I Just Turned 30 and Cleaned Out My Closet—Here Are the 4 Trends I Got Rid Of

clothing-for-your-30s-295868-1634867269059-main

(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

I try not to subscribe to the idea that you should accomplish x,y, and z before you turn 30—there's just too much pressure in that. However, when it comes to my closet, I felt like my milestone birthday was a good chance to reevaluate what I spend money on and what doesn't "bring me joy," to quote Marie Kondo. Plus, the pandemic has shifted my fashion priorities in a more casual direction, so I decided to organize my wardrobe accordingly.

I realized one thing lately: What I choose to wear to run simple errands is what I should be investing in moving forward. It's not strappy heeled sandals, corporate-feeling blazers, or impractical clutches. Instead, it's slide-on-and-go mules, loose-fitting pieces, functional crossbody bags, and other similarly easy-to-wear items. Scroll down to shop the four main trends I got rid of after turning 30. 

Donated: Stiff Blazers

Replaced With: Loose-Fitting Matching Sets

As much as I love a good blazer, I can't stand the extra-stiff, structured ones that are simply not comfortable to move around in. As I get older, I want to make a conscious effort to not buy pieces solely for their looks and instead choose items for practical reasons like comfort and wearability. 

I love matching sets because they're a no-effort way to look put-together quickly. They're also super versatile because you can mix and match with other items from your closet and create a bunch of different outfits. 

Donated: Costume Jewelry

Replaced With: Carefully Considered Fine Jewelry

The pandemic has definitely made me realize how silly some of my jewelry is and how infrequently I wear it. Going forward, I'm excited to choose quality over quantity and save up for extra-special jewelry pieces that feel personal. For instance, the necklace below is made from individual pearls I received every holiday and birthday over the span of 20 years from my grandma and great-aunt. Costume jewelry could never. 

clothing-for-your-30s-295868-1634866754608-image

(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

Donated: Excessively Strappy Sandals

Replaced With: Flat Mules

Lately, my flat mules have been getting a ton of wear, so I've made the conscious decision to quit spending money on shoe trends I can't wear every day. That, however, doesn't mean they have to be boring—just look at the jewel-embellished Manolo Blahnik flats below for proof. 

clothing-for-your-30s-295868-1634867028358-image

(Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

Donated: Cropped Flare Jeans

Replaced With: Full-Length Jeans

I think cropped flare jeans are outdated at this point and look a bit like you're wearing jeans that you outgrew. Instead, I am investing in full-length jeans, which feel much more grown-up and polished. Plus, I am 5'10", so basically, any cropped jeans look extra short on me. Yet I still wear them. Instead, I want to solve the problem and go for styles with long inseams. 

Next, Gen Z Celebs Are All About These 5 Boot Trends for Fall

Associate Director, Fashion News

Erin got her start as aBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.