Dress Your Age: In Your 30’s

At this stage in your life, you don’t need to focus on stock piling a huge wardrobe. That’s what your 20’s were for. Now, you know what you like and might have a bit more income than you did in your 20s. So it’s time to spend a little bit more on quality items that will last.

Not everyone works in a place that requires a business casual wardrobe everyday. But there’s a good chance that everyone will come across occasions that will require the look. In those situations, it’s too easy to look like everyone else. You know the look…. brown khaki’s and a plain blue button down, or something similar.

Have a few non-traditional business casual outfits that you can wear that put you at step above the average. This might be colored chinos, funky pocket squares in a blazer, or unique pattern mixing with a tie and button down.

There will most definitely be times you’ll need to dial it up, whether it’s for a holiday party, client presentation, or wedding season. For those occasions, throw on your go-to suit.

This will be a good quality suit, professionally tailored so it fits you to a T and makes you feel like the most important person in the room.

You never know what might be throw your way in the evenings and weekends. It could be a kids birthday party, playing catch in the yard, or vomit on your shirt. You just never know. When you’re out and about with the kids, comfort tops everything. If you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with a great pair of (possibly stretch) denim, some quality t-shirts, and solid sneakers.

While it’s still very possible to look good while engaging in fatherhood activities, don’t stress about it. Wear what’s comfortable, because the most important part of what you’re doing isn’t the clothing, it’s the kids.

This goes hand-in-hand with the quality over quantity section. Overall, you want to be buying items that you’ll own for the next 5/10/+ years. This doesn’t need to be every single item you buy, but staple pieces like suits, sweaters, dress shoes, or a watch. So if you’re debating if you should spend the extra $XX on that item, the answer is yes.

It’s worth noting that clothing care is just as important as the quality of clothes you buy. So don’t overlook that.

Another way to invest in your long term wardrobe is to invest in your body. Yes, that means exercising. You don’t have to become a gym rat, but just maintain your body. Because you don’t want to have to buy a whole new wardrobe in 10 years for all the wrong reasons. As my dad always told me… “take care of your body when you’re young, so your body takes care of you when you’re old”.

We could probably compile a solid list of what you shouldn’t wear in your 30’s. But instead, we’ll just say that you shouldn’t try looking like you’re in your 20’s. Embrace getting older, and know your style will only get better with age and experience. Don’t feel the need to keep up with the latest trends. A basic well put together outfit with classic pieces will never go out of style.