Fall 2009 Fashion for Women in Their 20s

When you are in your 20s, fashion is your oyster. You can experiment to your heart's content.

Classic

Jason Wu's pieces have a classic demure ladies style reminiscent of the 1950's. His pieces have been spotted on First Lady Michelle Obama & Inglourious Basterd's Diane Kruger. Michelle Obama actually wore one of his gowns to President Obama's Inaugural Gala. His clothing retails for $460 to over $6000. Jason Wu is only 26 & started designing as a child with paper dolls at the age of 9. He went on to study sculpture in Tokyo at 14. He also attended Parsons School of Design in New York. Who says that young women don't want to look polished every once in a while?

If you can't afford one of Wu's creations check out Mod Cloth & Pin Up Girl Clothing for retro dresses. Try The Vintage Inspired Sailor Swing Dress in Navy with White Trim in XS-2X for $90,the Matilda Dress in S-L for $52.99 or the Tulle Hot To Handle Dress in XS-2X for $84.99. Pinup Clothing also sells a selection of retro heels at affordable prices. Target often has 40s & 50s style heels for about $25-$35 but when you see them grab them up because they sell out fast. The Bubble-Hem Topper from Metro Style will keep you warm when you brave the elements. It comes in XS-XL in Black, Olive Branch or Mink for $59.99.

80's & '90s

'80s style has been coming back for the last few seasons & is still here & now the '90s are joining them. That's right, leggings, neon, plaid & basically over the top. Women in their 20s can take a lot of risk & that's what you are doing when you attempt these styles. I suggest picking one or two retro items & adding them to a normal look. Rihanna & Mary-Kate can dress head to toe '80s or '90s & look great but you may appear to be going to a costume party. Marc Jacobs recently featured an adorable red plaid dress that harkens back to the '90s at his show. Some fun pieces to channel this style are the Lady Gaga Leather Jacket Hoodie in S-XL for $40, Brushed Plaid 3Q Dress in teal or navy in S-L for $22.90 or Black Liquid Leggings in XS-XL for $24.99. Want to feel a bit like Rihanna? Try these Slashed Pebble Hole Leggings for $7.80 or this Magenta M By Shakara Patent Jacket in sizes 4-20 for $69.99. If these looks are too extreme for you just add a fun Peep Toe Slouch Bootie in marine, purple or black in sizes 6-11 for $49.99 to an otherwise sedate outfit.

Black & White

Dolce & Gabbana & Elie Saab recently featured tons of black & white on their runway shows. Anytime that you crave black &/or white you can hit White House/Black Market. I adore this Knit Strapless Jumpsuit in black in XXS-XL for $138 & this Leopard & Lace Cardigan in ecrue with black in XS-M for $88. This Allen B Check Ruffle Skirt in 4-16 is a bargain at $29.99. This Bisou Bisou Ruffle Front 2-Fer Dress is so charming in sizes 4-16 for $49.99. These Sarueru Pants with Suspenders are available in S or M for $102. This Norma Kamali Jersey Strapless Dress is so chic that it could have been worn by Audrey Hepburn. It comes in XS-XXL for $18. This Madison Ave Corset by Dereon is very sexy & comes in M or L for $69. Most of the tops in the following line are cut too small for women who have a chest but this one fits perfectly. Miley Cyrus & Max Azria Juniors Chiffon Ruffle Blouse in black or white in S-XL for just $12. It's very classy. How can you go wrong with a Miss Sixty Women's Double Breasted Patent Trim Trench in white in M or L for $95.99. These Steven By Steve Madden Women's Davin Sandal in black are available in 5.5-10 for $67.98.

While some of these items are just fun & might not stick around, some of them may just become staples in your wardrobe.