I’ve always been a bit of a risk taker when it comes to fashion. I’d be willing to try anything at least once. After all, it’s just clothing (or makeup, or a hairstyle) and if it didn’t work, at least I could take it off—or wait for it to grow back.
When I turned 30 this past summer, it was as if the more sensible woman in me decided to show herself—somewhat unexpectedly. Almost automatically, I began giving more thought to my fashion choices, and looking at an outfit intently to determine whether the clothing was appropriate for the occasion. I also became much more aware of my body type (which, by the way, may be a different body type than when you were 17). This newfound maturity prompted me to clean out my makeup bag to make room for new cosmetics, give a few bags of clothing away to charity, and search through racks of clothing with a decidedly womanly eye.
I’ve talked to several friends who have also recently turned 30 about this fashion transition. And, my hunch that women our age shouldn’t wear an overload of bright colors has been confirmed. This goes for clothing and makeup. While we’re too young to always wear the classic red lip, and probably shouldn’t wear black every day, it’s important to start developing a look that is upbeat but sophisticated at 30. For instance, I’ve traded in my pastel pink lipstick for a peachier hue that appears nude against my skin. And while I don’t necessarily want to wear drab hues like black or gray every day, I have a few pencil skirts in these shades that I like to pair with a bright red or Kelly green blouse.
And, unfortunately (sometimes), turning 30 brings about the realization that miniskirts and ultra-short shorts don’t exactly give off the “fashionable, mature young lady” vibe. Sure, they’re ok for the beach. But virtually overnight, you realize that these clothing pieces no longer have a place at the grocery store, bank, barbecue or any other public place that isn’t the beach. While you may find that you’re much more comfortable with your body at 30 (that seems to happen magically, too), you also realize that you don’t have to give everyone a preview of “the goods” in order to feel validated or beautiful.
Don’t get me wrong. I predict that the 30s will be a wonderful decade for me fashion-wise (and otherwise). But the maturity I’ve been preparing to enjoy throughout my 20s has revealed itself in the way I get ready every morning. It’s in the sensible yet boldly colored heels I choose for work, and in the dark brown eyeliner that brings just the right amount of attention to my face. It’s in that little voice that says “a lemon yellow scarf with this melon-colored dress will make you look like a fruit salad. Save the scarf for later.”
I’ve always attempted to be a well-rounded woman. And at 30, I feel like I have a better idea of what that means. So instead of people noticing my outfit first when I walk into a room, I’d rather them take note of my poised and friendly demeanor. Hopefully my disposition will make them comfortable enough to ask, “Where did you get that dress?” :)
Tamiya King is a fashion blogger and alternative health writer. She possess an English degree and has been writing professionally for over a decade. King is also a professional image consultant, and is studying to become a certified health coach to learn new and exciting ways to help women look and feel their best. You can reach her on Twitter (@tamiyafking), and check out her fashion and makeup blog: http://coolpinkfashion.blogspot.com.
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