YouLookFab Forum » Topic: classics vs. not classics

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: classics vs. not classics - let's discuss! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 18:00:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Helena on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344739 Sat, 18 Nov 2023 00:13:18 +0000 Helena 2344739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi, yes I do ... Personal style does not have to be based around classics imo! One could base their wardrobe around really unique, creative pieces for example, which would sidestep both trends and classics. Imo at least! Jonesy on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344700 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:02:51 +0000 Jonesy 2344700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This has been a fascinating read, and I won't even attempt to add my two cents, lol, since I am totally lost when it comes to this type of analysis and categorization! I know that I definitely like a combination of classics mixed with other styles, but beyond that, my analysis fails. Zaeobi on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344614 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:55:16 +0000 Zaeobi 2344614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Do you think it's possible to have a consistently strong, timeless personal style without ANY classic items? From reading everyone else's definitions, it seems I own very few *truly* classics - because they do not suit me! Despite liking 'classic' cuts (softly tailored but not bodycon, fitted shoulder seams etc), I would honestly look terrible in a Breton top layered under a trenchcoat (for example) because stripes & 'suiting' collars are too severe on me. Similarly, a white cotton buttondown shirt with either a black pencil skirt or midrise jeans would be too stiff & wouldn't work with my body. Of course I own classic *seeming* items, but they all have some other detail or colour (e.g. a fitted but purple turtleneck, a sheath dress with a faux wrap, a cropped leather jacket, a ruched pencil skirt, a longline blazer, loafers but with lug soles, & pointy toed ballet flats). @DonnaF's comment makes a lot of sense - I always looked 'wrong' in my clothes in the late 90s/ early 2000s because none of the fabrics &/ or colours work on me (I remember those tightly fitted buttoned up shirts @Ginger mentioned *shudders* ). Helena on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344457 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:50:43 +0000 Helena 2344457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a fab thread ... Will be back but looking at all your classics is making me happy! Angie, I think Suz' term is better: classic-adjacent --> classic with a twist! DonnaF on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344432 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 04:40:51 +0000 DonnaF 2344432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ True classics are what I felt like I had to wear in the late '80s/'90s as a young attorney to "Dress for Success." I like the black blazer below best with ripped jeans or something else to funk it up.  Sal on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344425 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 03:37:02 +0000 Sal 2344425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting topic, and I like everyone's take on it. I see most neutrals as classic but especially white, cream, camel, grey, black and navy.  In terms of colours red can be classic as can olive green.  To me classic patterns are some plaids, polka dots and stripes.  But not all.   The cuts are moderate as discussed earlier - not extreme. I don't wear a lot of true classics but the following 2023 are classic. - black silk blouse in a medium fit - black wide leg but tailored trousers - cream blouse with lace - cream sandals - black tuxedo jacket Jaime on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344421 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 02:31:29 +0000 Jaime 2344421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting thread. I am nodding along with Irina, Carla, and Angie (and others). Classic is the moderate cut - not body hugging, not oversized. I am thinking about a trench coat - a Burberry trench from decades ago could fit easily into a lot of classic wardrobes today. Or Levis 501 jeans. But the oversized, overly embellished trench or the super skinny or super wide jeans are more trend driven and don't always look current. Ginger on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344408 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:10:19 +0000 Ginger 2344408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting discussion! Especially since I do a unique twist on classic and have way too much historical fashion knowledge in my head. When I read the blog, similar questions occurred to me: <ol> <li>What is classic?</li> <li>What is modern classic versus true/original classic?</li> <li>What is a trend and not classic?</li> </ol> For a classic, I went back to thinking of the earliest version of each item. For example, the white shirt, originally circa 1900, women's version (the shirtwaist) as well as men's, having the same basic shape it has now with tailored body and long sleeves. The classic version - white cotton, tailored to be neither tight nor oversized, point or round collar, probably single button cuffs The modern classic - not necessarily cotton, moderate variations on collar and cuffs, can be fluid and less tailored or boxy, maybe use eyelet or woven patterned but still all-white material. The trend versions - ruffled fronts, oversized or body con fits, bishop sleeves, dropped shoulders, puffed shoulders, unusual seaming, etc. --> I think the trend version is one that could be easily dated to a decade or more than one decade. Like body con button shirts are early 2000s or puffed sleeves are 80s/90s. They are things that can look dated in not a great way. Carla's example of Converse variations is a great example. --> So the modern classic is not easily put into a time period box. It's not a boring copy of a men's oxford shirting buttondown, but the essentials are there and not strayed super far from the original. Ironically, another thought that occurred to me is that many are most of these classic items were menswear in the not-so-distant past. Trench coats and t-shirts were even military items. To throw a question out there: Crops! Historically, there really isn't a true classic version. There were crops in the 50s and 60s (fairly fitted, the pedal pushers and capris), then wide gauchos in the 70s/early 80s, and I remember knit gauchos in the early 2000s (shudder).   