30 things to know before you turn 30: The fashion fix
It's back! Our much-loved masterlist of advice from experts. This time, it's all about dressing up. Tips to slay, and do it your way
You know the drill by now. Twice a year, we find grown-ups who know what they’re doing (or are pretending excellently) and ask them what young people should know before they turn 30. We’ve tackled adulting, careers, money, maturity and love. We knew we were forgetting something. Ah! Dressing up. How to look great on a budget. How to get over campus style. What looks good on you. What to carry along. What personal style means when you’re confused in the fitting room.
Our experts served. We’ve got tips on underwear, how many colours is too colourful, why all-black is tacky and why those “statement pieces” stylists love are totally useless IRL. Save these hacks. You’ll look better, we promise.
1) Misbah Kapadia, 36, founder and curator of interior design studio Design Konstruct
“Invest in shoes that look chic but also provide arch support, especially if you’re on your feet for extended periods. Whether it’s a pair of stylish loafers or sleek flats, good shoes make all the difference, keeping you comfortable, polished and confident.”
2) Sahil Arora, 38, founder and curator of Method art gallery
“Wear what you like. It’s not about standing out; it’s about feeling good in your skin. Sometimes, a uniform takes away the stress of decision-making. I’m always in black. It’s timeless, and low-maintenance – it works for everything.”
3) Kompal Matta Kapoor, 32, fashion content creator, @KompalMattaKapoor
“Master monochrome looks while you’re still in your 20s. Pick one colour and play with different shades, textures, and fabrics, head to toe. You’ll always look like you’ve got it together. It’s the closest thing to a fashion cheat code.”
4) Farheen Naqi, 32, fashion content creator, @FarheenNaqi
“Use your 20s to explore and refine your personal style. Look to your parents’ wardrobe for vintage, irreplaceable pieces such as watches, jewellery and bags. When you shop, buy high-quality basics rather than trendy pieces. And when you get dressed, use the sandwich method: Match the colour of your shoes to your bag to always have a look that feels put together without overspending on accessories.”
5) Ankush Sabharwal, 42, founder & CEO of Gen AI platform CoRover
“No more than three colours per outfit. Avoid loud prints, designs, or logos that may distract from your message. You want people to focus on you and your words, not your clothes.”
6) Rachel J Amirtharaj, 41, founder of La Fantaisie bridalwear
“Dress for your future, not your present. If you look at an outfit and it does not excite you about the version of yourself you are becoming, it does not belong in your wardrobe.”
7) Rehaan Roy, 36, content creator, @RehaanRoyOfficial
“Men, get two or three tailored suits, a few basic shirts and mix-and-match them for events. Accessorise, but never overdo it. Clothes are what you buy. Style is what you create.”
8) Sohini Rohra, 41, psychologist
“Always keep a pair of sunglasses on hand. They add instant glam and can elevate any outfit, hide tired eyes and can add both drama or sophistication. They are a long-term investment in both health and fashion.”
9) Nyishi Parekh, 33, director of Architecture and Hospitality at design house Splendour Living
“Make a mood board. Which colours, silhouettes and fabrics make you feel your best? Then, focus on a few neutral pieces that align with your style and add in some pops of colour that change with the season and the occasion.”
10) Laksheeta Govil, 36, founder of Fizzy Goblet footwear
“Go ahead and pick the designs that speak the most to you. Don’t shy away from bold colours such as orange or black. And invest in antique accessories and pieces. I’ve found that brass embroidery, and heels and juttis that have an oxidised silver finish give off a sense of quiet luxury more than gleaming metallics.”
11) Deepika Gehani, 52, luxury brand advisor & entrepreneur
“Own at least one luxurious piece: A handbag, shoes, or even a belt or scarf. And buy minimalist fine jewellery. It can elevate any outfit.”
12) Dipti Advait, 42, founder, creative director of the fashion label, Nouria
“Always keep a pair of high-quality ankle boots in your closet. They can seamlessly transition across seasons and will make everything you wear – dresses, jeans, a basic look – immediately look more impressive, like you’ve consciously styled it like a badass.”
13) Aanchal Malhotra, 35, historian and author of Remnants of a Separation
“I am more practical than adventurous. I’ll hardly ever buy a ‘statement’ piece that can be worn just once or twice. I prefer jeans and dress pants in a high rise with a slight flare. In Indian clothes, I gravitate to a georgette or crepe sari. It’s incredibly flattering on most people.”
14) Shasha Gaba, 38, head designer, Shasha Gaba
“In your 20s, don’t spend too much on clothes. Experiment, borrow from friends, try everything to know what suits you. I wish I’d done this when I was starting out.”
