The Daily Telegraph
The years when you dress for success 01/05/2005

When you hit your thirties, it's important to rethink your working wardrobe. This is the decade to really think about dressing for that promotion. All climbers need to wear suitable clothes and this applies to the career ladder as much as any of ascent. Begin to build a smart signature look at work and invest in some really sharp suits if you work in a formal environment. Discover your own sense of style rather than trying out every new trend. Once you hit your thirties, you will start to understand what suits you and what doesn't. Learn to play up your good features and diminish your bad.

By adopting a more timeless look now, you won't age so much later on; opt for simple shapes such as straight-legged trousers, simple knitwear and classic pieces such as trenchcoats that will make you stylish rather than overtly trendy. Watch out for the lumps and bumps that mysteriously appear around your body once you hit your thirties. Invest in good quality underwear and better-quality clothes that will help conceal any bumps.

Book an appointment with a fitter at a good lingerie department at Fenwick, Rigby & Peller or Bodas. Labels to love in your thirties: Reiss, Chloe, Lanvin, Gap, Whistles, Oasis, Miu Miu, Sass and Bide, Zara, Sonia Rykiel.

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