How to Dress when You're 30

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1Investing in Quality Basics

2Choosing Accessories

3Tossing Age-Inappropriate Items

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

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References

In your 30s, you may be juggling a career, family, and your social life. You may not have as much time to focus on your appearance as you did in your 20s, but it’s even more important that you look polished given that you’re older. By investing in high-quality pieces of clothing and timeless accessories, you can look stylish and pulled together. You can also update your closet by tossing age-inappropriate items that are better suited to people in their teens and 20s.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Investing in Quality Basics

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   Find a dark-wash pair of jeans that fits your body well. Go to a department store to locate a dark-wash pair of jeans that flatters your figure. Avoid jeggings that are more spandex than cotton. Try a trouser-cut jean for casual Fridays at work or a slouchy, boyfriend-cut for the weekend.

   • For a masculine look, try jeans with a single break that fit snugly in the waist without becoming baggy in the leg.
   • Store associates typically know their inventory well and can pick styles that will flatter you.
   • Very light washes can show every ripple of your body and are less sophisticated. A deep indigo shade is a classic. You can also try black denim.
   • No need to go full old-lady yet. Avoid jeans with elastic waistbands!
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   Invest in high-quality suits in gray, black and blue. For a masculine look, build your work wardrobe around these 3 classic suiting colors. Go to a suiting retailer near you, and ask a store associate to help you pick three classic-yet-modern suits in these shades. Most department stores have tailors on staff that can fit the suits to you perfectly.

   • The store associate can also suggest oxfords and accessories in complementary colors that make your new suits look great. Rich brown loafers can set off a gray suit nicely, for example.
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   Snag a silhouette-flattering black blazer. Look for a blazer with arms that fit nicely but are not tight. Steer-clear of dated styles that have shoulder pads. A well-fitting blazer should nip in at the waist then follow the curve of your hips outward. The jacket should button easily, even if you decide to wear it open.

   • Blazers are versatile pieces that can pair with similarly colored slacks for a suit-effect or be worn to a Sunday brunch with rolled sleeves.
   • If you find a high-quality blazer that fits you well but not perfectly, take it to a tailor. A good tailor can make a rack blazer fit like a custom garment with some minor adjustments.
   • Keeping a nice blazer in your office is a great idea in case you get cold and need to bundle up in a professional way.
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   Buy a neutral, high-quality silk blouse. Look for a silk blouse in a light, neutral shade with a classic V neckline. Look for a matte rather than shiny silk for a look that is more polished than sexy. If the blouse has buttons, make sure they lay flat when fully buttoned, particularly if you have a larger bust.

   • Try tucking your silk blouse into a pencil skirt or wearing it with slouchy boyfriend jeans and white sneakers.
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   Invest in a timeless little black dress. Buy a black dress that’s office-appropriate yet fashionable. Opt for a higher neckline and a sturdy fabric that shapes your figure nicely. You’ll be able to wear this versatile piece to cocktail parties, business lunches, funerals, weddings and everything in between.

   • Just because a dress is black doesn’t mean it can’t be interesting. Look for unique details, such as pearl buttons or lace detailing, that make your dress stand out from the crowd.
   • A dress should be at least knee-length to be suitable for work.
   • Depending upon the occasion, pair your dress with a colorful silk scarf or high heels in a floral print for a pop of color.
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   Go for a cashmere crew-neck sweater. Buy a solid-colored cashmere sweater that you can dress up for the office with trousers or pair with jeans on the weekend. A crewneck is a classic look that’s always appropriate and never goes out of style.

   • Add a skinny belt over your sweater around your natural waist to amp up the preppy factor of your crew neck.
   • Neutral colors go with everything, and jewel tones complement most skin tones as well.
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   Buy a polished white T-shirt. Look for a T-shirt in a classic cut, such as a crew or V neck. Opt for a heavy cotton fabric that will wash well but have more shape than an undershirt. It’s best to wash your whites together so they keep their bright white color.

   • Pair your white T-shirt with any casual clothes for a classic look. Try jeans, a trench coat, and some heels for a polished look on the go.
   • For a masculine look, pair a white T-shirt with a herringbone blazer and dark jeans.
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   Try a classic trench coat. Look for a neutral-colored trench coat with a belt. Khaki is a classic color. Choose a trench that is lightweight and waterproof, so you can layer up and look chic on rainy days.

   • For a different look, try a trench in navy or olive.
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   Treat yourself to a pair of matching pajamas. Pick out a pair of matching silk or linen pajamas that make you feel comfortable and grown up at the same time. You’ll feel special, even when you’re answering work email on a Sunday.

   • It’s not as critical as a black blazer, but taking good care of yourself is a part of what your 30s are all about! You probably have more responsibilities (and maybe even a little more expendable income). Get some nice pjs, and live a little!
   • Stick to solids or classic patterns, such as a stripe or dot. Look for a set that has a top and a bottom. You may be able to buy these pieces separately for the best fit.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing Accessories

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   Buy a classic leather belt. Look for a brown or black belt with a silver or gold buckle for some timeless polish during the week. You can also use one to dress up your jeans and T-shirt on the weekend or pair with a button-up on casual Friday.

   • Try an interesting buckle shape, such as a circle, to add a twist to your timeless look.
   • Avoid novelty buckles, such as superhero styles, that are better suited to a younger crowd.
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   Class up your look with diamond or faux-diamond studs. Find a pair of faux-diamond or real diamond studs to pair with casual and work outfits. Look for earrings that are of a small size, so even if they’re fakes, they have the illusion of being real. Avoid oversized or excessively glittery substitutes, which can come off as tacky.

