25 Wardrobe Essentials You Should Have By The Time You’re 25!

This story was updated in January 2019.

So you’re in your twenties…battling the responsibilities of being an adult and not wanting to leave the comfort of your childhood bedroom. Gone are the days when you could lounge around in your dungarees and pinafore dresses, now you have to dress and think your age (you’ll get used to it, don’t worry). If you are the kind who just “can’t adult”, then here’s some help to get you by. We bring to you 25 wardrobe essentials every girl should have by the time she turns 25.

25 Wardrobe Essentials Every Girl Need To Have

1. Classic White Button-Down Shirt

There is nothing a crisp white button-down shirt can’t do for you. From helping you look sharp at that interview you have lined up or when you want to throw it on top of your denim shorts for a cool, casual look…the list is endless.

POPxo Recommends: Park Avenue White Shirt, Rs 845

2. Dark Blue Jeans

Blue jeans, a timeless classic. Need we say more? Also something we just cannot live without. If you have survived 25 years on Planet Earth and still don’t own a pair of blue jeans, then chances are you come from a different planet.

POPxo Recommends: Levi’s Midrise Jeans, Rs 2,145

3. A Pencil Skirt

Pencil skirts aren’t just limited to work. Feminine and sexy, this silhouette is known to exaggerate a woman’s body in a very flattering way and the elongated shape also gives an illusion of height. Experiment with patterns and designs.

POPxo Recommends: Dorothy Perkins Pencil Skirt, Rs 1619

4. Nautical Stripes

Another classic – we’re all guilty for owning too many striped clothes. If you don’t already, now would be a good time to invest in one. You can pair them with plain skirt or pants and you’re bound to look effortlessly cool.

POPxo Recommends: Tom Tailor Striped Tee, Rs 1415

5. A Tote Bag

Yup, it’s time! No, we’re not talking about the funky printed ones you carried every day to college. We’re talking about the classic leather tote bag. Too boring? You’ll need it more than you know. Go ahead, surprise yourself!

POPxo Recommends: Dorothy Perkins Red Tote, Rs 1600

6. A Pair Of Nude Heels

If you want to invest in a pair of heels that isn’t just limited to a certain place or an occasion, then go for nude pumps. The safest and the most versatile choice that will save you during dire times.

POPxo Recommends: Urbane Nude Pumps, Rs 915

7. Black Sandals

There will be days when you will have a lot of errand-running to do. And let’s face it, now that you will be doing a lot of that, it is important you own a pair of sturdy black flats or flat-forms to look fabulous while running to the grocery market.

POPxo Recommends: Steve Madden Black Flats, Rs 1399

8. An Elegant Kurti

You know how a kurti can be the solution to almost ALL of your wardrobe queries sometimes. Even if you are not the one who has warmed up to ethnic wear, a nice cotton kurti is a wardrobe must-have.

POPxo Recommends: Desi Urban Printed Long Kurti, Rs 999

9. A Thin Waist Belt

A thin waist belt can give your outfit a brand new avatar. Increase your wardrobe multifold by simply adding a waist belt on top of an oversized tee or sweater. Perfect to create that sleek structured look.

POPxo Recommends: Ginger Blue Belt, Rs 315

10. A Pair Of Ballet Flats

Or two! You know you need them!

POPxo Recommends: Carlton Black Ballet Flat, Rs 735

11. The LBD

The little black dress has become an iconic wardrobe element. It has stood up to the test of time as a favourite item of clothing a woman could own.

POPxo Recommends: Lara Karen Black Laced Dress, Rs 1,499

12. Black Sunglasses

A pair of black sunglasses that frame your face well automatically makes you look more attractive…and also does a pretty good job of hiding those bags under your eyes if you’ve a had a long night out. 😛

POPxo Recommends: Michael Kors Black Sunglasses, Rs 4,800

13. A Sundress

Don’t underestimate the usefulness of a pretty sundress. Suitable for every day and almost every occasion, be it a party or a college reunion or simply a lunch date, a sundress will never make you look over or underdressed.

POPxo Recommends: Dorothy Perkins Sundress, Rs 1,590

14. An Oversized Cardigan

Keep the cold wind at bay by investing in a nice and cozy oversized cardigan. Pair it with warm opaque leggings and boots. Trust us when we say it will be your winter BFF and also make you look so stylish!

POPxo Recommends: Alia Bhatt For Jabong Grey Sweater, Rs 1,400

15. Leggings

Yes, leggings! Dear ol’ loyal leggings to stand by you through thick and thin. Thank the elasticity. 😀

POPxo Recommends: Dorothy Perkins Black Leggings, Rs 910

16. A Plain Black Tee

An absolute life saviour during those dreadful days when we just can’t find anything to wear. On such days, always keep a plain black tee handy. Pair it with floral bottoms, and voila! You’re ready to roll!

POPxo Recommends: Oxofollxo Black Tee, Rs 510

17. A Pair Of Denim Shorts

Denim cut-offs are perfect for the summer days. These shorts look great when paired with flats and plimsolls.

POPxo Recommends: Next Blue Denim Shorts, Rs 1,619

18. A Formal Blazer

When you finish that third year of college, chances are you already have a lot of interviews lined up. Whether it’s an interview for a job or for further studies, you need something formal in your closet to run to. The quintessential black blazer is just that and you will be seeing a lot more of it as the years go by.

POPxo Recommends: Femella Black Formal Blazer, Rs 1,319

19. A Cross Body Satchel

Transitioning to your early and mid-twenties doesn’t mean you will always have a lot to carry in your bag. For your off-days and visits to the mall, a cross body satchel that has enough room for your wallet and phone is just perfect!

POPxo Recommends: Mini Purple Satchel, Rs 1,074

20. Statement Jewellery

Accessories are a vital part of your outfit, even though it might not seem like it immediately. A statement neckpiece or a gorgeous pair of earrings can make you shine in all the right ways.

POPxo Recommends: Foxyperks Metal Necklace, Rs 615

21. Boots

Keep your feet happy and warm in the perfect pair of boots! A must-have winter item, but you can also pair them with fun skirts and dresses during the warmer days.

POPxo Recommends: Lara Karen Ankle Boots, Rs 1,799

22. The Perfect Saree

By the time you are 25, you will be attending a lot of engagements, weddings and other functions. It is always safe to keep that perfect sari in reserve for such occasions.

POPxo Recommends: Fabindia Silk Cotton Woven Kota Sari, Rs 4,590

23. A Printed Scarf

A pretty scarf can dress you up with little or no effort. Whether you’re tying it around your neck or using it as a head-scarf or tying it on the sling of your bag, it can do wrong!

POPxo Recommends: Multicoloured Scarf, Rs 476

24. A Neat Watch

Being on time is also a responsibility and a sign of good manners as you grow older. Invest in a decent watch that you can wear to work or outside; it will serve you well for the years to come!

POPxo Recommends: Casio Analog Watch, Rs 2,700

25. A Backpack

Nope, not the ones you used to carry to your tuition classes. There are lots of trendy leather backpacks available which will be perfect for an adventurous day out or travel.

POPxo Recommends: Lara Karen Black Leather Backpack, Rs 1,300

Images: Shutterstock

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