Three Style Attributes That Transcend the Trends

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Three Style Attributes That Transcend the Trends

— by Angie

on September 14, 2015

It’s becoming trickier and trickier to determine whether wardrobe items are dated because fashion has become an incredible melting pot of colours, fits and silhouettes. Throw in the fact that vintage pieces can look trendy when remixed with a good dose of modern, and it’s even MORE confusing.

On the other hand, there are items that defy the trends and have a high longevity factor. I find that they normally fall into one of three categories.

Modern Classic

Classic pieces are versatile because they can be worked into almost any style. Therein lies their power. I like to put the word “modern” in front of classic because classic items do date and it’s important to keep them current.

It’s common to keep a classic piece for more than five years if the quality holds up. Some classics like Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Aviators, Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers, the original Dr. Martens boot, cowboy boots, the 2.55 Chanel handbag and a Burberry scarf have an exceptionally high longevity factor because they have become iconic, and therefore timeless.

Retro

Retro pieces are not the same as vintage pieces. Where vintage pieces are old, retro pieces are current, but they imitate styles from past fashion eras. The distinctive retro piece has a home in your wardrobe because it’s not competing with the trends. Like modern classics, retro pieces can complement the trendy pieces in your outfit. Although retro pieces are current, the throwback to a previous era makes them a little more immune to dating.

Avant-Garde

An avant-garde piece is highly unusual. It does not fall into mainstream trends, nor is it retro. But it isn’t dated either because it has no sense of time. Their innovative and experimental qualities make them stand on their own. In some cases, styles go from avant-garde to fringe trend. Avant-garde pieces can be remixed with trendy items, retro pieces and modern classics.

In my most recent outfit post I combined two retro blouses with a pair of avant-garde harem pants. The lace blouse and pants have been in my wardrobe for years and will continue to live there until they’re worn out. I’ll have fun reinventing their support acts so that they stay true to my style and feel fresh for the season.

Wardrobe Planning

41 comments · Add a comment

Forum conversations about this post

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Karie

(website)

Veteran

What an interesting post about transcending the trends! Since joining YLF and learning how to analyze my style, I have come to realize that I typically dress modern classic for work, and while I love, love, love retro I usually do it in small doses for work, and larger doses when dressing up for special events or a in going out with friends outfit. I also love advant-garde but have found that either a) it doesn’t look good on me or b) I’m not doing it properly (I think some advant garde pieces overwhelm my tall but narrow frame).

September 14, 2015 at 2:55 am

gryffin

Veteran

What a super post for those of us who typically keep items a long time. I also read in Malcolm Levene’s book, “10 Steps to Fashion Freedom” (which Caro had recommended) that clothes that really fit, are made of excellent material because they drape/clean/feel better on and will continue to look good over time have a much higher longevity factor. He described how a great fabric will not only shake out wrinkles but will also spring back into position as you move and just look better on. Since I’ve started to really pay attention to this that’s been incredibly helpful in the selection process.

September 14, 2015 at 3:58 am

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I really enjoyed this article, Angie. It explains a lot to me. I enjoy a good dose of modern classic and retro styles. And that’s probably the reason some pieces in my wardrobe have been used for years and years (for example, the denim vest that is now a cropped vest and hence looks modern). And other looks I’ve worn over and over with different support acts – like pencil dresses, pencil skirts, bootcut jeans, ponchos, pea-coats and Classic-looking pointed toe pumps. The actual item may be updated for a fresh piece, but the style quotient stays the same.

Thanks for clarifying why this is so!

September 14, 2015 at 4:02 am

skylurker

Veteran

Whether wardrobe items are dated is a question I never asked myself before I entered YLF school – if it’s sold now it’s not dated, right ? Hum, no, turns out it’s more complicated than that

I like classics, because they’re invisible, but also because they’ve become classics by being useful for plenty of people, for a long time, and the practical side of me really loves serviceable things.

September 14, 2015 at 4:10 am

Quietgirl

Veteran

I am not good at determining whether items are dated. I got great help last spring with a leather coat . It was more than 8 years old. When I posted a photo, the Fabbers in the Forum declared it “wearable”. The theme of the comments: It looked retro. The coat went into regular rotation that day thanks to YLF.

September 14, 2015 at 4:33 am

viva

Veteran

One of the first really helpful things the YLF forum did was help me pitch several pairs of BR work pants that were in perfect shape but were dated. Sometimes something seems like a modern classic, but it just misses the mark. It can be difficult to determine these things on one’s own, so the wisdom of the forum — and from posts like these — is incredibly helpful. Thanks, Angie.

