Anyone up for a ‘fashion in my 30s’ thread?

[Jamtartforme]

Because I feel a bit too old for cycling shorts and crop tops, but too young for Next and Boden.

I like the look of Nobody’s Child and of course I have my beloved ASOS but was wondering if anyone fancied a chat thread for new ideas…

I'm very much enjoying this thread as I love clothes and you lot of 30 year something's seem lovely but I had to pop on to say wait until you're in your late 50s and the children have left home! It's fantastic I'm having a great time buying for my wardrobe(s)

I took the plunge last week and bought some high rise flared jeans off vinted. Despite making me feel like I’m dressing like my teenage, skatery self they’re amazingly comfortable. I’m unsure what to wear them with, other than my failsafe stripy t shirt. I tried with a collar shirt and felt I looked a bit 70s. Any thoughts?

I wear that and I am not a mum!

@KatherineSwynford1403 apologies, of course it's not just mums, but it's what always get suggested when someone our age with kids asks what works for looking nice but casual/functional. It just really isn't my style, I'd be putting on an age appropriate/fashionable "costume" and I feel I've done that most of my life, I want my 30s to be the opportunity to embrace my own style which also suits my lifestyle.

@Mariposa123 Anything with a high rise lends itself to a slightly cropped top and by that I don’t mean boob skimming, just short enough to see a couple of centimetres of skin if you’re feeling brave. You kind of want to balance the silhouette— baggy bottoms need a tight-ish top. So a body or knitted vest would work. Or a very light cotton/silk blouse with the front tucked in? But I agree, steer away from tops with collars.

Great thread, I'm 34 & feel the same! Don't mind the dress & trainers look & I wear it a lot but no clue what to wear jeans wise or where to get them nowadays if anyone has any suggestions?

@SpaceRaiders thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I did have a vest top on under my shirt and that did look good on its own, but today is not vest top weather!

blouses are where I struggle actually. I need v neck and everything. Is high neck with drills that make me look matronly and bigger than I am. The tops I do find I like are either white or beautiful materials that will just get ruined by the kids. T shirts and cotton/linen shirts are my safe space at the moment if I can’t wear dresses!

Drills should say frills!

Great idea for a thread.

33 here and always looking for inspo, particularly for work outfits.

I think I look my age (sadly I don’t fit the classic MN trope of looking 10 years younger!) but dress much younger as I still feel 24. 😅

@Mariposa123 A vest and a cropped cardie are your best bet! Definitely no frills, if you’re fuller round the chest otherwise that just accentuates your bust.

@bananaboats Zara seems to be a good bet. But I’ve generally found well fitting jeans on the high street quite tricky to find. I have an odd shape body, 33 inch legs with a big bum and thick thighs but a relatively small waist. So I’ve stuck with the same premium brand jeans for 12years+!

I'll join you.

I gave up on the cheaper high street shops when I hit my 30s (Zara, mango, H&M etc), mainly because I find most things are unflattering if you're over a size 8. I'm a 10-12, so not huge, but I just don't find many clothes that work on curvier bodies. Everything is so short and clings in the wrong places!

These days I tend to shop mainly in Sézane, Whistles, and Jigsaw as I find the cuts a lot more flattering.

Having said that, I did venture into new look recently (for the first time in years!), and found the perfect wide leg trousers for holiday. I just cba to order online from these places anymore as I end up sending it all back!

Can I join?

I absolutely love clothes but finding it a chore at the minute... although I've just purchased some new autumn pieces which have made me excited to wear.

I'm 34, a mum of 2 under 3yrs and also a student again at the minute.... spend alot of time on placements in massively unflattering nurse uniform...! So I'd love to fall in love with dressing myself on days when I can 🤣

I agree with this. Love the white top but my mind is instantly going ‘hairy armpits, no matching bra’. I think this is my problem actually, making sure I have all the finishing touches as well as the clothes themselves.

@MidnightMeltdown I feel like a lot of these younger shops use flimsier material that you just can’t get away with past 25!

@Jamtartforme I’ve also realised im
much more conscious of bra straps showing now that I ever used to be. I think it’s because I’m still stuck wearing frumpy feeding bras but there’s a niggle in the back of my mind that’s not the only reason and that’s it for me baring some skin on my shoulders. Hope it’s not an overall confidence thing

@Jamtartforme You’re right on finishing touches, it really pulls the outfit together. For some reason I have no belts and I seriously need to invest in some ‘grown up’ jewellery, solid gold not the plated stuff. The white top is so lovely on and really good quality for the price. I got it in black, grey and white from my go to boutique here; https://www.bodandted.co.uk/clothing-c3/tops-c1/pretty-lavish-billie-ribbed-racer-tee-in-cream-p26461

I forgot about my go to French brands @MidnightMeltdown I’ve occasionally found some nice bits in the sales in Sandro and Claudie Pierrot.

