You just turned 30 or you’re in your 30’s and have decided to get it together on the clothing front. Congratulations because this officially means you’re now a proper grownup. While you may not be be hitting your peak professionally or financially yet, you’re definitely on the way, which means you should be taking your clothing and appearance a little more seriously.
So where does that leave your wardrobe? How do you walk the tightrope that is post-twenties dressing without looking like an over-the-hill has-been, or worse – a textbook case of early mid-life crisis?
These are some of the items that categorically shouldn’t be in your rotation in your third decade. Even if you do feel young at heart.
Dirty or Faded Anything
You’re too old to have an excuse for dirty clothing and shoes. You’re not out in the playground anymore, so your excuse for having dirty or terribly worn out anything is just laziness.
Graphic Tees
There are two exceptions when it comes to wearing one: You’re headed to watch your favorite sports team play or you’re going to a concert. Outside of these two situations, wearing a graphic tee communicates your someone who can’t get over the fact he’s no longer in his twenties.
Dirty, old or worn out shoes
No self-respecting man should be walking around in old, dirty shoes. Ever. Also, did you know it’s one of the first things women look at and can be a real make it or break it when it comes to first impressions?
Baggy anything
Unless you think to yourself, I’d like a more relaxed fit with these because that’s a silhouette I’d like to go for with this outfit, then you shouldn’t be wearing anything ill-fitting. The days of you wearing clothes because they were gifted or somehow found their way into your wardrobe by happenstance are over. A man in his 30’s should know what he’s going for and should nail it.
“If a guy shows up wearing ill-fitting pants or a big shirt, game over,” said every woman on planet Earth.
White socks and novelty underwear
Nothing says this guy dresses like a grade schooler more than white socks. Replace them with literally any other color – starting with black, blue and gray, and you’ll be on the road to adulthood!
Novelty underwear is a rite of passage for most men. When you’re a teenager, it’s the go-to Christmas gift for relatives intent on finding skivvies that’ll give you a chuckle. But we’re still not laughing.
Hopefully by now, you’ll have had the sense to leave the trunks that declare you a ‘Beer Monster’ or baggy boxer shorts emblazoned with the warning ‘In Case Of Emergency, Pull Down’ far, far behind you.
We even did a super in-depth article on the best men’s underwear out there if you need to check that out.
Shorts
Cargo shorts, especially. The one type of shorts you can wear are chino cloth shorts, but frankly, now that you’re older, shorts should mostly be worn near bodies of water in the form of swim trunks. Instead, grab some chino pants and roll up the hem (or get them hemmed to be a little shorter) and you’ve got something breathable and much more age-appropriate.
Flip Flops/Sandals
Unless you’re at a body of water, get rid of them.
Unkempt Haircuts
An adult ensures he always looks good, and that definitely goes for your hair.