https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 09:36:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1619018 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 04:12:26 +0000 rabbit 1619018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>I just look around and see what everybody else is wearing. That gives me a pretty good clue of what's in/out.</i></p> <p>That's the rub to my mind. Part of me is thinking it's mostly (as several posters have mentioned) &nbsp;about localized subcultures and tribes as to whether the era of an item allows you to blend in or not. &nbsp;It's possible to wear a look that hit peak popularity in the biggest urban areas years or decades ago, and still fit in quite well and gain approval within your localized community or workplace -- because that is what other people around you are wearing too. &nbsp;If it works, why change? &nbsp;Especially when change poses risks.</p> <p>Then there is the global online community, and the fashion tastemaker community which might be geographically somewhat scattered, but still flys in for fashion week or has a bit of hive brain when it comes to making retail buying decisions. &nbsp; They might be far ahead on the fashion evolution timeline compared to most folks who are more likely to think local rather than global in terms of belonging.</p> <p>If these looks continue to be worn at the same time in different places, depending on context, then why does it matter? &nbsp;Why not just take local cues? &nbsp;But I'm thinking it can matter, because it can have to do with power. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>In the Melissa McCarthy film 'Spy' (which is awesome) she is a US agent going uncover in Europe, but she keeps being underestimated by her government employers and given cover identities that involve the frumpiest clothing and wigs, and backstories like 'cat lady from Nebraska' so that she can be effectively invisible doing her job. &nbsp;<br />But she doesn't want to be invisible. &nbsp;She's brilliant and competent and has been overlooked for far too long and she sees the male agents James Bond-ing around in their bespoke suits and wants that respect. &nbsp;She wants to be listened to, taken seriously as a player, and to be a bit glamorous as well. &nbsp;One of the first things she does is to ditch the costume and buy a stunning black dress and her style evolution continues in fits and starts throughout the movie as she takes more and more control of the operation. &nbsp;You can see how her clothes do change how others react to her, but also more importantly, how they support her and armor her with confidence. &nbsp;</p> <p>Anyways I'm rambling, but thinking about the power inherent in clothing that communicates 'of the moment' globally. &nbsp; How do you communicate 'of the moment' when wearing clothes or picking up stylistic attributes from an earlier era? &nbsp;I think it's like contemporary art -- it has to do with who is the audience and what is the intention, and how the players are already involved in the current conversation and self-aware that they are responding to history, not recreating it. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1619008 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 03:25:23 +0000 rachylou 1619008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. I laughed at the Jessica Rabbit shoes. Haha! Am I allowed? Victoria wears them with panache, but she's an entertainer. In real life... 15-yr-olds hobbled at the Winter Dance always struck me as crazy and seemed so painful... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1619004 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 02:34:04 +0000 Kari 1619004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread, and also wanted to say that ever more so over the years I focus my efforts on the framework for my outfits that make ME feel current:<br /> Specs that are proportioned to my face and that are brightly colored, making my eyes the focus.<br /> Shoes that may not be "the latest" trend but that feel modern classic to me; low ankle booties in metallics and berry textures or with quilting or zipper details that make me feel polished.<br /> Using makeup to highlight my favorite features-eyes and lips-and downplay my skin when it's fussy.<br /> Hair with enough red to make my complexion pop, and volume with an angled shape. (This isn't always attainable with humidity, but I try!)<br /> Clothing that has interesting detail or color near my face. </p> <p>I couldn't take a full body shot, but below is one of my favorite knit asymmetrical tunic tops that is at least 5 years old. black isn't typically my favorite to wear near my face and it's not a super high end piece, but it has stayed in good shape and I still think the beadwork and slight ruched shoulders are very flattering.) I wore it to dog tricks training class with black quilted suede low heeled ankle boots, teal and black patterned activewear leggings, and a long leather zipperless jacket. Nothing I wore was a really on trend piece, and these items might look dated or frumpy, but I think the fact that my hair was recently cut and my skin is behaving, plus the color my favorite specs bring to my face, helps it feel more current. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1619002 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 02:21:26 +0000 Anonymous 1619002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heck, I just look around and see what everybody else is wearing. That gives me a pretty good clue of what's in/out. What's in the department stores isn't a good indicator, as they continue to sell the frump alongside the fab, especially in the petite department. