Do you look down on classic style? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Do you look down on classic style?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Frequently with my clients, and on this forum especially, I get the sense that "classic style" has negative connotations.

Over the years, forum participants have often asked: "how do I add an edge to my style?" or "I want to be classic but with a twist", or "how do I make my outfits more funky?". It's as if their classic style was not good enough - even frowned upon. Like they could only be perceived as a hip and cool person if they added an edge to their look because otherwise they'd be perceived as boring. And no one wants to be perceived as boring.

Well. I think that a fab classic style rocks. Over the years I've worked with executive level clients in high powered positions who have a very classic style and I count them as my most stylish clients to date. They don't look dated or traditional, just very, very classic. Impeccable. Beautiful. Classy. And far from boring.

So be honest. Do you think that someone with an edgier, more creative and spunkier style is more stylish than someone who has classic style?

It's an interesting question :0)

General

94 replies

Latest reply was from taylor

Patience

Veteran

Definitely not. But, I'm wondering if maybe to be stylish and classic means dressing up a bit more.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

In a word, yes. BUT, that might have a lot to do with semantics. To me, classic means predictable, sometimes stuffy, and often boring.

Now, I have seen classic done well, and in that case, it's a whole different story. Unfortunately, in the conservative Midwest, I see classic done poorly more often than not.

Kristine

Veteran

No, I love classic style and envy people who do it well. I'm actually guilty of the opposite, of sometimes equating edgy or spunky with garish. I'm still trying to find the right balance in my own style.

Maya

Veteran

I don't look down on OTHER people who have a classic style. I think of Michelle and Taylor especially when I think of classic, and they look outstanding and I have never once thought otherwise. For me, personally, it doesn't work and it doesn't make me feel good.

What I don't appreciate is the idea of classic as being default or flop-proof. I actually think it's quite a difficult style to conquer effectively and frankly it doesn't give enough credit to those who pull it off. The more classic your style is, the more I think you need to invest in impeccable tailoring and grooming. If you ask me, it's a lot harder to pull off an effective classic look on a budget or if you don't have the time to put into being groomed to perfection.

I also think you need to be a lot more careful about all the subtleties. Everything has to be just right. Timing is important too: a "classic" look that isn't modern or current can quickly look frumpy and dated. I'm sure a lot of women invested in "classic" suits in the 80's, thinking they would never date, but they sure did.

Overall I find classic style harder to embrace and less practical for most people, contrary to popular belief. It is also a question of personality. I don't know what I will be like when I am 60 years old and beyond, but right now I just don't envision myself as being especially polished or sleek in the near future. I am goofy, clumsy, and a bit outrageous at times. As far from classy as one can be. I'm not fooling anyone by trying to look like Grace Kelly. It would be a total disconnect.

In general I find far more animosity towards trendiness. Trendy is a really dirty word in most circles. Only hopeless fashion victims care about trends.

Maya

Veteran

Also, I think it's interesting that you mentioned "high powered executives" in your post and made that automatic connection. Most of us are not high powered executives. Most of us are moms-on-the-go, students, struggling graduates, or working class professionals. I'm not going to mince words here: Fabulous classic style requires serious money that most of us just do not have.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Here's what I call classic done right, seen on an acquaintance the other day:

White ruffled-placket shirt. On second glance, I noticed it was actually a really fabulous knit, and not woven. Interesting.

Grey jacket. Dropped waist detailing, worn open. This woman is very slim with narrow hips, and it completely worked.

Black cigarette pants. With zipper detailing at the ankles. Super sleek.

Low-heeled pumps. In a tweedy fabric, with a big square buckle. Amazing.

Black satchel with an Hermes scarf tied around the handle. Always killer.

