23 Wardrobe Staples To Add To Your Closet When You Are In Your 30s
As we enter into a new year, I have been contemplating my wardrobe. Last year I did outfit journaling to help me document my daily outfits. This was beneficial because it helped me to be more mindful when it comes to putting outfits together. So I was able to look at my daily life and routine to help me determine what type of clothing items I should add to my wardrobe.
Now here we are in 2023 and I’m excited to go shopping lol. But before I go shopping I love to plan out my shopping trips, I plan out my shopping trips by doing a few things.
I’ll first shop my closet to see what I already have, this will help me identify any gaps that need to be filled. Next, I’ll pull out one of my outfit guides and see what outfits I want to create. If I don’t have certain items in my wardrobe, I’ll make a list to go shopping for those items.
As I was carefully observing my wardrobe I realized that my wardrobe isn’t as fun as I would like for it to be. I have a lot of classic staples and neutral color staples.
Day to day, when I’m wearing those items I find myself bored with the colors. In the past, I only shopped for staples so I will be adding a mixture of staples and trends to my wardrobe.
As I am entering my 32nd year I realize that although my age is increasing, so is my youthfulness and my need to be more feminine.
I know that this can vary based on person to person. This is why this blog post isn’t written for the average 30-year-old woman. It's written for the 30-plus-year-old who still wants to embrace youthfulness and femininity.
How Often To Update Your Wardrobe
How often you should update your wardrobe is often based on your financial budget, need, or want. I personally update my wardrobe every Spring and Summer and Fall with a few items here and there in Wintertime. There is no rule to updating your wardrobe. You can update your wardrobe every season, every year, or during any major life changes. You can also update your wardrobe when you are just plain ole dissatisfied with your current style.
If you are unsure of what your style Is I recommend taking our style personality quiz. Based on your style you’ll be able to purchase the compatible outfit guide that best matches your style personality.
Best Wardrobe Staple Pieces
New Balance Sneakers- If you would have shown me these shoes when I was in my early 20s I probably would have rolled my eyes at you. Because these are the shoes that my aerobics instructor wore in high school. But now here I am in my 30s and these are on my shopping list for the year.
New Balance-
2002RD
$169.99
Marc Jacobs Tote Bag- When I first saw this Marc Jacob tote I wasn’t impressed. Because there was so much hype around the bag, I couldn’t really see myself purchasing it. But let me just say that I was influenced. I love that this bag can be used as a work bag, travel bag, or even a diaper bag, which is exactly what I plan on using it for.
Marc Jacobs-
The Tote Bag
$450.00
Minimalist Necklace- A minimal necklace is a must-have in your wardrobe. You can wear it on a daily basis. Whether you are wearing a hoodie, blouse, or a basic t-shirt.
Pandora-
Sparkling Heart Collier Necklace
$175.00
Cotton Rib Leggings- I have been on the hunt for a pair of comfy leggings that I can wear while I am cleaning up or just lounging around the house. These leggings have so many great reviews plus they come in 11 colors.
Skims
Cotton Rib Leggings
$54.00
Lululemon Flare Pants- This is the year when I finally purchase a few items from Lululemon. And these pants are going to be it. These pants check off a few things that are important to me when it comes to style and fit. They are buttery soft, have a high waist, and are made to move in.
Lululemon
Groove High-Rise Split-Hem Flared Pant
$69
Lululemon Define Jacket- This defined jacket will go perfectly with any of the pants that I listed above. This jacket is made to define and accentuate your figure.
Lululemon
Define Jacket
$99
Comfy Cotton Undies- I believe that every year we should purchase new undies and toss out the old comfy yet ripped ones. Cotton undies are a must-have not only are they healthy for your lady parts. But they are just oh so comfy. These go up to a size 4x and come in a pack of 5 you can also purchase matching bra sets as well.
