Ah, to be a teenager. The excitement, the turmoil, the drama, the need for individuality and expressing it in every way imaginable. It’s that time when you start caring about what you’re wearing, mixing and matching until everything is just perfect. The colourful kids fashion is no longer an option.
Even though teenagers nowadays have a lot more clothing options than previous generations really did, there are still a few staple pieces every teenage girl needs to have in her wardrobe. They can be as basic or as intricate as she wishes, but they’re still essentials, no matter the style.
That said, I have the ultimate wardrobe list coming up! If you’re a teenage girl, sorry for the retrospective intro! You’re still gonna like the list, though!
Essential Tops
Obviously, tops are essential wardrobe items. But, there are a bunch of cute tops for teenage girl around, so which ones do you really need? Let’s take a look.
First thing’s first, we’re gonna start with t-shirts. T-shirts have been around since forever, and we all have at least a couple in our wardrobe. Still, not all t-shirts are made equal. When looking for such a top, make sure it’s made of quality material such as cotton. Cotton lets your skin breathe, and in those teenage years when everything is exciting and new, you need to stay dry.
You’ll need a couple of plain t-shirts to act as a base for other looks, and then a couple of designed ones. Patterns, stripes, band tees, it’s your choice. Size is also left to you. If you want to wear oversized, there’s nothing stopping you. If you want a snug fit, go ahead. It’s best to have a bunch of each though, so you can diversify. Also, if you have a favourite t-shirt, make sure you buy at least two more. I’m speaking from experience!
Next up, shirts. No matter if you’re planning on wearing them over a tee, a dress, or by themselves, shirts are essential girl tops. You can play around with the styles and colours and get a plain white, a denim one, or flannel, but make sure you have at least one.
Materials can vary, from cotton and linen to silk and polyester, so choose something that will make you feel good and comfortable. If you ask me, there are many good reasons to go for organic bamboo shirts and clothing, but it’s all up to you to decide. Layering is always fun and a shirt will help you enrich your looks.
Tank tops are also in the essentials pile as they can be so diverse, can be found anywhere tops for teenage girl are sold, and work with virtually anything. Cropped, flowy, spaghetti-strapped, it’s up to you. They’re great for around the house, but also make for a great outfit addition! Simple yet effective, tank tops are definitely a must-have.
Pants & Leggings
Obviously essential, again. We don’t want that nightmare when you walk into school with no pants on to actually become reality, right?
When it comes to pants, there are several kinds you might need. Jeans are an expected item on this list, so make sure you have a couple of pairs around. High-waisted, low-waisted, skinny, boyfriend, baggy, ripped – it’s definitely up to you and your style. Some jean shorts are also a good idea. Denim is the easiest thing in the world to pair as it’s very neutral, so you can combine it with anything and get a different look every time.
Then, we have actual pants. There was a time when pants were seen as an old woman kind of thing, but they’ve made a nice comeback and are now everywhere. A good pair of pants can turn an outfit from streetwear to elegant in a snap. Pair them with a flowy tank top and some accessories, and you have yourself a lovely, stylish summer outfit. It works the other way around, too, when you take some dress pants and combine them with a tee and your favourite shirt and sneakers, throw on a backpack and you’re ready to take on the streets!
Finally, some quality-made leggings. Make sure they’re not see-through. Make sure they don’t clog up your skin and make you sweat. When you’ve found such a pair, you’re going to want to wear them everywhere. Stretchy and comfortable, leggings are homeware as much as they are outwear. A good, sturdy couple of pairs will help out a lot!
Dresses
You might not feel like you’re the type of girl to wear skirts or dresses, but trust me, once you get into one you’re not gonna want to take it off!
Dresses are the easiest way to an outfit as they are basically an outfit by themselves. Worn with or without tights underneath, they allow for beautiful airflow and make you feel super comfortable.
There are a lot of dress types out there, so you can look around and pick something that will really make you feel like you. Mini, midi, or maxi, they’re all in style and need minimal accessorizing to create an effective look. Make sure to have plain ones as well as patterned ones so you can diversify your looks and have one for every occasion.
Dresses go great with sneakers, so if you’re more of a streetwear kind of girl, you don’t have to worry. You’ll look amazing. Throw a shirt over it, add a cute backpack or a bag, put on some shades and you’re ready to go!
Dresses also allow for a lot of layering to be done, so no matter the time of year, you can be comfortable, stylish, and dressed according to the weather!
To Sum Up
Basically, with a couple of t-shirts and tank tops, a pair of jeans, a pair of pants, and some leggings, a couple of dresses, and some shirts to throw over or wear by themselves you have countless combinations to choose from!
Always be creative with your styling and never let anything stop you from wearing what you want. This list of essentials is here to help you start out, but once you develop your wardrobe a bit, you can add or remove anything.
Remember, your comfort comes first, so pay attention to materials and styles. Not all dresses have to be a snug fit, just as all jeans don’t have to be baggy. It’s all up to you and your preferences. Use this list as a foundation to build your unique style and don’t be afraid to mix-and-match into oblivion! Experimenting is what your time is all about right now, so go ahead and do that! It’s the only way to become a successful, confident adult one day!