September 14, 2015 at 5:07 am

Summer

Veteran

This is probably why I stick mostly to modern classic styles: I like and expect to keep clothes for a few years at least. I don’t think I own anything retro, and certainly nothing avant-garde, not because I dislike those styles, but simply because I’m fairly conservative and practical by nature.

September 14, 2015 at 5:15 am

Thistle

Veteran

Modern classic for me is the hardest. Making sure it’s still modern and hasn’t moved to dated classic is one of the most difficult things for me.

September 14, 2015 at 5:18 am

deb

Veteran

Thanks Angie, good information.

September 14, 2015 at 5:20 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Just had a little lightbulb moment about where to put the $$.

It seems that buying ICONIC items that fit one’s style persona is a really good place to spend. Even if the CPW within a season remains high the overall, long term CPW could be low, while meanwhile, the happiness factor would be very high — with the right item.

For me, one example, might be a leather moto. I have looked for one for years and tried many on and considered the purchase — but hesitated to buy. After all, I don’t wear my other two leather jackets a whole lot. Our season for wearing leather as outdoor wear is so short, and many moto jackets are really designed as outdoor vs. indoor wear (or at least that is true of the ones I have been able to find here.) Add to that the inconvenient truth that for work-at-home wear I prefer a less structured topper.

Yet I can see how the right ink or navy moto would add something key to my closet and would endure over the years, enough to make it a worthwhile purchase. Hmmm. Thank you, Angie.

September 14, 2015 at 5:23 am

Word Lily

Veteran

This is a useful list!

September 14, 2015 at 5:27 am

lisap

This was a very interesting read Angie, thanks ! The only term I am a bit unsure of is retro, and what the difference is between a calling something retro or calling it the trend of the day. For example: 70’s bow blouses – a retro style but definitely trendy. And we’d wear one this winter, but likely not next winter. Or because it’s a retro piece, you’re suggesting it can transcend currency?

I get that a blouse based on a 40’s style, or something quite far back in our time, is retro, but I’m unsure where something changes from retro to either trendy or not.

September 14, 2015 at 5:31 am

Beth Ann

Veteran

I will find this list useful as I sort through my closet as the season changes. I’ve been more open to retro elements recently (particularly 30s/40/s for me), and I recognize the need for a certain sort of structure that is so common in classic pieces. With all the boho out there, I find that a bit of structure is the difference between looking arty and feminine and, well, like Mrs. Roper from Threes Company!

September 14, 2015 at 5:46 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Glad this post was helpful, ladies.

Karie, avant-garde pieces CAN overwhelm a slight frame.

Gryffin, more wise words.

Skylurker, the versatility of the classics cannot be beat.

Viva and Thistle, the line is thin between retro/classic and dated pieces.

Suz, do you perhaps mean the other way round?:

It seems that buying ICONIC items that fit one’s style persona is a really good place to spend. Even if the CPW within a season remains LOW the overall, long term CPW could be HIGH, while meanwhile, the happiness factor would be very high — with the right item.

Lisap, modern classics and retro pieces CAN become trendy. It’s quite common. The soft silk classic blouse was all the rage four years ago – and it’s a classic. The pussy bow blouse is trendy at the moment, but it’s retro appeal gives it a timeless quality.

Beth Ann, it’s all about adding a good dose of MODERN to retro pieces so that they don’t look dated or costume-y.

September 14, 2015 at 6:23 am

Alecia

Veteran

I think failing to see something as dated is a real risk for me. It can be so nuanced.

September 14, 2015 at 6:24 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nuanced is a great word, Alecia. Spot on.

September 14, 2015 at 6:25 am

unfrumped

Veteran

Very interesting post, Angie and so timely as I’m trying to do a wardrobe review and edit to determine what’s working, and where are the common themes, and how to have a core of items with some longevity–doesn’t have to be 10 years, but several–so things are both servicable and “manageable” as you put it–some refreshing but not over-churn, some dependability so spend less time wondering if something works or not. And then also identify the aspects of “trends” that work best.

