https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 06 May 2026 03:22:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/4#post-171378 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:32:24 +0000 taylor 171378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me edge means : adding your personal stamp or thumbprint to your style, because everyone's ~edgy~ look is as different as their personality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/4#post-171371 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:18:00 +0000 Patience 171371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't help but wonder if when someone says they want to "add edge to their style" they really just mean they are trying to express themselves and "edge" is the current catch all. Per Julie's comment edge is what's current. In that vein I have to ask myself what a person with pukka classic style is trying to say about themselves vs. someone with edge. I'm sure there are plenty of answers depending on the person but to me classic says confidence and "I've got it together" while edge is trying to stand out and be compelling. Not that edgy isn't confident and classic isn't compelling, just priorities established differently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/4#post-171311 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:10:00 +0000 Angie 171311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>chuckling @ Beth. I hope we get to see the blassic outfit. Perhaps its troho too? </p> <p>Maya, it's *totally* fun looking back at what I wore and cringing at the trends. In fact I sort of think it's KILLER. I'm sure I've mentioned that before. And your YLF loyalty is cordially noted and appreciated :0)</p> <p>Gaylene, I love that - new classics. We can also call them "future classics". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/4#post-171300 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:30:26 +0000 Gaylene 171300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually I agree with Maya it's fun looking back on what we wore a couple of decades ago-- even if I cringe a bit. I think that experimenting with fashion and trends is what helps you define a style, or look, that you enjoy wearing. And that continues even when you get labeled a senior citizen.</p> <p>What I think is even more interesting about this thread is the assumption that there is a huge gap between being classic or being trendy/edgy. I suspect that most of us incorporate both elements into our style at one point or another but what translates as edgy for a senior citizen is probably much different that what is edgy for a 25 year old. Tucking my jeans into my boots is my edgy-- and it does get a backhanded compliment from my son as well as being quite practical. Is it also a classic look when worn with a jacket and scarf? Maybe, since I've seen pictures of Jackie O sporting a very similar look.</p> <p>One of the best parts of being younger is having the willingness to try more extreme looks-- like my oh-so-fashionable 60s red-checked pantsuit. I laugh at it now, but it was my edgy, trendy look when I was 19 (along with those skyscraper platform shoes). My point was that, without knowing it, some of the things I wore in my 20s were the start of my classic style, although I certainly wouldn't have thought so at the time. Other looks were fun and trendy, but definitely look dated and strange now. </p> <p>To me, a classic style is about developing a look that endures because it fits the personality, shape, and preferences of the individual. I laugh at that red-checked pantsuit, but it helped me define my style to the point where I can purchase something today knowing that it will look as good on me a few years from now as it does today. But classic style is not frozen in time nor should it depend on specific items. I think that classic needs to be constantly refreshed by experimenting, and selectively adopting, trends and new ideas. That is where Angie and YLF come in-- to help me find my new classics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/4#post-171290 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:45:16 +0000 Beth 171290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, reading all these posts, I can't help but think of the famous Supreme Court justice who said about porn: "I know it when I see it."</p> <p>It feels the same about "classic," no? It's all in the little details and the way those details come together. Tomorrow I'm wearing a seersucker pencil skirt (classic or trad?) and cork wedges (boho?). I guess that'll make the look blassic. Or coho. Or something like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171207 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:59:40 +0000 Maya 171207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I have said that many times in this discussion. That's why I think it's pointless to assume you won't be embarrassed just because you think you're wearing something classic and timeless. Sure you will! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171206 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:57:44 +0000 Queen Mum 171206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>to Maya's comment... even "classic" styles need to be updated with the decade don't they? (maybe that has already been stated here) Yes, the boxy suit might have been a classic thing to wear, but the cut is now dated..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171186 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:29:28 +0000 Maya 171186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Am I the only one who doesn't care about being embarrassed by my clothes in 20 years? I'm sure I'll be embarrassed no matter what I wear. I bet a lot of those people who look back on the first suit they got at age 25 in 1982 probably cringe at the huge shoulders, boxy silhouette, and frumpy skirt. But at the time I bet they thought it was a classic.</p> <p>Anyway, I actually look forward to looking back and having a few laughs. Life is too short to fret over what I'll think of my past self in the future... