The 7 fashion items to own by the time you’re 30

Images courtesy of Zara, Astrid & Miyu and 12 Storeez Copyright: Eliza

Take it from someone who’s been there

Krissy Turner

20 August 2022

As you hit the big 3 0, I can bet you’ve thought about how to ensure a stylish entry into your third decade. Take it from someone who’s been there: there are several situations that you’ll need to be prepared for – sartorially speaking – in your 30s: a job interview (be it IRL or via Zoom) or new job, a friends’ wedding (there’ll be plenty), and winter dressing (I can promise the cold hits differently when you are 30+) are just a few.

That’s enough to send you into a minor panic, I know – and that’s before you even address wanting to look a little more sophisticated for everyday. But don’t worry, having already turned 30 and figured out what I needed, I’ve made a list of the pieces to see you through, whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a 30^th birthday gift:

Fancy jewellery for any occasion

From a smart gold watch for the office, to fancy drop earrings for Saturday nights out and tiny gold hoops that add a bit of sparkle to everyday looks, building up a jewellery box with pretty pieces that work for all scenarios will be a wise plan before you hit your 30s – and a busy social calendar. Astrid & Miyu, Pilgrim and Casio all specialise in chic pieces that come in under £50.

A job interview blazer

No matter the role you’re applying for, I can guarantee a chic blazer will be a wise interview choice.

For creative roles, you might be able to get away with throwing a smarter jacket over a roll-neck or a fresh plain t-shirt, while corporate jobs might require a shirt or blouse underneath. Interview aside, once you get the job, a blazer will be a cornerstone in your workwear wardrobe year-round, so it’s a safe and smart investment for your 30s.

Zara do some of the best on the high street: navy and camel are chic options, but apple green or burgundy will pack a punch on screen.

A great out out dress

The rise of rental has meant that if you don’t have one of these in your wardrobe, it’s not the end of the world, but a simple LBD is always a good idea.

Whether you need to pair it with opaque tights and chunky boots for a smart/casual dinner, or with sparkly heels and a blazer for a birthday meal, a Little Black Dress is the frock that keeps on giving. Choose a minimal style for maximum versatility and you can pull it out of your wardrobe over and over again.

Properly warm outerwear

I know, I know – we’re at the height of summer. But the wisest shoppers among us snap up fab jackets and coats year-round. I can promise you that once you hit 30, shivering at the train station in a strappy dress and so-so jacket isn’t something you’ll be able to fathom, so a cosy coat is a must-have.

For snow days and late chilly nights, you’ll be grateful for a properly warm option: Uniqlo has padded down jackets in tons of neutral shades, while Next always brings its thick teddy coat back each winter.

Blue jeans you feel great in

Even the most avid jean-wearers will tell you that finding their favourite pair was a slog. With different shapes, washes and sizing varying wildly up and down the high street, once you find a pair that fits you perfectly, buying them in three colours is perfectly acceptable.

By 30, (I’m hoping) you’d have found them. But if not, Levi’s, Weekday and Topshop via ASOS should be your starting points. Wear them with blazers and t-shirts by day, then with pretty tops and strappy mules by night.

A bra that fits perfectly

As much as your ‘trial and error’ ASOS underwear haul might have felt like a fool proof way to figure out your bra size, being fitted professionally is the best way to do it. Underwear is the base of all our looks, so wearing the wrong size means we’re quite literally falling at the first hurdle. Your 30s = no more guesswork.

Once you know your size, aim to have a t-shirt bra (for everyday), a nude one (for under shirts and white t-shirts), and a strapless one (for fancy dresses and tops), and you’re good to go.

Chic flats

Nothing says you have yourself together like a smart pair of flats, and at 30 that’s exactly the vibe to aim for. Classic black is the chicest and safest, but you can experiment with texture like mock croc if you’re keen. The most important factor to note is that the heels need to be walkable: hobbling around mid-afternoon is far from ideal.