Please don't laugh. I grew up very poor and I am about to make more money than ever imagined. What is a good clothing store I can shop from? What are the timeless must have pieces you should have?

I was the same way when this happened! Get yourself some well-made, dark wash jeans, great fitting button downs, solid loafers or flats, a solid pair of boots and a great warm coat. These are a foundation that will take you through years, while things like sweaters and cardigans and accessories will always go in and out of style.

Is there a Nordstrom near you? The sales associates are quite good and can help identify well-made, well-fitting pieces across many brands and styles. Going in for a consultation and telling them you’re aiming to build a strong capsule wardrobe as a starting point would set you up with a fantastic base!

Most brands I saw listed here in the comments are pretty poor quality and lack design, just a tiny bit better than h&m bit with a bigger price tag. I would recommend investing in real designers that make timeless pieces.

But which ones are right for you will depend on the result you want, also your environment. If you’re in Kansas aritzia will probably woo people there, in NYC that is not considered a legit designer by anyone who is close to fashion. But wearing margiela in idaho probably is also a bit out of touch.

It also depends on your body type and age, I would suggest getting a stylist to really get you the basics you need at the price you want.

Send inspo photos of what you want to look like and I’ll point you in the right direction

Vince has great timeless pieces. They’re my favorite. I’m always a fan of expensive black skinny jeans, cashmere cardigans and sweaters, a velvet blazer, a nice bag and Sabah flats. Not all at once. Just some things I drop money on. Also really well-made t-shirts.

No laughing here! Proud of you for working hard and making it happen 💕
Agree with starting a capsule wardrobe! There’s several online but I’ve seen lifewithjazz on Instagram recommended here before and started following her too. She gives visuals of a capsule wardrobe which I found so helpful!

Congrats! Check out Everlane. Quality stuff that will last you a long time and it’s not too trendy.

Congratulations on your success. You deserve it! Agree with the mentions above -- Vince, rag and bone, theory, Eileen fisher (trust me), everlane, cos, club Monaco, all have great basics and are decently well made. Pro tip -- find these (except the latter 3) on the realreal second hand. Stay away from synthetic blends. Find a palette and mix and match everything eg I'm basically all black, camel, and gray and basically everything goes with everything. I swear by black jumpsuits. I would also say find a great tailor -- it goes a LONG way.

A mantra I’ve adopted from my husband’s yankee (aka cheap, old-fashioned wasp) family: when you buy ANYTHING - even clothes - buy the absolute best quality item you can find, and keep it for years. Obviously some clothes you’ll cycle thru as trends change, but if it’s a very classic item, buy the best. I have about a half dozen very very high quality Johnston’s of Elgin cashmere sweaters ($600 each or so), and a camel coat from brooks bros (closer to 1K) that I bought OVER 20 YEARS AGO. They still look incredible and are bullet proof. I could barely breathe when I bought them - $$$$!!!!$$$$ - but when I think about cost per wear and how much I truly value these clothes I’ve lived my life in, it’s an approach that makes so much sense.

Congratulations!!!

Even when investing in luxury items NEVER pay full price for clothing.

Try to find your items on sale at places like Saks Off Fifth, net-a-porter, OUTNET, Farfetch, intermix.

Also could peruse The Real Real (high end consignment), Poshmark, Grailed.

Depending on where you are TJMAXX had a luxe section and will sometimes get INSANE pieces in, you’ll need to be strategic about the location and go to ones in neighborhoods that are close to designer stores where they get offloaded inventory from.

If you’re in the city there will be invitation only sales for different designers, you can look at sites like the strategist for a heads up on good sales coming up.

If you’re traveling soon, buy overseas (for example if you’re in France buy Hermès there, a little bit less expensive and you can get the tax refunded back to you).

Rolex watches oddly enough hold their value and increase over time.

IMO below are must have wardrobe pieces to splurge on and they will last you a lifetime:
-Dress Coat
-Trench Coat
-Suit (pant and skirt)
-formal event outfit (gown/jumpsuit or similar)
-leather jacket
-leather pants
-leather gloves
-watch
-boots
-handbag (going out and work bag)

MOST IMPORTANTLY HAVE FUN AND FIGURE OUT WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL CONFIDENT.

Seriously so happy for you.

Awesome! Congrats! Depending on your style and age, I like Anthropologie, Free People, Madwell, Topshop, NYDJ, Kut from the Kloth, Halogen, Rails and Lily Pulitzer. I have a bright pattern kind of boho vibe and I am in my late 40’s None of these are super, super high end brands but run between $75 to $300 a piece. Nordstrom is a good place to shop as someone else mentioned and caries most of the brands above. For shoes, I like Sorel and Dansko. I’ve also thought that Eileen Fisher has some pretty timeless pieces, but the demographic is mostly slightly older. Eileen Fisher is more expensive than the brands above like $300+ mostly.

Congratulations. I would suggest splurging on a few timeless pieces. Then take all the brands people suggested here and shop on ThredUP to get the same name brand clothes for 1/4 of the price (you can return within 2 weeks). Repeat every 3-6 months or so. If you’re entering prime earning years try to make that $$$ stretch.

Hey all! I just wanted to say thank you all for your suggestions and for the kind words. I knew this bowl would help me out!

Congrats!! 🎉🎉🎉 I agree, a good pair of jeans can transform a look, and can last almost forever. Big fan of Lucky brand. Also, Aldo if you want a fab pair of quality boots. Treat yoself. You've earned it!!

UNIQLO - classic and modern fits that are made well and don’t cost a lot so if you like a fit you can purchase in multiple colors

Yes to Everlane! Seems like everyone has the staple pieces down. I really love Rent the Runway for special occasions or vacations. They have a great subscription service where you can rent up to eight items a month (amazing brands too). I’m guilty of wearing a dress once so this feels way more sustainable.

And congrats!

Congrats! Agree with the above comments. Highly recommend madewell jeans. High quality and a reasonable price point considering the cost of denim. Also Black Friday sale right now! Love a good slightly oversized blazer for work and play. Highly encourage Vince for blouses. Biggest flex you can have that was said above - tailor. Using a tailor to fix little fitting imperfections will go a long way!

Since you mentioned you are in London’s check out Reiss, Liberty and Ted Baker