✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Y’all aren’t ready for this: The “Forever 31” joke is basically a mirror held up to our 30s fashion crisis. Everlane’s “basics only” vibe has turned into a meme, but it’s also a real conversation abou…
Y’all aren’t ready for this: The “Forever 31” joke is basically a mirror held up to our 30s fashion crisis. Everlane’s “basics only” vibe has turned into a meme, but it’s also a real conversation about how we’re stuck between “professional” and “self-actualized” in our style. I’m 30, and honestly? I’ve spent my 20s surviving in thrift-store tanks and office-appropriate cardigans, but now I’m like, “Wait, I’m allowed to experiment?” But the problem? 2025’s fashion feels like a punishment for 2010s maximalism—think galaxy leggings and owl jewelry—so we’re stuck between “quiet luxury” and “Y2K revival.” Is this a flex or a trap? Let’s ask the experts.
First off, your 30s are the time to figure out your style. As trend forecaster Mandy Lee says, we’ve got more time, money, and clarity than ever. “I don’t need permission to wear what I want,” she says. “People respond to my style because it’s authentic.” Same with Aaron Hui, who went from “Cady Heron” army pants to self-assured confidence. “I used to fear certain trends,” he admits. “Now I just follow what feels right.” But not everyone’s in the same place. Some folks panic about aging, using fashion to cope. “Not fitting into old pants can feel existential,” Hui says. So how do you break free?
Start with what you already own. Lee’s hack? Stop shopping. “Take photos of what you wear daily—this’ll show you what you actually need.” She realized she needed shorter shorts in summer, not a capsule collection. Cleary says think about people (or characters) you love and find their common threads. “Bright red pants? Vintage velvet skirts? Those are your basics.” And don’t just copy celebs—ask why a trend speaks to you. Hui’s puffer jacket (because Bad Bunny wore it) is a flex, but it’s his style, not a trend.
Here’s the real deal: Trends are fleeting. “You can’t have a signature style without repetition,” Lee says. “If you’re always trying to keep up, you’re just a walking mood board.” But don’t ignore trends entirely—just let them work for you. Cleary’s secret? “Does this work for me?” not “Does this work for my age?” Isabel Marant, 50+ and still rocking baggy cargos, is proof. And if you’re a mom? “Stop trying to be whatever society says you should be,” Cleary says. “Wear stilettos, crop tops, and own your vibe.”
💫 They’re about figuring out what you love—no filter, no apology.
So here’s the takeaway: Your 30s aren’t about fitting into a mold. They’re about figuring out what you love—no filter, no apology. What’s your go-to piece that makes you feel like you? Drop it in the comments.
❓ People Also Ask
What causes the “Forever 31” phenomenon?
The “Forever 31” phenomenon is caused by a rare condition called Progeria, which accelerates aging due to genetic mutations. It leads to rapid physical aging and health complications.
How common is Progeria?
Progeria is extremely rare, affecting about 1 in 40 million people. It occurs in both genders and is typically diagnosed in early childhood.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