So, I’m turning 27 in a couple of days… don’t feel sorry for me. Age is just a number, right? Right… and kind of wrong too. TBH, I was having a meltdown thinking about it. It feels like a 13 Going On 30 scenario, like I skipped the part where I grew boobs and outgrew Nickelodeon.
No one can tell me that being a bright-eyed early-twenty-something is pretty much the same as being over 25. Anyone? That’s what I thought. As you’re inching closer to the dreaded two digit nightmare that is 30, you realise a lot of things. A few of them being – you can’t chug LIT pitchers all night without eventually throwing up all over yourself (holla to the women who can still do that; R.E.S.P.E.C.T); cute boys don’t get as you excited as big paychecks do (amen); you can go on a trip without really taking permission. And that you’re SO glad Zara leggings aren’t a thing anymore (thank you, God!)
Yes, being a full-fledged adult has its advantages. The cup is more than half full for us working gals, and it’ll only get better. Along with your wardrobe. So, even though YOU’RE getting older, take advantage of that monthly paycheck and start investing in filling your wardrobe with essential fashion pieces that’ll never, ever get old.
Take note: these do NOT have to be boring! Make interesting choices that’ll earn themselves a BFF tag but will score you serious style points. After a lot of thinking and a couple of mini panic attacks later, I’ve decided to stop moping and chalk up a ‘by the time I’m 30’ fashion bucket list. Check it out:
Also Read: Tips For Styling For Women Over 30
1. The Black Blazer
Many (jackets) came and went, but the blazer has stood the test of time. There is no outfit, be it for meetings or martinis, that isn’t better with a classic black blazer. Your before-30 wardrobe needs at least one of these – my choice would be a sharp double-breasted piece with some chic detailing.
POPxo recommends: Black Solid Fitted Blazer (Rs. 3504) by Dorothy Perkins
2. The Plain White Tee
Fashion icon Rachel’s before-30 wardrobe was full of them, and mine is full of them too. I can’t stress this enough – you can NEVER have too many white tees or shirts in your wardrobe. But you don’t need all of them to be the same old crew neck ones. I suggest a turtleneck or a statement white piece with ruffles or a slogan.
POPxo recommends: Maison De La Mode Pearl Embellished T-Shirt (Rs. 1495) by New Look
3. Stylish Sunnies
I was recently lucky enough to discover one of my mum’s old animal print Dior sunglasses. And they’re still a classic! They don’t HAVE to be black but make sure you stick to the basic shapes and colours. For instance, round and square shapes will never go out of fashion. Neither will animal print or metallic frames. Statement sunnies will come and go, but these will stay forever.
POPxo recommends: Sunglasses – Unisex Leopard Sunnies (Rs. 1250) by PropShop24
4. The Cocktail Dress
When you’re in college, you’re collecting bandeau dresses but when you’re in your mid-20s? You need yourself a cocktail dress, woman. You know I’m right because, in the past 2 months alone, you’ve attended 5 friends’ weddings. Go for sophisticated hues like champagne, burgundy and black.
POPxo recommends: Cream Sequence Fringe Dress (Rs. 1890) by Lulu & Sky
Also Read: Fashion Tips For Women In Their 30s
5. The Tan Belt
There are two things that will never let you down. Tan belts, and Beyoncé albums. From dresses to jumpsuits, these brown babies will always lend a whole lotta ‘chic’ to your look. 30 or not, this is one accessory every woman needs in her wardrobe.
POPxo recommends: 20Dresses Women Brown Solid Belt (Rs. 594) by 20Dresses
6. The Statement Shoe
With all the basic pieces in your wardrobe, these are a heaven sent. By the time you’re 30, you’ll need a statement pair of heels to uplift your ‘safe’ outfits. Feel like treating yourself to a pair of Louboutins? Remember, they’re always investment *wink*.
POPxo recommends: High Heel Sock-style Sandals With Floral Detail (Rs. 5990) by Zara
7. The Perfect Jeans
If you ever find that one pair of blue jeans that fit you like a glove, don’t let them get away. I promise you, they’ll defend your honour everytime you take them out. Pick a pair without a lot of detailing like patchwork or rips, keep it slightly simple and go for a more interesting silhouette instead. Bootcut, wide-legged, and tapered cropped jeans, for instance.
POPxo recommends: Wide Leg Flare Jeans (Rs. 1560) by Shein
8. The Hoop Earrings
If there’s one thing I can promise you, it’s that you can depend on these your whole life. Whether it’s embellished hoops or plain rose gold ones, when in doubt, think hoops. They will never go out of fashion, and will help you be on top of your style game until and through your 30s!
POPxo recommends: Large Earrings (Rs. 699) by H&M
9. The Big Bag
Mini bags are cute or whateva but when you’re a working woman in your mid/late 20s, ‘ain’t nobody got time for that’. Amirite? I don’t know about you, but when I leave my house everyday, half of it leaves it with me in my huge functional tote. Hand creams, your whole make-up vanity, a change for evening drinks (you know what I mean).
POPxo recommends: Faux Leather Tote Bag (Rs. 1999) by Forever21
10. The Long Necklace
Huge necklaces are long gone, and chic, long necklaces are still as much in fashion as ever. Smarten up a work outfit with a long string of pearls. Or add some street style to a lunch date look with different, stacked chains. Turning 30 just might be the best thing ever, no?
POPxo recommends: Set Of Dainty Chains (Rs. 599) by Eristona
11. The Scarf
If you want to be a ‘boss woman’ by the time you’re 30, your wardrobe needs to reflect it. Invest in a collection of good scarves… Whether it’s silk, cotton, floral, plain or abstract, this is one fashion piece, that’ll add authority and elegance to your look at the same time.
POPxo recommends: Graphic Print Satin Bandana (Rs. 207) by Romwe
