Fashion at 30

It's officially 7 days until I'm the ripe old age of 30 – HOW THE HELL HAS THAT HAPPENED, PLEASE?

I've been feeling very strange about turning 30 during a worldwide pandemic, almost as though it makes it feel less real, but it is real, and I am nearing 30 and saying goodbye to my 20's forever! Aside from the obvious panic of the scary number 30, I'm questioning why so many fear their 3rd decade and what does it mean for my wardrobe?

My 'By the time I'm 30' plan

I fear 30 because I'm not where I wanted to be, at nearing 30; like many others I'm sure, I wanted to be financially stable, a home owner, professionally successful and in a long term relationship in a position to start a family in my mid-to late 30's. I've felt, that if meeting these deadlines doesn't happen until a later age, they'll be less worthy for me. Silly I know, they're all great achievements at any age.

The problem with my thought process and the deadlines I'd given myself, is that my priorities naturally changed throughout my 20's. Though they always remained at the base of my desires, life just happened - fun, happened. I'm lucky to have my wonderful boyfriend, to have moved to London for my dream career in fashion at various brand head quarters, and to have made the amazing girlfriends I have along the way, all of whom gave me the great times in my 20's that'll stay with me for a lifetime. Whilst my 20's consisted of all of the above where I would say I really did live life to the full, there wasn't much consideration for the future - silly me.

Now in said future, still with my amazing boyfriend and the best girlfriends ever, and whilst I'm by no means in a difficult position, I'm not where I want to be, regretting wasted worries and wasted money. I was made redundant in the Covid-19 UK lockdown, and although it gave me the push to finally begin The Clothing Consultant, I should've started, like I wanted to, much longer ago.

I shouldn't have worried about being single for most of my 20's; I wish I knew that I was stupid to think I'd lose friendships by staying in more and saving. I most importantly wish I knew that what others think about starting my business as The Clothing Consultant wasn't what was important, but taking the plunge was.

What does 30 mean for fashion and my wardrobe?

But, I do still wonder what 30 means for my wardrobe.

Another vision I had for my 30's, for some reason was power dressing; I imagined myself to always look immaculate in perfectly tailored suiting, killer court heels and smart fitting silhouettes – all mainly designer, with perfect skin too! Once again, reality is that at 29, I'm still sporting high street fashion and my favourite wardrobe pieces are my floral ChiChi London prom dresses and embellished headbands, all teamed with constant spouts of acne. Although I'm now accepting of this, I do wonder if it's representative of the professional 29 nearing 30 year old I am, strive to be and always envisioned.

With one of my style icons being Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl Queen Bee with her preppy skirts, cute collared blouses and hair accessory collection, and where I already look young for my age and my style definitely accentuates that, will my wardrobe stop me from being taken professionally seriously? Does it matter that my favourite piece of outerwear is a bright yellow lace dolly coat and I have a collection of 23 prom skirts? Can I still wear my floral ChiChi London prom dresses? Is it a requirement of women in their 30's to dress a certain way?

Can I still dress like this at 30?!

I just wonder at what point my age will align to match my style; will I still be wearing my precious floral skater skirts way into my mid-30's? I just cant imagine ever wanting to get rid of them, I love them all so much but does this mean I could be taking them into my 40's with me? The Clothing Consultant is all about you wearing what makes you comfortable and happy, but I am a stylist too, and with that comes a responsibility to always advise the better option, and of course, dressing age appropriate.

Do you see my predicament? I accept deadlines are silly, but we're told not to fear 30, that it changes nothing. But what about when your style age, and your actual age not only don't match, but they're lightyears apart? What if they have an effect on your professional success or how you're perceived? That is now my biggest concern.

The 23 prom skirts of mine... The ChiChi London dresses of mine...

Right now, I cant bear to part with a single prom dress, skater skirt, collared blouse or embellished headband, so I'm going to continue dressing as me; I'll work thrice as hard to ensure I'm taken seriously, regardless of wearing floral print, but my mid-30's will now be my cut off for wearing mini floral prom's. I'll have them stored in my dream walk in wardrobe (which I aim to have by then with a lot of positive affirmations) to keep forever – it can be another 'deadline' that I'll push back, I've done it with enough others after all, and you know what? It's absolutely fine! It's fine to not be where I wanted to be, and it's fine to strut around in the biggest skirt I own, regardless of my age.

I do feel ready to say goodbye to my eventful and wonderful 20's and welcome in my 30's with open arms now, all with positivity and grace – now it's just a matter of what shall I wear to celebrate! Well, I already know what I'll be wearing, even if it will be in the house because of lockdown restrictions – but, it's a surprise. A beautiful, stunning surprise, and all will be revealed soon! If turning 30 means I finally get to wear this brand, then it definitely isn't so bad after all! Watch this space...

Walking off into my 30's, still in my favourite bright yellow lace dolly coat...