Anyone who is struggling with the bra lines, it's worth trying the mens fit tees from arket. They seem to come in a slightly thicker material so I find they hang better. It's also well worth looking at longer line crop tops which have either come a long way recently in support or I've just accepted occasionally tripping over my boobs post kids...

I went to see Barbie the other week and am now considering whether I can get away with a 50s style big midi skirt. It seems to hide the lower tummy pooch thing.

I'm having so much fun with fashion in my 30s! I've finally got a sense of what suits me. I've also learnt how to create a wardrobe of clothes that actually work together so I always feel I can put together an outfit. And I've learnt the importance of good cuts and fabrics - I keep this affordable by buying second hand.

I'm taller than average and quite thin/straight with very dark hair/eyes & fair skin

Ive found the style that works for me is:

• black, white, forest green
• turtleneck, v-neck, boat neck, high neck
• tailored, sharp clothing and narrow cuts
• trench coats
• leather, cotton, silk
• not wearing more than 2 colours and aiming for a cohesive look to outfits
• wearing one "statement" item at a time with high quality basics that shows my personality (I was a teenage goth & like a bit of edge!)
• careful accessorising- usually wear some variation of pearl earrings
• black & white stripes, zebra print, houndstooth, black & white gingham

Shops & brands I adore:
Arket, COS, & Other Stories, Ganni, Tara Jarmon, Anthropologie, Rag & Bone, Claudie Pierlot, Baum Und Pferdgardten, Joseph, Acne Studios, Toteme, Coach

Vinted has been a game changer for me! For the same price as an equivalent new item at Primark I've been able to get super high quality, durable items from premium brands. I.e I have a brand new 100% silk Claudie Pierlot dress I paid £15 for. Acne studio jeans that are soo comfortable and high quality I got for a fiver.... I also get things altered or mended if necessary. Well worth it.

I am so much more purposeful about buying clothes now & discount things immediately if I know they won't go with anything else I own or I won't feel good in them as they don't flatter my body type.

Interesting to read about everyone else 🙂

I love Arket t-shirts! They're just so great for basics in general. I have a mens fit white button up shirt & a few racer style tanks that I wear all the time. The cut & fabric quality are both great. I'll have to give the mens cut tshirts a go too!

Discovering the importance of "finishing touches" was a game changer for me too!! I didn't understand how some women always looked so put together even in basics then it clicked- its the accessories!

I invested in a decent All Saints belt in the sale & have picked up some others in charity shops - often find they have proper leather ones for a few quid.

I need to invest in better quality jewellery at some point too. But for now I've got a lot from Vinted. I find it sells slower on there so you can get really good prices.

This lady sells some really nice bits I think she makes them herself:
https://www.vinted.co.uk/member/104791824-stienleo
I wear the chunky hoops all the time.
Also, I really like Anthropologie jewellery & u can often find that going cheap on Vinted!

What do people wear for day-to-day casual? I’m stuck in a bit of a Breton, jeans and trainers rut!

I do love a Breton!

For casual I still wear tailored pieces but dress them down with casual pieces/accessories
So like
Tailored trousers + casual top + loafers
Oversize blazer + tshirt + jeans
Trench coat + striped turtleneck + jeans
Leather pencil skirt + classic white tshirt + trainers

I wear turtlenecks a lot!

Also a huge fan of jumpsuits/all in ones as they're easy to dress up or down

Thanks @Purplehearts9066
I do love a jumpsuit and should probably invest in a couple more!

They're amazing!! So comfy & just easy to wear, you can change the vibe totally with coat/accessories/bag as well

I also use Acloset to sort out my wardrobe and plan outfits which sounds a but obsessive (ok it IS a bit obsessive) but its helped me declutter and think of different ways of wearing stuff I already own.
This is an example of a pretty typical casual outfit for me.

For super casual I also have a couple of Zara co-ords, with a sweater and smart looking joggers. Soo useful and actually still look decent enough to wear out an about if I wear a decent coat & shoes and some nice earrings!

Mid 30s here and just getting out of the continuous pregnancy/breastfeeding phase.

Loving buying good quality second hand

Have got some great basics from Cos & Hush and love a few brights from places like Sugarhill Brighton.

Also loving some of the sustainable brands in the sales. TwoThirds, Passenger, Finisterre.

I love your style and how you put outfits together @Purplehearts9066 I definitely need to up my game.