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1619001 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 02:13:30 +0000 Jaime 1619001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to agree 100% with you Angie/Jules/Janet and Gaylene, but I can't quite. Because it is one thing to say anything goes for fashion aware people that are intentional in their style. I love that and think it is wonderful. <br />For a lot of people, however, wearing the same styles for decades will look dated and out of touch. They may not want to make a style statement but if they are going to buy shoes or a jacket would prefer it be current than not. More so if they want to buy second hand or from discount outlets. As with many things, you need to know the rules before you break them.<br /><b>Suz</b>, I think you are looking for the rules, but the tricky thing is they are moving targets. Angie intuits what works on which client based on her years of exposure and experience and her attention to what is happening now. But I would still maintain there are some things that are dated for general consumption, although there will be always someone who can wear them with panache. And thank you for the shout out - I was enormously flattered to be put in the same category as Liz! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618998 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 02:00:19 +0000 shedev 1618998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The types of pumps Angie showed are as much a signature for my sister in law as my stompy boots are for me. I'm not good at discerning what is dated in general, but some items can feel dated personally. Maybe is is just my boredom though.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618988 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 01:16:35 +0000 Suz 1618988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>Angie</b>. It's so true. So a lot of it is <b>how</b> we wear it -- not just in terms of styling but also in the sense of how the item feels on us and what we project when wearing it. </p> <p>Some people must feel powerful and feminine in those platform pumps. I can imagine that. The platform allows one to wear a higher heel than usual and being taller often feels good. I feel a bit cartoonish in that type of shoe, but perhaps that's because I am not very tall to begin with. I agree absolutely that <b>Approprio</b> looks amazing in her 80s and 80s influenced items and completely intentional. Ditto <b>Shevia</b>. Some of it does have to do with the quality of the item, as well. When they buy vintage, they buy the real deal and it is still in great shape.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618981 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:39:22 +0000 Angie 1618981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, I'm thinking more of these types of platform pumps as dated (see Finds below). Posh Spice looks gorgeous, although the footwear gives me pause too. The platform oxford was all over the runway for Spring though.&nbsp;</p> <p>Suz, to answer your question - all of what you said! Style is always a sum of its parts. You'll see Liz (Approprio) wear a vintage '80s item and it won't look dated on her because of the item she chose, how she has styled it, and because her personality pulls it off with panache. Put that SAME piece on my ultra polished and beautiful modern classic business formal client and it looks 100% dated. In the same way, you can put an impeccable Hugo Boss suit on <i>that same client </i>and she'll outshine every blogger and magazine editor at New York Fashion Week. See what I mean! Style is PERSONAL. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618975 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 23:47:43 +0000 RoseandJoan 1618975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would have to crawl around on my hands and knees Sus, even if an uber was waiting outside. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618974 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 23:44:15 +0000 Suz 1618974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. So...the shoes are something of a signature for her (and these ones are quite a statement). Her bag is a clutch (more current) and the culottes/ wide trousers show her awareness of trends. I am still not in love with the footwear but I would not have loved these particular shoes even when they were more current -- to my eye they look a bit unbalanced and so uncomfortable they make me want to hide under a pillow. &nbsp;But I agree she makes it work for her.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618968 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 23:25:53 +0000 RoseandJoan 1618968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Sus, I came across a photo of Victoria Beckham last week during NYFW she was wearing her usual lux separates and huge platform shoes, I have to admit the shoe choice gave me pause but overall she looked fantastic in that expensive sort of way. I was unable to source the pic but came across this one on google images from late 2015. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618963 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 22:59:04 +0000 Suz 1618963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, it might be difficult to answer this in the abstract, so maybe it's a future blog post. I am curious about what you just said.