Thirties can be a tricky time for many men in terms of style. Some men may feel like they’re retiring the looks they had in their early 20s, only to find that they don’t really work anymore. They may not feel old enough to look like a sophisticated gentleman or a rugged outdoorsman. However, things don’t have to be so complicated. What’s great at 30 is that you can start to simplify your style and all you need are a few basics to start building a foundation. Let’s take a look at some clothes men over 30 should own.
Top 10 Clothing Essentials Men Over 30 Should Have In Their Wardrobe
A solid color polo shirt for men over 30
Some men in their thirties may still wear graphic t-shirts, but in most cases, they’ll make you look like an overgrown kid. You should instead consider switching to polo shirts and adding at least one nice solid color polo shirt to your collection. Navy blue is probably the most versatile polo color you can choose, but you should also consider picking up a white one and start looking at polo shirts with stripes and fun patterns later on.
What’s great about polo shirts is that they can work with virtually anything and in almost any situation. You can wear a polo shirt to work or in the evening with a nice blazer. A polo shirt could even work in a formal situation if you choose the right color and fabric.
A nice t-shirt
That doesn’t mean you should cross t-shirts off your list. However, few things can look as good as a well-fitting t-shirt on a 30-something, so choose a classic t-shirt that will suit any occasion. You can choose one in white or blue, but a vintage t-shirt can also work as long as it’s tasteful.
Oxfords
If you want a pair of shoes that can be worn in both formal and casual situations, go for a pair of brogues. They will be perfect whether you are wearing a suit, cotton pants or rolled up jeans.
A sports jacket for men over 30
Nothing says “I’m an adult now” like a nice sports jacket, and if you’ve never worn one, you might be surprised at how good you’ll look in one. They can also be very comfortable and will keep you warm on those chilly spring and fall evenings.
A white Oxford shirt
When it comes to clothes for men over 30, every man in his thirties should own a nice white oxford shirt. This can be worn in business, formal situations, or it can also be worn casually. You can wear an oxford shirt with khakis, jeans, or even corduroys if you like. A white oxford shirt can be a lifesaver if you’re not sure what dress code to follow, like when you’re going to an interview, for example.
A pair of solid faded dark blue jeans
If you love jeans, the good news is that you can still wear them after 30. They just need to be the right size. Classic dark blue jeans will be perfect. Go for a straight or tapered fit, menswear over 30 but nothing too tight or loose. It will go perfectly with the oxford shirt or polo shirt you just bought. Add a sports jacket and you have the perfect day-to-night outfit.
A discreet pair of sneakers
You don’t have to say goodbye to sneakers either, but you will have to re-evaluate your style. If you’re generally into loud, attention-grabbing sneakers, you might want to look for minimal leather or canvas shoes instead. Sports heritage sneakers are also a great option. Stick to classic silhouettes and solid neutral colors.
A bespoke suit
You should also have at least one nice tailored suit. It will cost you but consider it an investment. Chances are you’ll have to attend more formal events from now on, and you can’t afford not to have a costume you can grab when you need it. Black and navy blue are good colors for a tailored suit, but you can also look at gray or charcoal if you like.
A bomber jacket for men over 30
If you are looking for a beautiful, versatile lightweight coat that will protect you from the elements and keep you looking stylish, you must pick up a bomber jacket. Bomber jackets are great for running errands during the day and can double as a raincoat if you’re carrying an umbrella. Some bombers can also be worn practically all year round. Choose a black, burgundy or khaki bomber depending on your skin tone.
swim shorts
Last but not least, on the list of clothes men over 30 should own, there are some decent swim shorts. The days of having fun on the beach are not yet behind you, but you can’t get away with those old board shorts anymore. A tasteful pair that reaches your knees would be a better choice. If you are looking for a good place to find men’s swim shorts online, you can consult Orlebar Brown. They have one of the best selections of swimwear you will find anywhere online.
That’s all you need to start building your wardrobe as a man entering his thirties. You can then start adding complementary pieces and start building a personal style.
