20 Clothing Items to Own by Age 20
By the time you hit age 20, you’ve already been through countless trends, be it leather leggings, jumpsuits, crop tops, or other looks that have already come and gone. The ever-changing fashion landscape is one of the things that makes getting dressed fun — but it can also be overwhelming to keep up with trends, especially on a budget. While you likely can’t (or won’t) stock your closet with every single popular trend, there are some key items worth investing in: pieces that have already stood the test of time and likely will continue to; pieces that will help ensure you’re prepared to dress for almost any scenario without a scramble, looking fantastic and put together when you’re done. Read on for 20 fashion items, including clothes, accessories, and shoes, to stock your closet with by the time you turn 20-years-old.
BuzzFoto via Getty Images1/21At just 20-years-old, Zendaya's amassed a wardrobe that women of all ages covet. Ahead, find 20 clothing items you should own by age 20.
Courtesy of us.topshop.com2/21Midi Dress
There’s nothing wrong with above-the-knee skirts and dresses, but it’s worth it to have a midi dress or two in your closet. The length communicates an air of sophistication and professionalism, and still looks seriously stylish.
Topshop Cold Shoulder Midi Dress, $140. us.topshop.com.
3/21Simple Hoops With a Twist
A great pair of simple, yet unique, hoops can go a long way in elevating your casual or everyday looks to a more sophisticated level.
John Hardy Hoop Earrings, $195. neimanmarcus.com.
4/21Black Pumps
Don’t skimp on your black pumps: A good pair will serve you well for years to come. These are timeless, versatile, and comfortable. They come equipped with responsive energy foam and achilles padding, so you can wear them with ease all day long.
Cole Haan GrandRevølution Pumps, $400. colehaan.com.
Courtesy of Lo & Sons5/21Versatile Travel Bag
Invest in a bag like Lo & Sons The O.G. (or its smaller counterpart, The O.M.G. that not only has a classic, streamlined look; but is also lightweight and easily-cleanable (thanks to the nylon material), and can hold all of your essentials in several organized compartments. Use it as your only bag for quick overnight trips, your carry-on bag for longer journeys, and even as an everyday gym or computer bag when you need to tote around lots of stuff.
Lo & Sons The O.G., $295. loandsons.com.
Courtesy of bloomingdales.com6/21Subtle Rain Boots
There’s definitely nothing wrong with a cute, casual pair of wellies (like the classic Hunter boots), but sometimes it rains on days you need to look a bit more dressed up, and can’t be carrying around a spare pair of shoes that you put on and off throughout the day. Fortunately, there are plenty of waterproof boot options that look nothing like rain boots for just these situations.
Bernardo Peony Velvet Rain Boots, $165. bloomingdales.com.
Courtesy of shop.nordstrom.com7/21Classy Rain Coat
While you’re at it, pick up a timeless rain coat that you can wear dressed up or down.
Lauren Ralph Lauren A-Line Raincoat, $149. shop.nordstrom.com.
Courtesy of bloomingdales.com8/21Structured Work Bag
Look for a large, sophisticated satchel or tote that can fit your laptop, and you can carry to and from interviews, work, or as a carry-all on long days out and about.
MCM Large Milla Tote, $1,100. bloomingdales.com.
Courtesy of neimanmarcus.com9/21Sandals That Aren't Flip Flops
Relegate your flip flops to pools, beaches, and casual trips to the store, and wear a simple, stylish pair of flat sandals for everything else, including work, play, and even somewhat dressy events.
Kate Spade New York Clorinda Leather Flat Tassel Sandal, $138. neimanmarcus.com.
Courtesy of asos.com10/21Pencil Skirt
Even if you don’t work in a conservative office, a pencil skirt can always come in handy, paired with anything from an oversized sweater, to a flow blouse, or a fitted bodysuit.
ASOS CURVE Sculpt Me Leather Look Pencil Skirt, $48. asos.com.
Courtesy of madewell.com11/21Wool Coat
If you live somewhere snowy, it’s important to have a super warm, weather resistant parka. But, for the dryer winter days — and the days and nights when you’ll be dressing up, make sure you have a quality wool coat that will keep you warm and look great in the process.
Madewell City Grid Coat in Colorblock, $328. madewell.com.
Courtesy of zara.com12/21Blanket Scarf
Not only does a soft, oversized blanket scarf provide the warmth and coziness that’s so necessary in the winter months, but it’s also the perfect travel companion, acting as a cute travel blanket that you can wear instead of shoving in your suitcase.
Zara Double-Faced Square Scarf, $26. zara.com.
Courtesy of wearlively.com13/21Convertible Nude Bra
Chances are, your closet consists of shirts with all different types of sleeves and necklines — strapless, racerback, cold shoulder, and low backs, to name a few. You could buy a different bra for each shirt or dress, or you could make sure you have at least one quality, well-fitting, and convertible nude bra that can be worn under almost anything.
Lively The T-Shirt Bra, $35. wearlively.com .
Courtesy of catbirdnyc.com14/21Delicate Pendant Necklace
A simple, dainty pendant necklace can be worn with pretty much every outfit, and can be layered with longer pendants and chains when you want to amp up the look.
Catbird Sleeping Beauty Necklace, $468. catbirdnyc.com.
Courtesy of shop.nordstrom.com15/21Classic Blue Jeans
Through all of the jeans trends that come and go — distressed jeans, 90s light washes, colored denim — there’s one look that will probably always be in style: classic, true blue jeans, free of frills and accents.
AG Ankle Super Skinny Jeans, $168. shop.nordstrom.com.
Courtesy of net-a-porter.com16/21Everyday Crossbody Purse
A neutral, crossbody bag is the perfect go-to for anytime you don’t need or want to carry a big, full tote.
Chloé Hayley Nano Leather Shoulder Bag, $980. net-a-porter.com.
Courtesy of neimanmarcus.com17/21Lightweight Jacket
Find a lightweight jacket you can wear with most outfits in the fall and spring, or even during cool summer evenings.
Veronica Beard Hadley Tweed Moto Jacket with Leather Dickey, $418. neimanmarcus.com.
Courtesy of anthropologie.com18/21Versatile Bracelet
A simple gold or silver bracelet can be worn even when you’re dressed super casually, to help you look that much more put together.
Amanda Hunt Dawn Bracelet, $88. anthropologie.com.
Courtesy of revolve.com19/21Black Jeans
A simple pair of black jeans is an easy way to automatically dress up any outfit.
Rag & Bone Dive Jean, $195. revolve.com.
Courtesy of baublebar.com20/21Statement Earrings
Keep a pair of go-to statement earrings, whether they’re big studs or long-dangling jewels, to add to your look anytime you need to up the impact or formality of your outfit.
Baublebar Lynley Ear Crawler Set, $38. baublebar.com.
Courtesy of revolve.com21/21Stylish Sweatshirt
That oversized college hoodie is great in certain scenarios — like cozying up at home — but when you want to be casual and comfy out in public (for, say, a casual lunch or shopping trip), it’s worth it to get a sweatshirt that’s more presentable.
Sundry White Dots Terry Sweatshirt, $108. revolve.com.
