Do you dress like your age?

[CharmedOne]

I'm not sure if I phrased that correctly!

I'm turning 30 in a couple of months. I've always looked young for my age, and I tend to wear super casual clothes (that is t-shirt and jeans). I would like to spruce up my wardrobe, but honestly I have no fashion sense whatsoever.

I work in consumer tech PR in SoCal (Santa Monica to be exact). I'm looking for business casual as well as everyday pieces. What would you recommend?

TIA!

Caroline

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http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif 21 months

[Oregonmother]

I would recommend Ann Taylor Loft. Most of their clothes are machine wash and are very trendy, but comfortable and practical. I just turned 30 last September also, and it's my fav store. Check them out online. Happy 30th also!!

[CharmedOne]

Thanks!

I do have a couple of their pieces, but I didn't like the 80's-ish styles that came out this past fall. I'll look at them again.

Caroline

http://b2.lilypie.com/3k5Am7/.png
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif 21 months

[maestramommy]

second Ann Taylor, Loft or the other. I love their clothes, and when they have sales the clothes are a great deal!

I probably don't dress my age. I've always looked younger as well, and the styles that become me are usually much younger. More like dressy casual for late 20something or early 30 something.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I learn so much from "What Not to Wear" (the US version, especially). It is on on reruns almost daily. I would highly recommend watching it. :)

Pick pants that go straight down from your widest point (usually hips). Avoid tapered legs as well as super wide. Of course, I still like boot cut things even though WNTW seems to be more in favor of straight leg this season. I figure if you have curves show them off.

Skirts are great everyday items. H&M has this really great, basic black skirt that is $14. It is elastic waisted and really easy to just pull on with a t and look more put together. It's my summer staple with some metalic or neutral sandals or flip flops.

Here are some samples of pants:
http://anntaylor.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&RestartFlow=t&Section_Id=8025&Product_Id=859662
http://anntaylor.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&RestartFlow=t&Section_Id=8025&Product_Id=870947
http://anntaylor.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&RestartFlow=t&Section_Id=8025&Product_Id=853367

other things:
http://anntaylorloft.com/atlLMProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=38&Product_Id=99438

I don't think you can go wrong with the following pieces:
-a kitten heel shoe (round or pointy toed in black and a metallic)
-a good, basic pair of black pants that you can dress up or down
-a structured jacket that you can button
-a wrap dress (H&M has a great short sleeved one for $35 and ANn Taylor Loft has some nice ones at the $50-100 range)
-an A-line skirt
-a great pair of jeans (basic ones as well as maybe some fancier trouser style ones)
-something beyond the basic t-shirt (like a structured button down or just a basic with a bit of something special like an interesting neckline)
-some accessories (ANn Taylor Loft is good for these since the price is low and you can really have fun!)

If you have an H&M I would totally recommend just going there and trying a bunch of stuff on. (Or Nordstrom, Banana Republic...whatever suits your budget- I just picked H&M b/c they so much stuff and you can really build a good foundation of clothes even if the quality could be higher).

To answer your question, I think I dress my age. :

Beth)

ETA- I was out shopping for me online and thought I would share some links that may help you on your quest for clothes. Don't mind me if you aren't interested. :)
Cute structured shirt:
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=5441&pid=340693&scid=340693072

Cami for under (if you can find one with lace trim even better:
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=7524&pid=200771&scid=200771052

Another Wrap dress:
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=15292&pid=447258&scid=447258002

Good looking basic summer "hanging around" dress (to get out of the jean/ t-shirt habit):
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/category.do?cid=15292

Like the skirt at H&M (same price even! I have both colors):
http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=15294&pid=455741

I think this sandal can go day to night:
http://anntaylorloft.com/atlLMProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=292&Product_Id=114356

A fun shirt:
http://anntaylorloft.com/atlLMProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=34&Product_Id=110709

In gold:
http://www.stevemadden.com/item_image.asp?id=13349

A good basic work/ home shoe:
http://www.stevemadden.com/item_image.asp?id=13437
another:
http://www.stevemadden.com/item_image.asp?id=13428
some more:
http://www.stevemadden.com/item_image.asp?id=13258
http://www.stevemadden.com/item_image.asp?id=13763

A great work shoe or fancier night out (the brown is really nice in person):
http://www.stevemadden.com/item_image.asp?id=13104

I think these tennis shoes are lots of fun:
http://www.bodenusa.com/col.asp?segname=Women&styid=AR304&segid=6&gpname=Shoes+and+Boots&desname=Lace+Up+Pumps&gpid=18&gen=

I didn't see any great a-line skirts but there are plenty out there. :) Oh, here is one:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=17051&pid=466641&scid=466641022

[kozachka]

I would second AT Loft. Make sure to check Ann Taylor proper as well, I like their quality so much better, and since their stuff is as not trendy it has more lasting value to it than AT Loft IMHO, so a better value per wear (price/how many times the item is worn) despite the higher price tag. Talbots tends to have tons of business casual pieces and has regular sales and generous return policy. I also think RL Polo is more grown up but still wearable.

