What Clothes Should I Wear in My 30s?
Attention 30-Somethings: 11 Pieces to Have On Your Wardrobe Checklist
Product Credit: (model on left) Each X Other Dress, Elizabeth & James Bag, (middle model) Eloquii Dress, Agmes Earrings, Grey Ant Sunglasses, Paravel Bag, (model on right) Topshop Top, Jacket and Trousers, Clare V. Bag, Krewe Sunglasses
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You spent your 20s building an inventory of the basics, and now it's time to step up your game. Your 30s will bring many milestones, and between all the personal and professional events — promotions, weddings, parties, dates, and more — you'll want to have the necessary outfits.
That means a formal dress, tailored pants, and a sexy blouse that's a step above the one you wore on your 25th birthday. Consider this your wardrobe checklist, and keeping reading to shop the essentials.
1 A Great Leather Jacket
If the denim jacket was the go-to layer in your 20s, in your 30s, it's a leather one. The effect is cool without being too edgy or tough, so you can absolutely slip it over your polished dresses and top your trousers with it, too.
Everlane Modern Leather Jacket
Madewell Ultimate Leather Motorcycle Jacket
2 The Cashmere Sweater
Product Credit: Tibi Sweater, Demylee Charcoal Sweater, Rebecca Taylor Sweater, 3.1 Philip Lim Sweater, Vince Sweater, Stella McCartney Sweate
Replace your stack of tired knits in your closet with a supersoft cashmere sweater. Unlike your pilled and faded cotton pullovers, this one will look smart with a pencil skirt at the office or dinner.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Lounge Sweater
Cos Cashmere Sweater
3 The Polished Trench
Product Credit: Vince Dress, Rebecca Taylor Trench, Madewell Bracelet, A Peace Treaty Earrings, Samantha Wills Sunglasses, Chlose Bag
Sure, you can still get by with your anorak on a rainy day, but there's something inherently classic about a trench coat. It will look just as sharp with your weekend denim as it will with your work sheath.
Classic Trench Jacket
Cuyana Classic Trench
4 The Top That Shows Off Your Best Assets
Product Credit: Fleur Du Mal Jumpsuit, Lulu Frost Earrings,
In your 20s, you had a collection of "going-out tops" that were flirty and fun; now, it's time to upgrade for a sexy, sophisticated top that showcases your best assets. Whatever your best features are, this is the time to flaunt them with the right top that puts the right parts on display.
Brock Qualita Woven Shirt
Tibi Featherweight Cotton Twill Halter-Neck Twist Tank
5 The Perfect Skirt
You're stepping up your game at the office and at home, and a skirt that flatters your curves does the same. It adds just enough interest to elevate a white blouse or a T-shirt, but it's still totally classic, so you'll have it for seasons to come.
Veronica Beard Vanity Ruched Floral-Print Silk-Blend Skirt
& Other Stories Satin A-Line Midi Skirt
6 The Grown-Up Coat
Product Credit: Tibi Dress, Vince Coat, M2Malleiier bag, Miansai Necklace
Long gone are the days you could wear your puffer or anorak with your sophisticated pencil skirts and get away with it. A lean, go-with-everything coat in a beautiful hue is the perfect piece to finish off your cold-weather looks with ample polish and so much more sophistication than your pullover fleece.
Mango Lapels Structured Coat
3.1 Phillip Lim Windowpane Cardigan Coat
7 The Perfect-Fit Jean
Product Credit: Rag and Bone Jeans, Sandro Jeans
Polished, well-cut denim can help you go from work to weekend in a flash. Just opt for a pair that'll last — and one that doesn't come with holes.
Agolde Riley High-Rise Straight Crop in Frequency
Mango Straight-Fit Theresa Jeans
8 The Next Blazer
Product Credit: Vince Jacket, Alix BodySuit, Tibi Pants, Alexander Wang Heels, Saint Laurent Bag
With a classic schoolboy blazer already in your closet, up your game with another go-to option, like a wool, white, or tuxedo blazer. The effect is elegant and a bit more grown-up; plus, they're totally seasonless, so feel free to add them to everything, from your holiday attire to your spring dresses.
Frankie Shop Elvira Double-Breasted Suit Blazer in Pink
Mango Double-Breasted Blazer
9 The Most Flattering All-Occasion Dress
Product Credit: Oak dress, Rebecca Minkoff shoes
In your 30s, you've graduated from jeans and T-shirts to more pulled-together fashion moments. So, you need a dress you can pull out and look amazing in at a moment's notice. For everything from a spontaneous date night to a big meeting, you need a dress that flatters your frame, makes a statement, and most importantly, one that you feel completely confident in. We'd look for something with special details or a standout print.
Ganni Sand Tiger-Print Crepe Wrap Midi Dress
Rixo Cozi Dress
10 Tailored Trousers
Product Credit: Stella McCartney Pants, Miansai cuff, Rebecca Taylor Blouse, Chloe Shoes
Maybe you've already upgraded with skinny black pants, and now it's time for another step up with a pair of tailored trousers. The key is finding the most flattering silhouette for your body; a long, lean leg-line flatters practically everyone, but you may want a slimmer fit or a wider leg depending on your figure. And, by all means, get them to a tailor if necessary.
Martin Pant
A.L.C. Diego Pants
11 The Cocktail Dress
The wedding circuit that started in your 20s shows no signs of slowing now, only friends in their 30s are throwing even fancier affairs. For this reason and so many more — like that random black-tie gala for your significant other's work — you need a formal dress in your arsenal. Like actually in your closet, not one you're borrowing from your big sis.
