How to Make the Style Transition from Your 20s to Your 30s
Many of the clients that I work with are in some type of transition. Whether they're a recent college graduate now working in corporate, a new mom, newly divorced and dating, or transitioning from their 20s to their 30s. One of the questions that I am asked the most is, how to make the style transition from your 20s to your 30s. Well that and how to dress different body shapes (more on that coming soon!).
What I've learned since I am now in the 30s club, is that your style in your 20s is about showing skin. I used to wear short skirts and shorts paired with a crop top. In my 30s I'm learning that I can still be sexy and show confidence without showing too much skin. Don't get me wrong, I still show skin as you can see here, here, and here, but I show it a little less. My go to pieces are now curve accentuating pieces. If I do wear a crop top it's usually paired with pants or a long length skirt. This is more mysterious and mature, but still oozes sexy and confidence.
How To Make The Style Transition From Your 20s To Your 30s
- Create a vision board - you can use magazine cut outs or go digital and create a board on Pinterest. Think about how you would like your style to evolve. Start pinning color combos, outfit inspiration, and even style icons whether it's a celebrity, blogger, or a friend.
- Edit your closet - get rid of the items that you wouldn't add to your vision board. You know, the itty bitty mini skirts, excessive amounts of sweat pants, flip flops, and super low-rise jeans.
- Enlist the help of a stylist or a very honest friend - you may need an encouraging push to let things go. It's always great to have someone from the outside help us get rid of the things we no longer need. (Don't forget to download my e-book 8 Easy Steps To Organize Your Closet Like A Pro if you're going to be doing this with you and a friend).
- Focus on quality basics - Now is the time to invest in the basics. These are classics pieces that you need in your wardrobe that won't go out of style.
- Reevaluate the stores you shop - An occasional piece from Forever 21 may be fine but this should not be your go to store. I used to be in love with the BP section at Nordstrom. While I still may grab a piece or 2 from there every now and then, I now frequent Nordstrom's Savvy Trends section.
- Invest in a tailor - because the proper fit is everything!!
How To Elevate Your Work Style
- Buy a great fitting skirt and pant suit in a classic style and a neutral color
- Play with color with your blouses
- Have at least 2 pairs of classic pumps at a moderate height (depending on how conservative your office is you might need to reserve the 4 and 5" heels for the weekend.
- You can mix and match the pants and skirt from the suits with blouses, button down shirts, and sweater sets
- Also add a few knee length dresses (style tip: the wrap dress looks great on all body shapes!)
Items To Add To Your Wardrobe (if you don't already own them)
- A real leather jacket
- Trench coat
- Grown and sexy top
- Pencil skirt
- Classic Blazer
- Cocktail dress
- Tailored trousers
- Sheath/shift dress
- Update your LBD (I'm guessing you might not want to keep your LBD from your 20s)
- Quality pair of classic black pumps
- Classy Lingerie - since this month we are talking about updating our undie drawer! And this goes for whether you're single or in a relationship.
- Great statement heels - the ones you grab when you have on something simple but you want to elevate your look
- Diamond studs
- The perfect fitting jeans - you know, the kind you pull out on your first date...yes, those!
Items You Should Toss
- Mini denim skirts
- Tube tops
- Body con dresses that are both extremely short and tight
- Colored tights
- Leggings - unless you're going to yoga class
- Micro mini skirts
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