Thirtysomethings: 3 Big Reasons to Update Your Wardrobe

I don’t know about you, but when I turned 30 almost 3 years ago, I welcomed it like a coming-of-age milestone. Finally I could do things like watch The History Channel, wear reading glasses and flirt with the boy that bags my groceries. But really, turning 30 made me feel like I was old enough to have truly earned my place in life.

The only problem was, I was still dressing like I was 26. I just didn’t understand how to build my wardrobe and where I should shop at the time. I had J. Crew taste on an Old Navy budget, which usually resulted in shopping at Forever21.

What I also didn’t realize at the time was that my too-youthful wardrobe was really holding me back. Eventually, I learned that clothes are important; not because you should be wearing the brands your friends are wearing, but because they leave an impression with everyone who sees you – good or bad.

Here are 3 big reasons we thirtysomethings really owe it to ourselves to update our wardrobes.

Whether you’re launching a start-up or moving up the corporate structure, you need to look the part. It’s bad if your resume says “thirtysomething professional,” but the wardrobe says “clueless college girl.” And if you own a company, your wardrobe needs to communicate your brand’s credibility for the world to take you seriously. An updated wardrobe will give you the confidence you need to take the right chances and negotiate effortlessly.

Having friends in your 30s is vital; in addition to a life partner, you’re going to need friends to take you through all the highs and lows of this exciting decade. The shallow truth is that you’ll have more friends if you are confident about your look. That doesn’t mean you need a bunch of superficial friends fawning over your great wardrobe. But having a good look does increase the number of people you know and, therefore, more opportunities for meaningful friendships.

Let’s face it: our lives are being continuously documented via our online identities. And those online identities must include photos. No one wants to go through life without taking good photos – those are literally the memories of our lives in visual form. Years from now, when you and younger generations look back at your photos, you will want to be proud of how you looked.

So, what have learned? A good wardrobe can significantly increase your chances of having an awesome career and relationships. And, if anything, update your wardrobe so you can look great when you’re tagged on Facebook.

Linsi, 30

Nicole, 33

Nadia, 31