Typically, our 20-something years are spent experimenting with our style. From brightly dyed hair to tacky dresses and fanny packs, this period of your life is all about having fun with trends.
However, you must start cleaning up your look when you hit a certain age. When you reach the big 3-0, it’s time to dress more maturely. This means you must be prepared to let go of some pieces in your closet that you won’t need anymore.
This style transition can be a pretty confusing and challenging time. Let us help you with some tips below.
1. Choose Solid Colors
Eva Longoria flaunted her legs in a clingy white pencil dress with capped sleeves, nude T-bar Louboutin heels, and smokey brown makeup for the TV appearance (Credit: VALPO NNEWs / WENN)
Avoid loud prints and bright colors for a cleaner and more polished look.
Eva Longoria makes a stylish appearance at the Extra set at Universal Studios to promote her new collaboration with J.C. Penney in Los Angeles on April 22, 2015 (Credit: VALPO NNEWs / WENN)
A dress in a solid color, like black, white, or gray, will give you a classic look that you can easily dress up or down with accessories.
Bec & Bridge Entrained Wrap Short-Sleeve Dress, $334
5th & Mercer Long-Sleeve Fringe Dress, $198
2. Limit Fast-Fashion Shopping
There’s nothing wrong with budget shopping from time to time, but if your closet is filled with nothing but fast fashion pieces, you need to do some closet cleaning.
One of the best things about being in your 30s is having the money to splurge on clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. Make sure to reward yourself and limit buying cheap pieces.
3. Invest in Quality Basic Pieces
Your closet must already have the basics, which include a nice coat, perfectly fitting pants, a pencil skirt, a button-down top, etc.
It’s smart to splurge on these essential pieces because you can use them repeatedly regardless of the season. A great coat may be quite pricey, but this will go a long way. It can easily upgrade a casual outfit into a super chic ensemble.
If you are splurging on a high-quality coat, choose a neutral color to go with anything in your closet.
Jessica Alba, in a Gerard Darel Catia coat and Rachel Zoe sneakers, with her daughter shopping at The Grove in Los Angeles on February 28, 2015 (Credit: VALPO NNEWs / WENN)
4. Avoid Short Hemlines
However gorgeous your legs may be, wearing micro minis is no longer appropriate, especially if you are attending a formal event.
Keep things classy with midi-length hemlines that give you a more feminine, sophisticated look. Additionally, leave those tattered “music festival” denim shorts for the teenagers.
5. Opt For Embellished Over Distressed
The disheveled look may work during your off-duty and errand days, but looking laid-back all the time shouldn’t be your style staple when you are over 30.
Instead of torn, ripped, distressed fabrics, go for dresses with a little embellishment. These frocks can also be dressed down with flat sandals so they won’t look too formal.
Ramy Brook “Taryn” Dress, $445
Mes Demoiselles “Aliona” Embellished Dress, $161
Shoshanna “Alexia” Gown in Navy, $395
6. Show off a Little Bit of Skin
Dressing maturely does not mean you have to cover up everything. However, you should also veer off from wearing too revealing clothes.
Instead, show off a little bit of skin with dresses that are subtly sexy and age-appropriate.
Rachel Zoe Off-Shoulder Jersey Dress, $295
Keepsake “End of Time” Dress, $150
Bailey44 “Mateo” Dress, $165
7. Wear Everything With Confidence
Reaching your 30s is a big milestone that you should be proud of. You are most likely a lot wiser and more confident now than ever.
Your outfits will be instantly upgraded if you add more confidence to your walk, so keep your chin up regardless of what you are wearing.