How to Dress in Your 30’s | tl;dr - however the eff you want (but I have notes)

Style

May 28

TBH there is nothing more annoying or eye-roll inducing than telling a woman how to dress in her 30’s. We’ve been alive for 3 decades, okay? We know what we’re doing here. So take this not as a restrictive guide, but rather a gentle nudge to do whatever the hell you want, and to do so with confidence. Because that’s the real secret to dressing in your 30’s.

But I do have some notes.

The Commandments:

Know Thyself
Understand the Classics
Embrace Trends // that you’re into
Buy Your Size.
5 Items Every Woman Should Have in her Closet

Know thyself

Ma’am if you are in your 30’s, you know what pieces hang in your closet that you’re never going to take off the hanger and actually wear. You also know which items are your daily heroes. You know what colors you gravitate to and which jeans fit the best. Lean into that intuition.

We’ve all spent too much money on things that look cute on other people. I’m a repeat offender, buying J Crew bright colors that I want to like, but in the AM, I’ll just always reach for my neutrals. Having a few fun and a little weird things in your closet isn’t bad, I’m just saying don’t put your investments there.

And hey - same goes for jeans okay? You know which style fits you nicest and if it’s skinny jeans, here in the heyday of boyfriend styles and loose fits - you do you, boo. We all know you’ll look the best in whatever you feel the best in.

But also, embrace trends that you’re into.

Don’t scratch the whole message above, but like, don’t write off the trends you’re into either. Fashion is only fun if it isn’t boring, so if you’re into it, take those trends for a test drive.

Personally I’m into the flared jeans trend that reminds of my high school years. Same goes for Birks. And if we ever see the return of stacked polo shirts with the collars popped up, I’m just saying I might not immediately say no.

Understand the classics

Here’s where your investment pieces live. I’m talking well fitting LBDs, and a go-to pair of heels. A good trench coat, and a crisp white button down. A nice bag in a classic shape. Take inventory of what you wear often that never goes out of style, and that’s where you spend your money. If you do this right, the cost per wear on a good quality item that lasts can wind up being more economical than cheap fast fashion that you’re replacing every season.

Your classics might be different from mine, because we’re all doing our own thing. I’m suggesting you pay attention to what you pull out of your closet often and go from there.

Don’t worry about the tag. Buy your size.

My biggest and stupidest lesson that I honestly just had to learn: buy ya damn size. The years I was stuck on a tag, squeezing into things that were uncomfortable. I’m embarrassed tbh. One day, I just gave it up in the middle of Target and bought the next size up. And you know what, I still have the white denim pants I impulse bought that day. They fit better and look better and nobody can see what size they are.

5 Items Every Woman Should Have in her Closet

Just my opinion, but these are my go-tos that have never done me wrong:

A good pair of go anywhere white sneakers.
Flattering jeans || ideally a dark wash that you can dress up or down.
A nice jacket || for me, this means a workhorse trench that can be casual or professional, but in general I think it means whatever style you wear the most.
A good quality purse || may that be a night out clutch, a sturdy daily driver, or work bag, if you’re using it frequently, make it a nice one.
The ultimate LBD.
Cute and comfortable pajamas || hear me out, there is nothing nicer than lounging around the house feeling comfortable and put together.