The Real Challenge of Getting Dressed in Your 20s

Wardrobe in Your 20s

Can we talk about how challenging it is to have a wardrobe in your 20s?

This decade comes with so many phases—college, first jobs, weekend trips, weddings, late nights out, early work mornings—and somehow your closet is supposed to keep up with all of it. It’s like playing dress-up for every new chapter.

I still have clothes from high school that I can fit into, but when I look at them now, they feel more like memories than outfits. I started building an archive closet at my parents' house with my and my sister's prom and homecoming dresses. I’ve even added in dresses from Christmas parties, graduations, and confirmations. It's less about wearing them again and more about preserving that moment in time. I think it's okay to have a bin of “keep forever but not wear again” pieces.

Recently I did a big college closet purge. I had to part ways with a lot—like why was I so obsessed with hot pink? And those loud patterned pants? But here’s the thing: even if your everyday style evolves, those playful pieces always seem to make their way back for a concert or a weekend trip. Everyone is into this minimalist wave right now, and while I love a clean aesthetic, I’ll always have a soft spot for the fun stuff.

Right now, my wardrobe feels like it’s living five lives at once: business casual, going-out looks, loungewear, seasonal staples, and travel pieces. Keeping it all organized and edited is a full-time job. But somehow, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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