https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:27:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636871 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:37:59 +0000 Angie 636871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, everything about fashion and style is based on a judgement and subjective opinion. It's art! :)</p> <p>Jonesy and Jules hit the nails on the head for me. </p> <p>At the end of the day, you have to go with the opinion that works for you. It really boils down to that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636745 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 23:23:58 +0000 Gaylene 636745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aren't these terms just opinions? And an opinion, at least according to the dictionary, is a "judgement that is held firmly without actual proof of its truth". And given that judgements are subject to change over time, it seems that trying to set clear rules regarding what is "dated", what is "trendy", what is "classic", and so on would be impossible. And isn't that the very thing that keeps fashion so interesting? A rule today is a rule that can be broken, fashionably, tomorrow.</p> <p>About the only item that seems to be universally despised by YLFers today is the infamous "Mom jean". But, just last week, I saw a pair of faded, high-rise jeans with a slouchy hip that tapered down to the ankle worn by a young fashion blogger. Was I looking at a "Mom jean"? Was she "dated" or "ironic"? (She did wear them with Docs and a slouchy top.) Or, heaven forbid, was she a "trend setter". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636690 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 22:08:55 +0000 ironkurtin 636690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am just not going to worry about if I look dated to other people. Its what *I* think that counts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636631 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 21:17:27 +0000 Kari 636631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK, that is an excellent point.</p> <p>And I think that's partly why, as I've been gravitating more and more towards wearing dresses and skirts all the time, that I really feel I need to have my hair cut short and very layered so that I have a modern shape; even though my dresses aren't literally vintage, I want to have at least some aspect of my person/dress that feels current and even a little bit in contrast to the femininity of my curvy shape and the wardrobe of dresses and skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636613 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 21:01:41 +0000 Kirti 636613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's true! Silk saris are prtty classic, but lengths, sleeves, necklines and fabrics for salwar suits get outdated pretty fast! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636606 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:56:28 +0000 RandomThoughts (Andrea) 636606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I am going to have to get a picture for you all posted. I own several vintage suits, most of which I have decided to donate because they do not fit well and IMO end up looking frumpy. Save one. I need to have it taken in but I LOVE it. It is very clearly vintage. It's a WWII era emerald green, pencil skirt (which I am considering having hemmed above the knee as well) and a strong shouldered jacket with a slight peplum, self belted (which I will likely replace with my leopard belt), collarless with a sweetheart neckline. </p> <p>Dated or vintage? I'll post a photo later (need to shower after my post yardwork tea. Then photos.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636599 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:50:22 +0000 MsMary 636599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These pretty young bloggers remind me that if you are going to wear dated/vintage clothing it's important to have a fresh and modern hair style. For example, imagine the first young lady with a <a href="http://images.google.com/search?tbm=isch&amp;hl=en&amp;source=hp&amp;biw=1920&amp;bih=978&amp;q=michelle+duggar&amp;gbv=2&amp;oq=michelle+duggar&amp;aq=f&amp;aqi=g10&amp;aql=&amp;gs_l=img.3..0l10.485.2139.0.2379.15.12.0.3.3.0.116.914.10j2.12.0...0.0.k-gCsobjgbk#hl=en&amp;gbv=2&amp;tbm=isch&amp;sa=1&amp;q=michelle+duggar+hair&amp;oq=michelle+duggar+hair&amp;aq=f&amp;aqi=g1g-S3&amp;aql=&amp;gs_l=img.3..0j0i24l3.16201.16711.0.17088.5.4.0.1.1.0.94.348.4.4.0...0.0._cPcxpLzmBA&amp;pbx=1&amp;bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&amp;fp=cfa8a5ccade8ee74&amp;biw=1920&amp;bih=978">Duggar-style hairdo</a>. That would be totally different, and not, I think, in a good way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636596 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:48:21 +0000 Jonesy 636596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Every person has a different idea about what dated is. I think Denise follows trends very carefully and, for her, something from a few years ago might seem dated (in terms of her understanding of what's trendy AND her style, e.g., she is really into voluminous, slouchy t-shirts currently). For someone else, the same t-shirt might seem very up-to-date, because maybe she was hiding her body in boxy t-shirts from Land's End for the last ten years, and just recently decided to try to wear more fitted clothes. You know?</p> <p>I think Angie has made a distinction between "on trend" and "in style" (if I am remembering this correctly.....too lazy to try to do a search...). On trend refers to items or looks that are of the moment and quite trendy (e.g., slouchy trousers); in style refers to things that are no longer so hot, but nevertheless are still in style (e.g., skinnies); and dated would be something from a different era that looks bad to our eyes today (e.g., uniformly faded, high-waisted, loose-in-the-thighs, tapered Mom jeans). </p> <p>But even with something like skinnies, which have been around for a while, you can still look at the fall fashion shows and see skinny stovepipe trousers all over the place. What I mean is that lots of different styles co-exist and are of the moment--you can find examples of all sorts of trouser styles on the runways. Another example would be midi skirts or dresses. They are having a moment, but other styles that are above the knee are still very popular and everywhere in the shows. A designer might show one look with a longer, midi skirt, then the next look down the runway is a shorter skirt. It's the *dominant* style or the style that catches bloggers', editors', and stylemakers' eyes that gets touted as trendy or modern or of the moment, but that doesn't mean that other styles aren't just as fab and current (as shown on the most recent runway shows, hot off the presses). There is a huge investment in keeping the giant fashion engine roaring and moving along, and new things must come out and be "obsessed over" every few months, in order to keep the engine fed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636558 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:24:40 +0000 Kari 636558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK, I think that's a good point, too. There's something kind of tricky about *consciously* wearing vintage clothes in a way that can still look modern and fresh. </p> <p>A couple examples of bloggers (who are, admittedly, young and *look* young) who really carry off heavily vintage looks well, even those that are a bit youthful:<br /> <a href="http://the-paperdoll.