How To Dress In Your 30s: 21 Must-Have Style Pieces

Wondering how to dress in your 30s? Are there certain things you should avoid? Certain things you can’t wear anymore? Let’s dive in!

First and foremost, you don’t have to abandon all your fun fashion choices from the past decade. Actually, it’s better that you don’t because the fashion industry is one of the most wasteful industries. That said, I’m so glad you’re here to build a wardrobe you truly love!

Just because you’re in your 30s doesn’t mean you can’t still wear crop tops – it just means that maybe you should consider wearing them with higher-waisted trousers. Want to wear sequins? May as well make them an everyday staple as you accessorize.

This post may contain commissionable links. Thank you for supporting this resource.

How To Dress In Your 30s

I have personally been slowly figuring how I want to dress. Taking time to try on various pieces and picking what you truly feel comfortable in versus what is trendy is the way to go.

It doesn’t matter what everyone else is wearing if you don’t like it. You have to wear what suits your style and your lifestyle.

As a general rule, you should wear what you feel most comfortable in.

There are different ways to approach this though.

One of the best ways to do this is to look at your most common use-case.

Are you dressing to go to the office or are you a stay-at-home mom who wears leggings most often?

Ultimately you need to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing and it needs to work for you. You don’t need blazers if your commute is to the playroom and you have a boss who is not even walking yet.

So begin by focusing on what you wear the most and go from there to build out a wardrobe of staple pieces that you truly feel your best in.

I do think it’s great to have pieces outside of your usual dress code for when you need them.

For instance, I have a black dress I call my funeral dress because I wear it just to funerals. I’ve done this since my 20s. It is a black wrap dress that that is appropriate for these events and I know will always look good.

I also have a few professional outfits I can throw on at a moments notice that I know will fit me and I will feel confident in.

What Not To Wear In Your 30s

Defining Your Personal Style

When defining your style, ask yourself: how do I want to present myself? Do I want a polished yet edgy look, or a more relaxed and laid back vibe? What colors do I feel most confident in? What shape of clothing best fits my body type?

Look around and take note of the pieces you’re drawn to. This can give you an idea of how your wardrobe should be, and what kind of pieces suit you best.

Accessorizing is also key – consider how you want to complete each look with the right jewelry, bags, and shoes. Sticking to a few signature accessories that speak to your style will help create cohesive looks.

I want to preface this section by saying I think you should absolutely wear what you want to wear. Truthfully, if you feel your best in something, wear it! It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

But on the flip side, chances are you’re reading this article because you are still figuring out your thirty-something style. It’s okay if you aren’t sure yet what looking and feeling your best means! That’s why we’re here to help.

You’re generally going to want to opt for timeless yet classic pieces that won’t ever go out of style – think wrap dresses and dark denim.

As for footwear, stay away from sneakers with a bright logo. Opt for basic shoes that are still stylish yet comfortable enough to run errands in.

Avoid things that aren’t for your body shape. We all have a different body shape, so make sure what you’re wearing fits your figure. You could work with a professional stylist to help you find the right fits for you.

It’s okay to go for trendy pieces and new styles but make sure they are things you’ll want to wear more than once. Otherwise you could consider renting pieces from somewhere like

Finally – don’t forget to make sure your clothes fit properly! Nothing will make you look older faster than ill fitting clothing. Choose the right size and tailor your pieces if needed.

Also, be sure to invest in quality pieces that will last for years instead of buying cheaper but trendier items that won’t hold up over time. Investing a little more money into timeless staples like tailored trousers and a great fitting blazer can take you places!

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with how you dress. With age comes confidence and that’s the best accessory of all. Try some bold colors or daring patterns – how else are you going to find out how amazing you look in them?

The Capsule Wardrobe for Your 30s

So what are the pieces you need to have the perfect wardrobe in your 30s? These are 20 types of clothing you should consider based on your lifestyle. You certainly do not need them!

It can take many tries to find the perfect pair of anything, so don’t give up! Take photos of your outfits everyday for a month and track what you wear most often before investing in more pieces.

Where are the gaps in your wardrobe? What do you wish you owned? Start there and move forward.

Comfortable Leggings

Leggings are essential for most people, whether you work in or out of the office. Looking for leggings can be daunting, but they don’t have to be! Find a pair that is comfortable and flattering.

The Perfect Jeans

Jeans are the key piece in any wardrobe. Look for a timeless cut that fits your body perfectly – you may need to get them tailored if they’re not just right.

