Fashion Tips for Teens: How to Get Classy & Chic Style

Finding your style as a teen can be tricky. You’re working with a limited budget, you have an ever-changing trend cycle trying to tell you what’s the next best thing to wear, and you’re constantly being influenced by your peers. It can be a real challenge to break through the noise and figure out what appeals to your personal style! We’re here to help with 10 outfit ideas designed with you in mind. These fashion tips for teens blend the classy and chic style that My Chic Obsession is known for, along with the slightly trendy aesthetic that teenagers love to wear. Ready to dive in?

1. quarter-zip + leggings + handbag + socks + clogs

sweatshirt | leggings | clogs | socks | handbag

Out of any age group, you might have the most casual style. When you’re not at school or work, chances are you just want to relax at home or with friends! If you reach for your leggings and a cozy sweatshirt again and again, I’m here with a subtle upgrade to give your go-to look just a little bit of extra polish.

First, swap out your hoodie for a crewneck or quarter-zip version. These styles tend to look just a little bit classier than hooded versions. Then, add your favorite leggings (black goes with everything). When it comes to your footwear, you can always go with a pair of white sneakers. Or, if you want to go a different direction, try a pair of clogs instead – they’re just as comfortable, and especially perfect for fall. Add a pair of white socks and a chic black shoulder bag to finish your look.

This is the perfect look for running errands on the weekend or meeting up with friends for a casual coffee date to catch up or do homework.

2. leather jacket + white t-shirt + pair of jeans + hoops + handbag + sneakers

A white t-shirt and jeans might be the best base for your outfit formulas. This look never goes out of style and is easy to customize based on your personal preferences. You can even add a trend or two to this look to make it feel more updated!

Sleek leather jackets are big this year, and they’re the perfect outerwear to add to your t-shirt and jeans if you’re headed out to dinner. To keep things on the casual side, add a pair of white sneakers. You could go with a chunky dad sneaker, or stick with a low-profile style, like the Adidas Sambas.

Finish your look with a couple of small accessories! This will give you a more classic look. Try a pair of gold hoop earrings and a black shoulder bag to round out this style.

3. denim jacket + white blouse + long skirt + bag + hoops + flats

Enjoying a beautiful fall or spring day? Reach for a flowy skirt with a midi or maxi length. On top, go for a tonal look with a white shirt. Tonal means monochromatic – it’s when you coordinate the colors of your top and bottoms. It’s easy to do, and it makes it look like you put more thought into your outfit than you actually did.

To break up your two white pieces, add a denim jacket. This also makes your summer outfit better for spring or fall temperatures! The denim also adds texture, which is a great way to make your outfit feel more interesting.

Speaking of textures, try suede accessories for transitional weather. Mary Jane flats in suede and a roomy suede bag are perfect for a day spent shopping or hanging out with friends.

4. sleeveless top + mini skirt + hoops + tall boots + sunglasses

top | skirt | boots | sunglasses | hoops

If you’re in your late teens or heading off to college in the fall, you might be in need of more outfits to go out with friends to dinner, concerts, etc. That’s where this outfit idea comes in!

The trick to creating a chic, balanced look is by mixing and matching patterns and textures. Even if you’re sticking with neutral colors, this will ensure your look is never boring.

Let’s start things off with a leopard print mini skirt – it’s a fun pattern that never goes out of style. If you’re building your first capsule wardrobe, this is a great statement piece to add. On top, go for a brown tank – the asymmetrical buttons make this piece more unique than a regular tank top or plain t-shirt.

As for your shoes, knee-high boots add coverage where your tank top and skirt are lacking. To finish your look, add a few staples for your accessories: think a pair of oval sunglasses and gold hoop earrings.

5. earrings + maxi dress + suede bag + sandals

maxi dress | earrings | sandals | bag

It can be tricky to narrow down your own style as a teen girl. There are so many trends constantly being thrown at you, so it can be hard to determine what you actually like! One great tip I have for you is to start simple. When it feels like your closet is full but you have nothing to wear, go back to basics. This could be a t-shirt and jeans, a black mini skirt and tank top, or a white dress – whatever your personal style, stick with solid color pieces for a bit, in timeless styles. Then, start to add in different accessories to feel out your personal aesthetic.

A long white dress is the perfect blank canvas to experiment with your personal style. If you’re transitioning to fall weather, consider what accessories you want to pair with it. Feeling a little boho chic? Try adding suede pieces to your look. A suede tote and strappy leather sandals fit within both the Western and boho aesthetic. Then, add a pair of simple gold earrings to complete the look that’s perfect for your next weekend brunch.