That's what I consider classic done right. It's far from dowdy.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

It certainly is an interesting question, Angie.
It's hard for me to provide objective analyses of different styles, obviously, but I hate the notion that classic style is frowned upon (and yes, I have noticed that tendency here, even in some of my own recent conundrums). Classic is often a matter of personality, rather like shyness, sarcasm or quirkiness. All of these traits receive short-shrift from time to time, and indeed can pose problems if not handled properly. In my estimation, that requires a certain balance -- effort from the person in question and tolerance from those around them. In this context, the classically-inclined shopper can make the most of her preference by choosing quality clothing items that flatter her figure, are appropriate for the occasions she's attending and provide her with the confidence she needs to put her best foot forward. If those pieces are in sedate colours or do not embrace the latest trends, so be it. It would be lovely if those around her would applaud her for identifying and embracing her own personal style rather than projecting their own onto her, though I know this is not always the case. Tactful attempts to encourage her to push her style envelope walk a fine line between helpful hint and implied criticism. If a woman actively or passively seeks help with her fashion choices, some slightly edgier suggestions may be well-received (I am living proof of this). But if a woman is comfortable with her fashion approach, it may be best to let her be.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think Maya and Laura and saying the same thing. I hear you!

Actually Maya, you came to this forum a lot more classic than you are now. Your style has evolved :0) . I also would nor describe Taylor as classic. She's trendy with a VERY daring hairstyle!

(Maya, Ill get to "trendy" later - those perceptions really surprise me. I have voiced my opinion about them before but I'd like to keep that out of this thread if possible).

Kristine, you raise a very good point. Edgy and spunky can look garish and lamb-sih fast. I see it that way too.

Patience, another very good point.

Kyle

Veteran

I absolutely do not think someone with an edgier, more creative style is more fashionable or stylish than a true classic. I only frown on true classic when it veers to boring or dowdy. But when it's done properly, there's nothing better. When it works, it really works. What's better than a crisp white blouse with perfectly fitting blue jeans? Or a high quality turtleneck with ankle pants and pointy flats? A simply perfect black dress with pearls? What could be more fashionable?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Laura, I'm not sure I have an accurate visual in my head, but zippered cigarette pants sound edgy to me :0)

No Maya, you don't need lots of money to pull off classic well. My best friend Lori errs on the side of classic and she's a SAHM. She looks really good and it suits her even though she's fiesty!

Kyle, I agree with you 100%.

Dowdy and frumpy does not equal good classic style. That's just not so fab style. There is a big difference.

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

I wonder if the problem is in the meaning? Does classic mean simple - and therefore equated to boring or does classic mean chic or elegant and therefore not boring?

There are some wonderful classic dressers on this site - Taylor is one (Taylor do you consider yourself a classic dresser?) and I don't think that anyone would say that her style is boring at all.

This post is timely for me because I have been thinking a lot of about my fashion persona lately and in fact yesterday bookmarked your posts to refer back to it as I process my thoughts. I would love to be a classic dresser, but I don't think that I have the body (short and a little dumpy, rather than tall and thin), features (curly hair, that doesn't like to be straightened) or temperament (I get bored easily) to carry off the look.

taylor

Veteran

I love classic style, my absolute favorite!! It has the most beautiful impeccable elements from the 30's 40;s 50's and 60's that I love, and most have never really gone away because they work decade after decade, pencil skirts, and cardigans as well as evening gowns style.

However I must agree with you that to me it seems those who have a somewhat, edgeier, boho, funkified look to their style are looked upon as more creative, versatile and artsy than a classic style...but you can incorporate all those elements into a classic look as well, without giving up the impeccable styled look that a classic gives one.

Also I think it takes just as much creativity to dress WELL classically as is does thrifting pieces and making that work , as well as looking beautifully "thrown" together boho style that say Rachel Zoe does. In other words ...they all take work to come together and pull off, even if it looks easy, but classic never fails me. London Kiwi: I like to add classic elements in all my outfits, but I like to add my own twist

To me classic look means "simple, understated elegance" hard to not love that.

Louise

Veteran

I think it depends on the definition of classic. I imagine classic as functional pieces, fairly neutral colours, shift dresses, knee length skirts, investment pieces, chiffon scarves. In my mind a woman who dresses 'classic' is more mature, isn't going to walk into a room expecting to turn heads, she isn't going to follow the 'trends'. I see nothing wrong with this, though I may need re-educating of the definition of 'classic'? A lot of my definition could have come about via films, books etc x

Maya

Veteran

Yes, it was more classic. And I was never really happy dressing that way. I dressed that way because I thought I had to and was supposed to based on all the lousy advice that exists out there in the universe, outside of YLF. That is why I resent the idea that classic is what every woman should aim for in life; that it is flop proof and appropriate for everyone of all ages and lifestyles. It isn't, and having that idea planted in my head really suffocated me for those years.