I’m especially interested in the Retro category to understand it better.
Here are items I’m wondering if Retro vs trending: new versions of pleated pants or wide-leg pants (e.g., are they in the sense of Hepburn era–not that I compare!-but that evoke that era); some loafers; culottes; flares maybe, or maybe those are classic.
So I’m not sure what’s Retro, what’s Trendy, or if it’s “retro is trending”.
Any specific examples in addition to your outfits would be appreciated!
I THINK I probably am attracted to a fair dose of Retro because of the body-shape/figure flattery aspects of some “eras”, but would like to feel I’m mixing it up with other elements or at least, not look like a total throwback.

September 14, 2015 at 6:38 am

Lisa

Veteran

I still sport cowboy boots, regardless of whether or not they are “in style” that season. It’s nice to know that some items may not be the hottest thing, but still work for making an outfit look current.

September 14, 2015 at 6:46 am

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Very interesting categories and I do agree the line is thin and, as Alecia said, nuanced. I do wonder if some of the distinction between retro and dated depends on the wearer. I will try to illustrate in the near future!

September 14, 2015 at 6:54 am

Antoinette

My Fluevogs collection falls in the avant garde category. Carefully curated, they do not date nor tire.

September 14, 2015 at 6:58 am

Style Fan

Veteran

Great post Angie. I have purchased a few avant-garde items over the years that were very spendy. They will stay in my closet for a long time. I have never been disappointed. The trick for me was finding a designer that clicked with my look.

September 14, 2015 at 7:07 am

Jamie

Veteran

Great post – this is very helpful. I have a strong need to purge items from my wardrobe to keep it current, fresh and of a moderate size. There are some items that I will not pass on because I love them so much, and I think each one has at least one of these qualities.

September 14, 2015 at 7:19 am

Elly

Veteran

I’m really strongly drawn to iconic pieces and other modern classics– I like the use of the word iconic– those era, cultural, and society defining pieces. When I look at my collected inspiration, I’m drawn to the fact that most of the pieces are iconic or modern classics- single breasted coats, peacoats, trenches, simple blazers, bootcut jeans, moto jackets, Converse, Docs, etc. However, how these pieces fit and are combined (plus the addition of a few trendy elements like BF jeans, waxed skinnies, etc.) and to some extent, my age, give them a different feel than on someone else. Heritage reinvented.

I also have a few retro and avant garde elements, plus a bit of a trendy prescence.

September 14, 2015 at 7:23 am

Diane G

Fabulous information as always Angie. Thank you. I love that todays melting pot of fashion provides so much scope for us. I’ll read and ponder this some more.

September 14, 2015 at 7:39 am

Eliza

Veteran

Angie- you always get me thinking.

Having a few iconic pieces that speak to me can increase my happiness with the rest of my wardrobe, especially if its foundation is strong with quality daily wear pieces that reflect both my casual life style and a wish to step it up a bit on many days. Your descriptions of retro, avant garde and classic will help me choose carefully. It is funny how some pieces are so far out, they are always in. They would make good wildcards.

September 14, 2015 at 7:45 am

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Great post, Angie! Tricky territory!

September 14, 2015 at 7:47 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmm. Not sure, Angie. What I meant was that if I buy an iconic item (like a moto jacket) I might not wear it a lot during any one season. So its cost per wear would be high, since it’s an expensive item.

But because it is iconic, I would keep it for a long time. And over time, that cost per wear would go down.

So although it would seem expensive at first, or might not seem to give value for money — over time it would earn its keep.

That is true of all modern classics to some extent — but iconic items date even less than most modern classics and so have extra closet longevity as long as they fit one’s personal style.

Some iconic items do that — and some do not. RayBan WayFarers might fit mine, for instance, but Aviators really don’t — so for me, buying the WayFarers would make a lot more sense. Cowboy boots don’t fit my personal style so spending on those is also silly. But a moto jacket might fit my style — though not in the iconic black.

September 14, 2015 at 8:57 am

merwoman

Veteran

Great topic! Like others, I find this very difficult to determine with my clothing, but somehow easier to figure out with my accessories. – watch, handbags etc.

September 14, 2015 at 8:58 am

Debbie

Veteran

This is interesting. I have a hard time distinguishing between retro and trending. I need to post a few things and see if they are dated or not. It is a very fine line between dated and not for me.

September 14, 2015 at 10:05 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ah, Suz. I see your point. Makes sense.

September 14, 2015 at 10:09 am

Kirstjen

Veteran

I think my style is mostly what I’d call “slouchy classic” with a little toughness thrown in. I’m moving more toward the toughness lately, but even that toughness is still pretty classic – european moto jackets seem to be making a real play for my money & closet space.