6. trench coat + t-shirt + skort + shoulder bag + sunglasses + sneakers

If you’ve always loved Parisian style, then you’re in the right place to practice your own unique brand of self-expression! For a younger version of one of our favorite looks at MCO, start your outfit with a white t-shirt and black mini skirt.

Next, you’ll want a French classic – a trench coat. Fashion trends may come and go, but the trench coat is here to stay. Although a long version might be the most well-known, you can try a cropped version for a slightly younger, trendier take on the classic Parisian must-have.

Finish your look with a little black shoulder bag, white sneakers, and gold oval sunglasses.

7. sweater + jeans + handbag + earrings + sneakers

sweater | jeans | necklace | bag | sneakers

If you want to be known as the “fashionable friend”, don’t neglect your shoes when it comes to your outfits. The right pair of shoes is the cherry on top of your perfect outfit! Use accessories to your power when you’re crafting chic looks.

Many weekends of my teenage years were spent at a coffee shop with friends. As soon as I got my license, I was meeting up with friends at a local shop to do homework (even though we ended up just chatting a lot of the time). For the perfect coffee shop look, go for a casual chic look.

First, start with dark-wash jeans with a high waist – these are ideal for fall and winter. On top, add a pop of color. A classic red crewneck sweater is perfect! Then, add the right shoes – you can’t go wrong with leopard print when you’re styling this classic outfit formula.

Instead of a statement necklace, go for a more minimal pendant with your initial. Then, grab your bookbag if you’re doing homework, or a shoulder bag if you’re there just to chat. Now you have the perfect outfit formula for those cozy coffee shop days.

8. t-shirt + jacket + denim skirt + earrings + boots + bag

As a teenager, now is the perfect time to try out new styles. Don’t be afraid to experiment and figure out what feels best with your personality, personal aesthetic, and body shape. Your unique style will be formed based on these factors, along with your lifestyle.

Are you already an avid concertgoer? Luckily for you, the Western trend is perfect for your next concert. Don’t be afraid to have fun with current trends either – even if you’re aiming for a more classic look, you can pick and choose what trends are ones that you’ll wear beyond their rise and fall in popularity.

For a Western-inspired aesthetic, try an all-denim look with a jacket and mini skirt. Apart, these pieces are easy to style in other ways. You could pair them with a white t-shirt to keep things a little more classic, or lean into the Western wear with a graphic tee.

The same goes for your footwear. Add a pair of cowboy boots to fully lean into the whole look, or swap them out for sneakers or flats for a more subtle take. A suede bag and gold earrings complete the look.

9. sweater + bandana + linen pants + clogs + basket bag

sweater | pants | bag | clogs | bandana

Teenage fashion is all about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin! If you love a laidback, coastal vibe, you’ll love this look for the farmer’s market. First, start with a light and airy pair of linen pants. These have a drawstring waist, which means they’re basically an elevated pair of sweatpants.

On top, go for something cozy, like a light crewneck sweater. You can always layer this over a t-shirt or tank top, and then tie it around your shoulders if you get warm. It’s the perfect detail for a trendy touch. Next, speaking of comfortable clothing items, slip on a pair of clogs for strolling the vendors and sipping an iced coffee.

When it comes to your accessories, unique pieces are the perfect way to add personality to your look. A patterned scarf in florals or your favorite colors is both practical and chic for tying your hair back. Finally, no shopping trip to the farmer’s market is complete without a cute bag. This mini basket bag is the perfect size for a mini fruits and veggies haul (or a few baked goods).

10. earrings + white t-shirt + cardigan + earrings + jeans + flats + glasses

Do you feel at home in your local bookstore? If I were your stylist, I would lean into a casual, academia-inspired look for your aesthetic. First, start with a pair of straight-leg jeans for a relaxed, right fit. On top, go ahead and add a classic white t-shirt. Then, layer on a cozy cable knit cardigan (one of my personal favorite pieces). As for your accessories, grab your glasses, hoop earrings, and a pair of burgundy Mary Jane flats for just the right amount of color. If loafers are in your comfort zone, these would be a great alternative too!

Finding Your Style

Finding your style is a process – and you should enjoy the journey! However, if you want to make things a little bit easier, it helps to have a few basic outfit formulas in your pocket (like the ones above). Don’t be afraid to customize them based on your personal style, as you find it. Trial and error is part of your fashion adventure, so have fun with it!

What else will help you on your personal style journey? A capsule wardrobe! Up Next: The Essential Girl’s Guide to Your First Capsule Wardrobe