&nbsp;</p> <p><i><b>For example, I'm finding platform pumps that were the "it" Louboutin shoe 5 years ago dated for most of my clients, but some are fine to continue wearing them.<br /></b></i><i></i><br />Exactly - it works for one and not another. But <b>WHY?&nbsp;</p> <p></b>Do you think it has something to do with how that style meshes with someone's essence, somehow -- or perhaps how it mixes with the other items they choose to wear? In the first case, maybe the potentially "dated" item becomes a signature item and loses the power to date the wearer. In the second, maybe it works so seamlessly with the rest of the person's style that it is not a statement; it just fades into the background so it's potential datedness isn't glaring.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think we tend to see clothes that are about 10 to 20 years old as dated, as a rule, and those that are older as "vintage" and potentially revivable. Less than 10 years and it may not be fashion forward but it would still likely be wearable with the right combination of other pieces, particularly if a classic type of item (e.g. a coat).&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't really think in terms of "dated" myself...but more in terms of "do I enjoy wearing this right now." I'm a relatively early adopter so I can get tired of certain silhouettes before people stop wearing them. That doesn't mean they're dated. It just means I'm bored.&nbsp;<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618946 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:15:14 +0000 Angie 1618946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jules, for explaining what was in my head. I resonate with your comment 100%. With Janet and Gaylene's too.</p> <p>April, as I clear out closets, I'm finding some '80s and '90s items the most dated at the moment. Vintage items from the '70s and before that - not so much! </p> <p>And then of course, some items are so very dated for<i> some people</i>&nbsp;but not for others. For example, I'm finding platform pumps that were the "it" Louboutin shoe 5 years ago dated for most of my clients, but some are fine to continue wearing them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618933 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 19:50:11 +0000 Marina 1618933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally agree with Runcaria's citation: anything goes if the wearer owns the look. And&nbsp;I've always felt this way.&nbsp;So, answering the question, the 3 "dated" styles for me are:<br />1) whatever style that doesn't suits me physically or emotionally<br />2)&nbsp;whatever style that needs ironing</p> <p>3) whatever style that makes me feel like crap &nbsp;;)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618926 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 19:17:08 +0000 Sal 1618926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can only answer for me.....if I wore wide leg jeans ( not flares), low waisted, with a fitted brown merino sweater and pull on or slip on sneakers I would feel like I was still in 2003....I wore this look a lot back then, or variations on it. Cargo pants and shorts, I also wore them a lot....and while modern versions are around and some people can rock them, I feel slightly off in the look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618922 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 18:53:12 +0000 Gaylene 1618922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with both RoseandJoan and Janet that "IN" and "OUT" lists aren't very useful because context and styling are what makes a look current or dated. It's the sum of the parts--hair, eyewear, makeup, accessories, and support pieces, long with the intentional styling and personality of the wearer--which makes an outfit look up-to-date. Context is also huge. In some environments a look stays popular for years, while in others the "no one wears ___ anymore" is a constant refrain. Age also plays a role since teenagers and young women are intrigued by experimentation and novelty while older women are more inclined towards adaptation and refinement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618897 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 16:34:37 +0000 WitchyD 1618897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In fashion it seems everything old is new again, and also vintage is cool, so it's hard to say what can be deemed "dated." I've kicked myself for getting rid of certain shoes and purses over the years.<br />However, I think some things, such as certain tailoring or fabrics definitely become dated. For example, could you seriously imagine wearing any of these again?</p> <p>80's shoulder pads ala Dynasty (ditto the permed hair!)<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.liketotally80s.com/2014/04/shoulder-pads/">http://www.liketotally80s.com/.....lder-pads/</a></p> <p>Acid wash jeans + neon bright (been there, done that) and sneakers with scrunchy socks</p> <p>70's polyester outfits in general. I had a good chuckle at Peggy on the last season of Mad Men with these. They sure found some good ones for her!