This Is My Last Year in My 20s—Basics and Fun Thrills I Want Before I Turn 30

I feel pretty indifferent about turning 30. I wish I was one of those people who believes that your 30s are your new 20s, but as the new decade approaches, what I feel most of all is nostalgia. So in order to raise my spirits and get me feeling how I should about finally turning 30, I decided to make my last year in my 20s extra special, at least sartorially speaking. Below, you will see a list of clothing items I've decided need to be a part of my life this year. Will I actually buy all 29 items? Definitely not. But the overall list, which is a mix of basics and fun thrills, will give you a glimpse into how I plan on dressing this year and beyond.
With the "big-girl" bags and trendy tops in this roundup, you'll quickly realize that I don't plan on changing my style much as I age. Instead, I plan to really lean into the pieces that make me feel most like myself. Style is tied to identity, not age, so take this list as more of a celebration of me entering into this next chapter because if there's one thing in this world that I get way too excited over, it's clothes.
Basic: Leather Tote
I have yet to invest in a really nice leather bag, and this Jil Sander tote might be my first.
Fun Thrill: Statement Sweater
The cutouts on this sweater are on-trend but also extremely sophisticated.
Basic: Faux-Leather Pants
Brown faux-leather pants have been on my wish list for quite some time now.
Fun Thrill: Wavy Prints
Basic: Flat Boots
While black would certainly be the most "basic" choice, I have no doubt I would get just as much wear out of this rich green hue.
Fun Thrill: Checkered Jacket
This jacket, in particular, has been haunting my dreams for way too long, so I think it's safe to finally add it to my cart.
Basic: Striped Shirt
I might already own too many button-down shirts, but this chocolate version is next on my list.
Fun Thrill: Occasion Heels
Ever since I saw Hailey Bieber wear the white version of these to her rehearsal dinner, I fell in love.
Basic: Simple Mini
While miniskirts might be a current trend, they also fall under the basics category, and this sleek black one has an extremely long shelf life if you ask me.
Fun Thrill: Designer Baseball Cap
Some might call spending $300 on a baseball hat absurd, but I call it an adventure.
Basic: White T-Shirt
I'll likely still be searching for the perfect white T-shirt when I'm 60, but for now, this Who What Wear Collection bodysuit is the best on the market.
Fun Thrill: Crazy Cardigan
I need this entire outfit.
Basic: Formal Get-Up
Fun Thrill: Two-Tone Jeans
A moment of silence for the coolest jeans I've seen in a while.
Basic: Bold Blazer
From the color to the shape, this blazer can truly do no wrong.
Fun Thrill: Shearling Shoes
Basic: Jersey Top
There's nothing like a simple and comfortable top that looks naturally stunning.
Fun Thrill: Cutout Turtleneck
Speaking of stunning tops, this new Nanushka cutout turtleneck could not have caught my attention faster.
Basic: Knee-High Boots
Fun Thrill: Tailored Vest
Fun Thrill: Chunky Mules
Basic: The Perfect LBD
My friend recently wore this dress in red, and let me tell you, the photos don't do it justice.
Fun Thrill: Crochet Jacket
I have a feeling this cardigan will somehow solve all my problems.
Basic: Chunky Loafers
Fun Thrill: Contrast-Stitch Jeans
Emma Chamberlain would wear these. Therefore, I would wear them.
Basic: Black Belt
Fun Thrill: Velvet Shirt
This new Who What Wear Collection top looks so expensive and came out just in time for the holidays.
Basic: Relaxed Trousers
Fun Thrill: Faux-Leather Coat
Next: We're Kind of Over These 5 Winter Trends But Are Loving These 5
Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over nine years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. Here, she leads and manages Who What Wear's editorial team and oversees all editorial content. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Sabrina Carpenter. She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle.
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