You sound super casual (as am I on the week-ends) so maybe getting a more sophisticated hair cut and using more/different make-up can do the trick in addition to updating your wardrobe.

[LarsMal]

I was just having this convo with DH the other day. I'll be 30 at the end of May, and I feel like I need to update my wardrobe as well.

I have great luck at AT Loft and AT. Eddie Bauer has some cute stuff, too. Some of it looks a little older, but you can find some fun, young pieces, too. Banana Republic is always good for business casual and I've had good luck at the Gap recently for casual stuff. I just got a really cute pair of denim capris there this weekend.

Here's to turning the BIG 3-0!

[CharmedOne]

Wow, Beth! Thank you for the detailed answer. It's exactly what I need.

ETA - I like your taste! I appreciate the links. I actually like having a list of items I should look at. It's much easier than me to go to the store blind.

What would you recommend for a jacket or sweater? I'm always cold, which means I constantly reach for my bright blue Land's End jacket. It clashes with most outfits, but it's so WARM! :)

Caroline

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http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif 21 months

[Fairy]

I'm 37 and tend to dress as young as I can without looking like a teenybopper. A challenge in plus sizes. I'm a huge fan of the Gap, and definitely Ann Taylor Loft, only they don't always believe in big girls :-(. But they do have SOME XLs, which sometimes fit me. Just 30 lbs less, and I could pull off whatever they had to offer!

[C99]

Unfortunately, yes. I have realized that my wardrobe is largely influenced by my college/mid-20s fashion tastes - I'm not even remotely hip and I don't want to be.

If I were still working outside the house - and actually, as soon as I lose baby weight and get in shape, I am planning to see one of the Nordstrom personal shoppers to help me develop a look that is casual and comfortable, but still a bit polished.

[megs4413]

i was getting on here to post a simila question actually...

my problem is taht i'm a young mom. i'm 23 and have two under two now...and i just dont' feel like i fit anywhere! what should i be WEARING? no offense, but the AT stuff is just so not me. and i SAH so i don't really NEED to have "stylish" stuff, but i hate not having anything cute to go out in...and i certainly don't have anything "mommy" appropriate. jeans and t-shirts are like my uniform...but most of my t-shirts are from my sorority days or from basketball tournaments...i think most people assume i'm the nanny....and i can't blame them.

what to wear???? where to shop?

[niccig]

How about updating your t-shirts. I started wearing cute shirts, sometimes with a contrasting camisole underneath. I wear them with jeans or capris and a cute sandal. The shirts are a little dressier than a t-shirt alone and it helps hide the tummy bulge. Lots of stores have them at the moment.

You could also look for skirts. A cute skirt with a matching colour t-shirt and sandals, is a great look too.

Both of these would be a little dressier than just jeans and a t-shirt, but they're still kid-friendly clothes.

[theamazingtrace]

Another 30 year old here! :) My husband is tired of my mommy clothes (think jeans, t-shirts, capris, hoodies, crocs or flip flops) and encourages me to update my wardrobe, but it's easier said than done. I love the style at Anthropologie, but can't get myself to pay that much for their stuff! So instead, I scope out all the stuff I love there, then look for similar things at Target (!!!) or Nordstrom Rack.

[niccig]

I do the same...love love Anthropologie, and I'll pay for a gorgeous sweater or a evening dress, but not for a t-shirt. I only had 20mins in Nordstrom Rack today...not enough time. Need to go back without DS.

[theamazingtrace]

haha, i don't even try to dig through nordstrom rack with the kids! :)

[bisous]

I just turned 31 and live in SoCal as well. I probably don't dress my age. I wear mostly the same things as my 21 and 23 yo sisters. Jean, shade t-shirts, hoodies when cold, sandals every single day. I don't know if that is appropriate or not but it still works for me. The only thing that I've changed in the past ten years or so is that I buy higher quality and I think it looks a little nicer.

I don't work now, but where I used to work was ultra casual. Depending on the department (I was in HR which is a little more dressed up than some) jeans and t-shirts were totally appropriate. However, the highest level employees were a little more spruced up and they are probably a good example to follow. I like some of the stuff that others have posted. I personally love skirts. It can be out of any material but it's automatically more dressed up than jeans but can be equally comfortable and durable.

