The best things in my post-grad wardrobe

I’ve written about post-grad essentials and items to toss, but I’ve never really examined my own wardrobe. Now that I’ve been out of college for more than two years, I think I have a sense of which items I wear often and which I really don’t.

Read on for things everyone should have in their post-grad wardrobe, which is basically the best things in my post-grad wardrobe that I wear all of the time.

Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning I can get $ if you click them. 

A big “everything” bag that can fit all of your basics (also known as a work purse)

The size of this bag totally depends on how many items you have and where you go. For me, the way I measure whether or not a bag can be my “everything bag” is if it has a zippered compartment and can fit a hardcover library book, umbrella, sunglasses case, and wallet with plenty of room to spare.

I use a Michael Kors bag that I got as a birthday gift one year and it’s held up really well. One of the best parts is that it has a large zippered compartment in its center, which is perfect for organizing my stuff and making sure my wallet and phone are nice and secure.

A denim jacket (or two)

It took me far too long to hop on this timeless trend. Denim jackets go with just about anything and you can get pretty affordable ones, too. My favorite one (pictured) is actually from Forever 21 and it’s held up very well over the past few years.

I suggest having a light-wash denim jacket and a more standard one, though it depends on your personal style. They’re also fun to add pins to!

A small everyday bag (one in black, one in a different neutral)

Whenever I’m not heading to and from work, this is my go-to bag. This is also the bag I like to take on trips because it’s easy to carry and fits all of the basics. Generally, I look for a bag that can hold my smaller wallet, my sunglasses case, and glasses case comfortably.

I use a random black bag I got from TJ Maxx or this gingerbread-colored Kate Spade bag that’s the perfect size. I love this color because it matches black and navy, which are two colors I wear on the regular.

Kate Spade Chester Street Dessi (in gingerbread)

Other great neutral options include cream, gray, and blush (though those may not be as forgiving when it comes to stains…my light-gray Kate Spade bag still has a permanent denim stain on the back).

Black combat boots

I get so much wear out of my black combat boots to the point I’ve owned two or three pairs of them. I like ones that have a slight heel because they tend to be more comfortable and offer more support. I also suggest adding heel taps to them if your heels wear really quickly like mine do.

Black Chelsea-style boots

These are such a timeless shoe and they go with most of my fall and winter outfits. I like buying boots from Designer Shoe Warehouse (especially when I have a coupon). The ones in the photo (left) are the Franco Sarto Ilaria Bootie, but here’s a link to a similar, more affordable option. 

A tiny backpack

Instead of using flimsy drawstring bags or massive Jansport backpacks (I still use mine from high school when I travel), I suggest getting a small backpack that you can bring on hikes or other adventures.

Link to a similar bag

In terms of measurements, look for one that can fit an umbrella and a water bottle or two. I have one from Calvin Klein that I’ve been using for years, and I love that the fabric can be wiped clean. It holds much more than you’d think!

Sneakers in neutral colors 

In the summer and spring, I wear sneakers like these almost every single day. To me, all of these are quite neutral and they’re all comfy. Vans, Superga, Adidas, and Nautica make some of my favorite styles that I can walk in for quite some time.

Canvas is a popular option, but whenever possible I try to get faux-leather sneakers (like the Nautica ones on the far right) because they are so much easier to clean.

Dark jeans

Dark jeans are so easy to dress up or down and I swear by Old Navy’s Rockstar jeans. They’re stretchy, comfortable, and stylish. I have mid-rise and high-rise pairs in dark wash and black and they’re basically all I wear when I must go outside during fall or winter.

These go on sale really often, so I don’t advise paying full price for a pair.

Patterned dresses

I got this dress (and a few others) as part of a campaign I did with Candies at Kohl’s about a year or two ago. I still wear them ALL of the time in the summer months.

Fit and flare dresses are my favorite and I love wearing fun prints that pair well with neutral sneakers and denim jackets … it’s basically my summer uniform. They’re also super easy to dress up or down.

A very warm winter jacket

These kinds of jackets aren’t always the most stylish, but they should be able to seriously keep you warm during cold weather months. I suggest investing in one of these and going for a super neutral color (like black) that will go with just about anything.

I think my winter jacket cost me around $150, but it definitely keeps me warm. I also like that it’s a bit longer and goes down to my knees.

A mid-weight, waterproof jacket

This jacket was my lifeline when my boyfriend and I visited Seattle last year. I love its hidden hood (it’s zippered into the collar when not in use). I love the cinched waist. I love that it’s waterproof. It’s also midweight, which is much nicer than your average flimsy raincoat.

It’s a timeless jacket that I ended up getting from Century21 (RIP) for about $140. I know I’ll get tons of use out of it for years to come. And when looking for waterproof jackets, make sure you’ve found one with pockets that zip or snap shut and a hood! Always opt for the hood.