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As with any landmark birthday, 18th, 21st, 25th, and so on, there is no shortage of advice (unsolicited or not) given—from relationship status, career, money; the list goes on. The 30th birthday, more so than any other, is typically met with a collective dread; it marks the ending of the beloved 20s and the beginning of the more mature 30s. In reality, the 30s is a decade of self-assurance and enlightenment, no matter what milestones you have or have not reached. Personal style-wise, your 30s will arguably be your chicest decade to date, where classic wardrobe staples shine, and proper fit is of the utmost importance. After three decades of trial and error, you’ve officially come to the realization that with age, it’s all about quality over quantity–congrats!
Once you have a foundation for getting dressed with a roster of closet basics like the best white T-shirt, a flattering pair of jeans, a classic white sneaker, and everyday gold jewelry, it’s time to add a few treats to your wardrobe. (You did just reach a milestone after all!) Upgrade your old work bag with a chic and colorful tote from Bottega Veneta or Proenza Schouler. Cocktail dresses from Tory Burch and emerging label Commission NYC require basically no thinking at all with their all-in-one outfit formulas. Reliable layering pieces like a polished button-up shirt or a black legging are also key to building your arsenal, and go-to undergarments like cotton undies and a little black swimsuit can never hurt either.
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By thirty, you’ve found what works for you and have learned to embrace it–you know yourself better than anyone, after all. Below, how to dress in your 30s and the 15 essential items you’ll need to do so.
The White Tee Capsule Collection
The value of a well-curated white T-shirt collection is unparalleled—there’s a reason as to why it’s front and center. Pair with quite literally anything in your closet and expect great results.
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The Polished Topper
Worn as a layering piece or stand-alone, a crisp button-up shirt is the ideal outfit topper. For a day at the office tucked into your favorite trousers or seaside on the beach as a cover-up, its versatility knows no limits.
The Flattering Fit Jean
When it comes to shopping for denim, a lot of trial and error can ensue. Our advice is to find a few silhouettes and brands that flatter you and buy in bulk. Your denim collection is like your white tee collection—a must-have in the closet.
The Updated Work Tote
Treat yourself and upgrade your old work bag with a chic and colorful tote from Bottega Veneta or Proenza Schouler. The perfect catch-alls for a day at the office and into after-work drinks.
The Long-Lasting Leather Jacket
A great leather jacket is one closet staple worth the splurge. After all, they only get better with age (kind of like you).
The Everyday Black Pant
A classic pair of black pants, whether wide leg, pleated, or straight leg, serves as the foundational piece to any and all outfits. I personally love to dress mine up for a night on the town with a tiny top.
The Vintage Closet Heroes
By thirty, you understand the value of investing. Invest in vintage closet heroes like this trench from Dries Van Noten or a timeless black dress.
The Perfect White Sneaker
Like the white tee, another neutral palette cleanser to have in your closet is a white sneaker. You can dress them up with one of the cocktail dresses above or with a classic black legging to follow.
The Work to Play Blazer
Whether you’re heading into an interview or out to dinner in the city, a blazer is a great transitional jacket that offers just the right amount of coverage.
The Wear-Everywhere Black Boots
Trust us when we say that you’ll get more wear out of a pair of black boots than any other one-and-done pieces you may be considering. They are trendy, all the while feeling effortlessly seasonal.
The Cocktail Dress
Cocktail dresses from Tory Burch and emerging label Commission NYC require basically no thinking at all with their all-in-one outfit formulas. For any upcoming weddings (and we know you’ll have a lot), choose an event dress that lends itself to no surprises and hopefully no wardrobe malfunctions.
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The Reliable Leggings
A trusty pair of black leggings never hurt your top shelf. Reach for the staple for a travel day at the airport when comfort is key or when headed to your favorite workout class.
The Little Black Swimsuit
It takes some time to figure out the best swimsuit silhouette that works for your body type. By thirty, you’ve probably realized that the little black swimsuit is a flattering option every time.
The Mature Underwear
Clear out your underwear drawer of decades past and make room for something slightly more elevated like a lace pair from Intimissimi or a cozy, cotton set by Araks.
The Understated, Yet Elevated Jewelry
Because most of us grew up in the 90s, we can appreciate the value of minimal dressing and accessorizing. The dainty gold pieces feel understated, but definitely still elevated.
