How to Make the Fashion Transition from Your Teens to Your Twenties

Somewhere in between the eras of rainbow hued toe socks and Prada bags, you found yourself a bit lost. Women in their twenties find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to their wardrobes, as what looked perfectly in sync with their fashion philosophies at nineteen suddenly looks immature at twenty and beyond. Making the fashion transition from your teens to your twenties means meshing that independent stride of youth with a style all your own. As you discover that sense of style throughout the next fabulous decade, keep the following foolproof tips in mind.

Teens to Twenties Fashion Transition Rule #1: Ditch the mass-manufactured T's and opt for vintage. While shopping at Target for your T-shirt wardrobe was fine in high school, it's time to trade in those "can be purchased absolutely everywhere" T's for unique, well-made pieces that have become classics as they aged. Shop for band t-shirts that were printed when 80's rock was at its peak, movie shirts that were created during the actual era in which the films were made, etc.

Teens to Twenties Fashion Transition Rule #2: Upgrade the girl factor. Boy's jeans, neck ties, loads of black eye liner and tennis shoes, when worn all together at the same time, scream "seventeen year old." While you can still have a rebellious edge in your twenties, the key is doing it with a touch of feminine flair. Add a little lip color and use just one or two menswear-inspired pieces in your outfit as opposed to going overboard with the a nonconformist's message. Nonconformity is good. Dressing like an angry teen in your twenties....not so much.

Teens to Twenties Fashion Transition Rule #3: Messy is good, dirty is bad. Your twenties aren't a time for strict structure, but there is a line to avoid crossing when it comes to disheveled perfection. Throwing a scarf around your neck in a haphazard fashion, throwing a belt over a big loose cardigan, or mixing and matching pieces that accent each other but don't exactly match are all great ways to look chic, a little messy, but still put together. Dirty tennis shoes, uncombed hair, and rips and holes in threadbare clothing due to overuse (as opposed to intentional design) depict an immature lack of self care. The point is to look fresh, active, and a little less than perfect while maintaining an air of sophistication.

Teens to Twenties Fashion Transition Rule #4: Lose the crayon-colored hair. Hair is the ultimate accessory, and your style and color can make or break any outfit. While your teens were a time for black streaks on blond hair, neon green spikes, and hot pink highlights, your twenties are a time to highlight the real you. Celebrities can get away with electric blue braids until they are thirty five, but in the real world you may risk looking a bit garish wearing crayon colors in your hair post high school. If you want to add a little edge to your hairstyle, however, consider dying it two shades darker than it naturally is and adding a bit of pomade to the ends. The look is defined and modern without being too much for a grown woman.

Teens to Twenties Fashion Transition Rule #5: Upgrade your jewelry box. Wearing a strand of brightly colored plastic beads or a rubber message bracelet on your wrist won't cut it after nineteen. While pieces certainly don't have to be expensive, they should subtly add to your outfit, rather than standing alone as a distraction. Start gearing your jewelry choices toward metals and stones rather than plastics and resin, and the rest will fall into place.

Transitioning your wardrobe after your twentieth birthday doesn't have to be a time consuming and/or expensive chore. Start seeking out labels that you love now, regardless of the price tag, so that you can begin forming a sleek new look that is the same you, just older and wiser. Keep in mind that splurging on extravagant pieces is a habit best saved for your thirties, although taking notes from the more established designers' runways is a must. For now, when it comes to actual purchases, focus on youthful clothing lines that offer that rare mix of elegance, quality, and original design by other women in their twenties for an easy transition into the world of adult fashion.