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While age ain’t nothing but a number, some women perceive hitting the big 3-0 as the end of their youth. If you’re one of these ladies, know that it’s just the beginning!
With a blossoming career and the prospect of having a family right in front of you, it’s time to make a 360-degree change – especially when it comes to fashion. But even as you age, you’ll be glad to know that you can still look youthful. All you just have to do is follow these 16 tips on how to dress in your 30s.
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How Should I Dress in My 30s?
Now that your age is almost out of the calendar, it all boils down to trading your 20s wardrobe for more sophisticated clothes. To make the hunt easier, here’s a list of the classic pieces you should invest in right about now.
A Few Pairs of Jeans
Denim is a timeless outfit, so it’s a must to buy several pairs of jeans for safety. Doing so will allow you to remain trendy – even if the trends have come and gone. For best results, shop for at least one style each – including that of skinny, straight-cut, ripped, wide-leg, mom, and boyfriend pants.
Tailored Pieces
Since your 30s is the time to nurture your job or work, you have to make sure that you dress for the part. As such, you need to ditch your teenybopper items in favor of classy minimalist pieces, such as dresses, skirts, blazers, slacks, trousers, coats, and button-down blouses.
Leather Jacket
If you have a sleek leather jacket that you bought in your 20s, then, by all means, keep it. As long as it fits you well – and compliments your 30s outfits – it’s something you should maintain in your closet.
Black Heels
Just like your tailored pieces, a beautiful pair of black heels can help you achieve power dressing. And since you’ll be spending a lot of time standing on these shoes, make sure to pick one that is both stylish and comfortable.
Platform Chunky Party Ankle Strap High Heel Sandal
Timeless Accessories
Dressing in your 30s is all about structure and minimalism. The best way for you to achieve this is to invest in timeless accessories, such as a polished bag, elegant jewelry, a classic watch, and a pair of sunglasses that work with your face shape.
How Can I Dress Younger in My 30s?
Age is just a state of mind. But if you want to look younger (though I’m sure you already do), then what you need to do is follow these style trends:
Pop in Purple
The easiest way to look a few years younger is to wear clothes that bear youthful colors. One such example is purple, which the 32-year-old actress Emma Stone wears impeccably on the set. Here, she matches her printed Aubergine button-down top with a skirt in a livelier purple shade.
Apart from choosing the right shade, sporting the right accessory is key to shaving a few years off your style. Just like Emma, you can look more vibrant by pairing your purple ensemble with unique tights and knee-high boots.
Open Front Cable Knit Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Baggy Crop
Think Pink
Just like purple, the color pink can make you look younger than you already are. Just ask Wonder Woman Gal Gadot, who looks like she isn’t a day over 30 in her pink ensemble.
So what makes the 35-year-old’s outfit a notch above others? For one, it makes use of a combination of various pinks. There’s her fuchsia bodice, which is complemented by her bubblegum pink blazer and trousers. She made it a point not to go overboard though, as she managed to hold it back with her nude-colored heels.
If you don’t have a complete pink outfit like Gal, you need not worry as you can cop her look by experimenting with the pink pieces in your closet.
Try Minimalistic Prints
Going with simple yet structured pieces is the way to go when you’re in your 30s. But if you want to look (and feel) younger, then you need to add some printed pieces to your wardrobe.
The best purveyor of this philosophy is the 35-year-old Olivia Palermo, who’s a definite trendsetter in her printed jacket and embroidered cigarette shoes.
Keeping true to the sophisticated style of 30-somethings, Olivia opted for minimalistic prints – which she paired with a delicate blouse and structured trousers.
Be Loud and Proud
You need no nips and tucks to look youthful. With the right wardrobe, you can look a few years younger just like Jessica Alba!
In this runway romp, Jessica showed that you can go head-to-head with the 20-somethings as long as you choose the right style elements. Jessica did so by combining youthful pieces, including a sleek leather jacket, a striped top, and a loudly-printed skirt. She did, however, remained true to her classic style by completing the look with a small structured bag and a pair of sexy silver heels.
Women Elegant Ruched Ruffle Slit Work Business Party Pencil Skirt
Put a Twist on Youthful Pieces
While see-through tops and ripped jeans should be a thing of the past, there’s still a way for you to wear them and not look tacky. All you need to do is follow 39-year-old Alessandra Ambrosio’s style philosophy.
