Wardrobe improvement

rachelk

OK, so I am turning 21, and I realized my wardrobe needed a little help. I don't have much to wear out to bars, and I want to start switching my style to look a little more adult. What would I wear to a bar, and how do you grow your daily style up just a little? I still wanna look like meand i don't want to look like I'm trying to hard.

11 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from rabbit

carter

Veteran

I don't have any ideas what to wear to bars, but I do have a 22 year old who seems to be slowly "growing up" her look, although I wish it were going a little faster;-). Not knowing your style now, I'll focus on the things I would suggest to my daughter. Hope I don't offend you in any way. First, cover up the bra straps! I know there are some bras that retailers say are to be shown, but that's really not a very grown up look IMO. Stop buying super cheap (and cheaply made) clothes. Her budget has pretty much kept her in what I call "disposable clothes" until now. She should be buying fewer better-made clothes. She needs some real pants as well. She only wears skinnies and leggings. That's fine for campus, but not so right for working/interviewing. Finally, watch the length of daytime dresses. I'm sure super short is still fine for the clubs, but it's not welcome in the office.

Looking forward to when you can post pictures.

11 years ago

dustt

Veteran

Exactly what Carter just said!! - I have 21 year old daughter and the disposable clothes show it - usually after one wash!! Just remember Bar clothes are not work clothes!!

I couple of slim skirts(not too short), and a couple of thin slouchy sweaters with some killer shoes should get you started!!

11 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I was 21 awhile ago (not too long ago - haha), and I remember a big step in growing up my wardrobe was buying things that fit. Also, depending on what career path you see yourself on, you can see what your seniors are wearing, and try to pick a style that is both your own and in tune with what they have.

As for a bar wear, I don't really have any suggestions. When I drive by the bars, I see lots of girls in sparkle and lots of skin. I think it all looks super tacky.

11 years ago

Laura J

Active Member

I don't have advice for what to wear to bars. But as for your over all look, I would think about what you think about what you want to convey. I'm changing my style and aiming for polished and colorful. I agree with the others that buying clothes that fit is a big step in growing up any look. As a petite, I've been guilty of wearing tops especially that are too big. Have you ever seen the show What Not to Wear? Netflix has two seasons of it streamable and I think Amazon Prime, does too. That might give you some inspiration.

11 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

I agree with Carter's advice as well. If you're on a tight budget, I'd suggest checking out consignment and second hand stores (both B&M stores and online ones).

As for hitting bars, what kind of image are you wanting to portray? I don't go out very often, but when I do, I see a lot of short skirts/dresses. Wear what you feel comfortable in.

11 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

What type of bars?
Sports, dive, swanky cocktail, wine?
What you wear to a place with peanut shells on the floor will be very different from some retro Mad Men-esque cocktail place.

11 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

AnnaGybe is right, what kind of bars? And what city/location/season?

In general, to look older means searching out things that fit better and look less casual. This may mean not shopping at the stores you went to when you were in college, at least at first.

11 years ago

carter

Veteran

Coming back to say I totally agree with IK about avoiding your current stores for awhile. My daughter needs to stay away from H&M, F21, Urban Outfitters, etc until she is able to figure out which items from those stores are well made and which ones to put back as junk. This is not just an issue for someone who is 21. I am still learning in this area too. There's a designer that so many folks rave about, but to me, the prices seem ridiculous. I finally tried on (and bought) a couple items this weekend, and now I get it.

11 years ago

rachelk

Member

Thanks for all the advice!!! Y'all were really helpful! The type of bars my group goes to are usually more Irish pubs, college bars, and dives. I want to look put together and sexy, but not trashy. I also agree with carter. I will not be showing any bra straps. That's not a good look at any age.

11 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Then well fitting jeans and nice top. Pretty standard for your age and venue.
I love a good plaid shirt for a dive bar.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Jeans and a real jacket. The real jacket is important - not a sweatshirt or just a sweater. Boots. No high heels. Wedges for a little bit of heel. You must be prepared for a pub crawl.

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

I used to go pub crawling a lot, and dancing whenever I could. I still do the hipster bar thing weekly.

What Anna says is great for a casual bar, wear jeans that really look great on you (avoid bling if possible as it is distracting looking), and shoes that are comfortable to walk in but make it easy to walk or dance. I usually went with boots or booties that elongated my legs because of the shape, the color matched the jeans, or they had a bit of wedge heel or something.

If it's a step up from a dive bar (which is tee shirt and plaid zone) I'd wear a flowy top in a good material that drapes in a flattering way, or shows off your arms or something and is a good color on you.

When I wanted to dress more sexy I usually picked only one area that leaned that way a bit, like a drapey shirt with either a wide low neckline or bare shoulders or something. Or I'd wear a black turtleneck sweater and high black flat boots and tights, but a metallic miniskirt or something. Keeping it subtle and understated made me feel great wearing it - attractive and strong.

11 years ago

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