How to turn a modern classic item hip (blog post)

Sarah

I enjoyed Angie's blog post today, especially this quote "a modern classic item has the potential to look hip in the right ensemble".
I have quite a fewy lovely classic pieces and I'm dying to find ways to wear them that are more current, hip, and stylish.
How can this be done?
For example, these dresses:
http://letitrainagain.blogspot.....twins.html
My style is definitely classic, but I've been trying more things lately and think that there is definitely a place for trendy, fresh looks.

16 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from velvetychocolate

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Good question! I've been wondering what Angie would do with a DVF wrap dress.

Anyway, you could do with your dresses what I'm doing with mine today: moto vest and slouchy boots. Maybe?

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Hm, I don't have time to write about this at any length, but as I wrote in my comment on the blog, I have a decent amount of stuff from places like BR, Gap, J Crew, and Ann Taylor, which I would consider mostly on the modern classic side (though J Crew can go a little further). I just mix them up with the rest of my crazy wardrobe. For example, a simple sweater dress from AT can be funked up with stirrup leggings, a headband, and accessories from a place like Urban Outfitters (I know not everyone wears headbands or shops at UO but that's just how I would go about it).

My closet would not function without SOME modern classic pieces. It would be too many trends and edgy pieces all at once, and I would just look like a fashion victim. I need a few things to keep my style grounded and prevent myself from looking too outlandish or silly. Hope that makes sense.

16 years ago

Ele

(website)

Active Member

I was going to suggest the same things, Laura!

I think it's often all down to accessories. Just by wearing those dresses (which are lovely on you, btw) with boots instead of a more classic heel already ups the hip ante, I think. I even think the way you're wearing them in the photo, belted at the waist, is making them look more modern than they would if they were worn as-is.

So, moving forward from that, how about a very cool, unexpected bag? Something oversized, or bright perhaps? What do you have in the way of funky jewelry? Oh, and legwear- sometimes I'll wear an otherwise boring dress with coloured/patterned hose and it usually livens it up somewhat. Basically, I think the trick is not to wear too many "classic" items together at one time. It's the mix of styles that makes it modern.

I'd also like to see Angie take on the classic wrap dress! I don't have a DVF, but her classic black collarless style (I think it's called the "Julien") has been on my wish list for years. One day!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’ll come back to this later cause I have to shop with a client, but there is more to it than accessories in my opinion. Your HAIR!

Also, I do not look good in a wrap dress. AT ALL. The style makes me look like a little boy and the V-neckline is unflattering. Flattens the few curves I have. I know it sounds odd but it’s the truth. Wraps, any type of wrap, are best on curvy gals.

16 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Maya - I really liked what you had to say on this topic. Very helpful for me also.

You've explained this so well - especially that bit about how the modern classics are grounding. Thank you!

16 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Angie, you make me laugh! Little boy ... I have a hard time imagining that could be possible! But I see your point. You do rock a sheath dress like nobody's business, though!!

16 years ago

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Ok - after Angie's comment about hair - I'm off to search the blog for any posts on hair.

Sarah - I really like both the dresses you've posted, but I'm such a newbie at this that I don't have a lot of ideas as to how to make modern classic items more 'hip'. Great post question though!

16 years ago

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