We don't feel that it's outside our sphere of influence when we say that most women view turning 30 as a major milestone in their lives—for a number of different reasons. Sure, you can argue that age is nothing but a number, but at the same time, hitting 30 is of particular significance: Your 20's are officially over, you're almost 10 years out of college, and you're likely pondering the greater meaning of your existence.
As such, we've spent a fair amount of time pondering what turning 30 means in regards to personal style. We've already dug deep into the items you should probably toss by the time you're 30, and now—we're thinking about the things you should know by the time you turn the big 3-0.
1. WHAT SILHOUETTES FLATTER YOU - AND WHICH ONES DEFINITELY DON'T
By the time you’re 30, much of your size and shape is set—you’re not going to get shorter or taller, and though you’re sure to gain and lose weight as the years go on, it’s unlikely anything major will change. As such, it’s important to have on lock which silhouettes look best on you. Are you a midi-length-skirt kind of gal, or do above-the-knee cuts flatter you more? Do you look good in boxy shapes, or is flowy your friend? Know these things about yourself, and your 30s will be looking a whole lot more stylish.
ASOS V Hem Shell Top ($45)
Mango V-Neckline Short Black Dresses ($79)
Zara Elastic Waist Flounce Skirt($59)
2. YOUR PREFERRED CUT,BRAND, AND LENGTH OF JEANS
Ah, jeans—the eternal struggle. By the time you turn 30, you ought to have a decent handle on the jeans that flatter you most. Not only flares vs. boyfriend cut, but also the hem length that looks best, and the core brands you know you can turn to for the best fit.
Frame Denim Le High Flare High-Rise Jean ($220)
MOTHER Stunner Ankle Fray Jeans ($196)
Topshop Pretty Bleach Mom Jeans ($70)
3. WHAT COLORS LOOK BEST ON YOU
This is probably a no-brainer, but by the time you’re a grown woman, it’s crucial to know which colors are your go-tos when you need something that flatters your skin tone. Sure, it’s okay to go outside of that box and experiment with color too, but it’s nice to know with certainty (if you’re online shopping, especially) if a color looks good on you—or doesn’t.
Ronny Kobo Katya Skirt ($368)
Vanessa Bruno Athé Cybil Dress with Drop Waist ($354)
Zara Boho Style Ladies Top ($25)
4. THE DRESS CUT THAT MOST FLATTERS YOUR SHAPE
We all have that one dress silhouette we absolutely adore—whether it’s A-line, backless, long-sleeved, maxi, spaghetti strap—the options are limitless. And by the time you reach the big 3-0, it’s a good thing to know about yourself. Don’t let it limit the dresses you will try on, but do let it guide you in generally in the right direction.
Alice McCall Kit Kat Midi Length Dresses ($416)
Farrow Avery Dress ($88)
Preen Line Sylia Printed Voile and Georgette Dress ($715)
5. WHICH PIECES YOU NEED TAILORED,AND YOUR GO-TO TAILOR
Last, but certainly not least: By age 30, you should get your clothes tailored on a regular basis. If you are in love with a dress in the fitting room, but it’s just a bit too long, don’t just wear it as-is—get it hemmed. Find a local tailor you trust, and go back to him or her again and again; a well-tailored and well-fitting wardrobe will always trump one that’s worn off-the-rack.
ASOS Premium Clean Tailored Pant ($73)
J Crew Regent Blazer in Chambray ($168)
Zara Lace Coat ($169)
6. HOW TO AMPLIFY THE BODY PARTS YOU LOVE, AND CONCEAL THOSE YOU DON'T
As the infinitely wise Kim Kardashian once told us, successful personal style is really about knowing what to show and what not to show. "Really, I think it’s just figuring out what you truly like on your body and how to accentuate that," she told us. "If you don’t like your arms, then maybe a kimono look would look good because it has the longer sleeves to kind of cover up your arms. It just depends on what it is you're trying to hide and highlight." Enough said.
Vilanya Pleated Maxi Dress Online($31.8)
Theory Lilita Backless Suede Dress ($715)
Topshop Panelled Sequin Shell Top ($70)
What tricks do YOU think every woman should know by age 30? Tell us in the comments below!
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