YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 18 May 2026 15:42:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php sinead on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated/page/2#post-739421 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 22:17:36 +0000 sinead 739421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for this, Angie. I find I'm still asking myself "is this dated?" and just not being sure. This never seemed like a problem when I was in my 30s and 40s- the 50s have made it a little harder. YLF has really helped with this- before YLF, I never got style compliments from my daughter. Now I frequently do. And it feels great! Ingunn on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated/page/2#post-738735 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 06:04:39 +0000 Ingunn 738735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very interesting! In my opinion, the trends are moving towards a more dressy and ladylike style, not as casual as before. Thus, skinnies and boots combined with a button down and blazer/peacoat is more on trend than with a sweater and denim jacket, to my eye at least. Am I right? RunningSue on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated/page/2#post-738726 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 05:44:07 +0000 RunningSue 738726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me, this statement from Angie's original post sums if up for me. An item is 'still in style, although not as on trend as it was before.' I know bootcut jeans are still in style but I personally have not worn them in years and I do not think they are on trend right now. Deborah on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated/page/2#post-738697 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 04:37:36 +0000 Deborah 738697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I notice that I can start to question if something is 'dated' when it becomes over 'familiar' to me. I am so used to seeing it (the look) that it no longer seems fresh and exciting to me. I guess that's the equivalent of feeling fatigued with or by a look. But really if I am not sure if something's dated, I have you awesome ladies to tell me Jaime on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738666 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 03:43:27 +0000 Jaime 738666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Claire, I am pretty sure you and Shannon are prime examples of how to find thrift clothes that DON'T look dated. You both are my role models for that. Dated to me is an entire look rather than just an element (such as tall boots and skinnies) and the look includes the hair and face of the wearer. I hope I know it when I see it as some justice once said, but it is easier to see on others than oneself. Long live YLF! shiny on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738657 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 03:28:19 +0000 shiny 738657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Re: tall boots and skinnies, for a little perspective -- I owned my first pair of tall boots when I was in my teens. My dad bought me a pair of tall cowboy boots. They were all the rage. This was the early 80s. Then they went out of fashion, and I didn't own another pair of tall boots until ......... can't remember, but less than 12 years ago. Did not tuck pants into them; wore them initially with skirts and tights. It was YLF that got me tucking jeans into those same tall boots (I have not added a new pair of tall boots in years; nothing fits my short legs and narrow calves; all tall boots I own were purchased pre-YLF days). Which necessitated skinny jeans, as they work best. For Boston jeans-tall boots are just so practical. No wet hems. No cold drafts. I am a total convert and I really do hope the look stays forever and ever. I'm only saying: it hasn't been that long. Not long enough for me to say "classic." I know fashion has its whims. Whims that are usually NOT practical at all. Bootcuts are supposed classics. Why? Because you can wear boots UNDER them. Just adding to the discussion........... Anonymous on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738633 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 03:00:39 +0000 Anonymous 738633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great thread Angie! There are some looks I've worn and now I'm just completely OVER, and part of that is because I've discovered they just aren't flattering to me. I'm not tired of seeing them on *people*, but I'm tired of seeing them in the stores, lol! Your comment about thrifted looks having the propensity to look dated has me quaking in my boot(ies) though. I'm sure all of us hope we're the ones choosing the right second hand items and wearing them with panache, but we'll need your guidance with that one, and I doubt it could be covered in a general post. Please set me straight when I stray off the fashion straight-and-narrow Angie! celia on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738541 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 01:16:16 +0000 celia 738541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very timely explanation. I was wondering about tall boots with skinnies . I feel a bit tired of the look but at the same time it feels like a classic(loved the Napoleon reference) and very appropriate for my lifestyle and weather and didn't know which was which. Glad you talked about it. Janet on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738540 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 01:15:11 +0000 Janet 738540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just have to add that when I was out in the mall today, I definitely saw just as many tall boots as I did booties. Echo on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738516 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:47:20 +0000 Echo 738516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I view things a little differently. If things are dated to your eye, then they are dated. Period. If you are not comfortable with a look anymore and it is dated in your eyes, then you need to stop wearing it and find something fresher. Now that doesn't mean that it is dated for everyone, because that would be awfully judgemental. To say that because I am tired of a certain look that it should go away is terribly egotistical. But when enough people start feeling the way you do, then the stores start carrying less of something and the tides change and at that point the actual LOOK becomes dated. In other words, an individual does not a trend or fashion make. But without the little decisions of individuals each day, then looks would never change. Honestly, not to be political at all, but