What is appropriate casual and "going out" clothing for a 26 year old female?

Question

Would you be able to give me some specifics, maybe a list of specifics that should be in the wardrobe? And should I be shopping in the woman's section or junior's section of a department store?

Answer 1

know how to mix and match. :) nothing wrong w/ junior's dept if it fits you! also, know what is appropriate for work wear, and the rest is up to you.

here what is in my wardrobe that i wear most of the time, and i am 26 too!

Jeans (shorter pair to wear w/ flats, one longer and fits better for heels/boots). Citizens have good jeans, i wear those everyday! but are $$$$... if u do'nt want to splurge u can go to ross, i got a pair of BCBG jeans for like $25.

White button up blouse: u can wear it w/ aNYTHING!

Wide Belt in black or brown. definitely makes any outfit a bit more stylish.

Nice jacket.. right now i have a really nice Cordoroy Dark Purple jacket from J.Crew (got it on sale for only $30! was $150 before~), i also have a $25 one from Target that is black and velvet.. very cute.

Nice Coat.. for night time and cold weather. u can wear this w/ jeans OR with dresses!

A handful of cute dresses.. either summer dresses, classic, or trendy. i have a cute Forever 21 dress (red w/ polka dots and puffed sleeves), a pretty classic type Ann Taylor Teal Blue dress w/ antique style buttons and black and beige trim... right now a cute look is a chiffon flowy dress w/ dark tights and a chunky knit sweater and belt!!!!

Jewelry: right now i like Long necklaces, and u can pair them up w/ different length necklaces and bracelets. Forever 21 has great ones for like $7.00, and some of them look really classy too if u pair them up w/ right clothes.

Shoes: at least one pair of flats, one pair of boots, and one pair of sneakers/comfy walking shoes, and as many cute Heels, Pumps, and Sandals as possible!


a great look is this: jeans, white blouse, wide belt at the skinniest part of the waist, cute jacket on top, and either boots or flats. u can also substitute a cardigan for the jacket and put the belt over (or under) as well. i'd also like to invest in a cute Pencil Skirt, u can tuck in the white blouse and put the belt over! sooo cute...

make sure ur hair and makeup always looks good, and no matter what u wear u will look trendy~ :)

Answer 2

You should have a good pair of dark wash trouser cut jeans. These can be both casual when worn with a plain shirt and some cute accessories, or more dressy when worn with a black lower cut shirt and a blazer. Sweaters are always good and can go both more dressy or casual as well, depending on what is paired with them. You are an adult now, so you really shouldn't be shopping in the juniors department; however this doesn't mean that you can have fun with clothes. Try shopping at trendy stores that are geared more towards 20-somethings like Express, Gap, or H&M. You can also try to mimick celebs styles. I would look to Natalie Portman, Penelope Cruz, or Cameron Diaz for inspiration. They seem to always be well dressed, but never overly trendy or have too much going on (like the Olsens, Simpsons, Hiltons, Lindsey Lohan, etc ... ) Also, check out What Not to Wear for some more info http://tlc.discovery.com/ads/ad_interstitial_fill2.html?dest=http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/whatnottowear/whatnottowear.html

Answer 3

I think you should shop where the clothes fit you. I have found that some of the department stores do not carry my size anymore in the women's section. Watch out that you do nto look like a teenager, now that you are in mid-20s already.

What do you mean by going out ? For a fancier place, I prefer a slightly dressed up - heels, dress and very basic make up. Maybe earrings or so. Buy jeans that fit well, and are comfortable. A jeans and good sweater can look quite smart yet casual.

Answer 4

I'm 26 too and shop in the woman's and juniors department and have had many compliments on my clothes. Jc Penney has nice clothes in both departments the woman's side has a brand called Nichole Miller that is pretty and looks young. I wear about anything I like I don't care what other people think.
Skinny jeans
Boot cut jeans maybe some Flair leg jeans too
Camies
Boots, Heels, Flats, Sandals, Nike's
Button up shirts long and short sleeved
Blazers
V-neck shirts
Skirts I get mine in the juniors right style not to short
Tank tops
Shorts juniors looks better to me
just about anything works just try it on if you like it wear it.
Good Luck!

Answer 5

The answers for this aren't always going to be specific. In my opinion, there are 2 kinds of casual. Dressy (or business casual), and regular casual. And this always depends on where you're going, and what the weather/temperature is going to be when you're there. Jeans can go in both categories, but dressier jeans are usually more form fitting, and the darker colors of them work better.

I would include one or two pairs of jeans, (one dark, one light, or one with applique's or designs on them). However, you should also include a pair of basic black pants. If you're into skirts, try one colored one and one black or denim one. A few sleeveless shirts, they can be tanks or button-up blouses. Some long sleeved shirts, such as cardigans which can be worn over the tanks. Some basics that really work almost anywhere are 3/4 length sleeve blouses/tops. It wouldn't hurt to add a few t-shirts, but keep them basic. No major logos, keep the writing on them to a minimum for dressier outfits.

If you want to "dress down" the outfit, include some kind of zip up hoodies, or a vest. The shoes also really help determine dressy or casual. There are a lot of running shoe type shoes out there that are not dressy, but not too sporty either. Wear dressy sandals or flats to dress up the outift a bit more.

Like I said, it really depends on whether you want a slightly dressy casual look, or just plain casual. I hope that helps!

Answer 6

Here in northern Minnesota- which probably won't be very helpful to you, but oh well- going out clothes would be something along the lines of jeans, tshirt, and a great pair of heels. As for where you should shop, it depends on the look you're going for. In my experience, the juniors section has trendier stuff that will end up out of style faster, and the stuff in the woman's section is nicer and will last a bit longer.

The staple items in my wardrobe are a pair of black heels, a couple pairs of jeans that make my *** look great, several tshirts that look good on me, a simple black and white print dress that I can wear anywhere, tailored khakis, and a good push-up bra. (It's to make the clothes fit better, not for the benefit of the guys.) I also try to buy jewelry that I can wear with several different outfits, not just one.

Answer 7

I would shop in both woman's and junior's sections; you can find good clothes in both. Cute going-out clothing may be a pair of cute, dark-washed skinny jeans with heels or boots. That is a very trendy look. Maybe pair it with a flowy top or a colorful blazer, and add some chunky beads as a necklace or maybe a bracelet. Another good look is a skirt that goes down to the ankles (so it isn't inappropriate or trashy). It will give a very romantic feel with a lacy cami. Good luck!

Answer 8

At 26, you should be shopping in the woman's section of department stores. You shouldn't wear juniors' clothing if you're over 21, in my opinion. If you're in the US, perfect stores for you to check out are New York & Company, Express (some of their stuff is a tad young, however, so be careful), Jasmine & Sola, and bebe. As far as what to wear, some great options would be:

Cute satin/matte jersey camisoles with empire-waist styling
Skinny (a.k.a. matchstick) jeans
Tall heeled boots
Pencil skirt that hits mid-knee (denim or stretch wool)
Tunic top or sweater cinched with a wide, slouchy belt

Answer 9

You can wear a pretty top, dark jeans and heels. Thats pretty casual but still a nice look for going out. About juniors or womens it really depends on your style. If you like more of that chick cute look, juniors might be best. If you want more of a older look, try the womens department.

Answer 10

26 is definitely not too old to shop in the juniors department. Buy what you like, that's comfortable and looks nice on you. Take an honest friend with you for a second opinion.