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171183 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:20:47 +0000 Tracy 171183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great discussion. A few comments have made the distinction between "traditional" and "classic" which is helpful - the two aren't synonymous. </p> <p>To me, "classic" means things that don't throw you into fits of embarrassment when you see pictures of yourself a decade or two later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171169 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:47:50 +0000 Rosie 171169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so late to this thread and it has been so interesting to read. Taylor, wow, incredible photos. I want the shoes in this photo: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/46729777@N06/4402502699/in/set-72157624269449570/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/4.....269449570/</a> </p> <p>I think Leslie made a really good point about classic pieces having to evolve in style with the times. The classic white shirt or LBD has certainly changed in style throughout the decades, yet it is always a "classic" staple. </p> <p>I truly admire classic style, partially because I feel it is hard for me to pull off. I get dirty, clothes get wrinkled, etc. For me it is just harder to keep the crispness that I think is required to pull it off. Maybe that idea of classic, though, is antiquated. </p> <p>Anyway, how though-provoking! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171154 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:03:29 +0000 Maya 171154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When watching style videos and advice, the most heavily represented style I see is the flop proof, sophisticated modern classic style. The most common style persona I see on YLF profiles is "modern classic" and we have quite an international and diverse group of women here, right? There is sooo much advice out there warning against the evils of being trendy and advising women to go for "timeless," universally flattering silhouettes. Honestly, this is false comfort. Nothing is ever timeless and nothing is ever universally flattering. But the point is that I KNOW this is true because as I said, I fell victim to all of this silly advice! As someone who had to search for advice, this is what I came across the most both in the media and within my own immediate circle. But if you'll notice, out of all the resources I found, the one I stuck to is YLF. For four years! </p> <p>Advice for those who are into trendier styles exist too, but mostly for people who are actively passionate about fashion as creative expression and industry. Kate Moss types. The images are sometimes OTT and the clothing itself is obscenely expensive and the way in which it is presented is kind of alienating. </p> <p>The majority of advice I see discourages women from experimenting with trends because they are allegedly only for thin people and models and the rest of us are destined to look like fat poseurs, trying too hard, etc.</p> <p>The reason I stuck with YLF is because it offered some happy medium in between. Looks that are flattering, trendy, AND practical. Most fashion advice only covers one or two of the above max.</p> <p>What people read in these advice columns, reality shows, and books has a lot of weight and influence. More than we think. It comes to us secondhand from our friends and mothers and sisters as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171137 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:21:55 +0000 RoseandJoan 171137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Style is so subjective, I have very strong preferences to vintage, romantic pieces and whilst I can appreciate other style personas they will never make my heart race. I may make a statement about an item being too classic or tipping my look into boho territory (in fact I did put the latter on the cork shoe blog) but I'm not being derogatory, that style is just not my aesthetic. I guess when people mention adding edge to there classic style they are really looking to add some individuality, nobody is 100% one style persona in fact you may look slightly like a caricature if you were.</p> <p>With regards to the forum, this blog is about fashion for style lovers, we all want to look current even if we have an aversion (which I don't) to the words trendy or classic. We are all constantly evolving our style, I maybe one day will be a classic dresser or even very bohemian. I don't even pretend to know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171126 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:59:45 +0000 Angie 171126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, that's an interesting perspective. Lots of discussion there!</p> <p>Maya, I'm not sure if classic style is the most admired style. I wouldn't put my head on a block for that one. Maybe? I think that boho style is popular all over the world. It just so happened that those YLF readers were not enamoured so it gave that impression. As far as trendy goes - well, I'll be sticking up for that one. I have a hard time with people looking down on others who sport a trend and are having fun with fashion in stylish and age appropriate ways. After all, that's what fashion is there for.</p> <p>Sarah, no more crisis! You can take one persona as a guide, OR, you can be a mixture of personas. It's all equally fab. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171124 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:49:43 +0000 Sarah 171124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>...and now I'm having an identity crisis! I've thought I was all classic with a tiny bit of edge? Like, one bag?<br /> I realize everyone doesn't stay 100% true to their style persona, but isn't it important to have a style as a guide? