Ask Angie: what to wear now I'm 30??

sarah4521

I need some help and advice please.
I turned 30 a few months ago and I suppose it has only really properly hit me.
I have just been wearing my same old clothes (very safe and dull, jeans and t-shirts, cardigans, accessorizing with a belt if I'm feeling crazy and for work just shirts and trousers) and suddenly feel too old.
I think I should be spending more money on more decent and long lasting clothes (but what??) and also I'm not sure whether I have to leave and never return to all the shops I shopped in for the last decade.
Anyone else had this problem and come through the other side? Please help
Thanks
p.s. I'm a pear

16 years ago

Dressing

3 replies

Latest reply was from Nicole

Tanya

Veteran

Hi Sarah, I have turned 30 last year, and I understand what you are going through. There's no need to change things drastically, I would just avoid cheap juniors type stuff (e.g. tattered denim minis with flip-flops and a tank top), and try to figure out what you like and makes you feel good, and invest in some quality pieces there. Angie has a couple of blog posts on smart casual dressing, how about reading those for starters.

Ass for the shops, I think one can find something nice in almost any store, just choose carefully. I'll be glad to help if you have more precise questions.

Which stores do you usually shop in?

16 years ago

Becky

Veteran

Sarah, I had a similar experience at about age 30. (I'm 33 now.) I have been reading Angie's blog faithfully and improving my understanding of smart casual dressing for my everyday dressing (I'm a SAHM). I have been purging my closet of shapeless, boxy t-shirts and "mom jeans," which have been my uniform for years. I am beginning to make choices of smarter knits or woven tops and dark wash jeans in flattering fits. I also wore clunky white athletic sneakers and white athletic socks with my jeans and tees (this should make you feel good to hear how bad someone else was!). So I am also updating my shoe wardrobe to smarter choices, such as athletic shoes only for sports, flip-flops only for beach, etc. Fashion sneakers and ballet flats are good choices for casual wear. Overall, you're going for a more polished, less uber-casual and trend-ruled look as you go into your 30s.

I would recommend studying Angie's guidelines for the pretty pear:
http://youlookfab.com/2006/04/21/the-pretty-pear/
http://youlookfab.com/2007/08/.....r-in-2007/
so that you can have an idea of what silhouettes and styling are most attractive on your figure. BTW, I would suggest posting a picture of yourself under "body type," in jeans and a fitted top, to verify your body type. I thought I was a pear, but it turns out I'm a flat-chested hourglass with a strong shoulder line.

Try some stores you may not have tried before. Favorites among the YLF crowd are Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, J. Crew, and Banana Republic.

16 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Hi Sarah #3 (we already have two other Sarahs!)

I am going to be 40 this year, and I feel like I'm going thru this yet again.

I used to shop at Old Navy, Gap, Target and Marshalls.

I still hit Marshalls, but no long buy myself things at ON, and I'm finding less and less at the Gap. I try to avoid clothes shopping at Target, even though it's tempting. The prices are so low, and the style is usually pretty up to date--but the quality just isn't there. I like to buy bottoms at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft. I have luck with Banana Republic for tops. I also shop at Macy's and when I get a chance to leave town for shopping, I love Nordstroms.

16 years ago

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