As a twenty-something, I’m still trying to find my place in the world- even as a late twenty-something. I already know who I am (that’s what the teenage years were for, right?) but as I’m growing, I’m wanting to discover new things, try new styles, and refine my taste. Sometimes that means using less cream in my coffee or trying the super intense sounding red eye and other times it applies to my personal style and fashion. Refining your taste in clothing doesn’t just mean shopping at ‘big girl’ stores like White House Black Market, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor or spending double on your wardrobe just because you can. What it does mean is exuding more confidence and appearing like a slightly more sophisticated you.

Clean lines, neutral tones, and timeless pieces are simple ways to achieve that natural elegance in your everyday wardrobe. But let’s start out with just one piece that is a total game changer and you probably already have it in your closet; the trouser pant. You wear it to work but what if you wore it outside of work with your everyday clothing? Now, that would be refined style! 

So, here’s how to refine your everyday style with one simple piece; trouser pants.

Just because you decided that you want to be a sophisticated older twenty-something, doesn’t mean you have to toss everything you own! A piece like trouser pants can instantly add elegance to any look, even if the rest of the pieces are pretty casual or youthful. For an everyday style, be sure to use everyday pieces for the rest of your look so it doesn’t come off looking like office wear.

CASUAL SUMMER STYLES

Take your most casual summer pieces and combine them with a pair of trouser pants for instant refinement. For this look, I’m wearing my embroidered ruffle tank, bright handbag, and neutral block heel sandals. 

TRENDY PIECES

I like trying out new trends but sometimes, it can make me look like I just walked out of Forever 21 (even though I do shop there sometimes). I already look young, so the last thing I want to do is deduct years through the way I dress. For this look, I’m rocking a high half-up ponytail and a choker necklace. If I were wearing shorts or even jeans, I might look a lot younger but the trouser pants give me that twenty-something working-girl style.

THE LOOK

Forever 21 Aztec Embroidered Loose Peplum Tank (similar: F21 Embroidered Tank)  //  White House Black Market Wide-Leg Trouser Pants (simiar: WHBM linen ankle pants)  //  Merona Bright Crossbody Bag (similar: Target Turquoise Crossbody)  //  Aldo ISTRAGO-U Block Heel Sandals  //  DIY Choker Necklace  //  Kate Spade New York Earrings  //  Movado Bold Luxe Chronograph c/o Movado

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BEHIND THE SCENES
Love this choker necklace? I actually made it myself right before this shoot with a few things I had laying around the house. As I was viewing my final look, I thought ‘hmm if only I had a choker‘ so I threw it together on a whim. Tune in next week for my DIY Choker Tutorial to learn exactly how I made it and how you can, too!

How do you refine your style with your everyday wardrobe? Show me your style! Post your elegant everyday look on Instagram and tag me (@theclosetbychristie) for a chance to be featured.