15) Waaris Arora, 34, co-founder & head designer, Jade by Ashima
“Layering changes everything. I used to think it meant throwing on multiple pieces. I quickly learnt that too many layers look messy. The trick is balance: A simple T-shirt under a dramatic shirt, a turtleneck under a blazer. Now, I just focus on a few pieces that work well together.”
16) Tanushri Biyani, 38, founder, Anaar bridal footwear
“Don’t underestimate the power of details: Embroidered monograms, motifs that mean something to you. Mix textures: Polki and pearls; metallic accents with soft fabrics, to add depth to a look.”
17) Priya Sachdeva, 42, co-founder, PNK Legend Aid Foundation
“I was self-conscious about my hips and would hide them under loose clothes and long tops. Over time, people began complimenting me on my curves. I realised that with the right silhouette, I looked great. Find what flatters you and slay, keeping your personality intact.”
18) Nikolaos Karelis, 32, football player, Mumbai City FC
“An underrated part of looking good is showing up as your best self, and how you communicate and express yourself. A genuine smile and self-assuredness will stand out more than any fashion statement. That’s what helped me look and feel my best, no matter what I’m wearing.”
19) Karuna Ezara Parikh, 40, author
“Make what you love part of your style. I wear wide-leg pants because I love Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. I choose large prints and colour because women are expected to fade into the background.”
20) Veeram Shah, 37, architect
“By 30, you should know where your clothes come from. Designers are reinventing and sustaining our artisans. Collect clothes from them. Whenever I could save, I would buy a handloom collectible, to wear my identity on my sleeve. Forget fast fashion. Craft is sexy.”
21) Varun Agrawal, 31, content creator
“Think of fragrance as an accessory. Let it match the mood of your fit. For brunch, splash on something aqua fresh or fruity. When you wear wool and leather, pick a deeper scent with notes of spice or wood. Aim for harmony. You wouldn’t wear flip-flops with a tux. Why wear a heavy oud in the middle of summer?”
22) Dipika Singh, 50, founder of the media platform She Means Business
“Set aside five or six uniforms – comfy and coordinated fits that you know look good on you. Wear them on days when you have more important things to worry about than what to wear. Never ever wear anything new to an interview or a big meeting. That garment might stretch, snag or sit wrong, distracting you.”
23) Saloni Doshi, 45, founder and director, Space 118 Art Foundation
“By 30 you should know the power of our cultural heritage. Use Indian jewellery with Western outfits. Raid your mum’s and grandma’s jewellery box for new looks. And shop local.”
24) Priyanka Aggarwal, 32, interior stylist and design consultant
“Invest in regular nail care. People notice hands, even on a video call. Nourished hands, at the least, are ignored. Unkempt ones are hard to miss.”
25) Shikha Dhandhia, 34, personal shopper and stylist
“Know how to show yet hide at the same time. Bralettes and bustiers paired with tiny shorts is too in-your-face. Show something and leave something to the imagination as well – that’s how you look stylish and classy.”
26) Shweta Verma, 44, photographer and sustainability advocate
“OK, your 20s are when you stretch the budget. But before buying a super-cheap T-shirt, ask yourself: Would I pay the same price for a coffee? If yes, chances are that top won’t last longer than your caffeine buzz. Buy fewer, but buy better.”
27) Gaurav Hingne, 39, co-founder, Gaatha Wedding Photography and Films
“I advise men to pay more attention to the shoes they wear. Add classic white sneakers, leather loafers, dress shoes and Chelsea boots to your rotation. Ditch tacky platform flip-flops for sleek sandals. And get a pedicure. Dry toes, chipped nails and cracked heels are an ick at the end of a polished look.”
28) Ketan Pishe, 45, partner at designer suits label PN Rao
“Never fold your white shirt. Always use a hanger. It minimises wrinkles, and reduces the amount of times you’ll need to have it ironed. It also helps the fabric last longer.”
29) Vaishali Bhatia, 35, celebrity manager
“In the fitting room, don’t just look in the mirror. Take a photo of yourself to know what an outfit looks like in pictures and bad light. It’s how you know a top is sheer. Get out of your cubicle and view the outfit in a more distant mirror to see what people will see when you approach.”
30) Arjun Shah, 35, DJ
“We 30-somethings know when to shop. For work, I usually refresh my wardrobe with 15-to-20 items around August and September, in time for the wedding season, when all the cameras are out. And when I set a budget, I do it knowing how much wear I’ll get from each thing I buy. If I know I’ll still wear it a few years on, I buy it.”
From HT Brunch, March 01, 2025
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