Fashion Essentials for Your 20s (According to Gen Z)

Photo Credit: Destyni L

Let’s be real—your 20s are wild. You’re figuring out life, love, credit card points, and somewhere in there, your personal style. Maybe you’re fresh out of college and still living in hoodies. Maybe you just started your first “real” job and realized your wardrobe is 97% crop tops. Wherever you’re at, one thing’s for sure: this decade is for experimenting, evolving, and finding what makes you feel good in clothes.

The goal isn’t a perfect closet. It’s a wardrobe that moves with you—through brunch plans, career pivots, nights out, and identity crises. Here’s a list of Gen Z-approved fashion essentials that help you do just that (yes, even if your current vibe is part clean girl, part “I could be a barista in Brooklyn”).

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1. A Go-To Oversized Blazer

For interviews, errands, or throwing over a tank top when it’s chilly at the movies. A good blazer is a forever staple for Gen Z women navigating adult-ish life.

Quince

Stretch Crepe Double-Breasted Blazer

$79.90

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Knit Blazer

$79.90

2. Chunky Sneakers

They’re comfy, they’re cute, and they say “I thrift and I vote.” Bonus: they work with jeans, dresses, and your favorite cargo pants.

Adidas

Gazelle Bold Shoes

$120

3. Something That Screams  Grunge Fairy Cowboy

Whether it’s a sheer top, a distressed denim maxi, or fringe boots you found on Depop—this aesthetic is living rent-free in your closet now.

Amazon

Distressed Elastic High Waist Retro Jeans Skirt

$34.95

Amazon

Fringe Cowboy Boots

$69.99

4. Cargo Pants (That Actually Fit)

They’re not going anywhere. Look for a mid-rise or high-rise fit that cinches at the waist. Style with baby tees or tube tops.

Amazon

Pull-On Wide Leg Cargo Pant
$100

5. A Statement Bag That Isn’t Beige

Mini bags in bright colors, metallics, or fuzzy textures are basically personality pieces. They turn a basic outfit into a moment.

Tory Burch

KIRA DIAMOND QUILT DISTRESSED SHOULDER BAG

$595

6. Baby Tees

No Gen Z wardrobe is complete without them. Pair with oversized denim, a low-rise mini, or layer under a mesh top.

Abercrombie

High Maintenance Graphic Baby Tee

$29

7. Your Power Denim

That one pair of jeans that fits like a glove and makes you feel that girl. Whether it’s low-rise, high-rise, flared, or baggy—own your favorite silhouette.

Abercrombie

Curve Love Low Rise Ultra Loose Jean

$90

8. Matching Lounge Set

Not just for chilling. Think knit sets, matching ribbed tanks and shorts—aka effortless style you can wear outside without looking like you just rolled out of bed.

Amazon

Casual 2 Piece Outfits Cotton Linen Set

$38.98

9. Edgy Jewelry

Layered necklaces, silver chains, funky earrings—accessories are the love language of Gen Z fashion. Bonus if it’s handmade or a small brand.

Amazon

Y2K Gen Z Rainbow Gummy Bear Bead Necklace

$12.99

10. Something That Feels Grown

Could be a sleek trench coat, a leather tote, or a good-quality pair of loafers. Something that whispers, “I pay my own phone bill now.”

ME+EM

Textured Crop JacketItalian Textured Cotton

$545

13. The Silky Shirt That Goes From Day to Dinner

Paired with a black tank and gold hoops when you’re out being mysterious at dinner.

Quince

Vintage Wash Tencel Camp Shirt

$34.90

14. Jewelry That Doesn’t Feel Like Costume

We’re done with cheap rings that turn your fingers green. Pick one or two signature pieces—like a chunky silver cuff or a vintage-looking dome ring—that pull your whole look together without trying too hard.

Baublebar

Pisa Custom Charm Necklace

$58

15. A Sheer Top That Says “I Know What I’m Doing”

Worn with a bralette, under a blazer, or layered over a tank—it’s edgy without being desperate. Confidence required, double takes guaranteed.

Abercrombie

Long-Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Mesh Top

$40

16. The Tank You Actually Want to Wear

Not see-through. Not flimsy. Just structured, flattering, and capable of making jeans and a bun feel like an outfit.

Abercrombie

Poplin Bubble Hem Tank

$60

17. A Denim Jacket That Works Overtime

Throw it over your workout set, sling it on with a sundress, or wear it like it’s armor on those “ugh” days. Find one with good stitching and a little weight to it—you’ll wear it for years.

Amazon

Denim Jacket

$45.99

18. A Baseball Cap That Makes You Look Like You Read Business of Fashion

You’re not wearing this because you’re lazy. You’re wearing it because you understand proportions. Clean, tonal, preferably worn with a low bun or big gold hoops.

Amazon

Vintage Canvas Snapback Hat

$29.99

19. The Work Bag That Works

She’s structured, holds your laptop, and doesn’t scream “I just graduated.” Bonus points if it’s a muted color or textured leather—it’ll age well (like you).

Amazon

Design Bucket Bag

$82.88

20. That One Piece That’s So You

It could be a blazer you thrifted in Paris or a pair of cowboy boots you wear with everything. Whatever it is, it’s your personality in outfit form. And no one else can pull it off quite like you.

Amazon

Strapless Off Shoulder Backless Hollow Crop Tank Corset Top

$25.99