It’s often been said: life gets better with age, and when you enter your 30s, it’s the beginning of some of your best years, ever. The seeking, searching, often confusing days of your 20s are over (bon voyage!), and you’re coming more fully into your own. You know yourself better: who you are, what you want, where you fit into the larger scheme of things. Of course, the self-discovery journey never really ends, but hopefully your 30s offer a bit more solid footing as you make your way.
Something less widely discussed? Just as your self-confidence is growing, figuring out how to dress in your 30s can feel like a bit of a challenge. Maybe you’ve matured beyond some of your wardrobe go-tos from your 20s. Maybe your body is changing, and you’re still figuring out how to best dress your current figure. Maybe you’re entering a new professional era. Or maybe you’re just tired of your closet and want a refresh that reflects your current decade. We come bearing great news: you don’t have to do it alone.
Our expert team of Stitch Fix Stylists have tons of experience helping curate outfits for women in their 30s, and they’re here to share their style wisdom.
Let’s get into our Stylists’ top 5 style tips for women in their 30s.
1. When Possible, Invest in a Few Long-lasting Staples
“Your 30s are the perfect time to invest in a strong capsule wardrobe: core, elevated pieces that you’ll wear on repeat,” says Stylist, Michelle, “We suggest building a small investment wardrobe of quality pieces, things you can wear at the office and out at night, that’ll never go out of style and will serve you for years to come.”
This isn’t about going crazy with spending—defining a budget that works for you is important. And some fun, beloved “cheap + cheerful” pieces are wardrobe essentials, as well. This is about investing in just a few core pieces you can wear again and again in a million different ways, for years to come.
Stylist Michelle’s fave investment pieces include a dressy going-out top, a great pair of jeans, timeless dress pants, the perfect little black dress and a blazer or lady jacket (a feminine, open-front jacket with a textured weave and contrast buttons).
“Your 30s are the perfect time to invest in a strong capsule wardrobe: core, elevated pieces that you’ll wear on repeat.” –Michelle, Stylist
2. Upgrade Your Denim
One of the most failproof ways to instantly elevate your entire closet is to invest in high-quality denim. Jeans are no longer just for casual, dressed-down looks—in fresh, on-trend silhouettes and darker, dressier colors, elevated jeans are appropriate for everything from a big presentation at work to a fabulous girls’ night out.
“Update your denim with versatile pieces that do double duty—pieces that work for both the office and a weekend night out,” Stylist Michelle says. “Dark denim, colored denim and even distressed denim, when done right, can work for countless occasions.”
When it comes to silhouette, Michelle’s advice is to “lean into trend-forward denim shapes—like a cropped, wide leg—to add interest to basics.”
We know jeans can be a toughie when it comes to fit, but not to worry—your personal Stitch Fix Stylist will be right by your side to help you find the perfect pair for you. (In the meantime, our guide to finding the best jeans for your body type is extra-handy.)
“Lean into trend-forward denim shapes—like a cropped, wide leg—to add interest to basics.”
— Michelle, Stylist
3. Use Color to Make a Bold Statement
“Statement colors are truly a secret weapon,” reveals Stylist Michelle. We love color because it’s fun—an important part of getting dressed. But it’s also one of the easiest ways to make a bold, confident statement with your look.
“Focus on a pop of vivid color for instant eye candy,” advises Michelle, “or try a monochromatic neutral palette for that elevated ‘quiet luxury’ vibe.”
Michelle’s other fave tips: “Wear your favorite shades near your face to highlight your eyes, or accessorize with a contrast color to elevate a neutral outfit and make it stand out.”
“Statement colors are truly a secret weapon.” –Michelle, Stylist
4. Master the Proportions that Best Show Off Your Unique Shape
It’s a fact of life: as we get older, our bodies change. And it’s a beautiful thing! Our bodies serve us in countless ways, let’s honor that by being proud of and showing off our shapes. Proper fit and proportion can be magical tools in this regard: “Your unique shape serves as a canvas—clothes that fit just right are your work of art,” says Stylist, Michelle.
“Good style is ultimately about finding the right fit that celebrates your shape,” says Michelle. “Whether your body shape is hourglass, rectangle, oval or beyond, finding the right balance will ensure your looks are proportional and that your outfit always perfectly suits your shape.”
Mastering proportion play lets the world know that you really know your body, and how to dress it. A good rule of thumb for finding that perfect balance? If you’re wearing something that brings focus to your top, balance it out by also wearing something that draws the eye down toward the bottom of your shape. For example: A sleek knit tucked into a wide-leg trouser or flowy skirt, or a chunky knit paired with a slim-legged pant or pencil skirt. (Psst…our handy-dandy guide to dressing for your body type is also here to help!)
“Your unique shape serves as a canvas—clothes that fit just right are your work of art.” –Michelle, Stylist
5. Know Your Best Assets—and Flaunt Them
Along those same lines, as we come into our maturing bodies and begin to appreciate them just as they are, that’s when the fun can really begin. It might sound a bit corny, but doing regular body scans and sending some extra love to your favorite assets can really make a difference in how you dress and how you carry yourself in the world.
“The right fits, colors and cuts effortlessly highlight your best features,” Stylist Michelle says. When you know what you love best about your shape, you can strategically dress so those features stand out.
“Whether you want to highlight your fabulous legs with a high-slit skirt and heeled knee-boots, or showcase your décolletage with a V-neck that’s just the right depth,” says Michelle, “the right clothes truly help you celebrate what you love most about your body.”
And remember—it’s all about what helps you feel best. Comfort is queen, and your personal Stitch Fix Stylist is there to ensure you always feel good in your clothes. It’s true—when you feel good, you look good.
“The right fits, colors and cuts effortlessly highlight your best features.” –Michelle, Stylist
Feeling excited to partner with your very own Stylist who can help you conquer how to dress in your 30s—and much more? Take your style quiz, order a Fix and let your Stylist do the work for you. They’ll choose just-for-you pieces to save you time (and a trip to the mall). Keep what works, and return the rest—or keep 5+ pieces and get 20% off your entire order. Shipping and returns are always free—no subscription required. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
