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10 Things You Should Stop Wearing In Your 30s & What To Wear Instead


10 Things You Should Stop Wearing In Your 30s & What To Wear Instead


Stop Dressing Like A Teenager!

Turning 30 is a major milestone in life. You're saying goodbye to your 20s, welcoming a more mature and confident version of you, and you have to dress the part. Your 30s aren't about giving up on fashion, they're about leveling it up, ditching your cut-offs for linen and your tube tops for flattering wrap blouses. Welcome to your new chapter of adulthood where sloppy looks just don't cut it anymore. It's time to own your 30s and be the radiant, confident, and elegant adult that you are. Here are 10 things you should stop wearing in your 30s and what to wear instead. 

Andrea PiacquadioAndrea Piacquadio on Pexels

1. Booty Shorts

Booty shorts are never a classy choice but are sometimes passable when you're in your 20s. Once you reach 30 however, they become downright unacceptable, no matter how many glute workouts you put in.

woman in black long sleeve shirt and blue denim shorts standing near white wallMark Broadhead on Unsplash

2. Crop Tops

Nothing says 14-year-old girl quite like a crop top. Once you're in your 30s, it's time to stop dressing like a teenager. Full-length tops are like a rite of passage.

a woman standing in front of a field of flowersAngel Balashev on Unsplash

3. Novelty Tees

Slogan tees, especially ones that say something cringey on them, are never really nice, but in your 30s they become basically criminal. Do yourself a favor and replace them with some classic tees and button-ups.

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4. Ultra Low-Rise Jeans

Low-rise jeans are back in style after a long hiatus. However, if you're in your 30s, showing that much midriff is a bit trashy. Low-rise, yes, but ultra low-rise, hard no.

File:Hüfthose.jpgmolcatron / Alejandro Páez on Wikimedia

5. Flat-Billed Snapbacks

Unless you're a professional skateboarder, don't be wearing flat-billed caps in your 30s in this day and age. Sports caps, bucket, and Panama hats are acceptable for keeping the sun off your face. 

black and white cap on white tableMichael Dolejš on Unsplash

6. Tube Tops

We are aware that tube tops are back in style for Gen Zers, but if you're in your 30s, you shouldn't be dressing like one. They're so often unflattering, hugging your torso in all the wrong places.

woman in white tank top and blue denim jeansZoe Fernandez on Unsplash

7. Jeggings

Although comfortable, the problem with jeggings is they're made from cheap, artificial materials, poorly masked under a fake blue jean aesthetic. Opt for some real, good-quality, fitted pants instead.

File:Ninety-Four (6058776430).jpgGarry Knight on Wikimedia

8. Distressed Sneakers

Distressed sneakers were pretty cool when you were a teenager. They made you look punk, angsty, and interesting. However, when you're in your 30s, they make you look like you're trying to look younger, and failing.

person in blue denim jeans and brown and white hiking shoesHans Isaacson on Unsplash

9. Neon Athletic Wear 

Neon athletic wear is fine if you're actually working out. The problem arises when you're just wearing it on the day-to-day. It looks cheap and like you're not even trying.

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10. Super Destroyed Jeans

Like the distressed Converse, destroyed jeans were pretty cool when you were in high school. When you're in your 30s, however, they just look like an item you've had in your wardrobe literally since you were 14. 

person standing on floral area rugJon Tyson on Unsplash

Now that we've gone over some of the fashion faux-pas of your 30s, let's talk about what you can start wearing instead. 

1. Linen Shorts

Throw out all your jean cut-offs and replace them with some classy, pleated, linen shorts. They'll instantly elevate your summer wardrobe.

Valeri MakValeri Mak on Pexels

2. Blazers

Being in your 30s finally gives you license to wear a gorgeous, tailored blazer which being in your 20s, you may have not had an occasion for. Look for classic colors and cool textures. 

Yan KrukauYan Krukau on Pexels

3. Midi Dresses

Move over, mini dresses, this is the midi dress's time to shine. The midi dress usually comes between the ankles and the knees. It's super classy in the summertime while still being cooler and more casual than a maxi dress.

Marlon SchmeiskiMarlon Schmeiski on Pexels

4. Sleek Accessories

Being a little bit more mature allows for some leeway when it comes to accessories. Bolder dangly earrings, sleek watches, and statement necklaces that may have felt like too much in your 20s finally look right at home on this more confident and self-assured version of you.

Myicahel TamburiniMyicahel Tamburini on Pexels

5. Wide-Legged Trousers

Just because you're in your 30s doesn't mean you have to replace all your fitted jeans with wide-legged trousers, but investing in one or two pairs can certainly add some glamor to your look. These pants are so flattering, chic, comfortable, and eye-catching. 

posing woman in white sleeveless topAhmed Carter on Unsplash

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6. A Real Bag

When you're in your 30s, it's no longer very cool to go around with a tote bag that you obviously got for free somewhere. Invest in a good, structured bag. 

woman in brown coat holding brown leather handbagTaylor Heery on Unsplash

7. Wrap Tops

Wrap tops are the perfect grown-up alternative to crop tops to wear on hot summer days. With the strategically placed tie accentuating your hourglass figure, they're so flattering on all body types. 

person in blue and white stripe button up shirtYena Kwon on Unsplash

8. Loafers

Comfort becomes paramount when you're in your 30s, and a good quality pair of loafers won't disappoint. Not only will they class up your look, but the added arch support compared to your worn-out sneakers will give your 30-year-old body some welcome relief. 

a person sitting on a benchDavid Karp. on Unsplash

9. A Well-Cut Trenchcoat

It's time to start investing in beautiful outerwear, not just slouchy windbreakers or cheap ponchos. A well-cut trench can not only keep you dry, but classy too.

woman in brown coat wearing brown hat standing on snow covered ground during daytimeAlexandra Iva on Unsplash

10. Glamorous Sunglasses

Once you're in your 30s, you'll no longer look like a kid wearing dress-up in your cat-eye sunglasses. You can own the glamour and strut with confidence in some well-chosen statement glasses that expertly frame your face.

woman in black suit wearing black sunglassesSara Dabaghian on Unsplash