For you these might be skinny jeans or boyfriend and for your best friend it might be bootcut jeans or high waisted jeans. One of the great things about fashion is that there are no wrong answers!

Comfortable Slacks

Comfortable slacks are a must-have for any professional office environment. Choose a color that compliments your complexion and works with the majority of the items in your wardrobe.

Joggers

Joggers are a great way to dress down your look without giving up comfort. Look for joggers that hit just above the ankle and have an elastic waistband.

Investment Outerwear

Now is the time to invest in an outerwear piece that will last you years. Look for something timeless, such as a wool coat, or a leather jacket.

Cardigans

Cardigans come in handy when you want to dress in layers but still look polished. Choose a cardigan with a neutral color or pattern for the most versatile look. And a few statement cardigans can make a neutral wardrobe really pop. Never underestimate the power of a cardigan!

Statement Jewelry

Statement jewelry can transform any outfit. Find pieces that speak to your style and add them to your look for a little extra sparkle.

Quality Bags & Shoes

Invest in quality shoes and bags that are built to last. Look for timeless silhouettes like loafers and cross-body bags that will go with anything.

The Perfect LBD

Every wardrobe needs a little black dress. Look for one that fits you perfectly, from hem to neckline. You’ll be ready for any occasion in no time!

Basic Tees

A basic tee is a must-have for any wardrobe. Look for tees that are well-fitting and made from quality materials. Don’t be afraid to invest in good basics – they’ll last you much longer!

Fitted Blouses

Fitted blouses are a great way to dress up any look. Look for ones that fit you perfectly and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Silk Scarves

A silk scarf is the perfect way to accessorize any outfit. Choose one with a timeless pattern that you can wear in multiple ways.

A Well-Fitting Blazer

A blazer is a must-have for any wardrobe. Look for one that fits you perfectly and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

A white blazer is always super classy and can easily be paired with blue jeans for casual occasions.

Wrap Dresses

Wrap dresses are perfect for any occasion. Look for one that fits your body shape and flatters your figure.

A-Line Dress

An A-line dress is the perfect go-to piece for any occasion. Look for one that fits correctly in the waist and skims the body in a flattering way.

Depending on how you feel, you might want to stay away from mini dresses, especially in the cooler months.

Coats

There are so many different kinds of coats you could own.

Trench coats are a great way to add sophistication to your look. Look for one that has timeless lines and can be worn both dressed up and down.

Bomber jackets are great for casual outfits but can work with work wear too. There are no hard and fast rules!

Button Up Shirt

A classic white button-up shirt is a must-have for any wardrobe. Look for one that fits you perfectly and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It’s truly one of the key pieces in your wardrobe!

Statement Tops

Don’t forget to add in some fun statement tops to your wardrobe! Look for pieces that fit well and have unique detailing like ruffles or beading.

You can experiment with bright colors this way! If you don’t want to invest in trendy pieces for your overall look, try renting them instead!

Sweaters

Sweaters are a great way to dress up or down any outfit. Look for fitted styles that flatter your figure, in either neutral shades or fun patterns.

If you want investment pieces, consider a cashmere sweater. It will always look great with a pair of jeans and a long coat. A classic cut is great for casual wear and can be considered smart casual for professional events too.

A Comfortable Everyday Shoe

Finding the perfect everyday shoe can be a challenge. Look for something comfortable and stylish that you can wear with almost anything in your wardrobe!

Skirts

The skirts in my closet are overall one of my favorite pieces. I typically like a-line skirts but if you are in a professional environment, you might opt for a pencil skirt instead.

You can pair them with a dress shirt for a classic style or graphic tees for a more casual look.

In Summary: How To Dress In Your 30s

So there you have it, how to dress in your 30s! The key is to invest in good quality pieces, embrace timeless looks that work for your lifestyle and body shape.

It’s a good idea to not always pay attention to what is trending on social media. A good example is combat boots and low rise jeans. These are just not for everyone! And that is okay!

The key to how to dress in your 30s is to invest in timeless pieces that fit you perfectly and flatter your body shape. With these essential items, you’ll be set for any occasion!

Your 30s are an exciting time to experiment with how you dress. With the right pieces, you can create a capsule wardrobe that will stand the test of time. It’s all about finding what works for you and discovering how amazing you look in them!

At the end of the day, how to dress in your 30s is all about having fun and embracing how you feel most confident! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks and find what works best for you.

About the Author

---