it is kind of like voting. Your ONE vote is not enough to change much, but when millions of people choose to cast their one vote, things happen. Likewise with fashion. What we choose to buy or wear each day is like a little election, and when enough people choose to wear or to not wear something, then the looks become either hot or dated. Carole on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738501 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:30:47 +0000 Carole 738501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a relief that skinnies and tall boots are here to stay! I guess it makes sense to vary our wardrobes items so we don't get sick of things too quickly. Beth on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738456 Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:10:53 +0000 Beth 738456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Makrame: often my interest is revived by the season change. I'm looking forward to my tall boots this fall as I haven't worn them since March. Re. skinnies: I laughed when I read Kat on Corporette say there's no way skinnies are fading. We all spent too much on the boots to go with them:) Transcona Shannon on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738423 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 23:54:53 +0000 Transcona Shannon 738423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As someone who wears vintage here and there, this is something I always worry about and still am unsure of at times if what I'm wearing looks "dated" rather than "retro". How can a person know if the retro/vintage item they love is the good kind or the bad kind? Or can any retro/vintage item be good depending on how it's styled and what modern elements you've mixed in with it to keep the overall look current? Makrame on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738366 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 23:10:26 +0000 Makrame 738366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find that my interest in certain looks is renewed with the change of seasons. This is the second fall in a row that I am craving skinnies or ponte pants with flats (and Angie's formula of slim pants/denim/converse just brought this craving to the surface ), and will probably continue wearing skinnies with boots into the winter. Later in the year, I often grow tired of the skinnies and switch to wide leg trousers or pencil skirts. kellygirl on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738361 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 23:07:04 +0000 kellygirl 738361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great clarification, Angie. I completely get it now. I think that's what has got me on the oxford bent. I'm tired of my skinnies tucked into boots. Aida on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738357 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 23:05:29 +0000 Aida 738357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for this, Angie! Great discussion here. I had the same thought when I read that comment as well, and your (partial) list of indicators is very insightful. I definitely see how the skinnies -tucked-into-boots thing has become so ubiquitous (especially here in the PNW!!) that many have become fatigued by it, but I agree that it is a classic look (Rachy I love your Napoleon example ^^). Of course, updated boots will look up to date, but by no means should you wear the look if you're tired of it. I would consider myself moderately trendy, and I myself am not tired of it and will happily continue wearing my tall boots. And adding a new pair each season Just need to be sure to mix it up to keep things fresh. Anonymous on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738207 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 21:01:54 +0000 Anonymous 738207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will always wear wedges and platform shoes.The first are a must in a walking city and the second allow me to get on those 4 inch heels and actually have the comfort of a lower heeled shoe. I am a tall gal, I need a substantial shoe! Tall boots tucked into skinnies are here to stay, IMO. Caro in Oz on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738206 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 21:00:17 +0000 Caro in Oz 738206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ rachylou love your Napoleon reference (I was thinking Adam Ant ). Angie's comment that people can think things are classic when they are really dated, really resonates with me. shiny on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738197 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:53:02 +0000 shiny 738197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Coco, I was really worried I was going to be told my new Impo cobalt suede, and leopard, booties were going to get a "dated" rating... so glad they did not! I would probably have worn them anyway, as they are just so comfy. That said, I bit the bullet yesterday at TJ Maxx and purchased a third pair of booties: Me Too's... black suede... 3 inches tall.... wedges. These: <a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31K58EUGGyL.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://ecx.images-amazon.com/i.....EUGGyL.jpg</a> They look fashion forward and not dated to me? I do not understand wedges being dated. Even if they are, wedges are extremely practical around here, with all the cobblestones. I can do 3 inch heels, if it is a wedge. More stability! CocoLion on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738180 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:37:53 +0000 CocoLion 738180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And from my standpoint you will have to pry my no-longer-trendy wedge booties from my dead cold hands. In fact the pair I really want his year (and just now came back in stock) are from the tired and aging Olsen twins. :-D <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/psych-leather-wedge-bootie-elizabeth/vp/v=1/845524441947588.htm?folderID=2534374302082591&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize-viewall&colorId=11377" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopbop.com/psych-l.....orId=11377</a> shiny on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738168 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:26:54 +0000 shiny 738168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Timely post for me. I had been viewing skinnies as a trend that is peaking. My own eye these days is craving straight legs or a bootcut -- that looks fresher to me. Then we went to NYC this past weekend and whoa... skinnies are everywhere! And, it revived my own interest in them -- no more fatigue. I am, right