4 Tips for Finding Your Style after 30
As you get older and gain years of experience under your belt, you begin to realize what you enjoy wearing, what you dislike wearing, and what clothing looks and feels the best for your personal lifestyle needs. Just as fashion is fickle, so are humans as we progress through the years. Your personal style can change from year to year and decade to decade depending on all sorts of things. But through these changes, you can begin to really hone in on the best style for you utilizing the knowledge you have gained throughout the first few decades of life. Below are four valuable tips to help you really find your personal style after the age of 30.
- Know your body shape and be aware of how it changes through the years.
Just as fashion and humans are fickle, the human body is also an ever changing mechanism. So it is really important to be aware of how your body shifts throughout the decades so you know which styles of clothing are best suited for your body in the present. If you shop for clothing frequently, then I am sure you have a good grasp on what size you wear in your favorite clothing brands. But if you only go shopping a few times a year or less, it may be worth your while to take some body measurements so you know exactly what sizes to look for. It is also helpful to know a bit more about your body shape so you can look for styles that will best compliment your figure and personality.
As you walk through the years of life, your physical shape and measurements will be forever changing. Things like pregnancy and childbirth, job changes, shifts in workout routines and intensity, and menopause can all have major impacts on your body. You may find fat deposits in places you never imagined. Or you may unexpectedly lose weight for a variety of reasons. Whatever the case, you should always keep in mind your current body shape and size to make shopping for clothing a much more rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Know your shape and which silhouettes work best on your body.
2. Invest in statement pieces.
I am absolutely a budget shopper, but there are certain wardrobe items and accessories that are worth the investment of paying a bit higher price especially when they boldly exhibit your personality. Whether it is WatchBox Rolex watches or a gorgeous pair of red-bottomed heels, items like these are worth the investment because they will last your entire lifetime.
Investing in pieces like these also have a beneficial impact for the environment. With the fast fashion industry leaving landfills overflowing with discarded garments, investing in wardrobe items that you will keep forever is a very sustainable way to shop. Plus, sometimes spending more actually means spending less. Like my sister always says, “Buy cheap, buy twice.” When it comes to fast fashion, buying cheap sometimes means buying over and over and over again until you end up spending much more money in the end.
3. Buy clothing for different occasions.
Most of us have wardrobes that incorporate a variety of different styles for different occasions. And most of us have limited space for storing our wardrobes so it is very likely that everything you own is combined together inside one closet or chest of drawers. However, this is not always the best way to organize your wardrobe. Ideally, it makes sense to store your less worn special occasion pieces separately from your daily wardrobe. But if you do not have the space for that method, you could organize your closet into style groupings for ease in choosing your outfits.
When you do go shopping, try to have this same attitude of organization, but also look for new pieces that may work for both special occasions and more regular daily wear. Versatility in one’s wardrobe definitely allows you more choices in styling.
4. Feel comfortable in what you are wearing.
No one wants to be uncomfortable in their clothing. That is such a thing of the past. In contemporary times, comfort is key to feeling great and being productive, so it really is important to feel comfortable in what you are wearing. And there is no shame in choosing comfort over style.
But you still want to feel confident in your clothing, so it is important to find ways to combine comfort and style for maximum wardrobe benefits. If you are confident in what you are wearing, it will look good no matter what. When you feel good about yourself, it shines through all the other distractions that we present to the world and that the world presents to us. So be sure to choose new wardrobe items that make you feel great, otherwise you end up with a closet filled with nothing that you really want to wear.
Comfort creates confidence which is the single most beautiful accessory we can wear.
Finding your style at any age can be challenging, but finding your style after 30 is easy enough as long as you know your body, know how it has changed over the years, and seek out clothing for a variety of occasions as well as items that are comfortable and fun to wear.
Have you found your style?
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
20 Comments
Suzy
Another great post, Shelbee! My body has changed a little bit over the years, although the fact that I’ve never been pregnant, has certainly kept it fairly trim. But I am starting to see little changes now that I’m 45 lol! But I’m ok with it, after all, it is a privilege to age, right!?
It’s been so long since I went clothes shopping though, I might find that things have changed more than I thought!
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzy! My body actually went through a lot of changes in my mid-30’s before I had children. It was all the psych medications that I took. I gained over 100 pounds in the first 6 months of taking certain medications. And even though I eventually lost 50 pounds of that, the shifts in my body and how it carries weight have definitely stuck around for the long term! In fact, I always had smaller, firmer breasts until those medications. And the big boobs have stuck around even with weight loss! So I will never wear a size medium or large because of my bust. I will always be at least an x-large. I actually struggle with buying the right sizes because I continue to seek out the larger plus sizes that I used to wear. Like if I see something in a 3X or 4X, in my head I am that size and will buy the things if I like them. It’s a hard habit to break! I hope you are having a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Midlife and Beyond
Love this quote “Buy cheap, buy twice.” . So very true, I’ll remember that! Style is still an ongoing thing with me and it has certainly changed through the decades. I would say I’m enjoying clothes more now than ever before, and as you say comfort is key. In the past I’ve been guilty of wearing things too tight, short, long….the list goes on. Loved this post, Shelbee. Happy Saturday.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Alison, thanks so much! My sister is a wise woman and she delivers some really good gems to remember…like “Buy cheap, buy twice.” One of my favorite quotes from my sister is her business plan…”Make their money your money, that’s the goal!” Haha. She cracks me up, but she is so wise! I find that my style continues to change and evolve by the season. But I love it because variety is the spice of life! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Midlife and Beyond
So very true! It’s good to be a little daring and mix it up as there are no rules fashion wise. That’s another quote I need to remember!😊
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh, I do hate rules, Alison. Especially arbitrary fashion rules! We should never follow those rules unless they suit us!