   • Moissanite and cubic zirconia are two great diamond alternatives that pass for the real deal.
3. 
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   Choose a flattering pair of sunglasses. Buy yourself a pair of sunglasses in a classic color such as black or tortoise-shell. Wayfarer and aviator styles rarely go out of fashion. Purchase a sturdy pair (doesn’t have to be expensive!) that you’ll care for properly and store in their case.

   • You may find yourself treating drug-store sunglasses poorly because they’re cheap. Since they’re poorly made, they typically don’t last, either. Investing in glasses you’ll wear for years ensures you’re less likely to forget them at lunch!
   • If you need regular specs too, a store associate at a glasses boutique can help you select a flattering pair. Frame colors that match your eyes can look nice.
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   Invest in a polished weekender bag. Select a chic overnight bag large enough for a weekend away. Look for classic materials, such as twill or leather, that will hold up even if you have to check them on the plane. Sophisticated grays and blues won’t look dirty even if they get scuffed up.

   • Avoid cream or white bags, which show wear easily.
   • Add a feminine touch by selecting a style with metallic buckles or loop a scarf around the handle.
5. 
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   Buy classic black pumps that are not platforms. Look for classic black high heels with a closed toe in suede or leather. Avoid patent styles, which are better suited to younger people. These timeless shoes will pair with trousers or skirts at work or dress up a pair of skinny jeans for a date.

   • Heel heights shorter than 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) are most appropriate for work. Heels you wear casually can be of any height you feel comfortable with.
   • Some light colors of pants, such as beige, may look better with other equally light neutrals, but black really does go with everything.
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   Try a clean pair of simple white sneakers. Buy a pair of plain white sneakers with a flat sole. Opt for a style without brand logos on the exterior that looks more like a lounging shoe than an athletic shoe. These shoes can pair with khakis for weekend errands or a little black dress for a casual twist.

   • While you can try sneakers in other neutrals, white really is the most versatile. Black sneakers may be too eye-catching with some looks.
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   Add a chic red lipstick to your makeup bag. Pull off a makeup classic by occasionally wearing some red lipstick. While not technically an accessory, the boldness of a red lip can accent a simple look and make it memorable.

   • Try a red lip with jeans and a classic white T-shirt for a pop of color or try it with a neutral silk blouse at work.
   • The best shade of red lipstick for you varies based on your skin tone. If you have warm undertones in your skin, try a warmer orange-tinted red lipstick. If you have bluer undertones in your skin, try more of a magenta or berry-colored red.
   • Neutral make up and lipstick can look polished, too. These are just some ideas to try.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Christina Santelli

   Professional Stylist

   Christina Santelli is the Owner and Founder of Style Me New, a wardrobe styling concierge based in Tampa, Florida. She has been working as a stylist for over six years, and her work has been featured in HSN, the Pacific Heights Wine and Food Festival, and the Nob Hill Gazette.

   

   Christina Santelli
   Professional Stylist

   Take care of your skin, as well. Stylist Christina Santelli says: "You should think of your skin as an accessory. No matter what you're wearing, people are going to see your face. Consider what colors look good with your skin tone, wash and moisturize your face every day, and groom your eyebrows."

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Tossing Age-Inappropriate Items

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   Discard any low-rise jeans. Try wearing slouchy boyfriend jeans or trouser-cut jeans instead of tight, low-rise styles. Most of these styles have gone out of fashion for everyone but teenagers—whose bodies are best suited to baring a midriff.

   • Mid- and high-waist rises are the most flattering.
2. 
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   Throw away ill-fitting or quirky suits. Get rid of any suits from your earliest days in the workplace. These pieces were likely bought for you by a parent—maybe not exactly your style—and likely don’t fit you well into your 30s. They were also probably purchased before you had a good feel for what people wear to your office on a typical day.

   • Suits with large shoulder pads or other dated features, for example, should go.
   • Save novelty ties for outside the office.
3. 
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   Get rid of school shoes. Recycle saddle shoes, Mary Janes, and other childish styles, which are meant for children. Try a pair of nude slip-ons or flats instead.

   • If a shoe style was ever required by your school dress code when you were younger, chances are you’re too old for it.
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   Ditch stretchy tube tops. Try a lace or silk camisole instead of this high-school dance staple. There are few places a grown woman can convincingly wear a tube top, and even if she could, it’s better left to a younger set.
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   Trade miniskirts for pencil skirts. Ditch super short skirts and try curve-hugging longer options for a little sex appeal instead. Pencil skirts in leather (on the weekend) or suede can provide a timeless style that is flattering and age-appropriate.
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   Throw out body-con dresses. Toss any spandex or polyester dresses whose main purpose is showing off your figure at a nightclub. Instead, try a cocktail dress with interesting detailing, such as lace or embroidery, or a backless style for some visual interest.
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   Store your collegiate wear. Put your fraternity or sorority sweatshirt away, as well as any pants or shorts that have team names written on the behind. While these items may hold memories, they imply you haven’t moved on since that period of time.

   • Try a solid crew-neck sweatshirt with skinny jeans and white sneakers for a cozy casual look.
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   Get rid of rompers and playsuits. Move on from festival-wear by passing down cute rompers and playsuits to your younger cousins. These typically short, baby-doll styles and their cutesy floral prints are geared more towards teens.
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   Toss short-shorts. Even if you’re in stellar shape, throw out any booty shorts still in your closet. These uber-short styles flatter very few people. Try slim-cut Bermuda shorts or a flirty knee-length skirt in a chic lace to show off your legs instead.
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Tips

• Get a feel for which brands tend to fit you well. This will help you stock up on clothes that flatter you.
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• Your clothes should make you feel confident and happy. Ignore any guidelines that you don’t want to follow. Embrace your own personal style!
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• For help with looking younger at 30 without overdoing it, check out the How.com.vn How to Look Younger at 30.
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