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171118 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:42:26 +0000 Gaylene 171118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The word "retro" when applied to style makes me pause. If it applies to a style that tries to emulate the look of previous decades, then, no, that's not classic to me. IMO, classic refer more to the cut and shape of a garment that makes it wearable and timely regardless of the decade in which it was designed or made popular. For example, Audrey Hepburn's white shirt, capri pants, and ballet flats can look completely modern when seen on the street today. Angie, I think, you demonstrated this point very well when you showed us how to wear a full skirt as a modern, special occasion outfit. </p> <p>I think certain cuts and shapes can transcend decades; these are the elements of classic style. Other cuts, shapes, and looks are very much "of the moment". These "of the moment" items are elements of a trendy style. That horrible checked pantsuit with its flared legs garnered lots of compliments when I wore it in the late 60s, but makes me double over laughing when I see a picture of it today. Alternatively, when I see a picture of a simple, sleeveless trapeze shift that I also wore in that same time period, I can see it being worn today looking completely fresh and modern.</p> <p>Maybe the test of a classic look is when a picture of what you wore today won't make you cringe or double up laughing 10 years from now? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171117 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:41:24 +0000 Maya 171117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess the wording of the subject put me in defensive mode, being a non-classic dresser myself. People who don't embrace pure classic style don't "look down on it." That makes us sound snobby and elitist! It just isn't right for us, for many various reasons that have all been discussed. You could have this discussion about any fashion persona. Do you look down on bohemian style? Do you look down on vintage style? And again, I would expect the results to be mostly "not for me, but fine for others."</p> <p>Personally I see a lot more adversity towards bohemian and trendy fashion personas in my day to day life. "I don't want to be too trendy" or some variation thereof is something I hear far more than "I don't want to be too classic." When Angie blogged about bohemian style, the results were largely negative (clearly those people haven't seen Jean and Cathy). If anything, I would consider classic to be the most respected and admired of all styles, so I guess I am surprised to see that it was chosen for this topic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171114 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:30:21 +0000 Refugee 171114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't look down on the strict classic style at all. I adore it. When I see it done (done well of course, if it's not done well it's not classic IMHO) I always admire and enjoy it. I love all kinds of different styles. Just because I wouldn't wear it doesn't mean it's not fab on someone else. Moving to a strict classic style for me would make feel like an impostor in my own life. And that wouldn't definitely not be fab at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171083 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:12:02 +0000 stringy 171083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Dusty has hit the nail on the head - if you're not feeling it on the inside, then you'll look uncomfortable on the outside. If you want to dress classic, you've got to love it; if you want to go boho or tough or embrace the latest silly trend, etc, etc, you've got to be enthusiastic about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171028 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 06:41:53 +0000 wilson 171028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think classic style done well is so beautiful to look at. I like to see a splash of individuality in any style, something that speaks about the unique person wearing it and invites me to wonder who she is and how she sees things; a slight insight to her personality.</p> <p>When I think "I need to funk up this outfit" it doesn't mean I need to make it funky and trendy. I think it means I need to accessorize it somehow to make it speak the way I want it to speak, to pull it together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-171019 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:48:02 +0000 Angie 171019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, you just brought the word "retro" into the thought process. Are retro styles classic? That's another interesting debate. Retro styles are classic in the 00's - today. They are like a subset of both classic and funky style. But were retro pieces of the 50's and 60's classic in the 70's and 80's? Perhaps they were dated? Food for thought.</p> <p>Taylor, don't you worry that pretty little gramma head about anything :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170999 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:54:22 +0000 Gaylene 170999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting discussion, especially since the connotations of the word classic seem to vary so much from person to person. </p> <p>When I think of classic style, I think of silhouettes and shapes that are timeless. It's the bias cut dresses of the 30s, the elegant gowns of the 40s, the cheeky sundresses of the 50s-- all those clothes that still look good half a century later. To me, the trendy styles are the ones that sometimes make me cringe when I look at pictures of my style choices in my earlier years. Did I really think that 60s red and white gingham checked pant suit was stylish? Did we really wear those 80s Dynasty suits with the huge shoulder pads and think we looked good?</p> <p>The pictures that Angie posted of her mother are, to my mind, examples of this kind of classic style. The outfits look as stylish today as they were when the pictures were taken. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170992 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:37:06 +0000 taylor 170992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Angie (and Maya) A brief bit of gramma hysteria!!!<br /> Such a fine line between trendy and ridiculous at this age, don't want to cross that line....ever!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170989 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:17:14 +0000 Angie 170989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sure it's a valid choice, Maya. All stylish dressing preferences are valid choices. No one is questioning the validity. We are investigating a possible reason as to *why* this particular choice is being made. That's one of the reasons we are exploring the perceptions of classic style on this thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170988 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:16:42 +0000 cciele 170988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to the thread -- really interesting reading! I apologize in advance if I repeat what others have stated here.