Why Quality Over Quantity Matters for Your Wardrobe After 30

plus fall wardrobe basics

In my twenties, my work wardrobe was simple, and I didn’t put much thought into what I purchased. Everyone I knew went to Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Banana Republic, The Limited, The Loft, and Anne Taylor to shop for workwear. The formula was the same, and sales were the name of the game. Work was a means to purchase the clothes I wanted to wear casually or when going out. 

I didn’t shop with longevity or my career trajectory in mind.

Enter 30…

As an early mid-career professional, I began paying more attention to high-powered women's careers, how they carried themselves, their experience, certifications, and overall trajectory to the top. Not because I wanted to lead in the CEO seat but because I wanted my work to be taken seriously. Similarly, in my personal life, I wanted to step into a more mature wardrobe to separate myself from those in their mid-twenties. 

This meant changing my idea of sexiness, from showing as much skin as possible to accentuate my curves to wearing the highest heel possible, balancing comfort with completing the outfit. My makeup even changed to focus on enhancing my natural features instead of colorful, creative face paint.

Now that I’m approaching forty, I find the relationship between my age and appearance changing once again. I’m no longer mistaken for a twenty-something, but because I’m young for someone in an executive position, the clothes I wear, coupled with my confidence, help people in their fifties and above value my opinions without proving myself first. Between my title and overall appearance, when I walk in a room, I’m taken seriously.

Now I’m Juggling A Life With More Versatility

Between my career, social life, and leisure time, my wardrobe needs to be ready for many occasions. In one year, I attend formal galas and work remotely from home. Also, we now know the effects of fast fashion on climate change, so I feel a responsibility not to overconsume.

Instead, I’m much more thoughtful and picky about purchasing high-quality clothes at a price point I can afford. I look for clothes that serve both work and personal purposes, with few exceptions. I want clothes that express my style and identity as a woman who values her work as a means to enjoy her social life.

Fall Casual Basics

Unlike my Autumn Workwear Capsule, my casual wardrobe leaves much to be desired. When I previously shopped for casual wear, I began with a capsule that required me to look for basics that fit the list instead of items that reflect my style. Last month, I shopped after looking for visuals to help me focus and think of my clothes in a complete way.

I also looked through my current wardrobe to donate or sell what I could while throwing away anything too worn. This process helped to nail down a focus for my Fall casual wardrobe purchases: stylish basics.

Beyond Basic

In my neck of the woods, cool weather lasts a bit longer now that the world is warmer overall. My wardrobe currently has the necessary items for warm and cold weather, but it lacks items for temperatures in between. I spend most of my life in casual wear, so my clothes must work for everything from errands and dinner to a lounge.

My style includes a variety of colors and prints alongside simple, classic jewelry. I love shoes, so I prefer variety in that category with fewer clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched.

I’m also conscious of current clothing trends like wide-leg jeans and oversized tops. While I purchase clothes that fit those aesthetics, I’m more interested in timeless quality pieces that complement my shape. Plus, I incorporated my workwear capsule by purchasing basics that pair well with work-specific clothing to create more dressy casual outfits. 

Keeping the lessons learned from summer in mind, I focused on quality fabrics mixed with classic cuts for optimal longevity. Luckily, this is also the time of year when many clothing and shoe items go on sale, so my budget went farther than is typical.My list includes:

1. 3/4 Sleeve T-shirt (bought black and obsidian blue)

2. Long-sleeve top

3. Mock-Neck bodysuit

4. Denim shirt

5. Sweatshirt

6. Mid-Wash super wide-leg denim

7. Dark wide leg denim

8. Straight-leg jeans

9. Coated denim or Leather pants

10. Skirt

11. Long sleeve midi-length dress

12. Statement earrings

13. Combat boots

14. Black flats

I’m especially happy with the Jacmeus skirt I’ve been eyeing. Its cut makes it especially versatile, but I had no intention of paying full price. Thanks to the sales, I purchased the skirt at 60% off, and I can see myself wearing it many ways most of the year. 

This month also happened to be when I needed to purchase a couple of bras, so I picked up some of my favorites from SKIMS. I’m still hunting for mid-calf boots, but now it’s time to shop for gifts, so more in the new year! 

Existential question: Are you a Birkenstock or Ugg person? Both is an acceptable answer too.

Until next time,

be well
xx alove4me