I have gone through lots of style persona phases from punk rock to classic to bohemian. Most of them were right for me at the time and I don't regret them or think I was wrong. But classic was never really right for me. Maybe it will be 20 or 30 years from now, who knows. Style personas evolve and change, just as people evolve and change. It isn't appropriate for me NOW though, and it wasn't then either. I also SPENT a lot more money then, which further reinforces my point.

Maybe Taylor isn't 100% classic, but I think she accomplishes a lot of what I described, like looking impeccable and treating her clothes as investments. She gets all the details right.

(sorry to talk about you in the 3rd person Taylor, but hopefully you won't mind since it's all positive!)

That's what I think needs to be done to put together a killer classic outfit. At any rate, I think it's a very rare birdy who is ever 100% one style persona. Most people alternate between more than one, or combine more than one.

Kari

Veteran

I admire those who can pull off a very classic style, and I'm definitely drawn to incorporating modern classic elements in what I wear. However, I feel like many people - and many on this forum - associate classic style with being stuffy, boring, or old-fashioned (like Laura mentioned).
On a more personal level, since my shyness sometimes causes people to think of me as being overly formal or aloof when I first meet them, I'm afraid that when I dress in a more formal, classic style, I might be enhancing negative first impressions.

taylor

Veteran

No worries Maya....I try to emulate classic in my style as much as possible, because that is what I am drawn to . I believe it is because of the tailored fit and look of classic clothes. so I agree with you there, and Angie is correct I do have an edge to my look as well, funky hair and some trendy elements as well

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

All such good points.

Taylor, SO TRUE. A stylish classic look takes just as much time and effort. I think you're trendier than you think though. And I love that just as much!

taylor

Veteran

I think you are right about that...I think I am a bit trendier than I think I am too. I am not sure that is a good thing as you get older though, so I try to keep a handle on it:)

Maya

Veteran

I guess when you are 100% of any style you risk looking a bit cartoonish or predictable. I think that cream dress I got most recently is the perfect amalgam of styles that I would like to represent in my closet. I have the edgy/urban/trendy look covered, but I wish I had more vintage touches. I tried to reconcile these two styles in the past but I am not very successful at it. Maybe I do look like a fashion victim to some. Oh well...too bad!

So I don't think adding some other elements here and there means betraying one's primary persona. My hair isn't all that edgy and dramatic (maybe just the fringe is), but I don't think it seriously affects my style.

taylor

Veteran

You never look like a fashion victim. And the new dress is a nice example of your current vibe. I am sure you could add vintage touches with accessories. It is really gorgeous on you however you style it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Taylor, your style instincts are spot on. Listen to them!

Maya, I LOVE how your style has evolved away from classic. It looks and feels right for you. You never look like a fashion victim. Nonsense!

Michelle, I LOVE your classic style. Don't change it.

Kyle, you and I have our very classic days. Sheath dress, pearls and pumps. I guess my pixie haircut and quirky specs add an automatic twist to the look though. And your shoes are very trendy - adding a twist of their own.

Mac

Veteran

I LOVE classic style but I don't see it done well as often as I see some other looks.

marianna

Veteran

I think a lot of people equate classic style with maturity and/or someone who is older, established, and boring. In a society where we're all trying to look younger and fresher, looking "classic" is a turn off for many. I think I dress really classically, because that's what I am naturally drawn to, and I don't think I necessarily look less stylish than someone trendier or edgier. It's just a different look. I know I don't look like I just walked out of a fashion magazine, but so what? I don't see anything wrong with that.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Marianna, your comment rocks. I adore your style and you definitely have your more classic dressing moments as do I. But you're trendy too and I won't let you forget that either :0)

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I grew up immersed in a classic style environment so it of course is what I gravitate to, and what I am more impressed by than funkier/edgier looks. It doesn't have to mean a lot of money, but it does require effort and nuance to do it right, as Taylor noted. I actually think it's a lot harder to carry off than it is being trendy or edgy. You have to work hard to find classic pieces, whereas trendy ones are a dime a dozen.

Frances

What an interesting question! I definitely have a classic style, and I do feel that it is looked down upon, especially here in Northern California, where there's this notion that we're all supposed to be "cutting edge," perhaps due to the proximity to Silicon Valley. Most of my friends have an edgier, much more modern style, and I often feel a bit of pressure when I'm around them to "rough up" (to borrow a term from Taylor) my look.

