How to look more like a 30yr old female? tiny mid-life crisis

I turned 30 yrs old a month ago and right now I'm going through a little mid-life crisis. I'm a female in a graduate program. My closet need an update because I feel most of the clothes is fit more a 20- 25 year old female. I also get mistaken for being alot younger than I look, the youngest is 20 years old.
So how can I dress more like my age, to show that I'm serious about life, that I'm a grown woman and all at the same time still look like myself?
I don't need to be in a suit or pencil skirt either because I dont work in an office and my grad program doesn't need that sort of dress code.
So its the everyday look and going out with my friends and family that needs an update.
Also I've gained back the 15lbs I lost a few months ago so my self-esteem is pretty low right now too. I know clothes will not change my self-esteem but I'm trying to do what I can to remind myself that my lack of confidence is not who I am. I hope that makes sense to others.
I want a fresh start.

What do you normally wear? If you wear jeans, experiment with other sorts of slacks, maybe change colors some so you are/are not "pastel", when I think of little girls I think of pink and too much black can make me think of goth, etc. Find images you like of women in magazines? If you have long hair, consider cutting it to chin length or putting it up; I think any thought about change on your part that you like will get people to see and start to think about you in a new way?

This article on how teens can make themselves look older has a lot of good advice hidden in its principles?

http://www.wikihow.com/Look-Older-As-a-Teen

I don’t know a lot about fashion… however in my personal opinion sometimes it’s more the materials of clothes and the style of clothes that can add to you appearing and presenting yourself in a certain way. That’s if you can understand what I mean by this. Not that I am thinking you dress stereotypical of a 20 year something… because I am sure you don’t. You probably dress fine anyway and actually you have aged well and look good for you age. Surely you can see the positive side to this as people must think you look good for your age as they think you’re younger. However I can understand that in certain situations, when you need people to take you seriously this can sort of put a spin on that if they mistake you for someone younger and then they treat you differently. Also I am in UK so I think fashion will be slightly different over here. I think that linen trouser always look smart, casual either with a nice (knitted cardigan, plan top) or blouse. You can wear either block colours or wear patterned tops to break things up. Sometimes wearing finely knitted, jursey.. can’t spell this, jumpers are good. You can match them with plan denim jeans, trousers and skirts they always smart things up. Sorry, you probably already do this but like I said there are many styles of these things. That will then affect in small ways the look you put across. If you think about it even a top is complex when creating a look with circle neck line, v neck, low cut, high cut, strap top, short sleeves, no sleeves etc. it’s about finding the style that suits you and the look you’re going for. Then matching these up with few staples to combine different looks for different days. Really two pairs of jeans, one black trouser, 6 different tops and few cardigans, jumpers do me, I just work between them. I have more clothes but really only ever wear them to be honest. Also one of my favourites is a cardigan that cost £1.00 from a car boot. No one who know me has a clue I got it from there and I always where it. I also a fan of just looking around shops and then wait to see when that shop has a sale on then I will buy something, hopefully with what I have seen that I liked that’s now gone in sale. Also like I said car boots, charity shops great for low cost and you never know what you will find. Also this is good when trying something new because if you limit yourself to a budget and then find out that new item wasn’t for you then you haven’t really lost anything. Then to have brought new from shop and find you’re unable to return it. Also this way you then know or have a better idea as to what to look for when buying new from shops. Also try looking at online stores is good to see how things look and the styles going, also you can cost match between places to get the best offers. I wouldn’t recommend buying from online as it is too much hassle and you can’t be sure of sizes, but again great stress free way to get some ideas to what to look out for. I personally like to think of this as dressing up when in good moods and experimenting, you can sometimes get that childhood thrill from when you use to play dress up and pretend you were certain people lol. I hope you don’t mind my reply and I hope I will be of some help to you. Wish you all the best

Have you ever watched What to Wear, on TLC?

They often help ladies and some guys on that show ~ perhaps watching one or two episodes will give you some ideas on clothes that may be right for you, hairstyles, etc. It just may bring you that fresh start that you're looking for.

Hi ((((Jenn)))) Happy (belated) Birthday!
I really appreciated and loved your post. It sounds as if you are looking for some guidance...how about going to one of the larger dept stores and making an appt to meet with the resident personal shopper / stylist? It doesnt cost anything and you can give he or she all the details so they can help you find tbe best look for you!

I shy away from recommending individual stores and or boutiques because I dont exactly know what look you are trying to achieve...one of the things that really helps me, though, is to flip through the current lifestyle and womens magazines to see if anything catches my eye! A certain look, trend, style, etc. Also if you want to be a little fashion forward, check out the Paris collections for next spring and fall, online. Certainly you wont want to dress the runway,but designers' collections are very inspirational!

Also accessories are a great way to spruce up your wardrobe and give it a fresh look!

Also have you considered a new hair style? Something fresh and new but not drastic. Perhaps bangs, a little update, even a sprinkle of color. That can be fun!

The most important thing is go with what you like and feel comfortable in. You can never go wrong that way. Your confidence and comfort will shine through no matter what you wear!

Good luck and have fun!
Let us know how it goes!

Rose