now, wearing skinnies, and awaiting a delivery of a new pair I just purchased. That said, one could still argue that the trend is peaking, if one defines peaking as "mainstream -- everyone is wearing them." Usually when that happens, it's not too long before fashion moves on to the next big trend. Dated look: extreme fading on jeans. Like on the butt. Remember that? texstyle on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738159 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:19:46 +0000 texstyle 738159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know something that's dated. A denim jacket I bought sometime around 1988 that is STILL way to big on me (and I was a good 20 pounds lighter back then). And it was a size "Med" from the popular juniors 5-7-9 store if anyone remembers those. I can't bear to get rid of it since my late dad-in-law bought it for me for Christmas one year. Janet on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738109 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:46:25 +0000 Janet 738109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was really happy to read your response to this, Angie, because someone might have to physically fight me to make me stop wearing my tall boots! I think they're pretty classic, but I want to keep styling them in a current way. Thanks for clarifying. Angie on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738107 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:42:49 +0000 Angie 738107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy, you are astute. LOVE your example of Napoleon - and the tired Mary Olsen look. So often, I see people wear thrifted looks that look terribly dated. And others have the knack of selecting the right thrifted stuff and wear it with panache. Ginny, that sounds like a great strategy. Suz, you are spot on about your '90s coat! I also think that people mix up the classics, with dated looks and what is not on trend. Items can be very stylish, but not on trend. People can think things are classic when they are dated. Or they just aren't old enough to be retro in a stylish way - yet. Sarah, you will wear your tall boots for many more years to come sarah on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738104 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:38:58 +0000 sarah 738104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great point, Angie. I don't have a super huge wardrobe, so by the end of a season, I tend to tire of things - I'm sure not everything is dated, I've just grown weary and am ready for a change. Glad to know I can still wear my tall boots this year ; ) Ginny on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738101 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:35:47 +0000 Ginny 738101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Timely post Angie. While rifling thru the closet I sometimes wonder if things I have are dated. This helps me to rethink what I am pulling out and putting together.Maybe it is that I am redoing outfits. I probably need a fresh look and remix a little more to refreshen it in my mind! rachylou on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738097 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:30:13 +0000 rachylou 738097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting thing to try and pin down, the notion of dated. It's like... how do you go into a thrift store and come out looking cool? (I think it probably helps not to wear things as they were originally worn... like big shoulder pads AND the big bow AND the stirrup pants.) Or, how to know when to stop wearing a certain look. I mean, skinnies and boots is pretty classic. (Honestly, isn't that what Napoleon basically wears in all those portraits? In style then, in style now... ;>) BUT the tan boots, dark jean skinnies, stripey tee, handkerchief sweater, scarf, messy ponytail, and sunglasses pushed on top of your head... that is getting pretty old now. Like Mary Kate and Ashley themselves are getting old... Suz on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738072 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:00:46 +0000 Suz 738072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Angie. That helps. It's really interesting to me the way some people seem to be able to wear something retro and it looks amazing and fresh...while if another person put it on, she'd look sort of silly. I understand that essentials must be updated to remain current. I had a black peacoat type overcoat in the early 90s. It was gorgeous, truly beautiful fabric. A lovely thing. BUT. I cannot imagine wearing it now. It was cut in such a way that it would never, never look current today. (Just as my new VC colourblock peacoat probably won't look current in 5 years). Sometimes when people say that something is "dated" I think what they really mean is that it is not "cutting edge." Something we can't all be all the time. (And some of us would struggle to be ANY of the time!) Angie on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738061 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:50:51 +0000 Angie 738061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very, very hard to define, Suz, but here are some thoughts: - Dated DOES mean different things to different people. Wedges for example are thought of as dated by many in the fashion world - of course, wedges aren't dated :) - Classic looks don't date per se - but individual classic pieces need to be updated in silhouette. A 20 year white shirt will not great today. - Generally things have a much longer fashion life than they used to. I'd say at least 5 years. And when these looks became classic - like tucking slim leg bottoms into boots - they stick around for a lot longer. - If we still see looks on the catwalks, they are not dated. - If we see looks in mainstream mags and stores, they are not dated. These are a few bench marks that I use. Then throw in the whole - "it's retro" and things get even more blurry. You HAVE TO wear retro with modern and current in order for it to work. Anonymous on "Confusing your own fatigue for a look with "it's dated"" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/confusing-your-own-fatigue-for-a-look-with-its-dated#post-738054 Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:48:29 +0000 Anonymous 738054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not Angie, but I think of dated as something that most people don't wear anymore; something that's no longer sold in stores (though I scratch my head and wonder why mom jeans are still around). I also think of styles that link someone to a particular decade, though some people are able to wear vintage looks and pull it off. I guess it's one of those "I know dated when I see it" things.