How best to dress my age without looking like a soccer mom?

Question

Early 30s means one is too old for most "cool" stuff; most trendy clothing these days looks like stuff I wore as a kid -- not cute to do trends the 2nd time around. But it also means one looks a tad too prim if everything's conservative, no matter how classy those outfits look on women a couple of decades older.

So...??

Cost is also a factor; the best I'm doing seems to involve stuff like black cashmere sweaters (tasteful, but, well, still black, at least), and very neatly tailored and pressed plain stuff. But too much of that, and you start to understand why "soccer moms" dress like they do -- it's cheap and it doesn't need dry cleaning, let alone ironing.

I don't want to end up as a "DON'T" here --

http://www.viceland.com/int/dos.php?

but then, a lot of their "DOs" are over-the-top for somebody over 25 and not in NYC.

What sort of things say "I used to be hip, still am a wee bit, still have good taste, but have mostly grown up," and are casual without being sloppy?

Answer 1

I would do dark denim jeans, some cute boots or flats, you can also try going into forever 21, its considered a teen clothing store, but you CAN find things in there proper for your age range, i used to work there and would always buy cute tops for my mom who is 45, and dresses pretty conservative. the clothes also is not expensive at all. button down shirts are also really cute on women, i hope that helped good luck

Answer 2

You can certainly still wear trends, but do only one at a time and pair that piece with something classic and tailored. For instance, a trendy shirt with a pair of dark-wash, bootcut jeans or a simple skirt. The teen look happens when you try too much at once. You can see that at the teen stores, where you can find a shirt that would be great, except does it really need the sparkles and the lacing and the butterfly applique and the asymmetrical hem? Also, stick with modern cuts and tailored pieces. Nothing says "soccer mom" quite like light, tapered leg, high-waisted jeans. The dark, bootcut jeans with a midrise are much more modern.

Answer 3

You're too old to be wearing labels like Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister; but that doesn't mean that you're too old to wear better labels. Have you considered Bebe? They have clothes that are totally sexxy, and fit every woman's style. If you're a sporty type of styler, Bebe has cute, sexxy, and comfortable styles fit for the perfect sporty outfit. Also, if you wanna dress up, Bebe has the best of the best, from jeweled jeans to lacy halters.
Also, places like Armani Exchange, Puma, Nike, Addidas, and Nordstorms have nice brandnames and clothes that are cutte. And, my personal fave, Victoria's Secret PINK is very cute as well, with styles that you can wear till you 36. The sizes run big, so you feel comfortable all day long! Wherever you go to buy clothes, there's always options.

Answer 4

I think you worry too much and early 30's is relatively young these days and not too old to wear high fashion. However, that does not mean you have to look like a 'soccer mom', but you can still look trendy. Maybe see a fashion consultant and see what they come up with for you. HTH : )

Answer 5

Urban Behavior would be a perfect store for you to visit. Their clothes are cute, not TO over-the-top, and affordable! It is most definitely not sloppy and in style as well, so you don't have to worry about looking like a soccer mom. They have clothing which seems age appropriate for you and it's very classy too. You will find a lot of nice blazers, jeans, casual tops, fashion tops, peacoats, and so on. =]

You can even browse their online site to see if their is any potential in their clothing to fit your specific style of clothing.
http://urbanbehavior.com/

Answer 6

my mom is 40 and looks 30 and i found her some really good clothes that match her perfectly and are in now at Express its a store they might have a web site but you would want to look in the store because its best to try on there clothes first my 20 year old sister shop's there too good luck i hope you find what your looking for there

Answer 7

I'd try stores such as White House/Black Market, Express, The Gap, New York&Company, and Ann Taylor Loft. Their clothes are classy and flaunt your grown-up sense of style without making you look like your grandma. You might even check out Maurices and Old Navy; even though they are more teen-oriented (Old Navy especially as of late), you can find very stylish, work-friendly outfits in both of those stores.

Answer 8

alot of woman lose there sence of style .your trying to find a style that isnt teen but isnt old.Dark blue jeans(jcpennys) with flats(payless,Shoe department). Layered clothes for both teens and adult are very cute and sophisticated if u do it right. If you dress right you get treated right

Answer 9

First of all, I like the skirt!!! People inform me I've nice lower limbs but I still don't wear shorts

Answer 10

I really like long skirts. My bf loves the short ones. So my wardrobe is loaded w/ 1/2 and 1/2.