style for 30-something?

I'm in my midthirties and just can't seem to "grow into" a new style. I find I feel uncomfortable in the outfits I wore in my 20's and early-ish 30s yet I don't want to be frumpy. I end up just wearing things that are generic and comfortable and safe (i.e. cardigan twinset, or jeans with fleece top or plain sweater). and i end up feeling frumpy anyway.

Since I'm not working at the moment I'm pretty much concerned about every day wear and going out to dinner.
Since I can't afford a personal shopper maybe I should just apply for what not to wear!

But if that doesn't work out, who has good pointers?

Re: style for 30-something?

Well I'm no fashion guru by a long shot but the first thing that imediately came to mind is Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Elements to a perfect wardrobe.

1. Basic Black Dress - The basic black dress has been around for a long time. It is often called the "Little Black Dress", and it's true that shorter skirts on the basic black dress, when they hit you in the right place, can be more flattering than a long black dress.

2. Trench Coat - The trench coat is one of the pieces that is both classic and currently a hot fashion item. Most any store sells this piece now. It is great for fall and you can pick it up in a wide range of lengths.

3. Dress Pants - Although it doesn't say black, this is probably what you want to look for. Black is flattering on all figures and goes with everything.

4. Classic Shirt - The white shirt is a definite classic. But it can also come in many different styles to make it look trendy and not dated or like a man's piece of clothing. Find one that accentuates your best attributes and minimizes trouble spots. For example, if you have wide shoulders, stay away from large collars.

5. Jeans - Everyone has a pair of jeans, but does everyone have a pair of jeans that make them look great? The wider leg, low-rise jean style has been popular (and still is) but a narrower leg is coming back along with a higher waist, which eliminates the unflattering "muffin top" look.

6. Any Occasion Top - Find something you look great in that can look respectable under a jacket but bring on the fun after hours.

7. Skirt - If you need dress pants then you also need a skirt. A skirt is womanly and can be flirty or businesslike. Nowadays women do not wear many skirts or dresses, which makes a lot of them fall into a rut of dressing sloppily or like men. See number 8.

8. Day Dress - Women also are not wearing as many dresses anymore. It was certainly liberating to go from the '50s when women wore dresses every day to wearing more practical pants for gardening, exercising, and so forth. But the dress does not have to be abandoned altogether. They can be very flattering, and there is nothing wrong with "dressing up" for daytime.

9. Jacket - A jacket does not have to be masculine. Find one with a proper, fitted shape. Women's jackets should follow the silhouette of a woman's body and accent the hourglass curve at her waist. It is also a perfect piece to put with the skirt or dress pants, and white shirt. Or make it casual with a pair of jeans.

10. Sweatsuit Alternative - As mentioned before, women wear fewer skirts and dresses these days. But some women have taken casual to the extreme and spend days on end in sweatsuits. It is possible to be casual and comfortable without looking like a slob. Find a comfortable material (that's why this doesn't say jeans again – denim is not as comfortable as a nice soft cotton) that you would want to wear every day. It could be khakis, cords, a cotton dress, or much more.

Re: style for 30-something?

I would also add to that list either a crew-neck or v-neck cashmere sweater.

Re: style for 30-something?

I think you can get a personal shopper to help you in Macy's if they still do that. I don't think it cost anything.

Re: style for 30-something?

I'm mid 30s and I feel like I dress like a 20 year old. LOL.

I wear a lot of Michael Stars and American Apparel Ts' with jeans... they're super comfy but a little fitted so I don't feel frumpy.

When I go out to dinner I wear (usually) express pants and a fitted sweater. I’m boring.

Re: style for 30-something?

its all about mixing classic pieces with some great accessories

a hot bag
a great pair of heels or animal print flats
some cool chunky beaded necklaces



combine above with classics like

black turtleneck
well fit dark wash jeans
a great trench
white blouse
a nice black blazer that pinches at the waist
a flattering wrap dress


accessories are so inexpensive you can buy them in places like forever 21 adn h&m...and you can pick up your calssic pieces at places like j crew, brooks brothers and banana...



if you stick by that rule you will always look polished and age appropriate yet up to date

Re: style for 30-something?

My rule of thumb is wear what is comfortable and flatters you - I am 31 and feel like I finally know what styles really work for me and those that don't.

Re: style for 30-something?

I always watch What not to wear for simple rules for fit and shape

Then I find a shop I love and mostly buy clothes from there- for me I Love NY and Co... almost everything in there looks good and fits me.