But when I really think about it, there's something else going on here. There's this notion in the business world that you have to constantly evolve and change things in order to stay current and relevant and to survive. While I see the benefits of that, I don't think it's always true, and I frequently see unnecessary changes being made in service to that belief, with the result being not an improvement, but just simply a drastic change. I'm sure most of you will remember when Coca Cola tried to change its formula in the mid-80s to the "New Coke," which resulted in such a strong backlash that they had to bring back the original formula which was then dubbed as "Coke Classic." This is what I'm talking about. What is so terrible about wearing something that Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Onassis would have worn without modernizing it or trying to tough it up and make it look cool? Those women embodied "cool," and IMHO, no improvements are needed to those looks if you happen to have a classic style and like them as is.

Ele

(website)

This is such an awesome thread that I couldn't wait until tomorrow morning (I "allow myself" to be on YLF Mon-Fri) to comment.

I have definitely noticed the tendency to look down on classic style, both here and in real life. There are probably a lot of factors, most of which have been mentioned- seeing classic as lazy or disinterested, or associating it with being mature. Personally, I think classic is one of the harder styles to pull off, because it must look effortless to work. (Though, keeping it current and fresh requires just as much "effort" as any other style, I'd imagine.)

I have a big classic element to my style, and am certainly not old, and I hope I'm not boring! I have heard the "You have the rest of your life to wear ____ (a black dress, pearls, demure dresses, etc), why not dress trendier now?" line before, though.

I'll be listening with interest when the conversation turns to "trendy".

Maya

Veteran

Frances, for me the problem lies in the fact that most women are not Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn. They do not have a team of ladies in waiting ready to pull a safety pin through each eyelash at any given moment and picking stray hairs off our clothes. None of us will never have Givenchy at our side crafting clothing specifically for our lithe, dancer's body. And, most women just do not have the innate polish and glamor of these examples. I'm a firm believer that some women are just naturally more sophisticated than others. I am not one of those women! I'm a slob at heart and it takes me an immense amount of effort just to look presentable, let alone impeccable. Whether this is genetic or breeding...I don't know. I just know it is unattainable for me. Audrey could emerge from the bathroom wrapped in a towel and look as chic and gorgeous as ever (actually she did in Breakfast at Tiffany's).

I equate classic style with money and in turn with age. I consider investment pieces something that you get when you are older and have a little more put away, not when you're a struggling 20 year old. I don't think that is bad at all. A stylish woman in her 50's is absolutely brilliant, and I think it's great that there is a style that mature women can really own. Sure it can look frumpy in the wrong hands, but so can a bohemian look or an artistic-eclectic look.

I know there are people my age making bushels of money in investment banking and hooray for them, but the vast majority of people I know my age are in as bad a place as I am financially. Since I think classic style does require some more expense, I don't see it as a practical option at my age (leaving aside the investment bankers). I know some disagree that it requires money, but we'll just have to agree to disagree. I also think a lot of the people my age who claim to have classic styles actually are a lot less classic than they think. They just want to avoid the "trendy" label because, as I said, it has a definite negative connotation.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I think the general consensus towards classic style is evident in this thread. By and large people resist being labelled that way because of the connotations that everyone has mentioned here (dowdy, boring, stuffy etc). And people are quick to look for ways of adding a twist to a classic look and don't seem comfortable going for straight-up timelessness. I can imagine that achieving a first-rate classic look would be difficult, as it would be easy to stray into dated territory. This supports Maya's point that classic does not necessarily equate to flop-proof. But why is it so imperative to add a twist if a woman truly does wish to strive for a 100% timeless look? For instance, if somoeone wants to match shoes and handbags in some context, why is this so vehemently discouraged? Style guidelines have broadened enough to allow mismatching, but have narrowed on the other end of the spectrum to the point where the time-honoured approach is considered passe. Such contradictions can be maddening to this classic girl.
And no worries Angie, I have no plans to change that style. That said, I greatly appreciate you ladies for helping me to keep it ccurrent. I do have a trendy streak to my personality and your guideance in helping me unite the two sides of my style persona is invaluable.

12…4