<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.vintagetrends.com/Vintage/thumbnails.asp?MC=Vintage&amp;CA=Men&amp;SC=Shirts&amp;ST=70s+Polyester+Disco+Shirts">http://www.vintagetrends.com/V.....8;ST=70s+P</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618895 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 16:30:51 +0000 always trying 1618895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sure is looking more like anything goes these days. even the no-no's are no longer no-no"s as this photo today from bloglovin.&nbsp; The no socks showing has been around for a long time now.&nbsp; though I am not liking them with the loafers, I would like them to make a comeback.&nbsp; so if everyone really gets with the anything goes we an all just wear what we want and not be concerned about how it looks to anyone else.&nbsp; I am beginning to be like the lady in the Red Hat Lady poem anyhow! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618884 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 16:11:45 +0000 Carla 1618884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right! There was an article in Harper's Bazar titled 'Are Trends Dead?' It wasn't so much about there not any trends per se, but rather that 'anything goes' if the wearer owns the look and wears a style purposefully. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618858 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 14:06:29 +0000 Janet 1618858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the way that, even perusing through those FW street style photos, it seems the current attitude is "anything goes." I've seen some pieces that might look dated on their own paired with very current ensembles, which makes them look intentional and very much part of a style choice. </p> <p>As Jules said, one person's "dated" is another person's signature style, or item worn ironically. Something might look terribly dated and frumpy on me but amazing on a slim 20-something-year-old. And I can tell you from spending time in two very different geographical areas of the US, what is dated in the mid-Atlantic is totally acceptable and even expected in rural Texas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618833 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 09:11:45 +0000 RoseandJoan 1618833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I believe dated depends on the audience April, what is dated in the capital on fashion week is very different to what is dated on the girl next door.</p> <p>Also, I believe a dated piece can be elevated by contemporary pieces.</p> <p>I have grown to have a personal dislike for the 'out' or dated lists, in my opinion they promote unnecessary wardrobe churn and a fear of playing the style game wrong.</p> <p>I enjoy the freedom of current fashion and the loosening of prescriptive rules. Perhaps the concept of dated is ready for the bargain bin? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618803 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 04:03:12 +0000 Gigi 1618803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shevia, I know what you are saying. There seems to be some very small detail that makes the item current as opposed to dated. For instance, if someone went out in true seventies garb (vintage), they probably would look dated. But if they get something from the store today that is seventies-ish, they would look trendy. I think the differences are very minor but very important, although I haven't considered what exactly those differences are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618802 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 04:01:22 +0000 gradfashionista 1618802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question! I'll be following. Shoes can look dated, but so many people have foot issues that leave them few options to wear.<br /> As for dated, maybe low-rise skinnies, though I hope that isn't the case. Also, corduroy jackets! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618793 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 03:44:19 +0000 Jaime 1618793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question April! I think looking dated can often be quite subtle - to use my favorite category shoes, the toe is too long and pointy or too square. So where is the line between good pointy and bad? The heel is narrow chunky or curved in rather than straight and blocky. But then just the right pair will work. Or someone brings one of these features back. And don't get me started on jackets. Hope Angie chimes in! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618776 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 02:52:51 +0000 rachylou 1618776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not Angie, but I don't know that any *s*tyles are dated because the zeitgeist is a free for all. But certain things within a category... Like 70s style is trending, but not wide lapels with wide ties for men and brown pants... And combovers, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-would-you-tell-us-3-styles-you-think-are-dated#post-1618752 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 01:41:33 +0000 April 1618752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Someone recently posted a link to an entry written by another blogger listing a number of items she felt were dated and had to go (from her own wardrobe). &nbsp;Your response was that actually none of the items was really dated, even if they were no longer inspiring happiness in the other blogger.</p> <p>So I was wondering, can you identify 3 items/trends/styles that you feel really are looking dated in late winter 2016? </p>