30 Style Lessons I’ve Learned In My 30s
PhotoCredit:@itsdemib
Is it just me, or do your 30s kind of feel like the new 20s—just with more under-eye patches and better boundaries?
Growing up, I thought my 30s would be all “flirty and thriving” thanks to 13 Going on 30. But now that I’m actually here? Let’s just say life looks a lot different than my 13-year-old self imagined.
Still, there’s something about this decade that feels like a second shot—like I get to do things right this time. I’ve learned to spot toxic relationships from a mile away, and thanks to TikTok hacks and holy grail skincare finds, I’m finally figuring out what works for me. I’m more intentional, more self-aware, and more focused on where I want to be 10–20 years from now.
And through all the lessons, the glow-ups, and the red flags I now confidently avoid, one thing hasn’t changed: my love for fashion. That’s been a constant from my teens to now—and it’s only getting better.
Also I created this checklist for you 30 Wardrobe Essentials that every woman in her 30s must own.
1. You don’t need that.
photocredit:@tylauren
Just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it belongs in your cart. I used to feel serious FOMO watching everyone wear the same viral top. But here’s the truth: you’re not missing out. You’re saving space (and money) for something you’ll actually wear.
2. Curate slowly.
Lightweight Tailored WaistcoatViscose-Blend Tailoring Fabric
$325.00
In my 20s, shopping sprees were the norm—like full-on mini hauls with 15 Forever 21 pieces that fell apart in a month. These days? I’m cool with buying one perfect thing and letting it earn its place in my closet.
3. You don’t need a ton of clothes to be stylish.
Photo Credit:@styled.daisy
Some of the chicest women I know repeat outfits all the time. Style isn’t about volume—it’s about intention.
4. Take care of what you have.
Handheld Steamer
$39.99
Even your $12 tee deserves a good iron and a gentle wash. I’ve learned that when you treat your clothes with care, they look better—and last longer.
5. Invest in your skin.
Paulas Choice
Exfoliants for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles, and Fine Lines
$61.20
Your skin is the one outfit you wear forever. At some point, the $7 moisturizer wasn’t cutting it, and I started treating my skin like the main character.
6. A great handbag is a non-negotiable.
Tabby Shoulder Bag 20
$350
Whether it’s a sleek crossbody, a structured tote, or something big enough to hold snacks and receipts from 2017, you need a bag that keeps up with your life.
7. Keep your eyebrows and nails done (or looking done).
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Brow Definer 3-in-1 Triangle Tip Easy Precision Eyebrow Pencil
$26.00
My cheat code? Amazon press-ons that look salon-perfect and a $3 brow gel that keeps me from looking like I just rolled out of bed.
8. Comfortable shoes > everything.
Samba OG Shoes
$110
Heels used to be a personality trait. Now? I want cute shoes that I can actually walk in. Minimal heels, stylish sneakers, elevated flats—I want the look and the comfort.
9. Don’t dress for men.
SylasStrapless Buckle Denim Top - Indigo Blue
$95
Men are not dressing for us. So why are we twisting ourselves into knots for them? Dress for you. (And if your man loves you in pink, sure—wear it sometimes. But not every day.)
10. Summer maintenance is real.
Leopard Print French Tip Nails
$8.16
Shaved legs, fresh toes, and a bikini wax might sound like a lot, but hear me out—it’s the confidence boost you didn’t know you needed. DIY if you have to, but trust me on the gel polish.
11. Work out—for your back.
Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant
$128
Postpartum taught me that a weak core equals a sore back. Walking around my apartment, using a walking pad, or doing quick floor exercises has become a must. Not for weight loss—for survival.
12. Style is how you carry yourself.
Cat Eye Sunglasses
$13.98
It’s the little things: posture, eye contact, how you walk into a room. Your outfit is the intro, but your energy is the headline.
13. Stop saving things for a special occasion.
OriaChiffon Mini Dress - White
$175
Your favorite dress deserves to be worn on a Tuesday. Life is the special occasion.
14. A blazer changes everything.
Houndstooth Box JacketItalian Cotton-Blend Houndstooth
$595.00
Over a dress, with jeans, even with shorts—it adds structure and polish in seconds.
15. Neutrals are underrated.
Aritzia
High-waisted wide-leg linen pants
$148
You can do so much with a good base of whites, blacks, beiges, and grays. Add your pops of color, but don’t sleep on the basics.
16. Tailoring is your secret weapon.
Extreme Tapered JeanCotton Denim
$295.00
It doesn’t have to be expensive. Hem those pants, take in that dress—your clothes should fit you, not the mannequin.
17. Don’t underestimate a good tee.
Responsibly Sourced Merino Wool with Cashmere + Silk
$385.00
A quality tee that fits right? Chef’s kiss. Dress it up or down, it works every time.
18. Statement pieces only matter if they’re you.
That trendy “it” piece doesn’t matter if you’re never going to wear it. Find your version of a statement—a bold lip, cool sneakers, a head-turning bag.
19. Trends come and go. Style evolves.
Relaxed Leopard Print Utility Pant
$315
Let your wardrobe grow with you. What worked at 22 might not hit the same now—and that’s okay.
20. Clothes should make you feel something.
Tuckernuck
Navy and Cream Cotton Mitchell Dress
$298
Joy. Confidence. Peace. If it makes you feel meh, it’s not for you.
21. You’re allowed to love comfort.
Veronica Beard
Blue Diamond Taylor High Rise Wide Leg
$348
Soft fabrics, stretchy waistbands, easy silhouettes—cozy is chic when done right.
22. You don’t need permission to wear what you love.
Veronica Beard
Natural Linen and Hazelwood Mini Veronica Beard Dash Bag
$548
Crop tops, bold prints, over-the-top earrings—if it brings you joy, wear it proudly.
23. Get a steamer.
Wrinkles ruin the vibe. A quick steam takes any outfit from “I tried” to “I nailed it.”
24. Seasonal wardrobes are a game-changer.
4 Pack Closet Storage Bins
$21.99
Rotate your closet. Store away what’s off-season. It keeps things fresh and helps you actually see what you have.
25. Jewelry matters.
Hillary Double Diamond Stud Earrings
$580
Even the simplest outfit feels elevated with the right hoops, rings, or necklace.
26. Confidence isn’t always loud.
Danessa Myricks Beauty
$36.00
Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint Foundation with Peptides + Ceramides
Sometimes it’s a quiet “I feel good in this” moment that radiates all day.
27. Wash your delicates properly.
Mesh bags. Air dry. Stop throwing everything in on high heat and wondering why it shrinks.
28. Learn your best colors.
There’s a reason some shades make you glow and others wash you out. Figure it out, and shop accordingly.
29. Dressing well is an act of self-respect.
Even if no one else sees you that day—you do.
30. Style is a reflection of your season.
Whether you’re working from home, raising kids, chasing big dreams, or doing all three—let your wardrobe reflect the woman you are right now.
This decade has been the most grounded, honest, and self-aware version of me—and my style reflects that. Not because I have more clothes (I don’t), but because I’ve finally figured out what feels like me.
And if you’re in the same boat? Welcome. These lessons aren’t just about clothes—they’re about showing up for yourself, one outfit at a time. Also I created this checklist for you 30 Wardrobe Essentials that every woman in her 30s must own. You can download it here.