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara
On this topic, i wrote this ( b4 i even turned 40) : either I was always very concerned, either i was always fascinated by how we each evolve in our style. I think it’s probably because I always had such a super stylish mum to look up to: https://40plusstyle.com/be-more-stylish-now-than-20-years-ago-how-40-is-twice-as-good-as-20-on-many-levels/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Barbara, I just read your article! It is so good. I totally laughed out loud at this part…”If you were skanky in your twenties, your miniskirts will look less than alluring now.” You are right, if we don’t wear our clothing with confidence, not much is going to look good regardless of our age. But lather on a healthy coat of confidence and you can pretty much pull off any look you desire. Thanks for sharing this with me!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
Great post Shelbee! I’m lucky enough that my body proportions haven’t changed too much over the years, if only I could grow a couple of inches LOL!!
I’ve definitely learned over the years what my style is and while I may try a few trends here and there I will mostly stick to my personal style.
Loving your sister’s quote “buy cheap buy twice”, definitely learned that to be true for many things, and luckily nowadays we have options of buying something secondhand of higher quality so we don’t have to neccessarily buy cheap but instead pay less.
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ellie, thank you so much for sharing your style journey! I just laughed out loud about wanting to grow a few inches! I always hated being on the taller side of average and always wished I were about 4 inches shorter. I also wish I had curly hair and I know so many curly haired people who wished they had straight hair. Isn’t is silly how we always want those things we cannot have? When we should be happy with all of the beautiful things about ourselves. My sister is such a wise woman and she is an avid thrifter like myself. But I think I turned her on to second hand shopping. It used to gross her out and I have been doing it forever! I love finding a good quality piece that is second hand for a fraction of the price. I hope you are having a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
It has said before above but that quote from your sister is so true. I should remember that more. Have a great weekend!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! My sister is a very wise woman! I try to remember that but sometimes cheap still wins out!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
That is a good quote – that’s why I spend so much on my Fluevogs (and they are also ISO certified world-wide for ethical and environmental production, meaning the workers in the factories that make their shoes get paid a living wage, and none of the production techniques are harmful to the environment – I’d like to see the “red sole” brand claim that).
I’m continually shopping, and continuously evolving my style. I think I’ve settled on “eclectic”, lol.
Have a great weekend, Michelle!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Sheila! I love that about the Fluevog brand! Well, I love that about any ethical and sustainable brand. I know I sure can do a little better with my fast fashion habits, but I have made lots of progress in the past few decades! I have definitely settled on eclectic as well…or style chameleon is really my preference. Haha. I hope your weekend has been wonderful so far!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tiziana
Great tips! A great advice I got is don´t buy too many of the same (like black dresses, white T-shirts, black bags)
Instead of having lots of simpel pieces better have just one and learn how to combine it more diverse 🙂
have a good start in the new week,
Tiziana
http://www.tizianaolbrich.de
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Tiziana, thank you so much! I really like that tip you shared. Although I probably don’t follow it very well as I have at least a dozen different little black dresses! But when it comes to wardrobe advice, I often don’t follow my own tips and just hoard everything! But you are so right, having one of each classic wardrobe staple certainly makes getting dressed a lot easier. Especially if you buy quality over quantity (which I sometimes struggle with). I hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ann
What a wonderful post, Shelbee! I’ll be 60 this year, and my style has definitely evolved over the years. Also I found that with gaining confidence, I have gained control over my style as it is today. I no longer feel the need to conform and put my own taste and needs first, whether they follow fashion or not. And wouldn’t it be sad if our tastes didn’t change with age and the passing of time, instead of being stuck in a rut? xxx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Ann, thank you so very much for sharing your style story and evolution with me! The confidence that comes with age is so helpful for expressing ourselves in unique ways. While I never felt the need to conform with how I dress, I definitely went through some growing pains along the way trying to figure out who I am. And the growing is the best part of living, isn’t it? It would be a shame if we didn’t change and evolve and spent our lives stuck in any kind of rut! I hope you have a magnificent week ahead!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
Amazing post! These are cool suggestions. The last point is the most important. Have a great week ahead!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lovely! I appreciate that. I hope you have a wonderful week as well!
xoxo
Shelbee