Once you reach your 30s, you put more thought into your clothes. You need stylish outfits for work and social events, but you also want to be comfortable. We curated the following tips to help you adjust and switch up your style with maturity. Learn which pieces to donate or toss and which ones will update your closet. Hitting the age of 30 gives you a chance to show off your signature style. Enjoy the fashion and confidence that comes with being a bit older.
Invest in Quality Clothing
By now, you know cheap shirts and pants aren’t worth the money and effort. They’ll quickly become faded or tattered, leaving you to shop for something new to replace them. Find a highly rated men’s clothing brand that prides itself on exceptional fabric and innovation. Quality t-shirts made of durable fabrics like cotton or cotton-poly blends will hold up in the wash.
Well-made clothing will also stay super soft. The ideal tee for your 30s stays fresh and not easily wrinkled, so you can wear it all day long. A white v-neck or black crew neck t-shirt is a great top for layering with a button-down or jacket for the office. You can also pair these tees with denim jeans or chinos when you’re out to dinner or brunch.
Look for other features like side seams on your tees that help the shirt look good layered or on its own. Elevated crew neck shirts with raglan sleeves and a tapered fit are sophisticated and fashion-forward. When you find the right men’s tops and bottoms for your figure and fit, buy the same pieces in your favorite colors. Having the right size and style will also make it easy to mix and match your clothing.
Shop for Polished Men’s Essentials
Now that you’re picking up quality denim and fresh tees for your closet, think about some of the polished men’s essentials that’ll elevate and enhance your wardrobe. We think polo shirts are always an excellent choice for a man in his 30s. It’s sophisticated enough for the office, but it’ll also make you look stylish on the golf course.
Wear your polos to a restaurant or a family event. While they come in a variety of solid colors to match all your pants and shorts, they’ll also feel comfortable and soft enough to transition from the workplace to social hour. Buy a 3-pack of polo t-shirts in versatile colors to match your men’s bottoms. A black polo looks polished with a pair of khakis or gray chino pants, while a light-blue collared shirt will freshen up a pair of neutral-colored shorts or a pair of olive green tech pants.
More examples of polished men’s essentials include button-down shirts in colors like navy and garnet. A subtle print like mini dots or flowers can add style and playfulness to a wedding rehearsal or dinner date. A stylish, fitted sport jacket in a neutral color like taupe or navy will match all your tees and polos.
Add a Few Signature Pieces
If you have the right men’s essentials, you’re sure to put together a classic, stylish outfit. By now, you also have your own signature style. Adding a few pieces that speak to your style will keep your clothing unique. You’ll also infuse a little personality and originality into your closet.
Some examples of signature pieces for men include a reversible bomber jacket or a pair of vintage-inspired sneakers. If you’re rugged and love adventure, you can experiment with flannel button-down shirts in a variety of colors. For those who love trendsetting fashion, a textured, tailored jacket can also become part of your look.
When it’s warm outside, count on short-sleeve henley shirts in everyday colors like slate and oatmeal. Their distinctive buttons and contrasting stitching add the right amount of detail. Tall tees are an excellent choice for bigger guys or those with a rectangle body shape. These shirts can quickly become your signature pieces, especially because they will flatter your figure while keeping you cool and comfortable.
Experiment with Footwear
Before most guys reach their 30s, they experiment with different styles of sneakers. Now that you’re elevating your style, you can try other types of footwear. Set aside the basketball sneakers and skate shoes and shop for something that matches your chinos and denim. Boots are an excellent place to begin.
Boots are as diverse as sneakers, but they look more polished and sophisticated than athletic shoes. If you’re looking for something rugged, try ranger boots in a color like camel. They’ll pair perfectly with a pair of bootcut jeans and a brown jacket. Chelsea boots can be worn with everything from wool trousers to straight-leg cotton pants. Black and grey are some of the most attractive colors, but you can also find them in navy and brown.
Chukka boots and desert boots look casually cool with a pair of well-fitting jeans and a button-down printed shirt in a fabric like cotton or flannel. Add a brown leather jacket for an adventurous appearance. Once you find your ideal style, move on to something relaxed and casual like boat shoes or loafers. Driving shoes are more fashionable and polished than a moccasin, but they’re just as cozy to wear. Buy them in a color like cobalt blue or purple to make your outfit feel on-trend. When it’s time to go to work, try a pair of lace-up oxfords in black or brown.
Try a New Style
Celebrate your wisdom and confidence by trying a new style of clothing. Taking a risk may lead you to something you love wearing. It may also give you the inspiration to update your closet. For example, if you don’t usually wear v-neck shirts, try a couple of them in colors like clay or sapphire. You may just find a soft and well-fitting top in a shade that matches your style and unique appearance.
Other interesting styles to try in your 30s include elevated tees to flatter your figure with a more fitted, tapered cut and modern pocket tees to add subtle, sophisticated detail to your classic outfits. Super soft eco-fresh crew necks that are ethically made and environmentally conscious can make you feel good about yourself and what you’re doing for the planet. If you’re usually comfortable in jeans or shorts, try a pair of cropped trousers. High-waisted pants or pleated trousers may accentuate your body type.
If you’re looking for a reason to splurge, buy a leather or suede jacket. It’ll add stylish layers and elevate any men’s ensemble. Field jackets in colors like tan and olive are comfortable to wear and will match with almost anything. Don’t forget a sophisticated pea coat or overcoat in shades like off-white and sage green.
Dress Your Best at Any Age
After you turn a certain age, you know more about yourself and your style. Instead of buying busy prints and patterns to get attention, rely on your unique fashion sense and confidence. Find a clothing company that makes quality pieces and carries the best men’s essentials. Then, work to diversify your closet with classic clothing and interesting pieces that accentuate your best features. Dressing in your 30s is more fun because you have poise and confidence. Now that you know more about what to wear, you’ll fill your closet with quality items that reflect how you feel about your style and yourself.