September 14, 2015 at 1:43 pm

Sal

Veteran

Great article. I tend to the modern classic with a touch of retro thrown in, with very little avante garde.

Viva’s comment earlier resonated with me – I have also pruned out some dated pieces through YLF that I thought were modern classics but were in fact tired classics on me.

There is nothing I like better than pulling out and loving wearing older pieces from the closet. A judicious mix of these thrown in with newer pieces makes for a truly wonderful wardrobe in my opinion.

September 14, 2015 at 1:56 pm

unfrumped

Veteran

Oh, and re-living another aha moment regarding classic subject to becoming dated, that is, needing to be re-purchased.

I think at first this annoyed me because I wanted some items to last forever. Actually, I know I’m free to LET them last forever, so I have relaxed on how much to update, but I do want to update some and sometimes.

So I had to reconcile, what’s so good about Classic if it still has an expiration date ?

That brought me back around to several things:
–first, there are certain “classic” items that generally look good on me–certain styles of trousers, skirts and jackets. So, pattern recognition alone is a helpful thing in figuring out certain things I can depend on to look good and combine–not re-inventing proportions every season.
–Second, these items tend to be available year after year, in some form or other, making it easier to shop AND helping with “the list”, as in, hmm, what might look fresh for a pencil skirt–slight change in length, fabric, color, leather accents, or something. What about a trouser–add cuffs, subtract cuffs, straighter, flowy-er.
–Third is Angie’s point about how well they mix with and ground other items, so it’s hard to make a big mistake if you are wearing one or 2 well-fitting “modern” classic items (as part of a full set of clothing, LOL!) and maybe for me, sort of like the jewelry mantra of suiting up and then removing one piece, look at trend items and add just one thing. That of course is more of a comfort-level. Related to that is that you can get a little extra mileage out of a classic piece by ADDING the trending element. Again subject to “the eye” of fashion, and good area for YLF input, one item may look “hopelessly dated” while another might be at risk but more easily refreshed by something else in the ensemble.

So, while I actually wanted some of my “classic” items to be ICONIC, they are not, yet they have some longevity, and a replacement item that is a “modern” version of an old favorite can often fit in seamlessly with previous partners and not require an entire wardrobe overhaul to support it.

September 14, 2015 at 2:15 pm

Aida

Veteran

Great post, something that’s been mulling in my brain recently as well. Excellent to keep in mind — particularly when establishing, updating, or upgrading ones style essentials (which, as you know, I am in the process of). I’m interested in bringing in a little more avant-garde!

September 14, 2015 at 3:03 pm

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Very fascinating! This does help put a lot of things into perspective. I really appreciate it. I think I struggle a little understanding what exaclty avant garde is. I need to pay attention better on that one. I also hadn’t thought before about the distinction between retro and vintage. I’m curious now how vintage could be done in a way that looks modern somehow. Is that even possible?

September 14, 2015 at 6:57 pm

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

This article is very helpful when doing a closet sort. I’m going to ask myself whether that piece that’s in the holding zone, fits into any of these categories and is therefore worth keeping.

September 14, 2015 at 8:49 pm

This is really helpful for me – I purchased a camel cape coat recently and I feel hesitant about keeping it since it’s a departure from my daily wardrobe! I know it will be a long-lasting item, but knowing how to frame it as a little avant grade or classic or retro will help a lot!

September 14, 2015 at 9:52 pm

Joy

Veteran

Like CocoLion, this post will be very useful when closet editting. I used to want a closet of timeless items that will last me through retirement years, but find that even classics get dated. Most recently it is a more fluid fit. Also knits are more plentiful than woven pieces but don’t last very long, getting pilled, snagged and stretched out. The forever closet is a dream but these guides help when looking for pieces that can be brought out for several seasons.

September 15, 2015 at 5:48 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Glad this post is helpful, ladies.

September 15, 2015 at 6:08 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fun hearing your aha moments too.

September 15, 2015 at 6:30 am

Deborah

Veteran

This is an excellent post Angie, thank you. I enjoy this type of analysis and explanation. One of my style goals is to curate a style that predominantly transcends trend. I think I naturally gravitate toward Avant Garde elements (tho my style is not Avant Garde in it’s purist form) which perhaps helps me work toward my goal. I need to go and ponder this post further.

September 15, 2015 at 7:41 pm

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Three Style Attributes That Transcend the Trends

Modern Classic

Retro

Avant-Garde

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