Helping guys look, feel, and act their best
Why it’s time to upgrade your style in your twenties
If your college experience was anything like ours, you left school with a questionably useful diploma (shout out liberal arts degrees!) and a wardrobe comprised almost exclusively of free t-shirts and sweatpants rapidly losing their stretch.
We can at least help address that second part!
Look, your twenties are an exciting time. You’re setting out on your own, beginning your career, and finally experiencing life as an honest-to-goodness adult.
And part of being an adult is dressing like one. Why? Because feeling comfortable in “grown-up clothes” means you’re on your way to actually feeling like one.
Trust us.
In this guide, then, Team SG breaks down the essential pieces for guys to invest in as you begin your journey to adulthood in your twenties.
In your twenties (and really, through your whole life), you ought to consider how your clothes reflect on you in the professional world or otherwise. It takes a lot of people far too long to figure out that dressing well helps you:
- Project the confidence of someone who deserves the corner office, and…
- At least keeps your co-workers from thinking you’re the new intern.
While you might be used to rolling out of bed and into sweats every day, in your twenties it’s time to start incorporating “grown-up” clothes into your wardrobe.
We’ve got you covered on what you need.
Below, check out 6 men’s wardrobe essentials for your 20s:
1. White Oxford Cloth Shirt
Oxford shirt: Taylor Stitch, $98
When you’re first starting to build a wardrobe, look for pieces that can be dressed up or down. They’ll keep your closet from getting too unruly and help you save some money. A good oxford cloth button down shirt, aka an OCBD, goes with literally everything.
Yes, literally.
An OCBD with chinos or jeans is a classic look that every guy looks great – and feels even better – wearing. Toss a sweater or sweatshirt over top for a dressed down look in cooler temps or a under a blazer to dress the look up.
Aside from fit, pay close attention to the collar.
Look for OCBD’s with a button down collar tall enough to accommodate a tie when needed.
Remember, the idea is to get the most versatility out of your building wardrobe.
2. Flat-front chinos
484 slim-fit stretch chinos: J.Crew, $89
Here’s a secret: a good pair of flat-front chinos is actually a guys’ wardrobe essential at every decade.
Sometimes, the secret to being a grown-up is simply acting like one. And pulling on a pair of chinos…yes, instead of jeans or jeans-like pants…can be enough to make you feel like an adult.
3. Navy Blazer
Jetsetter wool blazer: Bonobos, $400
If there’s one thing you’ll be doing quite a bit of in your twenties it’s interviewing. Whether it be for a job or for grad school, the interview is your chance to sell yourself and dressing the part is half of the battle.
Having a classic navy wool blazer in your closet takes a lot of guesswork out of figuring out what to wear to an interview.
The most versatile blazer is also the most classic, boasting a notch lapel, with a 2-button front. Look for a soft shoulder, which gives you the ability to easily dress it down.
With a pair of grey wool slacks and a pair of brown dress shoes, you’re sure to get hired on the spot.
4. Lace-Up Boots
The Rome Boot: Taft Clothing, $295
Footwear is the foundation of any great outfit. While bad shoes may not necessarily be a deal breaker, they will have you playing from behind the rest of the night.
When we talk about boots, we aren’t talking about work boots with chunky soles and reinforced toes. In your twenties, less is more. The toe of the boot shouldn’t be too bulky.
The most important part of the shoe, though, is the sole.
Look for Goodyear welted soles. They will cost a bit more but over the years will allow you to replace the sole, rather than buying a brand new boot.
For a smart casual Friday look, pair your boots with chinos, oxfords, and blazers.
5. Slim Sweats
Mack Weldon Ace sweatpants, $88
Just because you’re out in the real world doesn’t mean you have to be totally buttoned up at all times.
Look for pants with…let’s call it “ease” at the top – no need to put on a show for the world – with a leg opening that becomes more fitted and narrow.
The great part about slim sweats is they are still appropriate to wear to workout, and they have the added bonus of telling the ladies that frequent your gym you’ve got a bit more style than the rest.
6. A leather wallet
It’s time to get a nice place to put that money. We’re talking about wallets.
Stay away from bulky billfold wallets; they are a slippery slope to the dreaded Costanza wallet, overstuffed with receipts, cash, and loyalty cards spilling everywhere.
Leather is a great choice for material. It’s durable and will age well over time.
How to upgrade your wardrobe in your 20s
The most important thing to remember is: Don’t go shopping for everything all at once.
Instead, phase in clothes made in higher-end materials and a slim cut. You’ve got to give up the casual hoodies that were a staple in your teen years eventually!
So, start experimenting with more interesting textures and clothes that fit closer to the body now.
You get the picture.
Do this with all your clothes, and you’ll slowly amass a closet full of great-looking, quality clothes, without anyone accusing you of going all Zoolander on them.