Opening My Closet

Dear Readers,

Before I first left for college, I was under the (misguided) impression that I would have to start dressing like an adult. My too-tight t-shirts and vintage mini-skirts were on their way out in favor of real-life fitted trousers and button-downs. My mom and I used the Lucky Guide to Style, which lists the bare necessities of a well-tailored closet. I had nearly none of them, so we shopped around for some reasonably-priced basics.

When I arrived at my uber-hip super-liberal arts college, I found myself overdressed. The necessities of an adult closet are not those of a college student. This isn't to say that most of my (mom's) purchases didn't come in handy; I certainly wore the plain white t-shirts and the cords. But there were so many times when I felt that something was missing, and that despite a closet full of clothes I had nothing to wear.

Now I'm a college graduate, one week and counting, and I'm trying to figure out what one needs to feel prepared to be well-dressed. I'm certainly interested in fashion, but I'm not looking for trendy items (maxi dresses!) that I'll feel stupid wearing next year, and frankly, now. I'm working a few part-time jobs, so I'm not rolling in cash. I want to make practical purchases that will last a few years. I'm also interested in dressing intelligently while still acknowledging my age (22).

I hope that this blog will help others to reflect about the items in their closet that have been worth the time, those that haven't, and those that could be. The recession isn't a reason to stop buying if you can afford to do so; many people (myself included) rely on retail sales for a living. Rather, I think it's a time to streamline purchases. Ideally, a closet addition should have multiple options, it shouldn't need new accessories, and it should be classic enough to last a few years. Which is to say, it should look so good on you that you will have reason to wear it if it goes out of style.

I invite comments from dissenters, doubters, and supporters. Let me know your thoughts!

Best Wishes,

Marina Duvall