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I'm a Millennial Who's Obsessed With the Tops From Target's Teen Section

Target
Target

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instyle - 5 Available at Target

instyle - 7 Available at Target

instyle - 6 Available at Target

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instyle - 40 Available at Target

instyle - 15 Available at Target

instyle - 19 Available at Target

instyle - 15 Available at Target

instyle - 18 Available at Target

As a 5'2" woman with a small frame, I've always had a hard time finding trendy stuff that fits me just right. Most crop tops hang way lower on my stomach than they're designed to, and the few pants that manage to hit me right in the waist often require a hem, upping their true cost. And when you factor in the additional problem that many of the on-trend items that do work on me are clearly aimed at Gen Zers rather than achy, mortgage-paying millennials like myself, shopping gets even trickier.

The solution? The Target young adult section, which has tons of well-fitting clothes for people beyond its intended age group.

I admit, when I first started shopping at the teen area of Target as an adult, I felt a little embarrassed. Wasn't it going to be weird for my grown-up self to sport the same outfits as teens and early twentysomethings? As soon as I tried a couple things on, though, any shame I'd felt vanished. The clothes fit perfectly — especially the tops.

Seriously, I must've bought five shirts the first time I shopped there, and in the time since, I've come back for many more. And why not? They're stylish, comfortable, and inexpensive, plus they don't make me feel like I'm Steve Buscemi in that "fellow kids" meme.

Below, I've rounded up my favorite tops in Target's teen section (some of which are also available in the regular women's section) that you can shop right now.

Wild Fable Short Sleeve Cropped T-Shirt

Teen tops at Target
Teen tops at Target

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One of the best parts about shopping in the young adult section of Target is the prices. This simple but cute cropped crewneck tee is just $5, making it a no-brainer to grab in a few colors (I own it in olive and white). Pair it with high-waisted jeans, a flowy skirt, black leggings, or really anything — it's a staple you'll wear all the time, too.

Shop now: $5; target.com

A New Day Rib Tank Top

Teen tops at Target
Teen tops at Target

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In need of a basic but pretty tank top that you can wear on its own, under a cardigan, or layered with a sweater? Look no further than this option from A New Day, which has soft knit fabric, a lightweight feel, a textured crew neck, and more than a dozen colors to choose from. Just be warned that the tank does run small, so you might want to choose a size larger than you typically wear.

Shop now: $7 (Originally $8); target.com

Universal Thread Short Sleeve Boxy T-Shirt

Teen tops at Target
Teen tops at Target

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Boxy tees are the best, as you can wear them tucked in or hanging loose depending on the look you're going for and it'll look just right either way. This particular option, from Universal Thread, is spacious yet cropped, so it still has a clear shape, which is emphasized even more by the short sleeves and crewneck. Get it in black to start, then check out the lovely coral and light green colors.

Shop now: $6 (Originally $8); target.com

Wild Fable Button-Front Knit Tiny Tank Top

Teen tops at Target
Teen tops at Target

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This super cute cropped tank top fits like a dream thanks to its knit fabric and textured finish. The scooped neck and buttons on the front will make it stand out from every other tank, and the bright pink hue will add a pop of color. It looks especially great when worn with high-waisted jeans, but a top like this works with any type of bottom, really.

Shop now: $10 (Originally $12); target.com

Levi's Alice Short Sleeve Denim Button-Down Shirt

Teen tops at Target
Teen tops at Target

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Prepare to get all the compliments in this Levi's denim shirt. With puff sleeves, face-framing collars, and a relaxed, comfortable fit (it's slightly cropped, but reviewers say you can still tuck it into jeans), it's a top you'll want to wear out all the time. Pick it up in a light or dark blue wash, or both if you like options.

Shop now: $40 (Originally $50); target.com

Wild Fable Long Sleeve Turtleneck Cozy Boxy Cropped T-Shirt

Teen tops at Target
Teen tops at Target

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Trust me: You'll want to live in this cozy turtleneck, which comes in four gorgeous colors (almond, dark mauve, heather gray, and peath orange) and is only $15. The fabric is ridiculously soft, and the dropped shoulders give it a slightly slouchy — but not sloppy — fit. "It's flattering and cute," wrote one happy customer, while another noted how "soft and stylish" the turtleneck truly is.

Shop now: $15; target.com

Mine Fashion Printed Woven Cami Top

Teen tops at Target
Teen tops at Target

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This top's fun tie-dye pattern is certainly eye-catching, but don't forget to also note the v-neck, faux front buttons, and spaghetti straps. The silhouette is loose but not shapeless, making the shirt look just as nice when worn tucked into jeans or hanging totally out. The way you style it is up to you.

Shop now: $19; target.com

Wild Fable Long Sleeve V-Neck Cozy Rib T-Shirt

Teen tops at Target
Teen tops at Target

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"So soft!! This is my new favorite top," wrote one clearly pleased customer after buying this v-neck long-sleeve shirt from Wild Fable. Available in seven beautiful colors and made from cozy, ribbed material, the versatile tee is the kind of thing that's in the front of your closet all year long. The high-low hem and relaxed drop shoulders are just added bonuses to an already great shirt.

Shop now: $15; target.com

Levi's Perfect T-Shirt

Teen tops at Target
Teen tops at Target

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The name says it all. There's so much to love about this classic tee, which features Levi's iconic logo on the front and comes in three distinct colors and design options. "Love the fit!!" raved one reviewer. "It wasn't just a t-shirt, it was an actual t-shirt for a woman. This was a last minute buy that worked out great!!"

Shop now: $18 (Originally $20); target.com