There is something incredibly liberating about turning 30. You stop caring so much about what other people think, you finally figure out what your personal style actually is, and—perhaps most importantly—you stop wasting money on things that don’t serve you.
In my twenties, I was the queen of the impulse buy. Fast fashion hauls, ten different eyeshadow palettes I never used, and cheap home decor that broke after a month. But as I’ve settled into my thirties, my mindset has completely shifted from quantity to quality. I’m all about investing in pieces that last, simplify my life, and actually make me feel good.
Here are 10 things I completely stopped buying in my 30s, and the elevated (but still affordable!) swaps I’ve made instead. You can find all of my current favorites linked on my Amazon Storefront.
1. Cheap, Uncomfortable Heels
What I stopped buying: The $30 stilettos that looked cute for exactly one hour before giving me blisters that lasted a week.
What I buy instead: High-quality, supportive block heels and elevated flats. I’ve realized that if I can’t walk in them comfortably, I simply won’t wear them. I’ve been loving these padded block heels that look incredibly chic but feel like walking on clouds.
2. 10-Step Skincare Routines
What I stopped buying: Every single viral skincare product on TikTok, resulting in a cluttered bathroom counter and an irritated skin barrier.
What I buy instead: A streamlined, high-quality routine focused on hydration and protection. I stick to a gentle cleanser, a solid vitamin C serum, a rich moisturizer, and this incredible daily sunscreen. Less is truly more when it comes to skin in your 30s.
3. Fast Fashion “Going Out” Tops
What I stopped buying: Flimsy, trendy tops that I wore once to a bar and then threw in the back of my closet because they fell apart in the wash.
What I buy instead: Elevated basics that can be dressed up or down. A high-quality silk camisole, a perfectly tailored oversized button-down, or a classic ribbed bodysuit. They look so much more expensive and last for years.
4. Cheap Coffee Shop Lattes Every Day
What I stopped buying: Spending $7 a day on iced lattes that were mostly ice and sugar anyway.
What I buy instead: A really good at-home coffee setup. Investing in a quality espresso machine and a great milk frother has saved me hundreds of dollars. Plus, drinking my coffee out of an aesthetic glass tumbler makes it feel just as luxurious as going to a cafe.
5. Uncomfortable Underwire Bras
What I stopped buying: Bras that dug into my ribs and made me want to rip them off the second I walked through the front door.
What I buy instead: Seamless, wire-free bralettes and supportive lounge bras. I have completely transitioned to these buttery soft seamless bras. They provide enough support for daily wear but feel like you’re wearing nothing at all.
6. Trendy, Flimsy Luggage
What I stopped buying: Cute but cheap suitcases whose wheels broke off halfway through the airport terminal.
What I buy instead: Durable, hard-shell luggage with spinner wheels that glide effortlessly. I finally invested in a high-quality carry-on and it has completely changed how I travel. No more fighting with a broken zipper at the TSA line.
7. Cotton Pillowcases
What I stopped buying: Standard cotton pillowcases that absorbed all my expensive skincare and left my hair frizzy and tangled.
What I buy instead: Pure silk pillowcases. This is one of those “30s upgrades” that I wish I had done ten years ago. It is so much better for your skin and hair, and it feels incredibly luxurious to sleep on.
8. Multiple Cheap Perfumes
What I stopped buying: Buying five different $20 body sprays that faded after twenty minutes.
What I buy instead: One or two signature, high-quality fragrances. I’d rather have one beautiful perfume that lasts all day and becomes my signature scent than a shelf full of cheap sprays.
9. Flimsy Plastic Hangers
What I stopped buying: The mismatched plastic and wire hangers that made my closet look chaotic and left weird bumps in the shoulders of my sweaters.
What I buy instead: Slim velvet hangers. They instantly make your closet look like a boutique, they save so much space, and clothes actually stay on them without slipping off.
10. “Aspirational” Workout Gear
What I stopped buying: Workout equipment for intense routines I wished I did, but never actually enjoyed (looking at you, heavy kettlebells gathering dust).
What I buy instead: Equipment for the movement I actually love and do consistently. For me, that means a great yoga mat, Bala Bangles for my hot girl walks, and a walking pad for my standing desk.
What is something you stopped buying as you got older? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to check out my Amazon Storefront for all my favorite elevated basics.
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