WIW 5/31 & 6/1: Still trying to rescue my 90's skirts! - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW 5/31 & 6/1: Still trying to rescue my 90's skirts!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

At Angie's request I pulled out one of my old 90's skirts, but the consensus was it looked dated:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....hion-grain

Here are the last holdouts from my dwindling stash of 90's bias cut printed skirts (my old uniform). I'm pulling out all the stops! If all my best statement pieces can't rescue these skirts from the dreaded D word (dated), then there's no hope! What do you think?

I will say that like you all, I wasn't feeling the brown skirt so much, but these two outfits do feel very "new me" and still have fab potential in my mind...or am I just clinging to the past and it's time to move on?

1-3. Ann Taylor Loft blue floral skirt. Yes I know it's a ditsy floral which is "out", but I love the ruffly asymmetric high low hem.
White House Black Market ink blue jacket
Black H&M tank
Frye Melissa black lace up boots
Kate Spade grey croc tote
WHBM black and silver pendant

4-6. Ann Taylor black, cream and red swirly pattern skirt. DH hates this skirt (he hates geometric prints), I love it. It's one of my favorites. I like the bias cut and flirty hem--both of these skirts feel very feminine to me.
Tahari black leather jacket
Ann Taylor Loft reddish orange sleeveless mock turtleneck tank (yes it's kinda matchy matchy with the skirt but I love matchy matchy)
Chie Mihara rust suede sandals
Marc by Marc Jacobs Dotty Snake bag

Thanks for looking and for your comments!

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27 replies

Latest reply was from Kari

celia

Veteran

Hi Natalie,
Regarding your first outfit I think you pulled it off.The skirt doesn't seem to belong to a particular era.
About number 2, well, my fancy outfit in the 90's were also byas cut skirts and a knit top and the way you style it here does remind me of the way I used to wear them to the leather jacket.Maybe someone has a different or more unbiased opinion( notice the word game here, byas cut, unbiased opinion )

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I think these look better than your last go around. The colors are so much better. I like the first one. I don't love the second one, but I don't hate it either.

ramya

Veteran

Like the number 1

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

The blue one looks great with your killer jacket - this does not look dated to me at all. Although I like the colours and pattern in the second one, the bias shape is more obvious and therefore it looks more dated to me.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Love outfit 1! I think the modern styling here is what does it. Blue jacket, knee high boots - not something I remember with a bias cut skirt in the 90s.

#2 skirt is still cute and has potential, I think. The graphic print looks modern to me, however celia is right that the styling does remind me of the 90s (kinda Buffy-ish, which is not bad, just 90s!). You could try it with a b/w striped tee (if you have one) and non-vintage-inspired pumps... or maybe Dotty and a less classic black top?

Jonesy

Veteran

I like the first look compared to the earlier version (brown skirt with cream top), but I still find the skirts dated. The print on the second one is nice, but with the red mock turtleneck (also from the '90s in terms of its peak popularity, if I recall) it pushes into to the Dreaded Dated Zone super-quickly, IMHO.

Are you trying to save these because you are sentimental toward them? Because you have a hole in your skirt wardrobe? Because they make you feel happy?

Anonymous

I must say I'm not a fan. I don't see a problem with the bias cut, at all. It's the combo of bias cut and the length that gives me pause. Had these been midi length, we would be in business big time. I think the styling is superb though and you made both skirts look as modern as they can possibly look.
I smile every time I see that ink blue blazer, so awesome.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I honestly have no issue with how this works. Maybe my eye is broken, and/or I love the 90s, but this looks fine to me.

harmonica

Veteran

#1 is FAB! #2 is ok, but doesn't have the same wow effect. I'm not quite sure what is is, but mabe it looks a bit too 90's?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm with IK, in that it looks fine to me, but I also agree that it has a 90's connotation. I had a few of these skirts that I ditched a few summers back. I knew there was nothing inherently wrong with them - they fit and flattered - but I also never reached for them anymore, likely due to them beginning to date. Mine were almost ditsy florals, to top it off, lol.
I think #1 is more successful here, maybe because of the fabulous jacket.

