Ask Angie: What is the difference bet. Modern Classic and Euro Chic? - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie: What is the difference bet. Modern Classic and Euro Chic?

nancylee

Veteran

At the risk of getting overly hung up on labels *smile*, I'm wondering how to know when a Modern Classic look veers into Euro Chic territory. Many of us (myself included) have pegged Euro Chic as an aspirational style, but I'm a little fuzzy on the difference between MC and EC. I feel like I walk a fine line between these two styles, and often incorporate both in one look. Here are a few looks from last year:

#1 - A look dubbed "Euro Chic" here on YLF
#2 - A look I'm guessing is Modern Classic
#3 - 8 - I'm not sure!

How would you describe these looks...and why? Thanks so much! I'm sure you feel like you have to do this kind of analysis all the time, but I'm the one who couldn't tell the difference between classic and preppy! I seem to be "style id challenged."

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Inge

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Nancy, I will be watching for Angie's response with an interest as I am completely clueless about all these definitions. Thanks for asking!

qfbrenda

Veteran

Watching this....

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Euro Chic is more Urban. No heels. Euro Chic is VERY Modern Classic though - just a little more gritty and practical.

nancylee

Veteran

Hmm. So, I know the bright colors are not very Euro Chic....but what about the skinnies or the booties? I'm still a little confused.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Is it also color related? I remember something being said about Euro Chic being mostly neutrals, while Modern Classic involves more colors.

nancylee

Veteran

You're right, Brenda. As I understand it, Euro Chic is a more neutral look...not too much color and certainly not a lot of bright color. I also think it is a more casual look than modern classic.

Sigh. I feel like such a dummy for not seeing the differences between these styles more clearly. To my untrained eye, it is such a fine distinction.

Anyone want to toss some descriptions at my outfits? I'm struggling to better define my style.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Just chiming in to say I think Euro Chic is very much Modern Classic (subdued colours, impeccable fit, fabulous quality pieces) - but with a few unexpected unique details thrown in - and more urban, as Angie said - such as a low slung belt or extra long scarf, triple-wrapped. Mixing of low (jeans) and high (blazers and cashmere.) Like the stylish women you see everywhere on European streets. Vague enough? Sorry! I think photos will help alot, for those following Euro blogs if they want to post pics or links! I'm going by my impressions and memory!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Spot on, Helen.

Skinnies are as Euro Chic as it gets! So are booties - just not high heeled booties.

Nancylee, try not to split hairs about this. Just carry on with your own formula. #1, #3, #4 #6 and #7 are KILLER. Modern Classic, Euro Chic and a little Bohemian. Rock on!

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

Staying in France, I'd like to add that Euro chic is all about the scarves, flats and in winter, (faux) fur it is also about neutrals - black and navy mostly!

rachylou

Veteran

I think 1, 3, 6, & 7 could be considered Euro Chic. Relaxed but put together. Softer tones, in terms of color.

2, 4, 5 & 8 to me are what I might call Western Luxe. Denims, jeans over the boots (not tucked in). Luxe because you've got jewelry, a hand bag, and bright scarves.

nancylee

Veteran

Ok, Angie. I'll relax and embrace my mixed "mutt" style. Modern Classic, Euro Chic, with a little Bohemian suits me fine.

Kirti and Helen, thanks for your insights on Euro Chic.

Rachylou, "Western Luxe" is a new one on me! Time to embrace my inner cowgirl.

Anonymous

Does any have any fashion blogs focused on Euro Chic that they would recommend?

Isis

Veteran

I think Euro Chic and Modern Classic are intersecting in a Venn Diagram....

And your outfits are a wonderful mix/intersection too, so hard to pinpoint exactly!

In contrast, MaryK strikes me as more purely Modern Classic, and not very Euro.

Vive la difference!

PS, Enginemom:

http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/

ETA: opps not a fashionblog, per se. Street scenes.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I prefer to think of you as a new breed, Nancylee. You are pedigreed.

nancylee

Veteran

Woof!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I love your style, Nancy, whatever we end up calling it.

I am also fascinated by Euro Chic especially since reading Parisian Chic. I had fun experimenting with it a few weeks ago (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ic-my-take), but think I may be too ALGO (a lot going on) and love color, pattern and super femininity too much to make it a major part of my style.

I'm curious, is there a difference between Euro Chic and Parisian Chic or are they pretty much interchangeable?

Ginkgo

Veteran

How about a YLF field trip to Europe, led by Angie and Inge? I'll sign up!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm in on that field trip, too!

Nancy, you look fantastic, whatever you call the style! I do think you're a unique mix. Eurochic Modern Classic, with some boho/western influences. And you wear it so well!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love mutts too

Gingko, your wish could come true. Stranger things have happened.

nancylee

Veteran

A YLF field trip to Europe? Sign me up!

Suz and GP, thanks for your kind words. I'm good with Modern Classic, Boho, and Euro Chic...but I'm a little befuddled about the "western" elements some see in my look. Part of me thinks it's just the outfits I decided to showcase here (lots of denim and boots). Another part of me wonders if my recent trip to Texas had a bigger impact on me than I thought!

Carole

Veteran

I guess I strive for euro chic! You had me at "no heels" and sign me up for the Europe meet up!

Inge

(website)

Urban and practical were the two words I was thinking of as well:-)
FWIW: I think you always, always look wonderful, Nancy, even if you are pondering about how to name your style right now, you've always had a natural knack for putting together outfits that "just" work for you. (I'm not much help here, am I?-)

I second Isis's suggestion for checking out Copenhagen Cycle Chic (and the blogs in the sidebar under "Cycle Chic Bike Gang"). European cyclists have the practical and urban side of Euro Chic down pat. Lots of inspiration there.

I am SO ready for this field trip, when you are coming over, ladies!