12 No-Fail Outfits Every 30-Something Should Have on Hand

Your 30-year-old self may have tossed the over-exposed halters hanging in your closet, but that means there's plenty of room to add a chic off-the-shoulder top. Displaying just a sexy sliver of skin, it's the piece you'll rely on again and again for something elevated to wear to an evening out — and it works every time.

Sure, there may be a few trends you decide to sit out, but culottes shouldn't be one of them. The flattering cut and go-anywhere style is perfect for showing off a great pair of heels. Start wearing them and you might just forget how much you used to love your jeans (and that's perfectly fine).

If you missed out on flares the first time they made a comeback, you don't want to regret missing them this time around. They're the trend that works for basically every body and happen to look sophisticated and smart, unlike so many other denim trends (cutoffs, anyone?) that seem to find their way back into fashion.

Outsmart the typical way to sparkle by adding sequins to something sophisticated, like a blazer and tights or a slouchy turtleneck instead of just the going-out tops from your youth.

Full skirts were made to flatter a woman's shape, nipped at the waist to create a classic hourglass silhouette. If you ever felt like you were playing dress up when you slipped them on in college, you'll feel like a total woman when you try one on now. Just finish with a wide belt and a sweater to take it to the office or a pair of great heels for a date.

Your first foray into corporate-world dressing may have included a blah suit your mom helped pick out post college. No offense, Mom, but suits come in so many playful fabrics and modern cuts that were made for shaking up your workwear routine. Embrace the look with a subtle print or an unexpected color and watch the compliments roll in — in and out of the boardroom.

Remember when you tried to make your outfits pop with notice-me prints and bold bright colors? You were totally underestimating just how chic subtle colors look when they're worn in different shades of the same hue. Now, you'll get noticed for all the right reasons.

Showing skin doesn't have to mean tube top or a flimsy tank; go the unexpected route with a long-sleeved button-up, undone to show just the right measure of cleavage. It'll surprise you just how sexy this elegant approach can be.

Now that you've outfitted your closets with the basic outerwear necessities, it's time to upgrade with a coat in a standout print, special sheen, or your favorite color. It just might be the easiest way to perk up your outfit without even trying.

So thigh-grazing minis might be better suited for your 21-year-old cousin, and that's fine. Doesn't mean the 20-somethings are having all the fun. Show a little leg with a sexy, albeit grown-up, twist. A slit skirt flashes just a hint of your stems as you walk, revealing just the right amount of leg and a glimpse of your statement pumps.

You may have outgrown your sweats (at least in public), but pajama-inspired pieces are the on-trend alternative that look sophisticated and stylish. Just remember to add heels, not slippers, for the right effect.

When you were younger, you might have lacked the confidence – or the know-how — to pull off a bold look like this. Not anymore. Embrace the ultradistinguished feel of caped outerwear to complete everything from skinny jeans and a tee to that sheath you wear religiously to work. In every case, you'll look like the seasoned fashion pro that you've become in your 30s.