We all thought we looked knockout in our twenties, despite what actually walked out the door. I was no exception. As I settle into my mid-thirties (quite happily), I always think about the items in my twenty-six-year-old wardrobe I would immediately trash. I’m taking this article to chat with my twenty-six-year-old self about the importance of how to dress.

Not Everything Needs to Be Designer

Not everything in your wardrobe is going to be a designer item, and that’s ok. I was really focused on acquiring brand names and designer items in my twenties. Sample sales were my blood sport. Could I afford a full designer wardrobe, no. But if that’s the goal, you’re going to be left with a closet full of pieces that don’t merchandise well together. I was constantly the girl in the striped skirt again or, there that girl goes in the bright red statement coat for the third time this week….yikes.

If I would have spent the same amount of money on an entire fleet of basics instead of a very loud, very sequined designer dress, I would have been a lot cuter a lot faster. You would think spending so many years designing at Ralph Lauren it would have been effortless to nail the classics right away, but you are mistaken.

Volume, Shocking Pink and Sequins

Any extreme amount of volume, any shade of shocking pink, or a large amount of sequins SCREAMED my name. I was a walking “look” every day, far before that was a term commonly used. Very common, almost encouraged among the young RL designers, but not so timeless. Please remember, this was the height of Jenna Lyons and J.Crew Collection. Aka the gods I prayed to. Back when you had to hope the Met Ball coverage would load on Style.com properly. I digress.

What You Can Build With Neutrals

It's amazing what you can build with neutral sweaters, neutral pants, white button downs and espadrilles (I’m in summer mode). It takes way, way more confidence in my opinion to walk outside the house in a men’s button down and a pair of linen pants styled correctly than it does to don pieces with labels thrown all over them. I know the designer resale market is booming, and while I’m all for sustainability, just because it’s “designer”, does not mean it’s chic. At all.

Handbags, Haircuts and Nails

Here's another big one. You do not need five designer handbags by the time you’re 25 or 27. You truly will thrive and succeed in life without something hanging on your shoulder or precariously perched in the crook of your arm (NEVER do this). In fact, you may have a more powerful effect without any at all!

A haircut is not something that is done twice a year. Stay home one weekend (huge ask in my younger years) and put that money towards a trim. Ick.

Bare nails are better than chipped nail polish. Every time. The excuse for the chip isn’t interesting or charming.

What I Would Tell My Younger Self

What is the ultimate message I’m trying to relay to my younger, less self assured self? That it’s ok to take your time. You don’t have to be the first one in the rat race to check every box on the collective wish list, and that’s ok. Contrary to what some say in a city like New York, it’s fun to have things to work towards and look forward to down the road.