HTH

[babyready]

I'm in the same boat. What I do is buy some jeans I really like and that I think are flattering. And I still wear lots of t-shirts but they are the smaller, more stylish ones. I get them wherever. Target, teenager stores at the mall, places like the GAP usually have some. Even though I am still in a t-shirt and jeans, I just feel more put together.

I probably should add some more stylish shoes but with summer coming up, flip flops are my way of life!

[BeachBum]

Banana Republic is great for biz casual. And I love JCrew for casual wear. I shop a lot at Anthropologie for spunky stuff to mix with basics.

What I've found about getting older (30) is that I have to be a lot more careful of the fit. I can't just buy things at Target and have them look good. :) I think I buy less clothes, but spend more per item. I also have to do a realistic check through my stuff. I want to make sure I'm don't look dated. Just because it fits and I already own it doesn't mean I should wear it.

[SnuggleBuggles]

My 1st thought would be to make sure you aren't wearing t-shirts with words on them. I think of that as a jr. high, high school and maybe college style. Something to be left behind after those years pass, imo.

It's fun to buy and wear stylish pieces even as a SAHM. It just sometimes help the day feel bette to be really cute and put together. :)

Did you scope out the links I posted (Old Navy...)?

Beth

[CharmedOne]

I'm totally the opposite! I'll wear the same things year after year until either they no longer fit or are worn out. :) I'm trying to break myself of that. It's so easy to just grab a clean t-shirt and jeans, especially on the weekends. Yeah, there's really no need for me to dress like I did when I was 22 (though I still look like I'm that young)!

Caroline

http://b2.lilypie.com/3k5Am7/.png
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif 21 months

[CharmedOne]

Very true. I do like skirts, but unfortunately for me, I'm always cold, cold, cold. I always have to wear some kind of jacket or sweater. DH is the same way. My friends from NY always laugh at me. I couldn't survive fall let alone winter on the East coast.

Caroline

http://b2.lilypie.com/3k5Am7/.png
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif 21 months

[roysmom]

I am 31 and figure I dress my age about 50% of the time. The other 50% is more like 25, but that is what DH likes and I like to make him happy. First off, you need to determine what is appropriate in your office. My office is no jeans, flip-flops, t-shirts with prints and anything mini is out. I wear a lot of capri pants, casual dress pants, solid t's (great from Maurice's and Old-Navy) and printed skirts (in summer). I think a must is a great pair of black pants (a high percentage of polyester means no ironing), a fitted jacket that goes with a printed cami, purses in different styles and colors, and of course SHOES. I love shoes. I own, no exageratign here, over 100 pairs of shoes. I refuse to part with any unless they are falling apart or so out-of-date I can't remember when I bought them. Capris can be worn, in the south, from March until October. It stays really warm during that time, so I opt for capris or a flowing printed skirt. A great length for work is just below the knee. It is casual and fun. Hope this helps you out.

[jenjenfirenjen]

Beth, I love your links but just had to say, "Beware the cap sleeves if you do not have nice toned arms!" They will only make your arms look like sausage casings. Those of you with bat wings or flabbier arms than you would like, repeat after me, "3/4 length sleeves are my friend!"

[TahliasMom]

Another 30+. I'm in Nor Cal and mostly dress in stuff from New York and Co., Gap and ocasionally Ann Loft for work. For casual stuff, I wear Old Navy and Charlotte Russe. Believe me, when I was at home with DD for the first 10 months, i lived in capris and nursing tops and flip flops in the summer and sweats/slip on sneakers in the winter. Going back to work forced me to re-evaulate my wardrobe. Out went most of my juniors stuff, sniff, sniff (loved Macy's). A

I tend to not follow the fashion trends too much but instead get classy pieces that flatter me and my mama hips. A line skirts, boot cut pants that sit at lower waist, longer button down tops, peep toe shoes. For weekends i have some Gap jeans, fun tshirts from New York and Co. and H&M, strappy sandals.

[SnuggleBuggles]

DO you have this fleece in the bright blue? I have that one. :) It is my "running to school" jacket or if I get in arut I wear it and later realize it clashed badly with my outfit both in color and style. :)
http://www.landsend.com/pp/ThermaCheck174200Jacket-68979_149056_59.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_68979&sid=8738164365440131000

Jacket/ sweater:
You could go with a fitted denim jacket for indoor and outdoor use if you work in a more casual place:
http://www.landsend.com/pp/DenimJacket-55581_147154_59.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_390&sid=8738164365440131000
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2815854/0~2376776~2374327~2374375~2381291?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2381291&P=3

For outerwear in the fall the fitted cordoury pulls together most any outfit:
http://www.landsend.com/pp/CorduroyJacket-55581_147155_59.html?CM_MERCH=PAGE_390&sid=8738164365440131000

