Style Mistakes I Made in My 20s (That I’m Not Repeating in My 30s)
Your 20s are absolutely an era where MISTAKES ARE MADE. As they should be. My 20s were full of late nights, terrible taste in men, and even worse outfits. I wore things just because they were trendy, even if they didn’t fit right or feel like me. Now that I’m in my 30s, I know better. Getting dressed feels easier, more fun, and way more like me.
If you’re looking for over 30 fashion tips that feel effortless but still cute, this is for you. These are the style mistakes I used to make and what I do instead now.
Wearing Clothes That Didn’t Fit Right
In my 20s, I would literally fall in love with some skinny jeans or a “going out top” from Forever21 and even if they fit was slightly off, I’d buy it anyway because it was cheap and on trend. I literally remember a homecoming weekend where I wore a pair of jeans that kept sliding down and I spent the entire night pulling them up awkwardly. Not fun.
Now, I’d rather have a great fitting basic that I can wear all the time. I wear what flatters my shape. And I actually return things if they don’t fit! And when I really want something to work when the fit is a bit off, I get it tailored instead of forcing the issue and wearing it all ill-fitting.
Buying Things Just Because They Were on Sale
I used to hit the clearance rack like it was my job. But most of those "deals" just sat in my closet with the tags still on.
Now I ask: would I buy this at full price? If the answer is no, it stays on the rack. Over 30 fashion is all about quality over quantity.
Ignoring Comfort
Wearing heels to brunch? Been there. Limped home. Not doing that again.
Comfort is non-negotiable for me now. I still want to look put together, but if my shoes hurt or I have to keep tugging on a dress, it’s a no.
Not Having Go-To Outfits
I used to feel like I had "nothing to wear" all the time. I had clothes, but no outfits.
Now I keep a few go-to looks that always work. A cardigan and jeans. A comfy maxi with sandals. A white tee and linen pants. Easy, done.
Following Trends Too Closely
The JCrew bubble necklace era comes to mind. I wore mine so much and cringe every time I see an old photo. I picked a green one for some reason and no, it did not go with 90% of my outfits.
Now I pick trends that actually fit my vibe. If I try something new, I make sure it works with what I already own.
Hiding My Insecurities
There was a phase where I wore an oversized sweater and skinny jeans for any and every occasion. I was constantly trying to hide my stomach and my outfits got boring real fast.
Now that I don’t care, (I guess aging will do that to you) I just wear what I want and don’t get bummed out when I see, for example, a tight dress I think is super cute that will likely be tight around my stomach. I just go for it because I like it and that’s enough for me!
Dressing for Someone Else
Whether it was a date, a job, or just trying to fit in, I dressed for other people a lot.
These days, I dress for me. If I feel good, that’s all that matters. Confidence really is the best outfit.
Over 30 fashion doesn’t mean boring. It means knowing what works for you and sticking with it. I’ve never felt more confident in my style than I do now.
If you’re in your 30s (or getting close), I hope this helps you skip a few of the style mistakes I made. Save this post for later, or share it with a friend who needs the reminder!