To achieve the Brazilian-American model’s look, be sure to wear a tube top underneath your sheer blouse. Also remember to pair your ripped jeans with a simple pair of shoes, such as her black espadrilles. However, if you want to look more polished, you can always go for a pair of black or nude heels.
Of course, don’t forget to seal the look with timeless pieces – such as your aviator shades and structured handbag.
Ray-Ban Rb3025 Classic Aviator Sunglasses
Wear All the Classics
Remember: you can look young without exposing a lot of skin. Just look at Jessica Alba, who looks phenomenal at 39 years old. Her look is comfy – and youthful – even if she has no makeup at all!
To cop Jessica’s look, create an outfit that features all your classic 30s pieces. These should include a tailored blazer, a plain tee, your favorite jeans, and a comfy pair of wedge sandals. Go and pair this attire with a roomy bag, especially if you’re about to go shopping!
How Can I Look Hot in My 30s?
Once you hit the big 3-0, your priorities should shift to investing in an age-appropriate wardrobe. While this is good, you shouldn’t neglect your overall look. Remember, you can still be hot in your 30s as long as you follow these fashion tips:
Belt it Out
Looking hot in your 30s is fairly simple. For one, all you need to do is cinch your waist with a belt ala Miranda Kerr – even if it’s not as small as that of hers.
You can achieve the former Victoria’s Secret Angel impeccable look by donning a fitted dress that shows your curves. And, to further emphasize your hourglass shape, you should remember to complete the look with a sleek belt.
A great thing about this outfit is it’s sexy yet formal enough for the office. Throw on some nude heels ala Miranda and you’re sure to draw some eyes at work.
2 Pieces Waist Belts for Jeans Dress with Double O-Ring Buckle
Pair Your Classics with Your Youthful Pieces
Maybe you haven’t been able to let go of some pieces you wore in your 20s. Well, before you get rid of them – why not take them out to town one last time?
To avoid looking like a fish out of water, make sure to copy 33-year-old Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s style mantra. Here, she paired her tailored blazer and dressy top with suede shorts and suede boots. With this, you’ll look business at the top – and party at the bottom.
Be Sexy – Yet Sophisticated
From being a sultry Victoria’s Secret model, Miranda Kerr has managed to transform herself into an even hotter 37-year-old mom of 3. Just like her, you could achieve such a fashion status by wearing sexy yet sophisticated outfits.
Here, Miranda has managed to turn heads with her tight-fitting white midi dress and long knit blazer. Paired with neutral wedge heels and a powder blue bag, this outfit is worthy of the office, the airport, even date night with the hubby.
Top Handle Satchel Shoulder Bag
Shoulder to Shoulder
Being in your 30s means tuning down on the skin-showing part. However, you could still flaunt some of your goodies in an age-appropriate way.
To do so, you need to follow the style philosophy of 38-year-old Kate Bosworth. Here, she shows her shoulders – which are sexy no matter what age – in a floral asymmetric top.
To counteract the skin-showing aspect of the outfit, make it a point to wear this kind of top with long pants and a pair of boots.
Womens Round Neck Short Sleeve Floral Print Asymmetric Hem Shirt Top
Show Your Legs
Remember your 20s – when you always flaunted your legs in miniskirts and shorts? Well, you can still do this now – with a few upgrades though.
Instead of going with the usual tattered denim shorts and skirt, opt for more structured pieces. You can take inspiration from 35-year-old Chrissy Teigen, who looks sexy in her white sweater, flowy shorts, and strappy heels. By copping this look, you can flaunt your gams without looking like a teenybopper.
Be a Sophisticated Schoolgirl
Even if you are 30-something, you can still rock the schoolgirl look. The key to pulling this off though is choosing classic pieces, just like the 31-year-old Taylor Swift.
In this New York outing, Taylor showed that a sexy yet sophisticated schoolgirl concept is indeed possible. It’s all about going for classic pieces, such as a knit sweater, a plaid skirt, and black pumps. With the help of knee-high socks, you can expose some skin – but not feel bare or cold outside.
Also read: Best Plaid Skirt Outfits And How to Accessorise (Women’s Edition)
It’s All About Strategic Placement
Looking sexy in your 30s is feasible– even if you have stretch marks or cellulite to hide. The key to this is strategic placement.
So what do we mean by this? Well, it’s all about wearing something that shows things in the right places. Just look at the 38-year-old Priyanka Chopra, whose dress is designed to strategic perfection. It has a peek-a-boo effect with the flower embroidery concealing sensitive places. At the same time, it shows some skin – albeit covered with mesh.
