Fashion Essentials for Women in Their 20s

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.

Princess Polly

Holley Tweedle Jacket Grey

$89.00

Princess Polly

Raynna Button Up Cardigan Beige Stripe

$69.00

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 

VL Court 3.0 Sneaker

$74.96

On

Cloud X 4 Training Shoe

$160.00

3. Something That Screams  Grunge Y2K

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.

Princess Polly

Rider Denim Jacket Dark Denim

$89.00

Princess Polly

Sora Skort Black

$49.00

Princess Polly

Strutter Strapless Top Black

$39.00

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.

EDIKTED

Ember Denim Cargo Pants

$78.40

EDIKTED

Wide Leg Cotton Cargo Sweatpants

$76.80

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.

Coach

Teri Shoulder Bag

$199

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.

Princess Polly

Morley Off Shoulder Sweater Cream

$75.00

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.

Good American

Good Low Rise Baggy Jeans

$169

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.

Baublebar

Nina Semi-Precious Necklace

$78

Baublebar

Rowan Semi-Precious Layered Bracelet

$44

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.”

Tory Burch

Miller Mini Crossbody Bag

$295.00

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

Custom Tennis Bracelet

$68

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. This top is the perfect going out top to wear in your early or mid 20s. Pair it with a red or black mini skirt and boots for a fun casual night out.

Amazon

Sexy Mesh Long Sleeve Shirts

$12.99

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.

Amazon

Ribbed Knit Tank Top

$19.99

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

$41.00

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).

Tory Burch

Perry Tote

$395.00

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