These 5 High-Street Items Are Fashion Kryptonite for 30-Somethings

While we've gone on (and on, and on) about the key items you need in your wardrobe by the time you hit the big 3-0, how about the things you need to stop buying? While you might be smugly thinking I already got rid of my crop tops, we're not talking about those pieces. The truth is you can still wear a crop top at any age. So, what do we mean? Well, essentially, it's the pieces that you used to buy on the cheap. 

When you hit 30 there are a few things you stop doing. You stop going out regularly on a Friday night and opt for brunch instead. You decide that watching Poldark on a Sunday is preferable to the pub. You like a bedtime that doesn't fall in the a.m. You also stop buying stuff that's cheap. Instead, you start making much more informed choices. Based on experience, there are five key pieces that you don't want to ever scrimp on again as you get older. Essentially, they are fashion kryptonite for 30-somethings. Find out what they are by scrolling for what not to buy when you hit 30 and shop better pieces now.

#1: The White Shirt

Style Notes: There is one simple rule we stick to when it comes to shopping these days: Are you going to wear it to death? If so, that super-cheap £20 white shirt just isn't going to last (there's a reason your mum says "buy cheap, buy twice"). Not only will you wear it with everything in your wardrobe, but a quality version will always look chic. We're not saying you have to go for that £300 version but maybe splash out for one that's above the £60 mark. Opt for a decent cotton mix, a solid collar and classic buttons.

#2: Elasticated Ripped Jeans

Style Notes: If you haven't yet experienced why these are bad and why you should buy the pricier versions, let us explain. When you wear the ripped jeans that contain elastane, the holes in the knees go really baggy and stretchy, and you'll start to see threads of clear plastic dangling about or cutting into your skin when you sit down. Not that chic, eh?

#3: Cheap synthetic jumpers

Style Notes: Want to be the woollen version of Hansel and Gretel? Well, you will get your wish if you buy cheaper knitwear. Again, you don't have to spend your month's salary but do stop going into those stores where's there's not a hint of genuine natural wool in sight. They will a) bobble and b) lose their shape after wearing or washing. Not even a belt to cinch your waist will save terrible knitwear.

#4: Really high heels

Style Notes: Buy cheaper shoes that are of the super-high variety, and prepare to be worse than Bambi on ice. Not only will you feel embarrassed falling over all the time (again, speaking from experience here—it's a well-known fact that more expensive shoes are crafted with your balance in mind), but it's likely you'll endure blisters. Opt for heels that are lower in height and give you a more elegant poise if you're looking on the high street.

#5: Swimwear

Style Notes: The thing is, we get why cheap swimwear is so attractive to buy, as you're not wearing for long. However, as we get older, we need more support (preach!), so while that bandeau top is bound to make you (inadvertently) popular with the locals, it won't make you feel very confident on the beach. Investing in a piece that will give you support and flatter you in all the right places is well worth the confidence boost. And as a side note, luxe swimwear is made out of more technologically advanced fabrics, which means it will last summer upon summer.

Next up! The A/W 17 fashion trends you need to know about.