Vildy

Veteran

To my eye, they look too short for today's print skirt. Though you look cute in the first one, anyway. And prints date - the second print is too bygone.

Jem

Veteran

I LOVE the blue skirt, especially with your great blue jacket! I don't care so much for the second one. I think I have a bias skirt that I need to get rid of, come to think of it...

MsMary

Veteran

I vote "you are clinging to the past and it's time to move on."

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone for chiming in!

Celia, thanks for your "biased" opinion, fun pun. I could see how this could be considered a "fancy 90's going out outfit".

Rita, I agree, these colors are more me than the brown one.

Ramrrr, thanks.

Shannon, interesting, I was wondering if the shape or pattern of the skirt makes it look dated. I think the pattern is more dated on the first, but the shape is more dated on the second.

Rae, I never watched Buffy but I looked it up and yes, I have to agree. Do you think this styling is more current (below) with the cowl neck black top or still dated? This pic is from when I first joined YLF and was one of my top three favorite outfits back then.

Haha Jonesy, you busted me. Yes this top is from the 90's too--I bought it to match the skirt. I used to wear these printed skirts with matching knit top allll the time. The matching tops have all been purged except a couple like this one where the color is still me (like I purged the light blue tops but kept the rust and eggplant colored ones). I really like the mock neck short sleeve style. I've been looking and looking to find a replacement for my rust orange version. I guess you are right that is dated, maybe that is why I haven't been able to find one anywhere! As to why I'm saving them, I don't know. I guess I just really really like these skirts! And I've already turned over >95% of my pre-YLF wardrobe, so maybe I'm just hanging onto a few pieces because it feels weird to completely get rid of everything. Like maybe I don't want to feel that I've changed into a completely different person (as DH has worried before when I went on this fashion kick).

Zap I agree, I'm more into midi length nowadays. But maybe I'm just sentimental or something, I still like these skirts. I think these ones have the best chance of staying in my wardrobe. I got rid of all the other ones even my mint green ditsy daisy one. That one I realize now is dated beyond salvage, but I was hoping these might just squeak by.

High five Dana! I knew if anyone would defend these it would be you--I know you are a fan of 90's fashion! Maybe you're just ahead of the curve and 90's will be back in style in another 5 or 10 years!

Harmonica, Mo, Vildy and Jem, thanks, I do like that blue jacket a lot. Hoping it is enough to rescue the skirt!

MaryK, haha, I knew you would say that...

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, once again, I show my fashion ignorance. I truly love these bias cut skirts and if they are dated, I don't care. I'd wear them! I love outfit #1 in particular!! Gorgeous.

In fact, how different is this really from my blue patterned print skirt that got so much love around here all winter?

Or maybe people have lower expectations of me and you have set the bar too high for yourself!

Sylvie

Veteran

Still liking the skirts. If a skirt fits and flatters and makes you feel good, why not wear it and keep it? I agree that sometimes older outfits look dowdy for the same reason keeping the same hairstyle for years can look dowdy. The person has aged but kept the same look - it appears that they're still trying to live in the past instead of the present. Yet I still can't think it's reasonable to expect to turn over one's whole wardrobe every 5 years to comply with the rules of fashion.

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

I like the first skirt

rae

(website)

Veteran

I like pic #2 better, but the heel of the boot is also 90s reminiscent IMO. And the knit top is also classic, so while it is newer, it doesn't counterbalance the 90s skirt with something that screams "now." Does that make sense?

I know you love these, so hmm... do you have any batwing/poncho sleeved knit tops? Maybe with your MIA ankle boots? Or what about a contrasting colored top instead of a matching one - bright yellow or green? Or a pattern mix? Basically, something trendy to work against the retro-ness of the skirt.

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catgirl

Veteran

I think Rae is spot on. These skirts can work but they need to be brought current with the other items.

In browsing the internet for help, I came across this funny site:

http://sammydvintage.com/vinta.....on-thrift/

Diana

Veteran

I actually love this style of skirt and I love ditsy florals too. I think the key is to wear something edgy and probably NON-matchy on top to keep it looking modern. Back in the 90s I wore these skirts with black tees on top and called it a day. Today I'd go for something more off-the-wall like this green knit top with belt. (And, yes, that is an authentic-late 90s bias cut skirt.)

