Whether we like it or not, we are usually judged based on first appearances.
While being told to “dress your age” might seem like a crude judgement at first glance, all it really means is “dress for the occasions you will most likely have at your current stage of life”.
During your teenage years – or even college – you didn’t have that much responsibility.
Serious events such as grad school interviews, job interviews, formal dress codes, weddings, corporate events, even going on romantic dates were not happening nearly as often as they will when you’re in your 30’s.
Back then wearing a t-shirt and some baggy jeans on the daily were enough for daily wear. In your 30’s the rules change, and the playing field gets a bit more mature.
Today, we will show you how exactly you can upgrade your style to give off more of a put together impression.
Casual Wardrobe in Your 30’s
For a casual wardrobe comfort is a primary facet of dressing, as well as the overall impact of an outfit.
Some shades could make or break the whole ensemble, that’s why more mature men often shy away from bright, eye-catching colors or patterns, often appalled by their “tackiness” or lack of finesse.
Here are some style ideas that you can cop for a casual wardrobe:
A comfy wool overcoat, selvedge denim jeans and white sneakers are always a nice combination to have. Get these essentials in cool neutrals, and your wardrobe will thank you. Layering is always a good idea, especially when your upper body is a bit smaller. It can give a bit of proportion, if you’re bottom heavy.
Somebody’s gotta have some wool. Or a quirky, military-style jacket. Anything texture adds up to the luxurious vibe of any outfit. It also adds dimension to your body, with the right type of fabric flattering your frame. You can pair it off with relaxed pair of pants and your favorite sneakers for a hip take on casual thirties fashion. Or you could throw in some tattered jeans and desert boots. Yes, it’s age appropriate!
You may want to try something fancier and get one in a blended material. Such a classy vibe – especially when paired with brown heritage boots..or even your plain ol’ Chucks. The key is low key colors with a focus on a strong foundation and high quality pieces.
No matter how you decide to style them, grey crewneck sweatshirts are one of the best pieces that you can invest in. Opt to get a few in neutral colors just as the ones shown above, as they can be paired with most shades in your wardrobe. You can dress them up, or down, as you may please. Opt out of jeans and go for navy chinos for a classier look. Start slowly replacing wearing jeans with other types of pants.
Business Casual & More Formal Wardrobe
Your best friend in this section is the navy blazer. Take some notes from this guy above – a quirky blazer paired with more traditional neutral colors such as navy and grey are a great way to spice up your formal outfits.
Layer-up in time for your daily commute! Again, layering is the key to better proportions. Trench coats and overcoats are a must in every wardrobe, if you may have noticed. You can actually color-coordinate with all the layers and create a seamless gradient of blacks and whites, or whatever your preference is.
Yes, dark on light looks good, too. Opt for long coats with some sort of texture, like tweed or wool, which could give your ensemble body and form. Also, if you’re just starting out your collection, try to build as much neutrals as you can. This would reduce the headache you’ll have when figuring out what to wear.
Also, it’s good to note that shoes are an important part of the whole outfit – try to invest in quality shoes that aren’t sneakers (eg: derby’s). Just a few pairs in the right colors will give you the kind of confidence needed to take on all of your career jumps.
Hello to the Henley + Chinos combo you never knew you needed! Yes, that’s right – if folded properly and at acceptable lengths, this get-up could look classic and streamlined. Cool colors are easy on the eyes, and are easy to style once you’ve got them. If you have some fancy mules saved up, then this is the perfect outfit to pair with!
And that’s the end of our guide! Hopefully, you’ve gained some insight about the importance of dressing-up, especially at the stage in your life when all the opportunities come rushing in. Remember that a lasting impression comes a long way, and that great things come from a good fashion sense. Good luck, and make it happen!