Skims
Fits Everybody Cheeky Brief Pack
$60
Comfy Pajama Set- Comfortable pajamas are also another item I will be adding to my wardrobe. I am in the process of building up my nightly wardrobe with more pajamas, whether that be buttery soft silk robes, short sets, or traditional pajama sets.
Victoria Secret
Modal Striped Long PJ Set
$69.95
Cotton Corsets- One of the things that you will see trending in 2023 is corsets. And even though I’m in my 30s that doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy trends. In fact, in order for your wardrobe to be fun and exciting, a few trendy items in your wardrobe is a must.
Skims
Cotton Corset Bustier
$69
Wide Leg Cargo Pants- Cargo pants paired with a bodysuit will be my daily uniform this Spring.
Meshki
Vicky Cargo Pants-Stone
$85
Colorful Sweaters- My closet is full of neutral color sweaters. I have one brightly colored sweater and I truly need to add more colors to make sure my wardrobe is full of sparkle.
Pink Lily
LOVE TOO MUCH MAGENTA TASSEL SLEEVE SWEATER
$62.00
Assets By Spanx Leggings - I have been wanting a pair of Spanx and when I saw these affordable Spanx leggings at target I knew I needed to add this to my shopping list. These are great if you want something that will cinch your waist in.
Target
Ponte Shaping Leggings
$30.00
Longsleeve Bodysuit- I have been thinking about my Springtime wardrobe essentials as it’s normally still very cold here in Chicago. So I want to add more long sleeve tops.
Skims
Fits Everybody Longsleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit
$68.00
Shearling Jacket- This jacket is definitely on my style bucket list. I see this jacket being dressed up or down whether with a pair of the Lululemon flare pants or a pair of wide-leg denim jeans.
LoveShackFancy
Musica Jacket
$995.00
Sexy Mesh Tops- I have no date night clothes that I can wear. So I have also been developing an idea of specific items to shop for that I can wear for a fun date night.
Showpo
Delena Top
More Sexy Date Night Dresses- This dress is a step out of my comfort zone, as I love pants and really don’t feel comfortable showing my legs. But I just want to elevate my style in my 30s and embrace my body and curves.
Hello Molly
Earn Likes Midi Dress Denim
$99.00
Military Button Down- Traditional button-downs are just so boring if I can be honest. However, I do know that I need to add one to my wardrobe. So this one has been on my shopping list.
Dynamite Clothing
Short Military Button Down Shirt
$49.95
Cami Jumpsuit- During the daytime, I’m super busy with my son and working on my laptop. I still want to dress stylishly and comfortably. So this jumpsuit will be a great addition to my wardrobe as I can wear it to pick up or drop my daughter off at school as the weather gets warmer.
Girlfriend Collective
Moss Scoop Unitard
$88.00
Compressive Leggings-I have a few pairs of leggings but nothing that is compressive and buttery soft. I also love that these are sustainable. So if you are looking to shop at more sustainably sourced clothing brands this is a great place to go.
Girlfriend Collective
Cabaret BioCompressive Highrise Leggings
$82.00
Classic Hoodie- Have you ever cleaned out your closet and then a few years later, you look for a certain item and realized that it’s gone? Well, that’s me, I tossed out my one and only zip-up sweater a few years ago. And now I really want another one.
Skims
Cotton Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie
$72.00
Crossover Waist Jeans- I am interested in trying out this style of jeans. I’m not sure how it will look on my figure. But these are definitely worth trying out.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Women’s Curve Love Ultra High Rise Straight 90s Jeans
$89.00
High-rise Skinny Jeans- Another thing I realized that I don’t have in my closet is high-rise skinny jeans. In fact, most of my jeans are distressed and that bothers me.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Women’s Curve Love High Rise Skinny Jeans
$100.00
Teddy Crew- This teddy oversized crewneck is another wardrobe must-have, I would pair this with the cargo pants I listed, flare pants, skinny jeans, or even the cotton leggings.
Everlane
The ReNew Teddy Oversized Crew
$78
