How to Dress at 30 – Fashion Advice
How to Dress Like | Jessica | February 8, 2009 at 8:26 amUp until they hit 30, many people dress in a very youthful style. The 30s are when many people start to see themselves as grown ups for the first time. Or, if they already saw themselves that way, they start to realize that their style has to evolve from the way they dressed in their teens or early 20s to a new, more sophisticated clothing style.
Skirts
Miniskirts are generally not considered something appropriate for the wardrobe of someone in their 30s. The exact age that this is true varies, but many believe that by 30 to 35 they should no longer be worn. Skirt should go to the knee or below it and not too much thigh should be shown if the woman is sitting down. To get a flirtier look out of a longer skirt, many women wear skirts with a long slit instead of a short hemline.
Pants
For anyone who is 30, man or woman, the time for the torn-up jeans is over. Ripped jeans worn on a 20-something can make them look like a rebel. Ripped jeans worn on a 30-something person can make them looks homeless. Clothing should generally be in good condition and a more coordinated, sophisticated look is generally called for. The jeans should be more classic and less trendy. Instead of wearing the latest fad jeans, invest in a few jeans that have a more classic style.
Getting a few pairs of khaki pants will mean that you always have a nice, casual pair of pants when you need them. If you like to wear skirts, have a few pairs that are pencil-skirt style because of their classic shape. A maxi skirt looks good on some people, but it may be considered too trendy for 30-somethings.
Shirts
The message t-shirts and casual, old vintage t-shirts are no longer appropriate for those in their 30s. Like ripped pants, they have a much different statement when worn by someone in their 20s than by someone in their 30s. A vintage t-shirt on a college student looks like an ironic statement about their own unique style. On a 30-something person, it looks like an ancient t-shirt that you’ve kept around in your wardrobe for far too long. T-shirts are great for any age group, but they should be in good condition and not too trendy in your 30s. They should fit together with your other classic pieces in order to form a more cohesive wardrobe.
While most trendy clothing may be a little too youthful for those in their 30s, the key to a great outfit at this age is wearing great accessories. The accessories you wear can generally be as trendy as you like in order to make your classic wardrobe look more individualized and stylish. Many 30-somethings like to express themselves through their sunglasses and their jewelry. Handbags are another big style point for women in their
Tags: dress for 30, dressing for 30, fashion, fashion advice, fashion tips, how to dress, how to dress for 30
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Great tips, but I don’t think every see themselves as adults at 30, some people never grow up!
I do not think someone should abandone mini skirt just because she is 30, 30 something, it rather depends on how old she is looking. Look at many celebs who wear mini skirts and mini dresses in their 30′s
I’d say this is better advice for dressing at 40 or even 50.
In this day and age, 40 is the new 30 I think.
What with college expenses being higher, more people going part time, and grad school becoming more and more the norm for the ever elusive “good jobs” out there, more and more 30 year olds are still in grad school, hence the college appropriate clothing.
this is a bit silly – it really depends on how you wear an outfit, not your age. If you are 40 and can pull off a dress that’s 2 inches abover your knee b.c you have great toned legs and are classy and aging well – why wouldn’t you! You don’t have to lose your sense of style and become a big frump just because you’re over 30. There are plenty of ways to be youthful and trendy without being slutty in your 30s. Just don’t shop at teen stores otr in the jr dept.
Lily is right. I dislike advice like this because it presumes that everyone in their 30s is the same. Boring and bland, apparently. Nobody wants to dress in your uniform of what 30 should look like.
I’m well over 30 and I can say its enough to avoid super trendy things in general from head to toe worn as someone in their 20s or 30s might wear them, shopping in juniors or teens, or dressing like a hooker. Cover up what isn’t attractive, and beyond that, wear what you like and is suited to the situation.
Lil and Elle are right. I think that it all depends on the person, their personality, their jobs, their lives. I am 30, but most people think I am not even 21 yet. I look really young and I should not have to dress down so much just because of one more birthday. My lifestyle is active and I am comfortable with how I dress. You can meet a 20 something who looks horrible in cargo pants and a tank then you can meet that artist in her 50′s in a cargo and tank and she looks fab. Lets talk about how to not dress trashy that would be a much better use of internet space. Like pajamas in public.
The mini skirt can be worn in your 30s! I have great legs and I’m short. If I wear something at my knees it makes me look 50!
I’m 36 and no one ever gets my age right. I’m starting to get 27/28 when I tell people I’m older than I look! I think I can pull off a mini, thanks very much.
OMG!! I just turned 30…I disagree with alot of the stuff you said. Kaki…come on!! I might as well buy sweat pant and buy a minivan so the world knows I give up!!
Wow!! I am about to turn 30 in august and when I hit 25 I was like OMG how am I suppose to dress now??!!?!? It was pure torture until I pulled myself together to realize I have great fashion sense and I’ll figure it out. So as my birthday is approaching I thought I would see what is considered “acceptable” attire to clothe my almost 30 year old bod. Boy!! I am surprised that you say no trendy jeans, t’s, cargos, etc. I am a fan of select denim designers and would never give up my denim as it is a HUGE part of my wardrobe. I could go on and on and on about all the things that disappointed me in this article.
LAME! I’m 30 & I dress like I’m 16.
very interestind, I’m close to 30, and I’m beginnig to chose my clothes carefully. Thank you for this article
I think you have some basic tips here that are good.
However, Frumpie at 30 is also not a good look!
Wow, what a depressing article.
WOW! Im 30 and i look in my 20s! I wear ripped jeans and some tees that have words on them! I dont look like a bum! I look great! Women in their 30s can dress with style! We are still young! Times have changed! 30 is like the new 20! I dont dress trashy but i still dress youthful because i am! I dont like this article! I think its for SQUARES!