20 Timeless Items That You'll Never Regret Owning in Your 30s

If your teens are all about rebellion and your 20s are for "finding yourself," there's an assured confidence that comes with dressing in your 30s. Something almost imperceptible happens at the stroke of midnight on your 30th birthday: whether you want to or not (and whether you're even aware of it or not), you grow up, and your style evolves along with it. While much of this evolution happens very naturally, that isn't always the case with our wardrobes. No longer solely a means of self-expression, our clothes take on new meaning as we get older. We tend to give more thought to where they come from and aim to make sounder long-term investments.

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

If that sounds like your life right now, then luckily, we're here to help. When it comes to clothes, everyone can use a nudge towards adulthood from time to time. And trust us when we say that "mature" isn't shorthand for "boring." For this reason, we've come up with 20 pieces you should own by the time you're 30 that will make getting dressed easier and leave you more time to do, well, grown-up things (and look incredibly chic in the process).

1. A PAIR OF WELL-CUT JEANS

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Style Notes: There are few pieces in a wardrobe that work as hard as jeans do. A great pair of well-fitting jeans can take you from day to night, from work to drinks and everywhere in between. The current jean du jour? The straight-leg. No matter which denim trends come and go, high-waisted, straight-fit jeans will always be in style.

SHOP JEANS:

2. A VERSATILE MIDI DRESS

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(Image credit: @thandimaq )

Style Notes: A dress that can go from day to night is a worthwhile investment. Whether you're pairing it with trainers or elevating it with heels, a great midi dress is a true staple that will stand the test of time. 

SHOP MIDI DRESSES:

3. A PAIR OF GREAT ANKLE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: We love you, knee-high boots, but the easiest way to elevate jeans or a dress to evening status is with a trusty pair of ankle boots. A good pair of black leather ankle boots is a forever piece, and if you're looking for a contemporary spin, try a square toe over an almond toe.

SHOP ANKLE BOOTS:

4. STAPLE AND STACKABLE JEWELLERY

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Style Notes: Jewellery instantly adds polish to any look. Take, for example, a simple white shirt and jeans: With gold accents, the outfit can be transformed into a considered look with a carefully curated feel.

SHOP JEWELLERY:

5.THE CLASSIC BLACK BLAZER

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: To help limit fast-fashion consumption, invest in pieces that will last for years to come. Case in point: the black blazer. We wear them throughout autumn and winter with blue jeans and white tees, and we choose between daytime loafers and evening sandals depending on the dress code.

SHOP BLAZERS:

6. A TRENCH COAT

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(Image credit: @amagodson_a)

Style Notes: A classic beige trench coat is one piece that you'll consistently wear all year round. In spring, it's the perfect light layer for every day; on summer evenings, it's ideal to wear over your shoulders; and in autumn, it looks particularly good with a chunky turtleneck. Just think of the cost per wear.

SHOP TRENCH COATS:

7. A PAIR OF WIDE-LEG TROUSERS 

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Style Notes: We don't know anyone who has ever regretted buying a pair of these. Not only do they work for the office, but with trainers and a white T-shirt, they're great for weekends. Honestly, tailored trousers with a flattering silhouette are the holy grail and might just replace your everyday jeans.

SHOP WIDE-LEG TROUSERS:

9. A PAIR OF EASY FLATS

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(Image credit: @aida.bdji)

Style Notes: It goes without saying that every wardrobe needs a pair of flat shoes for everyday wear. Choosing the right pair simply comes down to personal style, but we find that ballet flats, mules and chunky loafers add the most modern and elevated feel no matter what they're styled with.

SHOP FLAT SHOES:

10. A SLEEK MAXI DRESS

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(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

Style Notes: Instead of buying everything simply because it's on-trend (ahem, minidresses), opt for pieces that flatter your figure and are a comfortable wear. Enter: the maxi dress. There isn't a person who this simple yet dramatic style won't suit. It's the easiest way to turn up the drama for special occasions and evening events.

SHOP MAXI DRESSES:

11. THE SLINKY CAMISOLE

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: For days when you rely on the "jeans-and-a-nice-top" combo, this is almost certainly the nice top in question. The silky finish will elevate jeans, trousers or skirts for all occasions.

SHOP CAMISOLES:

12. THE STATEMENT SKIRT

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev )

Style Notes: You might not wear a statement piece every day, but in times when you just don't know what to wear, introduce a printed skirt. Paired with a simple knit or oversized shirt, it will help solve sartorial dilemmas with minimal effort and does all the talking for you.

SHOP STATEMENT SKIRTS:

13. A PAIR OF TAILORED JOGGERS

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(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Style Notes: Yes, you read that correctly. The luxe jogger has become ubiquitous amongst the fashion set and those of us who still predominantly work from home. If you style them in the right way—with a white shirt or blazer, for example—they can look less teenager and more grown-up. But if you want a nod to your '90s youth, the cargo is having a moment, too.

SHOP JOGGING BOTTOMS:

14. A SLEEK PENCIL SKIRT

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: If summer taught us anything, it's that short skirts aren't off limits, but a good pencil skirt will work for many more occasions. It looks best with a sleek shirt tucked in as part of your workwear uniform, but you can also keep it casual with a tee and knee-high boots.

SHOP PENCIL SKIRTS:

15.THE SHOWSTOPPING DRESS

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(Image credit: @chrissyford )

Style Notes: If anything is guaranteed, it's that when you hit your 30s, you will be invited to an abundance of engagement parties and, of course, weddings. Make sure you're prepared for any soiree that shows up in your calendar by having that one "wow" dress you can bring out again and again.

SHOP EVENING DRESSES:

16. HIGH-QUALITY TIGHTS

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(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Style Notes: Okay, they might not be the sexiest thing on the list, but they are a wardrobe essential. While we're in the colder months (or simply preparing for sudden downpours), a great pair of tights can make your spring and summer outfits feel autumn and winter appropriate.

SHOP TIGHTS:

17. A LEATHER SKIRT

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(Image credit: @kimturkington_)

Style Notes: A leather skirt will be your go-to when you have nothing to wear. Mini, maxi or pencil, it's the do-it-all, grown-up skirt that will make you look instantly chic without even trying.

SHOP LEATHER SKIRTS:

18. BLACK HEELS

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(Image credit: @andi_mun)

Style Notes: Your younger self may have reached for a pair of six-inch open-toed, stacked stilettos, but the versatile black heel is here to save the day. These go with everything, will never date and will create a confident posture rather than a "wobbling on heels for the first time" look. They're a no-brainer.

SHOP BLACK HEELS:

19. A ROLL-NECK JUMPER

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(Image credit: @lizzyhadfield)

Style Notes: We'll concede: The roll-neck is the most versatile piece of clothing (second only to the white shirt, of course). And that's what we need in our lives now: easy-to-throw-on pieces that always look incredible and feel comfy.

SHOP TURTLENECKS:

20. A PAIR OF TRAINERS

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(Image credit: @astyleedit)

Style Notes: It's the one you've been waiting for and the ultimate wardrobe must-have in your 30s: the humble sports shoe. Trainers are a timeless staple that can be worn with everything from tailoring to floaty dresses to miniskirts to leather trousers. We don't know where we'd be without the easiest shoe in our closets. They're beloved by everyone at every age.

SHOP TRAINERS:

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

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Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.

In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.

Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.