I grew up with three older sisters, each with their own distinctive style — which means that I had three separate closets to shop from throughout my entire life. So when I turned 23 and moved out of my parents’ home for the first time, I realized that not only did I no longer have access to the wonderful trifecta I was so accustomed to, but I also barely had a closet of my own. Turns out that almost two decades of “can I borrow that tank?” and “do you have a skirt to go with this?” eventually resulted in me not owning a single basic white tee. 

Sure, I’ve built up quite the closet in my mid to late 20s (you think I had three older sisters and didn’t develop a shopping addiction?) But as 29 stares me dead in the eyes, I realize what many women come to know as they get to the final year of their 20s: My wardrobe is not ready for my thirties. 

I have dresses and go-to outfits and some jeans, but as I look around the drawers and drawers of fabrics, I see that I don’t have true staples. I have this great seafoam green top that ties in the front… and yet no flared-leg dark denim to go with it. 

Luckily, personal stylist Samantha Dawn was willing to help me out. As someone who helps a lot of women looking to take their wardrobe to the next level, she let me in on a few must-haves for my closet as I prepare to blow out those 29 candles.

A Capsule Checklist For Your 30s

You’re not going to build your closet in a day, but if you start with the basics and go from there, you’ll find that by the time you’re welcoming your 30s, your closet is just as prepared as you are. 

✅ A great pair of denim

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but Dawn swears by it. 

“You should get a classic pair of denim that feels good but can also be transitional for all aspects of your lifestyle,” she tells Betches. 

A decade ago, that classic pair was skinny jeans, but now it looks a lot more like wide-leg jeans. And if you have jeans that you don’t really love, it’s time to reup. Oh, and don’t be afraid to see a tailor while you’re at it. 

✅ Statement blazer

Okay, yes, this may seem like you’re hanging up all things fun, but Dawn suggests that a blazer doesn’t have to be grey and boring (unless that’s what you’re into!). Whatever blazer you have in your room can totally express your personal style. 

“It could be denim, be a pop of color, be a fun kind of material… really anything that goes for you,” she advises. If you’re more of an edgy person, try a leather blazer, while those going for a sexy look might look into satin. 

✅ Lifestyle sneakers

While you might think a “nice pair of heels” would be on this list, Dawn disagrees. 

“Whether heels are a ‘wardrobe staple’ is dependent on the woman,” Dawn says. “A lot of foot problems come up as you get older.” She explains that a lot of her clients have families or do a lot of running around as they get older, which is why a great pair of sneakers is essential. She’d even go as far as saying you should have two.

One pair, she says, is something simple and low-profile that is comfy and goes great with many outfits. The second pair should be high-profile or more of a statement sneaker. Think of something fun and colorful. 

✅ Classic white tee

“Whether it’s fitted or loose, you need one of these in your closet,” Dawn says. 

✅ Statement earrings

Whether you’re a hoops girlie or a stud lover (Dawn says dangly earrings are basically “out”), you need statement earrings in your arsenal. These are earrings that bring life to an outfit and dress it up. They are also earrings that make you feel bold. 

Statement earrings can take a nice outfit into a great one, and be your way of dressing up your clothes without trying too hard. 

✅ A really good bag

This is something I have yet to invest in, but Dawn swears that as you approach your 30s, a really good bag is key. And no, that doesn’t mean you have to go with a standard black bag.

“Classic black is great, but a pop of color or different texture (suede or some kind of fun embellishment) can be just as good for your bag,” she says. She explains that as we get older, we tend to slip into neutrals because they feel safer — but your bag doesn’t have to follow suit. 

“You should have fun with it,” she says.