</p> <p>I don't look down on classic style; I just don't think it fits my style. I admire the ladies here who look classy, polished, and stylish.</p> <p>The way we dress has a lot to do with our environment and situation in life. I think the classic style (and other styles) doesn't work when there's some sort of cognitive dissonance going on--the person is not comfortable in that style, it doesn't fit the situation, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170985 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:10:38 +0000 Maya 170985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If anyone want to be 100% classic all the time by their own free will, that's fine. It's a valid choice. I'm just saying that wanting to be classic with a twist is a valid choice too, and not just the result of looking down on or being afraid of classic. I'm just saying I can see why most people would not want to be 100% classic the same way I can see why they would not want to be 100% anything. It has nothing to do with looking down on it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170984 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:07:05 +0000 Angie 170984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maya, no one is expecting anyone to stick to one style persona. You are being all literal again :0). Believe it or not, but some people don't want to break out of their pukka classic style at all. I have a few clients like that. Also, remember that style personas lay on a continuum. They are mixtures and degrees of every persona. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170977 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:58:24 +0000 Maya 170977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor, I don't think you need to do any evaluation at all. Sandy and Jean also have trendy elements to their style and they look fabulous. I don't think trends are age specific. If you were out of line, Angie would have told you by now.</p> <p>I think it's a bit ridiculous to expect anyone to be all classic, all the time...like if they don't stick to it 100%, they're breaking the rules or shying away from it. I can't imagine every item in my wardrobe or every hairstyle I try being trendy just to match my trendy persona. Who is 100% bohemian, 100% trendy, 100% romantic...? We are not one dimensional people, so why would we expect our style to be one dimensional, and why is this discussion only related to classic dressing? Of course most people want to be classic with a twist. They don't want to be some cookie cutter posterchild for classic dressing. They want to integrate their own personality and aesthetic. I fail to see how this is any different from any other kind of style. It gives the impression that "pure" classic dressing does not allow for personal preferences or creativity, which isn't true. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170973 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:53:33 +0000 Angie 170973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More excellent thoughts!</p> <p>No worries, MPJ. You'll compliment the next person who wows you. It's never too late to start doing that :-)</p> <p>Leslie, I like your thinking. I do think that the distinction between classic elements and classic style are clear - that's why most people opt for a modern classic look "with a twist". They like the elements but are fearful of looking boring and dowdy. The so called "twist" prevents the so called frump factor. </p> <p>Dusty, I really like your thinking too. Classic style needs to suit a person in order to not look dowdy - meaning that it's not that easy to pop on a sheath with pearls and look fab. However, I also don't think it's easier to look edgy and arty either. That I have learnt through dressing women for years and years. Having an edgy style has to suit who you are inside just as much. </p> <p>My dear, Taylor. You can safely assume that you do not need to change anything about your KILLER style. That has been confirmed several times over and over again! Enjoy your creative and trendy space. You were *meant* to dress the way you do. It's effortless, edgy and equally sophisticated. The perfect combination for YOU. Trust me :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170967 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:40:36 +0000 taylor 170967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, this has turned into a really interesting thread!! And the ladies have all brought up some interesting points. lwc states that even Audrey H. would have to update her classic look, SOOO true !!</p> <p>Thanks ladies for the nice comments re: my style. Even though I have classic elements in my style, and sometimes , when the situation calls for ALL classic, I think Angie touched on something that was eyeopening for me re: me being more trendy than I think I am...She has made me think......perhaps too trendy for my age. I may have to re-evaluate some of my choices. </p> <p>Debora and April are always beatifully classic in their style, where as I am not. I work in a salon and in fashion, so I am rather immersed in trends daily....I think I must proceed with caution:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-look-down-on-classic-style/page/3#post-170953 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:57:00 +0000 Debora 170953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another classic here! I've been following this thread with interest, and this is the first opportunity that I've had to sit down and comment. Such great responses! I've always loved classic style, but find that one of my biggest concerns is how to stay modern and current. Thank goodness for YLF! I've found that this has been the best way for me to stay up- to -date with fashion, and feel certain that I would be forever lost in frumpiness if it were not for Angie and the wonderful ladies on the forum. </p>