This cardigan is really cute online but I don't know what it is like in real life. Plus, it would prob. go best with v-neck shirts:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2921473/0~2376776~2374327~2374334~6002129?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6002129&P=1

I know this a hoody but to me it doesn't seem too young. I think it could work well even for work b/c of the cut and fabric:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2919589/0~2376776~2374327~2374334~6002129?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6002129&P=1

I'm getting carried away. This cardigan just looks like it would be a fun piece:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2915758/0~2376776~2374327~2374334~6002129?mediumthumbnail= Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6002129&P=2

Good work blazer/ jacket:
http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=33253&pid=466741&scid=466741002

A lot of times if I think I will get cold I grab a fitted long sleeve shirt from my closet that has a neckline like my tank or short sleeved shirt. That way it looks like I intentionally layered my shirts. (Some shirts just look really awkard like that if the neck lines are all weird.) That's my summer strategy, when I expect to be warm most of the time. Otherwise I have things like I listed above.

Jackets like those are tricky. You probably will just have to try on a bunch and see what fits well.

This is the link to What Not To Wear. They have guides on picking clothes if you have a more challenging body shape (really tall or small as well as goo basic tips/ buying recommendations):
http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/whatnottowear/whatnottowear.html

HTH some. It's fun to shop for others. Hopefully nothing I picked was too hideous. :)
Beth

[elephantmeg]

eddie bauer, gap outlet and target is what I wear. (I'll be 26 this summer for full disclosure.)

I have capris x2 from E.B, something like this, plus 1-2 pairs of shorts
http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/product.asp?product_id=30903&nv=3|21473|97|1011&lview=&cm_cg=C1011&tid=&c=&sc=&lp=w1i009
Jeans from gap (we have an outlet so they were like $20 each)
I think having nicer tops makes all the difference
http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/product.asp?product_id=31302&nv=3|21473|22899&lview=&cm_cg=C22899&tid=&c=&sc=&lp=v1i003
http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/product.asp?product_id=31312&nv=3|21473|22899&lview=&cm_cg=C22899&tid=&c=&sc=&lp=v1i018

EB is having a good sale right now, 50% a lot of stuff. I also shop a lot at gap outlet, target etc. I look for fitted t-shirts (found a ton at target last summer for $7 each). I have basic peices of EB and then fill in the rest cheap! Everything can be machine washed and dried and/or hung up on the rack in our room.

and the layered shirt look doesn't work at all breast feeding or pumping IMHO, I bought a set last summer and never really wore them, it was too much trouble to get through the cami and the shirt-even with a nursing cami.. sigh but I'm loving it this summer!

I had a couple nice shirts from motherhood maternity that I got on sale with a free shipping code I got somewhere-bargain page maybe?
here's one of them-looks better when it's not bunched in a ring sling!
http://www.megley.com/photos/babyfurr/October/PICT3810.JPG.html

here's my winter mommy uniform-long sleeved v-neck shirt (easier to BF in IMO for some reason!) and jeans from gap (long and lean and short and curvy-ankle length). Shirt was from target I think. I also had a couple from gap, couple from EB and a couple I got from Ross.
http://www.megley.com/photos/babyfurr/December/PICT4567.JPG.html

I can't believe I'm giving advice. This is the first time in my life I've liked my clothes! (Can you tell I grew up with clothes from mission clothes closets?!? My aunt did try to get me to wear a baby doll style shirt with a tank under it. I swear it looked just like a maternity shirt I used to wear. Um, nah!

And of course you already have the perfect accessory- PC!

[niccig]

Ooopps, forgot you were nursing. Yep, ditch the cami and shirt - too many layers. But do look at a cute shirt or a cute t-shirt. There are some great ones out there.

[Nooknookmom]

Megs, I'm 36 (ok alot older than u, but I dress young, & I'm a style freak :) I LOVE Roxy, Billabong, Hurley, etc. Lots of the cuts/styles are mom friendly, look cool and last forever. Roxy does run small-ish. Chicks sporting goods has a super selection to drool over.

Also if you have a Nordstrom near you (or online) check out the "BP, Brass Plum" section. It's the Junior section but there is a lot of up to date not *teenybopper* peices. Lot's of the mom's by me shop up there. Great jeans, lots of layering peices, great plain tees & cute tops. I found tons of blazers, skirts, etc in there too when I was in Real Estate. So there is quite a mix from day-casual to workwear.

HTH

[CharmedOne]

YES! I have that exact fleece in bright blue. I wear it a little too often. :)

I tried to check out some of the stores along the promenade today. Sigh. I can never find anything that I want to buy or fits whenever I go out to shop for myself. I have better luck online sadly. Of course I can always find stuff for everyone else I shop for!

Caroline

http://b2.lilypie.com/3k5Am7/.png
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif 21 months