Should I be dressing my age?

[SausageSmuggler]

I'm 30 this year and found myself wondering this. I live in jeans, converse and band/film t-shirts (currently sporting a Batman t-shirt). I'm not overly bothered but I've noticed that in the baby groups I go to and on the school run that other mums seem to dress a bit more 'grown up' or a bit smarter. At 30 should I be doing the same? I don't think I look my age but I worry slightly that I might look like I'm dressing like a teenager.

sausage - I'm old enough to be your mother and that's how I dress. It's comfortable. :)

feralgirl and madmomma yes me too - found myself in Monsoon at 27 in a bit to be taken seriously. 39 now and having a midlife crisis according to DP happily dressing to please myself. I'll never be this young again so might as well enjoy it!

I'm 30 this year and... I live in jeans, converse and band/film t-shirts (currently sporting a Batman t-shirt).

Oh no! Mutton dressed as lamb!
(Someone had to say that.)

Time to switch to a nice tweed skirt, twinset and pearls OP. I'm nearly twice your age and like to wear shroud.

I've just turned 40 and wear skinnies, coated leggings, long shirts, blue glitter chelsea boots (boden teen range) and Wonder Woman converse.

Age appropriate can fuck off; I feel happy every time I spot my fabulous feet. Clothes should be something you enjoy.

The thing I did learn in my thirties wasn't the need for twinsets, it was the need to banish 'sod it that'll do' from my wardrobe. Don't wear anything you don't feel great in.

i like that tea. I have small children and practically my whole wardrobe is made up of 'sod it, that will do' Maybe when i am older i will start dressing for fun not practicality.

I feel the need to go and buy converse. I'm so not "on trend" lol.

Didius (great name btw, love those books) I know what you mean - my dc are school age now so not the same as the toddler years. I think it's possible to have practical clothes you like, though (my beloved blue glitter boots are sensible comfortable flats I can walk miles in).

I only really buy online with the odd bit from charity or vintage shops, so I use the stores where I know my fit and the basic shape I'm going for (slim trousers and an oversize top, usually).

Most of my clothes have animals on, I have superheroes all over my living room and I currently have plaits in my hair. I'm 29 and I don't feel like I should be dressing differently. I do however, feel like I should know what suits me by now and I have no idea, I just wear whatever. I would quite like to be one of those women who looks well put together but still wears fun things. I felt a bit like you OP when I first had my baby and other mums looked more neat and stylish but most were older, had older children too and when I thought about it I was just pretty chuffed having got myself and the baby fed and dressed and out of the house!

I'm 40 this year and have decided that some of the clothes that looked "hippy" or "surfy" in my 20s now make me look like an eccentric bag lady.
Jeans and vans (much more comfy than cons IMO) are still a staple though.

After DS1 was born I went through a Per Una phase too, oh the shame! Thankfully a long distant memory

Love my Converse and New Balance (in my 40's). You sound great OP, no need to change.

I too went through a "frumpy mummy" stage just after Shavian my DC. Thought all skirts should be below the knee and that White Stuff and Boden were epitomes of style. Nothing wrong with them, but not really me.

Fortunately, I'm back to dressing how I like. Never been much of a jeans wearer but like a bit of the rock chick look. Go for short skirts or shorts, opaques, DMs or other clumpy boots. Mid 40s.

Heck if you like a band Tshirt wear it.

I've got a fab large roses top shop Tshirt from about 5 years ago in their sale v rock chick and perfect for bands/parties. It suits me too.

I think wear what you like but either have a "I don't care what you think" attitude or do as I do and save band tshirts for concerts, wild (not dress up) parties etc or casual wear.