You are no longer in your 20s and can't look like a college guy anymore, but you are also not yet in your 40s so middle age hasn't caught up with you. You are in the middle years, the peak of your life, and need to find out how to dress in your 30's.
If you dress like you are in your 20s, you may not be taken seriously. You'll be considered as immature or inexperienced. Conversely, if you dress like you are much older than you are, you may be considered as beyond your prime…. no longer an up and comer or worthy of being invested in.
This essay is meant to help you discover that right line between a youthful guy and middle-aged, to show you how to dress in your 30's.
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How To Dress In Your 30s. The Best Look is a Varied One
Do you know what doesn't impress anyone? Being “the guy.” The guy who constantly wears sweaters. The man with the one ridiculous fedora he wears everywhere, no matter what the rest of his outfit is. The guy who always wears suspenders, even with a belt. That guy.
And, less unusual but similarly unvaried, there's always the man who just wears jeans and a non-descript shirt and shoes anytime he's not forced to dress up.
Don't be any of those men.
The simplest method to wow people with your style is to modify it. Introduce fresh materials, new colors, and different designs and pieces of clothing so that you're never a “that guy.”
Figuring out who you are and what sort of fashionable guy you are is just as crucial as figuring out how to dress in your 30's.
If you've never done any smart dressing, your wardrobe is probably built on some simple fundamentals right now. Let's take a look at those mainstays — and at some alternatives, you may wear that perform the same purpose, but add a little flair.
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Blue jeans – There's nothing wrong with these, part of the time. Get them black and close-fitted and they look terrific. But add in some corduroys, khakis, colored chinos, and wool formal pants too. So many men wear the same sort of trousers every day that a man who alters his outfit always stands out. Check out our denim purchasing guide.
T-shirts – Don't toss out the simple white undershirts, but get ready to shift away from baggy tees with graphic logos or graphics on them. Those are a younger man's game and you're learning how to dress in your 30's, not your 20's. Start wearing casual collared shirts instead: short-sleeved work shirts, polos, and patterned dress shirts. They offer you a bit more sophistication without overdressing things.
Sweatshirts – Ditch the college hoodies, and reserve performance fleece for serious mountain-climbing. Wear light sweaters and cardigans instead, or fall/spring outer layers like denim and leather jackets.
Coats – Similarly, improve a basic canvas or nylon coat to a robust sportcoat or blazer. With a sweatshirt beneath, they'll hold up until the snow begins falling. Own a decent wool overcoat for when it happens.
Sneakers – Gym sneakers are for the gym. Outside its confines, wear leather shoes most of the time. Casual loafers, brogues, and boots all work nicely. So do leather work shoes. Colored canvas sneakers (think Converse All-Stars) offer a fun, wacky style, but unless you truly play in a rock band, you're pushing your luck with them at thirty-plus.
How To Dress In Your 30s. Items Every Man in His 30s Should Own
So what determines a 30-something man's style
He does, obviously. But if you're looking for a decent starting spot, here are some timeless essentials that are never going to be a terrible decision while you're finding out how to dress in your 30's.
Investing in quality jackets is crucial for a professional look. A well-fitted blazer effectively improves any look, seamlessly moving from casual to formal situations.
Trousers tailored to perfection are another crucial aspect, imparting a feeling of maturity and elegance. Versatile shirts in neutral tones or classic designs give a stable basis, easily combined with varied bottoms. When it comes to tops, a range of well-fitted, high-quality T-shirts and collared shirts provides a wardrobe ready for every occasion.
Footwear plays a key part, and a variety of timeless shoes, such as classic leather loafers or durable boots, offers the final touch to a well-rounded ensemble. Accessories like a nice watch or a beautiful belt discreetly improve the overall appearance.
In the dynamic arena of men's fashion, knowing the value of these essentials guarantees that your wardrobe endures the test of time, seamlessly adjusting to the developing trends while keeping a refined and age-appropriate attractiveness. Embrace these timeless fundamentals, and you'll radiate confidence and flair as you traverse your 30s and beyond.
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Let's go farther into each one though, shall we
Jackets and jackets
Sports jackets – The blazer's dressed-down relative. A handful of them in textured weaves will keep you looking fantastic all fall and spring. They're adaptable, and can be made to function in practically any social context.
Sweaters and cardigans – Buy them in basic, solid hues and they'll be a flexible complementing item. You can never go wrong with gray and earth tones. When deciding how to dress in your 30's personally, sweaters are a fantastic area to find diversity. They come in a range of colors and styles to help display your personality, without sacrificing a lot of the adaptability.
Waxed field jackets – The Barbour brand is your emblem here, although there are knock-offs and imitators. A decent one is costly, but it keeps you looking sharp in adverse weather. Just make sure the fit is decent - you don't want a baggy one making you seem slouched and squishy.
Long overcoats – You can't drape a puffy nylon-shell parka over a nice suit or jacket. Own a quality, black wool overcoat that falls down near your knees. There are numerous of kinds - Chesterfields for austere formality, polo coats for premium stylishness; trenchcoats for that gruff working class image. Pick your favorite, but own one.
Leather jackets – If you discover one you love and the quality is superb, it's worth whatever the price tag says. If you don't love it, or the quality is low, or the fit is awful (leather's not adjustable), skip it. This is where learning how to dress in your 30's doesn't have to get stuffy. A leather jacket is the greatest method to preserve the young and edgy feeling, while upgrading the appearance