I'm in My 30s—Here's What I'll Never Wear Again

Welcome to My Post-30 Wardrobe, a series in which our editor Allyson shares with you her experiences and advice pertaining to shopping and outfit planning as a 30-something fashion editor. While Allyson's style has certainly changed since she turned 30, she also believes that age is just a number and you should wear whatever makes you feel the coolest and most confident.

Upon turning 30 a few years ago, I didn't exactly wake up one day and decide I can't wear this or that anymore. I've just found that as time passes, there are things I wore in my 20s that I simply don't want to wear anymore and that I don't feel mesh with the rest of my current wardrobe. That said, everyone has a different aesthetic, and what doesn't work for me post–age 30 may still work for you. And that's perfectly fine. In case you're curious, though, keep scrolling to find out which 10 items I'm skipping for the foreseeable future, and see (IRL) and shop the pieces I presently wear on repeat.

Ditched: Ultra-skinny skinny jeans

Kept: Straight skinny jeans

Skintight jeans are something I left behind with my 20s, although I haven't skipped skinny jeans altogether. Instead, I opt for styles that are a little roomier, which looks cooler to me now.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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Ditched: Cheesy graphic tees

Kept: Special graphic tees

No French-saying tees (just an example) for me anymore. These days, I shop for ones that are unique and a bit more interesting. Clearly, this unicorn rainbow tee fits the bill. (It's sold out, but here's hoping Re/Done brings it back!)

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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Ditched: Shorts with an under-3" inseam

Kept: Modest shorts

I used to practically live in short shorts in the summer, but I don't feel very comfortable in them anymore. Luckily, there are plenty of cool styles on the market that are longer (and, for the record, I disagree that cutoffs shouldn't be worn post-30).

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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Ditched: Trendy sunglasses that don't look good on me

Kept: Classic, cool ones that actually flatter my face

I'm always very intrigued by the latest trendy It sunglasses, used to order them without even trying them on, and subsequently wore them even if they didn't suit me. These days, I invest in more-classic styles that I'll wear for years—like this Krewe pair that I'm obsessed with.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

Ditched: Glitter sneakers

Kept: Neutral kicks

I went through a bit of a sparkly sneaker phase at some point in my 20s, which I'm relieved to say I've outgrown. They were certainly fun, but I've learned that versatile sneakers suit me better in life.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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Ditched: Boho gear

Kept: Two-piece sets

Not that I was ever much of a boho girl, but there were times when I dabbled with it in my 20s. I eventually learned that it didn't suit me, and when I want to wear something fun when the weather is warm, I gravitate toward chic two-piece sets.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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Ditched: Tulle

Kept: Silk and satin

Although Sarah Jessica Parker pulled it off beautifully, I'd feel a little silly wearing tulle at this point. But something that I'll never retire is sophisticated silk and satin pieces, like this Réalisation dress.

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Ditched: Low-rise jeans and leggings

Kept: High-rise styles

I don't find low-rise jeans and leggings to be all that flattering, but I wore them anyway when they were cool. Luckily, I don't think high rises are going anywhere ever, and my outfits are so much better for it.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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Related: How to Dress in Your 30s, as Told by Four Very Stylish Women

Ditched: Short and tight dresses and skirts

Kept: Flowy ones

Some of the tight dresses and skirts that are still lingering in my closet make me cringe… I'm much happier when wearing something that skims instead of hugs.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

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Ditched: Flip-Flops

Kept: Rubber or leather slides

Despite the fact that flip-flops emerged as a trend last summer, I'd much rather where pool slides, which offer considerably more polish.

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Next Up: I'm 30-Something, and This Is How I Shop M&S

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.