hurt to wear (ie: huge heel, overall just uncomfortable) because I realized I never actually reached for them and when I did wear them, they were impractical, cut my feet, and generally just worsened my mood.
So when you’re selecting shoes, consider how much you’ll really want to walk in them, especially if you hope to keep them for a few years. And when buying dresses, shirts, pants, and the works, opt for styles that you feel comfortable in. For me, this typically means dresses with a fitted top and flowy, loose skirt.
Invest in decor for your dorm that you can also use in an apartment or home someday
A part of me still wishes I’d purchased more dorm decor that could grow with me a bit better. Fortunately, my color scheme was black, white, and bright teal … and although I can’t really see myself decorating with a vibrant teal color now, I’m glad I still have plenty of black and white pieces I know I can use in a future apartment.
It’s also important to keep these items in pretty good condition, so before you pack them away clean them and store them well! I’m excited that when I eventually move out I’ll have a set of pots and pans, a set of knives, some gorgeous hand-painted decor, and some neutral blankets I loved in college and will enjoy for years to come.
Buy some timeless clothing items that can transition from college classrooms to jobs and internships
I find that I lean toward clothing that has polka dots (obviously) and other timeless prints (like black and white stripes or florals). They truly never go out of style and you’ll be able to style them in plenty of way for years to come.
The pieces in the Candie’s collection at Kohl’s have a lot of these timeless patterns, especially if you’re looking for florals and chevrons. For example, the brand’s wrap-front tank dress is SO flattering, comfortable, and just cheerful and easy to dress up or dress down and I ended up buying it in three different prints because of how versatile and comfy it is.
Check the hemlines and necklines of the clothes you purchase … will you still be comfortable wearing it in a few years?
It’s OK to buy clothes just for the moment that won’t last you for years to come, but it’s always good to buy some pieces with hemlines and necklines you can grow with, especially once you’re moving up in your career.
And whether you love a low-cut neckline (yes!) or a midi-length dress, it’s all about what you feel comfortable in! I’ve found that a lot of minidresses I had in college are a little too short and low-cut for me to comfortably wear now, which is a bummer though I got plenty of wear out of them.
Buuut I do wish I’d purchased dresses with slightly longer hemlines when I was in college as they would’ve been just as cute and I would’ve been able to continue to grow into them a bit easier. Fortunately, all of my cardigans have been able to grow up with me and I can still style them in plenty of ways. One of my favorite new purchases is this Candie’s duster cardigan because it’s a neutral blush color that’ll professionalize most outfits and the wrap dress has a neckline that’s not too low, but not too high.
Remember that investing in clothing items doesn’t have to be expensive
I hate the widespread idea that you HAVE to splurge to get a good-quality item. Some of … actually, all of my favorite dresses that have lasted me for years have cost me under $60. All in all, if you want to make smart purchases in college it’s about knowing where to spend, not about how much you spend.
What I really like about the Candie’s collection at Kohl’s is that it has such a fun, young professional energy and it’s affordable. Dresses like the ones sprinkled throughout this post were exactly what I’d wear to class in college and they’re still what I wear to work now that I’m post-grad. They’re practical, cute, and ~affordable~ back-to-school pieces that’ll last, so I’m really getting the bang for my buck.
And, of course, always try to shop during big sales and look for special discounts. Right now, Kohl’s has a back-to-school offer than runs from 8/2 to 8/18 and can be used on all Candie’s apparel – you’ll get $10 off of a $50 purchase.
Skip out on buying things you can borrow instead
For me, this applies to things like textbooks (rent them), regular books (the library!), or even certain formal accessories you might only use once, like a clutch or sparkling hair clip. Borrowing or renting these items will save you cash, especially if you don’t think you’ll really need to wear/use them again.
When making a big, practical purchase you’ll use in the long-term consider your future self
I recently took the plunge (aka let myself spend $70) and purchased a stylish and durable mid-sized suitcase. One of the things that helped me commit to my purchase and feel really great about it was thinking about my future self. For now, the suitcase will accompany me on trips with my boyfriend and friends around the US and Europe.
But the sturdy suitcase has a timeless print (surprise! polka dots) and I know I’ll love it and use it for years to come, whether I’m using it when I move out of my home or take it with me when I vacation with children a decade from now.
This string of logic should also apply when you purchase things you’ll bring with you through other phases of life. When I was in high school, I probably would’ve loved a zebra-print suitcase without considering my future self. Now, I’d hate a suitcase with that print. I’ve loved polka dots my entire life, so there’s no better print to choose!
When buying tech products or things for classes, consider if you’ll want to upgrade in the future
For example, if you are purchasing a laptop consider investing in something that’ll really grow with you versus something on the lower end of the price spectrum that’ll get you through four years of college and nothing more.
Or, if you have to purchase equipment you’ll use for years to come (ex: high-quality headphones if you’re an audio-production major or a sewing machine if you’re a fashion-design major), consider making a big investment. Then again, if you’re taking an elective in a field you’re not planning to pursue, consider cutting some corners. No need to buy $300 headphones for your audio elective or a $600 sewing machine for a class that you’re only taking for a year.
What are some of your best buying tips?