But then the last 10 years or more have seen crops in many lengths and - more importantly - styles. Skinny crops, wide crops, flare crops, etc. The original trends were a starting point but the proliferation of styles seems to mean that the idea of the cropped jean or trouser is now a classic one. It's adapted to new silhouettes but crops themselves seem to have become the classic. Or maybe too soon to tell? kkards on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344407 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:10:13 +0000 kkards 2344407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmmmm…interesting  so my take on the original styles Helena post  the silk blouse NOT a classic.  The shape is more trendy, but mostly the pattern for pushes out of the classic zone the white trouser -as shown they are modern classic.  Cut is classic but crops is modern. <div>Belts is classic -you could wear it now, next year or 10 years from now  striped sweater modern classic. -stripe is classic, half zip is classic. Boxy is modern  hip top converse trendy.  High top comes and goes very trendy </div><div>Chelsea boot -classic, rugged thicker sole, but not so oversized that it imo pushes it to trendy.  IMO the is modern classic. </div><div>Oversized linen shirt —this cut is modern classic this color is trendy. racer back tank -trendy.  You won’t reach for this in 2 or 3 years.  Or is you do it will be an under piece and it won’t really be seen wide cropped jeans -trendy for sure </div><div>All opinions expressed are mine, and I fully expect you/anyone/everyone to disagree </div><div> </div> Angie on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344406 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:08:51 +0000 Angie 2344406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Helena, my 2 cents: <ul> <li>blouse: on trend</li> </ul> <ul> <li>cream pants: classic</li> </ul> <ul> <li>belt: classic </li> </ul> <ul> <li>boots: on trend</li> </ul> <ul> <li>linen shirt: on trend (the oversized fit makes it so!)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>striped sweater: classic </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Converse: classic and an ICONIC one!</li> </ul> <ul> <li>tank: classic </li> </ul> <ul> <li>wide crops: on trend </li> </ul> Not sure what you mean by classic-adjacent? Angie on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344404 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 23:59:55 +0000 Angie 2344404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm here, Helena and Suz! Like both of you - and like Irina and Carla too, my own wardrobe is RICH in the classics! Here are the main points before I drill down: <ul> <li>If we take cardigans and jeans as an example - it’s a specific type of cardigan and specific silhouette of jeans that is modern classic. Other types of jeans and cardigans can be on trend and fashion forward. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>More examples: a simple knee-length pencil skirt is a classic. A maxi or midaxi pencil skirt with a long front slit in on trend. A cabled or non-cabled long sleeved pullover – with any neckline – in a fluidly tailored fit that is hip length is a classic. A cropped version in a body con fit is on trend. An oversized version in any length is on trend too.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>What muddies the waters is when a classic has a fashion moment and becomes trendy for a while! Birkenstocks and black Docs are a great example. Wayfarers and Aviators too. Very on trend, and so, sooooooo classic :)</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The list I mentioned in the nugget post today is very short. There are MANY more classics.</li> </ul> So to Irina's point, the cut, and silhouette makes something a classic. Fabric and colour contribute too. Neutrals are MORE classic.  I vehemently believe that a non-neutral makes a classic item look LESS classic. For example, my old citron peacoat and tomato red pencil skirt from J.Crew looked far less classic than my navy peacoat from Burberry and black pencil skirt from Club Monaco. Even though the blinding brights are STILL classics. Simply more playful ones ;)  To cat2's point, a toffee pencil skirt in an impeccable cool wool looks MORE classic than the same silhouette in lavender sequins.  Firecracker (Sharan) on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344403 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 23:53:00 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2344403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here are my picks from my Finds that I think are classic. I commented on the blog post that I think I rely quite a bit on classics in my wardrobe. From this discussion thread, though, and my attempt to identify  classics in what I've collected in Finds, I realize there may be fewer true classics than I thought. It seems I do gravitate toward what Angie would call trendy classics (which I tried to omit here). Carla on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344397 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 22:27:33 +0000 Carla 2344397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agreeing with Irina, that classic is in the ‘cut’.  Altering the silouhette of an item (like a white button down) - say, making it dramatically oversized (not just fluid) renders it ‘trendy’ though it might also be described as ‘modern classic’.  I’d submit that Converse sneakers and loafers are ‘classic’ but change the profile by adding a chunky heel/sole, and you end up with a ‘trendy’ item.  The wedge Converse that were so hot 8 or 9 years ago were a trend, and would not be considered classic today, nor would the flat form Converse of the past couple of years.  <div> </div><div>My opinion on classics is that they are ‘safe’ but always a little old fashioned or out of date.  It is when they are combined (juxtaposed?) with something trendy or unexpected, that they become fresh and current looking. I believe this, because my closet is predominantly made up of classic items in classic silouhettes.  I rarely look cutting edge, and have to be careful not to come off as too conventional or staid.  Like Roberta, I use colour (colourful classic minimalist).  I’m trying to pay more attention to silouhette, but every time I aim for ‘classic with a twist’ I don’t quite get there.  