I’m Nearing My 30s—Here Are 5 Pieces From My 20s That I’ll Still Wear Into The New Decade

A few days ago, I was stalking myself on Instagram, as I tend to do from time to time. Sure, it might sound narcissistic but I assure you, I find myself falling into similar rabbit holes out of pure nostalgia. I just turned 28 and, at this point, Instagram is the closest thing that I have to a photo album that details the last 10 years of my life. With one five-minute scroll, I’m instantly reminded of the time I peed my pants at the Drake concert, my terrifying stint with hair extensions, and questionable clothes and outfit choices that give me unwanted, visceral reactions.

But even amongst all of the trends that came and went (bodycon club dresses being one that I’m glad went), there were a few repeating pieces in my scroll that have stood the test of time—and they’re not going anywhere soon. From an eight-year-old camel coat to the dress I’ve worn to maybe 14 occasions so far, here are five pieces I wore in my 20s that aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

1. A trusty leather bag

Whoever said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend must have never had a trusty leather handbag that took them from first-time interviews to solo coffee dates and beyond. I’ve always had a leather tote or satchel in my wardrobe and, most recently, I’ve been loving this water-resistant leather one from Nisolo. I already have a work backpack so this one is perfect for carrying my Kindle, planner, headphones and more while still being compact enough to take on a day of errands.

I’m pretty indecisive so I love that this one has a convertible design and extra strap that allow for a hands-free, crossbody situation if I’m feeling like switching things up. With chic, brass hardware and a sturdy-yet-not-too-structured frame, this will be a piece that’ll last me into my 30s and beyond. Looking to snag one for yourself? Use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off of your first order at Nisolo!

Nisolo

Handwoven Satchel

2 colors available

Use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off your first order at Nisolo!

Nisolo

Leather Tote

8 colors available

Use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off your first order at Nisolo!

Nisolo

Handwoven Tote

2 colors available

Use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off your first order at Nisolo!

2. A (modest) little black dress

When I previously mentioned that I’ve worn this little black dress to at least 14 different occasions, I mean it. I’m talking The Everygirl Retreat 2021 (pictured above), my cousins 2018 wedding, date night, funerals—you name it, there’s a great chance I showed up wearing this. I love the functionality of a little black dress that is modest enough to wear from event to event and this one will be a “forever keep” in my closet as long as it fits.

3. A black, oversized blazer

When I was in high school, I bought my first black blazer for college interviews and I felt like the biggest dweeb of all time. At the time, there was nothing wrong with blazers and the issue more so resided in the fact that I simply didn’t know how to style it which lead to an out-of-body, playing-dress-up experience. But as my style has evolved, oversized fits came into play, and I realized just how functional they are from the office to a night out and beyond, my black blazer has been a must-have, classic staple that I’m glad I conformed to 10 years ago. And, spoiler alert: it’s one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe to date.

4. A tailored, wool coat

I bought this camel coat about nine years ago when I went to a wedding with my family during my (*facepalm*) I don’t need a coat, I’m invincible stage. So when I came home from a weekend away at college and my mom saw me braving a Michigan winter without a jacket, she dragged my sorry ass to Zara and nearly forced me to invest in this peacoat. And that’s the day that “momma knows best” took on new life in my eyes. To this day, I still reach for this peacoat and, at this point, I consider it a timeless essential that I’ll turn to again and again.

5. Black bootie heels

Every year, when fall rolls around, I get excited for the changing of seasons not because of the usual autumnal perks like Pumpkin Spice Lattes, apple orchards, or changing leaves. For me, fall means black booties season which is, hands-down, my favorite time of year. 

Black booties have remained stylish as long as I can remember which is why I opt for ones that’ll be in it for the long haul. Enter, these high-quality, heeled Chelsea boots from Nisolo. With a minimal-meets-elevated design, shock-absorbing cushioned insoles (memory foam, for the win), and waterproof leather (a must for Chicago’s near-extreme seasons), these boots are the perfect finishing touch to any fit and will last me well into my 30s. Want a pair for yourself? Use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off of your first order at Nisolo!

Nisolo

Heeled Chelsea Boot

5 colors available

Use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off your first order at Nisolo!

Nisolo

Heeled Commuter Boot

6 colors available

Use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off your first order at Nisolo!

This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Nisolo but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.