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Jonesy

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Una, OMG, that site you linked to is amazing! She has done all the legwork for us! That floral, scoopnecked midi dress--shudder! Dresses with a denim top and a floral bottom! Velvet anything! I *do* still love plaid and always will...

rae

(website)

Veteran

Heh heh, that site is fun - who knew there were so many 90s elements already among us??

Diana's pic is what I was talking about - the colorblocking and faux peplum hem are trendy right now, so the look looks much more current to me.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Una -- loved that thrifiting site! Natalie: I'm another vote for #1 working well, and #2 being OK, but not quite as modern. One of these skirts survived my last purge -- I like it, partly because it's a little more tapered and pencil like than many of the era, but it's print is more dated than yours I think. I'm also not doing the best job of "updating." My opinion? Keep anything that makes you smile when you wear it -- that makes you want to choose it over another item in your closet that day.

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Kari

Veteran

To me, the bold, on-trend color and very structured fit of the blue jacket REALLY makes the first outfit work (never mind that I'm CRAZY about that shade of blue on you, Natalie.) I also think that I like the shape of that first skirt slightly better - it seems to fit you with more like a figure-skimming pencil-skirt silhouette, and the print reminds me of one of my favorite floaty blouses. The skirt with the second outfit seems to be a little bit more tapered and then flared at the hem, which I don't like *quite* as much.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Suz, like you I had no idea bias cut skirts were "out". I still like them! And I like you in bias cut dresses and your floral skirt too. Part of me wonders if I had posted outfit #1 and said I just bought the skirt at Anthro last weekend, whether it would have gotten a better reception. I wonder if my saying it's a 90's skirt automatically prejudices people a little bit against it. I know YLF'ers are smart though so I'm sure I'd be called out on it! Wouldn't want to try to put anything past you guys!

Sylvie, I agree and that is part of the reason I worry about my nice new wardrobe. I've replaced nearly everything and almost all of my pre-YLF clothes have been purged in favor of new stuff. Will my wardrobe suddenly all be out of date in 5 years? I hope not!

Kirti, thanks.

Rae, thanks for the visuals. Diana, great example of a more modern top. I will try to look for alternative tops in my closet.

Una, that link is hilarious! I was wondering why everyone thinks 90's fashion is dated, I honestly had no idea! Some of those are totally cringeworthy, like the denim top floral dresses and velvet mini dress. I'm glad that I never did wear some of those trends!

Jonesy, I like plaid too. I was so bummed the plaid pants I ordered didn't work out.

Beth Ann, I like your outfit and would totally wear that skirt!

Kari, I agree the ink blue looks better with the skirt. I used to wear it with a matching light blue sleeveless mock turtleneck knit top, LOL. I purged that one right after joining YLF.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Like Dana and Suz, I'm quite liking both these looks --- a lot! But could be just my ignorance and my own soft spot for the 90s--- and like Sylvie, resistance to 'excessive' (yes, I know that's pretty subjective) wardrobe turnover. My EYE still likes these looks, regardless, though.

I do like Rae's suggestions, though. Especially the 'new shape' contrasting top. In fact, I was picturing a cobalt soft boxy blouse or an indigo/ink batwing perhaps... Also, I don't think every skirt suddenly needs to become a midi (and this from me, who wear hardly anything else!) because it is the 'now' length --- look at the way Nicole B and Ana rock the shorter lengths!

Kari

Veteran

Another thought, too - my preference is to wear my tops slightly shorter with skirts than the tops that you are sporting with the geometric patterned skirt. I think part of the reason I don't love this look *quite* as much as the first outfit is that the high necklines and the longer length of the top can make the torso look bigger (longer & broader) than it actually is, especially when the bottom hem of the top cuts across the hip rather than the narrower lower mid-section. I like Rae's suggestions for adding modern tops to the skirt, but also think that looking for tops that are slightly shorter could possibly do the trick too.