Let's face it, most of us are in that awkward phase people like to refer to as young adults or early adulthoods, but we like to call it "the early stages of adulting". Most of us are 18 to 24, in college, trying to be independent and attempting to buy your own groceries, while still calling your mom to ask her how to schedule your doctor's appointment. You also feel like you don't know whether it's still acceptable to shop in the juniors section or the women's. So hopefully this article can help you start to compile the perfect start to a "grown up wardrobe", (fake it till you make it, and make those people think you're owning this adulting thing).

1. A little black dress
It's such an easy piece to make yourself look well put together. Dresses are so easy to throw on, pair it with a statement necklace and some cute shoes and voila!

2. Comfy jeans
This just goes for everyone. Always have a nice (preferably dark wash, and no mom jeans), good pair of jeans that makes you feel confident, and that you can conquer the world in.

3. Black/nude/brown wedges/heels
Congratulations, adulthood means you need to have some adult shoes. Plus, it may give you a little added height (a good thing for the short girls out there).

4. Slacks or khakis
The athletic trainer in me really fought hard to not include khakis, only because they are a part of my every day wardrobe, but let's face it, sometimes khakis work for people, so go ahead and include a nice pair of dress pants for the "business casual" dress code events.

5. Blazer
Following some nice pants, you should probably pick up one of these two as well. Nothing screams "I've got my life together, I'm owning this adulting thing" quite like these wardrobe necessities.

6. A nice watch 
Sometimes when you're sitting through a lecture or a conference, you really wanna check the time (or how much longer you have to sit through this), so instead of pulling out your phone, get yourself a nice fancy watch that upgrades your outfit, and helps you nonchalantly watch the time tick by.

7. Purse or bag
You don't have to completely throw away that Claire's purse you've had since seventh grade, or that messenger bag you picked up at a garage sale, but when there's a fancy event, you may want to switch those out for a nice purse (think big mom purse) or a neutral messenger bag.

8. Lipstick and Nail Polish
You definitely should have a go-to color for each of these. Go ahead and put on that bold red lipstick for a night on the town, and wear your favorite Essie in naughty nautical. Who cares if you have eight lipsticks in the same color, at least you'll always be prepared.