The Wardrobe Basic I'm Tossing After Age 30

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(Image credit: Sandra Semburg)

You'd probably expect to hear me say that I'm getting rid of something that screams "20-something," like denim cutoff shorts (still love them) post-age 30, but it's a piece that's a little more unexpected. I'm a firm believer that a roll-neck is an essential in every woman's wardrobe. I know that's stating the obvious, but I'm such a fan of the polished layering piece that I add several new ones to my collection each year, and I reach for them as soon as the meteorologist forecasts a temperature of 60 degrees or below come fall.

Which is why I was a little miffed when recently, every time I put on a black turtleneck and looked at myself in the mirror, I said meh and changed into something else. I didn't really think much of my newfound aversion to black turtlenecks until I consulted colour expert Kate Smith for a story on the best colours to wear if you want to look younger. One of the many tidbits she divulged was this: "True black is often too severe against the softer tones of mature skin. It can make fine lines, wrinkles and circles under your eyes appear darker." Instead, she recommended softer colours like charcoal or navy.

While I wouldn't call my skin "mature" per se (I still get asked for ID on a regular basis), ageing colours are something that I think about more than I did 10 years ago. With Smith's advice, I realised that perhaps wearing black so close to my face wasn't the most youthful thing I could choose. Of course, that's not to say that you should go and toss all your black turtlenecks once you hit the big 3-0. Everyone's colouring is different, and my tendency to stay out of the sun might have something to do with the effect that the colour black has on my skin.

The pieces you choose to part with after age 30 might be unpredictable, but there's probably a reason behind it. On the bright side, saying goodbye to a valuable wardrobe staple could be an opportunity to refresh your style. In my case, I've made a conscious effort to shop for more of the "youthful" hues Kate Smith recommended, including shades of blue, pink and grey. With that in mind, keep scrolling to shop pieces in colours that are proven to keep you looking young.

Related: Spring/Summer 2017 Fashion Trends: The 7 Looks You Need to Know

See how our columnists, Lou and Em of A Style Album, have decided to dress in (and after) their 30s.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.