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://the-paperdoll.blogspot.com/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.lemondropvintage.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.lemondropvintage.com/</a><br /> <a href="http://acatofimpossiblecolour.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">http://acatofimpossiblecolour.blogspot.com</a></p> <p>And I do think part of the key is that they are wearing a lot of vintage pieces that *are* on trend, but also that the bloggers themselves don't look like they would have worn these vintage items the first time around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636548 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:17:19 +0000 catgirl 636548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kirti, that's true for certain items. But my old salwar kameez are hopelessly out of date and they are from 2 or 3 years ago. No one knows the difference here in AK, thankfully - but in India it would be a different story! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636531 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:06:38 +0000 Kirti 636531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These days, it is tough to tell. As MaryK points out, stuff I may find dated can be carried off as vintage! Classic never dates, right? A white shirt, a trench, a kanjeevaram sari... anyone can carry these off, old or young without looking dated </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636525 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:03:09 +0000 MsMary 636525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's the same thing, Una. If I wear head-to-toe 80s clothes that I purchased new in the 80s, I'm dated. If a 20 year old wears head-to-to 80s clothes that she thrifted, she's vintage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636519 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 20:00:09 +0000 Transcona Shannon 636519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok....so then based on Kari's excellent explanation, what's the difference between "dated" and "vintage"? If dated refers to a specific era, isn't that what vintage is? And how come some vintage items read as great style while others are the kind you laugh at? I'm joining you in your confusion Una! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636501 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 19:48:47 +0000 MsMary 636501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Kari explains it well. I'd say "dated" to me equals "stuck in a time warp and hasn't updated her wardrobe at all since X decade." Which is not at all the same thing as, for example, "still enjoys her bias cut floral skirts and pairs them with her super current shoes and jackets." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636492 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 19:38:53 +0000 RoseandJoan 636492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry Una for being so lazy, I started to write a reply and then remembered this thred started by Mayas, I don't think my point of view has changed (although some of the references are trending once more)<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/and-speaking-of-being-dated" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....eing-dated</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636488 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 19:35:47 +0000 Kari 636488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, this is my personal take:<br /> "Dated" is an item that strongly calls to mind a very specific era (like shoulder pads and big hair in the 80s, blingy low cut jeans with a visible thong in the late 90s/ early 00s, mom jeans, Bedazzled or embroidered sweat shirts) that isn't a classic and near universally flattering item, and also isn't currently in style. </p> <p>There's a fine line, but when you see someone wearing a "dated" item with modern items (pairing a ruffly prairie dress with a structured jacket, perhaps) it kind of negates the dated factor, or acknowledges it with an ironic wink, because it's clear the wearer is aware the item is out of date and is consciously modernizing it. But if you see someone wearing head to toe dated items- acid wash mom jeans with a blingy sweat shirt and white canvas Keds slip ons with a scrunchie, for example- you kind of wonder if they have bought any new clothes since the early 90s or if they are just stuck in a fashion fad that's long past. </p> <p>As Natalie's thread demonstrated, we have our own interpretations of what is and isn't dated. To me, fitted tees aren't something I see as dated because they are more like a classic item worn throughout many different eras, they just don't happen to be totally on trend/ of the moment right now but are easy to update with the right outfit. </p> <p>I don't know if my explanation makes sense, but it was interesting to think through this. I'll watch the thread to see what others say! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636471 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 19:27:24 +0000 Meredith1953 636471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I understand it the skinnies are now considered mainstream since they stood the test of time after they were a trend. Once a piece becomes mainstream I think that as long as it flatters you and fits what you want to convey about yourself it doesn't necessarily become outdated. Outdated would seem to me to be a shape, or style or color that isn't seen anymore. As long as it is mainstream it isn't dated even if it isn't trendy. I hope I got that right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636470 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 19:27:15 +0000 Janet 636470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you! I have a hard time seeing a fitted tee as dated, unless it has some sort of detailing that dates it. And I think jeans have come to the point where they come in so many variations that bootcuts and skinnies have both entered the realm of classics. At least I hope so.</p> <p>I just posted a keep/toss of some simple sandals that I fear are dated... But I'm not sure, maybe they're classic enough to not "date"? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dated-vs-not-current-vs-classic-bs-style-statement#post-636463 Sun, 03 Jun 2012 19:21:34 +0000 catgirl 636463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm finding myself completely confused about the distinction here. Denise has posted that a fitted t-shirt is dated, but I thought a well-fitting t-shirt for one's body type was more of a basic/classic. What is the difference between dated and just not "of the moment"? At what point does a look become your personal signature style, or alternatively, does that mean you are stuck in outdated mode?</p> <p>For instance, I love my skinnies and tunics. I just posted an outfit with skinny cargos and a tunic top. The cargos were a craze in 2010 but I would have bought them at any point had they been available, because they are so ME. How long can I continue to wear them without looking dated? Or are they part of my signature style? Should Anna toss hers because her style is trendier? </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-old-favorites" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-favorites</a></p> <p>Just as I'm getting a clearer handle on my style, I'm now afraid I'm going to be stuck in a dated look! Would love some thoughts - it's clear as mud right now. </p>