Style Tips for When You’re No Longer in Your 20s

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I’ve written a fair few posts reflecting on how I approach my personal style now that I’m in my 30s.  I’ve reflected on the style lessons I wish I had learnt as well as the wardrobe edits I made since entering the new decade.  I stand by the fact that age is just a number, and now that I’m in my mid-30s, I’ve never felt more confident in my personal style. Perhaps due in part to the career and personal milestones that I’ve marked since entering my 30s, I really do feel like 30 is a significant milestone.  

That said, my personal style is constantly evolving, so with that in mind, here are my personal style tips as you move into your 30s and beyond:

Everlane knit dress*, Gucci belt (review here), Everlane boots*, H&M coat (sold out, similar here), Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Ray Ban sunglasses

#1 – Dress for yourself and not for anyone else

Speaking from experience, I can recall times where I’ve changed how I’ve dressed to meet someone’s expectations – such as trying to fit in fashion-wise with a group at university, or opting in on a trend that really didn’t suit me.  The sooner you can drop this habit, the better! And while workplace dress codes do need to be observed, I’m much happier now that I wear outfits that truly reflect my personal style.  

#2 – Fit reigns supreme

Fit should be one of your highest priorities when considering whether to make a purchase.  If a piece doesn’t sit right, or if it’s too complex a job for my tailor – it’s a hard pass from me. Despite it looking amazing on someone you admire, you can’t will the piece to be a flattering fit on you.  At the end of the day, you won’t end up wearing something if you don’t feel amazing in it. 

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Everlane knit dress*, Gucci belt (review here), Everlane boots*, Celine bag (review here, affordable dupe here), Ray Ban sunglasses

#3 – Upgrade your staples

As you move into your 30s, you’ll likely have more disposable income to spend.  For me, I took the opportunity to upgrade the pieces that I loved to wear to higher quality versions.  Pieces that spring to mind include my Scanlan Theodore crepe knit pieces that I wear to the office, Nobody Denim jeans that form the majority of my denim collection, my cashmere knitwear and beloved collection of Celine bags.  

Not only do you look more polished but you already know that you’ll wear them all the time.  As for the remainder of my wardrobe, I still very much enjoy mixing high street with my high end pieces, and I shop strategically from the high street to ensure the pieces match well (ie. quality, fabric, colour palette) with my existing wardrobe. 

#4 – Make sure your clothes are sending the right message

You’ve probably progressed in your career so it’s important that your outfits send the right message too.  If you’re more senior, your clothes should progress along with your career – whether it’s wearing more structured pieces like blazers and power dresses or wearing heels.  It’s easy to get complacent with your style habits from your 20s but you shouldn’t let this hold you back from the message that you ultimately want to convey.  

#5 – Keep taking those fashion risks!

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you need to dress like a fuddy duddy.  Thoughtful fashion risks keep your personal style fresh and exciting.  Personally, I love playing around with silhouettes and mixing different neutral tones and textures. Pinterest is my go-to for inspiration when I’m looking for new ways to style a particular piece in my wardrobe and you shouldn’t be afraid to play around and make little tweaks to keep things interesting. 

Thanks again for stopping by! 

P.S. The wardrobe edits I made in my 30s and style lessons I wish I had learnt before my 30s!