Mostly I struggle with oversized - but that’s another conversation! (Finds below - just a sample of classics from my closet.) </div> cat2 on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344396 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:25:04 +0000 cat2 2344396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think fabric choice can make a classic cut not a classic piece. I am staring at my classic loafers but they have a pewter crackle finish…. Irina on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344390 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 20:15:43 +0000 Irina 2344390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, it’s not the type of a garment but the cut. A white straight cotton shirt can be a classic item or avant-garde piece. Color for me is secondary. I would think a bright yellow pea coat is classic if it’s a straight, refine cut.  Helena on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344388 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 20:07:06 +0000 Helena 2344388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ahaha, I knew this would be interesting food for thought! " Oh, fun! I would say your closet is heavy on "classics with a twist" (as mine is.) I tend to agree with your analysis of the specific items. But maybe they are classics even if there *is* a twist? I await Angie's enlightenment...." Suz, this is my way of thinking too ... how twisty can the twist be before you've twisted right out of classic terrain? Or perhaps like with some many things, there's more of a spectrum rather than a box, so to speak? Irina, I am interested in how much of something being a classic has to do with tailoring ... i.e. made in the old-school way where fashion was more bespoke to the individual body. rachylou's comment builds on this nicely - classic outfit vs. classic pieces ... because I think you could also style classic pieces in a decidedly non-classic way? Suz, I would say the oversized striped top and the irregular striped shirt are not classic (or, classic with a twist) but the rest are pretty classic.  Roberta, the colour is your twist perhaps? I agree with you; I associate classic with neutrals because they are more trend-proof than colours are. Dee, yep this makes sense to me - standing the test of time is definitely an element of something being classic, so I imagine the list will grow as 'newer' designs like Birkenstocks prove their staying power. Dee on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344385 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:46:17 +0000 Dee 2344385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tend to see true “classic” items as their original incarnation where they seemed more tailored, refined and a bit conservative but the list of classics is now evolving, hence Birkenstocks and converse sneakers are now included. Once the original classic design is altered in its cut or shape then I no longer consider it a true classic Roberta on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344384 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:43:05 +0000 Roberta 2344384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As I scrolled through my Finds, I concluded that my classic items tend to be in non-classic colors or prints. A peacoat in bright yellow, a button-down shirt in big polka dots, gold penny loafers. Even my Docs are bright orange. But I do have a few true classics (in my opinion), a black leather jacket, straight, unadorned blue jeans, a Glen Plaid suit, a tank watch, white hightops, and about a dozen Breton tees. The suit is a conservative cut, so I am including it. The hightops are not classic Converse, so, maybe not? I tend to think of classics as neutral colors, what do you all think? Would you include animal prints? rachylou on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344383 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:26:51 +0000 rachylou 2344383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m thinking Helena, your brown blouse is not classic, and Suz, the long denim skirt with high split and short boxy striped top are not classic - and the rest of both sets are. But I feel I’m on very thin ice here. I feel one could do a very classic overall look with those items. Suz on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344379 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:19:28 +0000 Suz 2344379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, fun! I would say your closet is heavy on "classics with a twist" (as mine is.) I tend to agree with your analysis of the specific items. But maybe they are classics even if there *is* a twist? I await Angie's enlightenment.... Let's see what we think of a few items in my own closet:  Navy full length straight trousers -- classic, right?  Right.  Cropped straights?  Wide leg full length?  Blue and white striped shirt -- classic? But in a slightly oversized fit, still classic?   In a cropped oversized style?  In a wacky mixed stripe pattern?  Mariner tee in blue and white: classic.  Striped tee in a blouson style -- still classic?  Grey merino sweater, fluid fit (in this case, a t-neck): classic Grey oversized merino sweater -- not classic?  Irina on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344377 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:16:50 +0000 Irina 2344377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would say a blouse and a sweater are contemporary take on classic items. For me a real test for a classic item is how trend-neutral it is. Oversized shape or a close fitted is not classic fit to me. Classic cut is straight. Jeans are trendy, for sure.  Helena on "classics vs. not classics - let's discuss!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/classics-vs-not-classics---lets-discuss#post-2344375 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:06:37 +0000 Helena 2344375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi all, loved Angie's post today and some of the discussion around how an item can be classic or not, even though it might be the same category of items. Thought it would be fun to discuss "is it classic or not"? Of course opinions may vary and that is okay! It's just for fun and learning. I think my style leaning classic and being fairly simple, I have many items that are classic-adjacent but not strictly classic, which makes it a little tricky!  - silky blouses are often on 'classic' lists, but this one has big sleeves and a bold print - I say not classic - cream pants - the cut is current but not trendy - I think these are classic - I'm torn - this belt looks so 90s to me - but it's hardly fashion forward. I'm tempted to say classic but am easily persuaded. - chelsea boots are classic but the thicker soles are not. not classic. - I think an oversized fit on a linen shirt is classic.  - Striped sweaters are classic, but perhaps not classic with the quarter zip and oversized, boxy fit.  - high top converse, even in a colour, are classic - ribbed black racerback tanks have been on trend lately, but I think they are pretty classic - wide, cropped jeans - not classic What say you? Do you think I'm right or wrong? Share some of your debatable pieces too!