Also read: Best Blazer Outfits And How To Accessorise (Women’s Edition)
Can You Wear Crop Tops in Your 30s?
Well yes, of course! Even if your tummy is not as flat as it was before, you can still rock a crop top. All you just need to do is follow the styling tips below.
Women’s Sexy Sleeveless Racer Back Tank Tops Halter Neck Crop Top
Keep it Simple
The late Naya Rivera was a 30-something style icon in her own right. Although she passed at the ripe age of 33, her sleek outfits are still worth emulating – up until now.
In this shot, Naya showed sexiness and sophistication with her plain white cropped top and high-waisted skirt. To break the simplicity of the outfit, she went with a pair of sexy snakeskin heels. While she opted to mix accessorizing, you can always spruce things up by throwing a statement necklace into the mix.
It’s All About Coverage
Now that you’re more mature, wearing a crop top should no longer be about baring your body. If you want to look sophisticated on a crop top, then you have to add some coverage.
Here, you’ll see our classy model pairing her crop top with a tailored blazer and white trousers. With her heeled Mary Janes, she made this look worthy of the office (as long as your boss is okay with you baring your midsection.)
Be Bright
Apart from the styling, the right splash of color can make you look fabulous in your crop top outfit. That’s the case for singer Cheryl Cole, who looks stunning in her white, long-sleeved crop top and bright red trousers. And although she’s revealing her tummy, she still looks respectable because of her top and bottom coverage.
Just like the 37-year-old singer, you can add more pizzazz to your outfit by sporting a designer belt or a stunning statement necklace.
While you might be in your 30s, it’s not an excuse for you to have a boring style. Remember, you can still look young – and hot – just by following the fashion tips above.
Also read: Best Crop Top Outfits and How to Accessorise
30s Hairstyles
Do you feel like you want to revamp your hairstyle but you’re not sure what to try? We’ve found some of the most popular hairstyles for 30 years olds that keep you looking youthful but aren’t too dramatic. Hopefully, you’ll get some hair inspiration from these picks.
Mid-Length Bob
If you prefer short and sleek styles, a mid-length bob might be the 30s hairstyle for you! This can be rocked if you have straight, wavy, or curly hair and looks very chic. Pair this with a centre part for an easy-to-style daily look that will suit any outfit.
Classic Blowout
Do you like feeling glamorous? The classic blowout might be your new go-to hairstyle! This style works well with mid to long hair and keeps you looking feminine and youthful at all times. This style is higher maintenance, but it’s worth the effort to look glam in your 30s!
Long Hair With Straight Bangs
For those who prefer boho styles, long hair with bangs is the perfect hairstyle for you. You don’t have to cut your hair short as you get older, in fact keeping your hair long in your 30s is a great way to keep youthful. The bangs add an element of edge to your look and these are easy to maintain. This works with short hair too if you don’t have the patience to grow your hair out!
Where To Shop In Your 30s
Your shopping habits shouldn’t have to completely change when you enter your 30s, however, you may want to move onto clothes that last longer instead of fast fashion items. Look for clothing that is made with better materials and fits your figure well, instead of buying cheaper clothes that don’t fit well – you’ll be more likely to throw these out straight away.
Here are some of the best stores to shop in when you reach your 30s for all types of dressing styles!
- Uniqlo – great quality and so comfortable!
- Asos – so much choice for all styles and body shapes.
- Mango – known for good denim ranges,
- Thrift stores – an environmental option never hurt anyone!
How To Dress With Style
While you can search the internet for tips, there are three essential mindsets to keep you in style all the time! Here are the top tips for dressing in style in your 30s.
Confidence
This tip may sound cliche, but having confidence in your outfits and styling will help them look better. Stand up tall and smile when walking because you look great – even when you’re in your pyjamas!
Keep up-to-date with trends
Another way to keep your style game on point is to watch the latest trends. Fashion is constantly changing, but if you keep an eye on the latest catwalks and influencers you can pick out your favourite trends and incorporate them into your outfits.
Always review your wardrobe
Everyone is guilty of letting their wardrobe build up without mindfully checking how many clothes are actually hidden inside. A great way to keep on top of your style is to regularly review your outfits and flush out any clothes that don’t bring you joy anymore. This capsule wardrobe mentality will make it easier for you to create cohesive outfits and you’ll save time when getting ready too!
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