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    1. Style

    30 Trends You Need To Try Before You’re 30

    How many can you tick off the list?

    By Caroline Leaper
    Published 14 March 2016 In News

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    Street Style at Milan Fashion Week AW14
    Street Style at Milan Fashion Week AW14
    (Image credit: Rex Features)
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    How many can you tick off the list?

    Your twenties are a time for experimenting with stuff, a time for seeing the world and a time for LOL-ing a lot. But most importantly, they're the time to have all kinds of fashion fun. So how many of these trends can you tick off your list?

    Shredded Stuff Once you’re 30 and you’re all sophisticated, you won’t want to be seen in tattered trousers. But your 20s are the time to embrace such silliness – twirl freely in your Marques Almeida denim, and don’t fret about the fray.

    (Image credit: Dvora/REX/Shutterstock)

    Mismatched Jewellery Lost one earring from your favourite pair and can’t be bothered to look for it? Name check spring’s new mismatched jewellery trend and no one will question your fashion authority.

    The Minibag Too small to hold anything but an iPhone and a contactless card, but oh how dinky and cute.

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    (Image credit: SIPA/REX/Shutterstock)

    Power Platforms Teetering atop of these kinds of quirky mega-heels is what your twenties are all about, right?

    (Image credit: Silvia Olsen/REX_Shutterstock)

    Silver Wears Yes, do buy that tin foil-look coat. Do load up on the lurex. Do leave the house in top-to-toe silver and do shine bright like a diamond.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    The Tutu Go on, have your Carrie Bradshaw moment. Team your tulle with a slouchy grey knit and twirl happily in the knowledge that you’ve styled it to perfection.

    (Image credit: Silvia Olsen/REX/Shutterstock)

    Maribu Feathers A trim not just reserved for boas. Oh no, this season Maribu tickles dresses, tops and outerwear alike, and, in our favourite incarnation, it bursts from the inside of shoes. Only a 20-something could pull off this least practical of trends with ease.

    A Tiara No, we’re not joking. The tiara is actually back for SS16, and now is your chance to live the princess dream you always dreamed, un-judged.

    What to read next
    • AW 2026 Jacket Trends Trophy Jackets Are Back—From Peplums to Military, These Are the 6 Styles to Know for Autumn
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    A Suit Want to really switch things up? Do a two-piece suit in one solid colour for a strikingly cool alternative party look. Or wear it to the office and think powerful thoughts all day long.

    Rainbow Ombre The only time to work a multi-coloured hair do in the office, and have no one bat an eyelid.

    Glittery Eyelids Just so nice for a birthday, right?

    ALL The Lipstick Colours Think, ‘what would Rihanna, queen of the rainbow lip, do?’ She’d trial every colour she could get her fiercely manicured paws on and she’d own it, that’s what.

    Or Just No Makeup At All You’re young and you’re beautiful. You’re beyond acne but still without a single wrinkle. Your no makeup selfies have never, and will never look better.

    Festival Chic Because no respectable 30 year-old would be seen in a floral hair garland. Well, actually…

    Flares Big flare, do care. Especially when teamed with the mega-heels we just discussed.

    Dungarees Dress up with a shirt and pointy brogues – this is the playsuit 2.0.

    (Image credit: Carly Erickson/BFAnyc.com/REX)

    Throwback Sportswear Wear your love of early 00s nostalgia on your chest, fronting the kinds of childhood sportswear brands that once a chav did make. Bench, Evisu, Kappa – they’re all having a comeback. Embrace your past, ironically.

    The Slip Dress One. Shexy. Trend. Wear it in your 20s and look simultaneously sophisticated and sh*t hot.

    Transfer Tattoos For those prone to a fashion whim, who aren't quite brave enough to get permanently inked. Stick on tattoos, the kind you scrub on (and pick off) with a wet flannel are actually your friend. Besides, Chanel made some once, so they've got to be cool.

    Trainers At Work Box fresh only – you’re not a scruffy teen, remember?

    Crop Tops You’re in the best shape of your life – why wouldn’t you want to show it off?

    The Backpack We’re talking a cool, leather, colour-pop version – nothing with a Disney character on it.

    Jazzy Socks Forget the awkward, raccoon covered socks of yesteryear (true story) and in its place a new variety of hosiery to experiment with. Think sparkly lurex, think lace, think marl.

    ALL The Denim Double, triple… layer it as you will. You want to channel Britney and Justin circa 2001, but get away with it.

    Fun Fuzz Not until you’re in your 80s and channeling Iris Apfel will you be able to pull this one off again.

    The Beret ...Trust us on this one. Gucci’s SS16 geeks were all about teaming a beret with their glittery Deidre Barlow specs.

    (Image credit: SIPA/REX Shutterstock)

    Underwear As Outerwear Display your delicates because, well, why not.

    Vintage If there’s one thing every 20-something should aim to conquer, it’s vintage shopping. Put the time in and enjoy the hunt – you might just find some fashion treasure that you don’t want to chuck away before you’re 30.

    The Wedding Dress LOL just kidding. You didn’t really think we’d go there, did you?

    Caroline Leaper
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