https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:10:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027568 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 14:45:55 +0000 unfrumped 1027568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get especially confused about datedness when people talk about "investment" purchases.</p> <p>To me that connotes a 5-year item at least. OK, I guess Investment could be in comfort or utility--so I will "invest" in a pair of flats or boots that I'll wear at least once or twice a week for a year&nbsp; or so.&nbsp;However, that is more akin to a&nbsp;general rule of&nbsp;value. &nbsp;</p> <p>But usually it means, the great jacket, the perfect suits, leather items, bags, and some kinds of footwear, and so on. So how classic can these be and still be current now and ok in 5 years and perhaps not be in the league of the Chanel bag? I mean the EXACT item, not an updated version of it.</p> <p>Percentage-wise, I see a lot more kudos given on YLF for&nbsp;achieving the latest look than identifying whether an item has 5-year staying power. Still, there is a lot of advice with some caution about how soon something might date, and why, and I appreciate that&nbsp; a lot.</p> <p>Or are we kidding ourselves and there are very few 5-10 year items and clothing is just darn expensive unless you're a wizard at e-bay and sales/coupons and what have you?&nbsp; </p> <p>It brings me back to&nbsp;continually rethinking how much clothing I really need (meaning, don't need) &nbsp;so's I'll be more nimble, and being more inventive in ways to make more classic &nbsp;pieces look updated. It really challenges my previous approach to clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027510 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 14:16:54 +0000 Beth Ann 1027510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes,&nbsp; I'm eyeing those snipped square toe booties in my closet suspiciously.&nbsp; Oh....and the cardis might need to be tracked by the NSA, scanning for possible wearer-dating activity.&nbsp; LOL</p> <p>Actually, I think wearers with a clearly identifiable "personsal style" can break the rules of fashion datedness with impunity.&nbsp; I'm not there yet, although I aspire to be.&nbsp; </p> <p>I also aspire to spend my fashion funds wisely and avoid buying simply to look like I know what's up in fashion.&nbsp; That creeps too closely to Jr. High thinking for my comfort. When I do replace or need new items, however, I feel that paying attention to what is trending or perceived as dated helps me look like a middle-aged woman still engaged with the world around her -- dynamic, open to change.&nbsp; This does affect my ability to maintain footing professionally and socially, whether I like it or not.&nbsp; Mercifully, I don't live in a trendy environment, so I have years to figure out what's new! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027504 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 14:13:55 +0000 AnnieMouse 1027504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really fascinating discussion. As someone who wears a lot of thrifted items, and gets a lot of inspiration from fellow thrifters, I think so much has to do with styling and how much the wearer owns it, as well as how it flatters. </p> <p>As someone who was sartorially coming into my own in the early 90s, I have a deep and abiding love of dresses with combat boots (hello, Riot Grrl) - I love the look, and the comfort of it, as well as the underlying meaning ("I needn't adhere to your patriarchial ideas of what's pretty and feminine, Mainstream Culture!"). I don't wear them with a babydoll dress anymore, and I may have changed the boots from my 14 eye Docs to my Veronica Slouch shorties, but the vibe is true, I think. I think it's possible to maintain the throughline, without having to cater fully to the history of the look. </p> <p>Another example is the ladies of A Beautiful Mess - they have a very vintage-y indie vibe, but they look fresh, thanks to the mixes and proportions. Jane from Sea Of Shoes does this astonishingly well (very fashion-y, but current), by mixing incredibly killer vintage and thrifted pieces with bleeding edge fashion and accessorising. </p> <p>Flattering *and personal spin* are what keep an obviously out of date item from looking dated. Like IronKurtain (I think?), I really prefer the inspirational piece than the updated, quite often. Incorporating it is where things can get tricky, but a strong personal confidence goes a long way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027366 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 10:32:44 +0000 Mander 1027366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a heck of a time judging datedness, unless it is really super-obvious.&nbsp; But then I run into the retro vs. dated question.&nbsp; Some things are so dated that they would just look like a costume if worn today, like 70s double-knit leisure suits with the huge collars, but something like a black leather motorcycle jacket from the 50s or a 40s-style suit would probably not strike me as dated.&nbsp; Generally I focus on figure flattery more than current-ness, and there are some styles that I either love or just don't like so I don't care if they are on-trend or not.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027326 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 07:19:23 +0000 ManidipaM 1027326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to say I am loving this discussion. Nothing new to contribute but Una, you are on fire with these thought-provoking threads! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027248 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 03:25:52 +0000 rae 1027248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well... I would personally venture to say that "modern fit" negates dated-ness. I'm thinking of suit jackets as an example... sometimes a really dated lapel/button/stance combo just. looks. dated. no matter how slim and leggy it makes you look. I see this a lot at DFS when sorting donations.&nbsp;But if something made during the same era happens to fall just so so that it looks fresh and modern. </p> <p>And then some things like Fluevogs - and I would say IK's shoes! - are artsy enough to transcend dated-ness.&nbsp;</p> <p>And then other things look dated alone but look totally cute and retro when styled.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess this is all to say that flattery just ain't enough for this member of the peanut gallery.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027183 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 02:01:02 +0000 Jaime 1027183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very tricky question! There are some outfit/person combinations that so obviously scream dated to me (hello Elaine)&nbsp;and yet lots of time I love and admire looks made up of a mishmash of old and new. I do think it depends a lot on the wearer and if her personal style is about being very modern looking, very unique looking, very whatever looking. The main thing is to get a sense the wearer is aware of what she is doing.</p> <p>In the case of Shannon's jacket, I think she carries it off beautifully and I think it is well designed in that hard to pinpoint way, which raises it above just any shoulder padded double breasted jacket one might thrift. In the case of the white leather jacket I recently posted, I think someone else will wear it beautifully even though it screams 70s. Anyway, Angie's post on the topic&nbsp;is gold of course.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027163 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 01:28:11 +0000 Caro in Oz 1027163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>".....once again Angie to the rescue." </i>:) &nbsp;:) &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027112 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 00:24:58 +0000 Peri 1027112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The subject of datedness always confuses and bothers me. For one thing, I guess I'm not aware enough of details. Round toes vs pointed...huh? I didn't think twice about the collar on kiwichic's jacket and thought it looked great. Others said the collar made it dated. Why??? It's just a normal collar. So I always feel puzzled and in the dark.</p> <p>The other thing is that the whole issue is subjective. In every single post, some people will say the item in question looks dated and some will say it looks great. There is no consensus, even among people who know more about fashion than the average person. There is no right answer and no way to please everybody.</p> <p>So I'm going to say my subjective opinion is we worry too much about it. I'm going with ironcurtain...if a person likes it they should wear it. If it looks great...or even if they just think it does...it doesn't have to be the most current thing to be just fine. If something is so on the line as to make us wonder and have to ask whether it is dated, then it must not be all that bad. As Echo says, some people will think anything that isn't exactly the current trend is dated...no room for any middle ground. I call those people teenagers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027061 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 23:28:24 +0000 Echo 1027061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Deb makes a really good point about looks we once wore, but have been in our closet for years and we are bored with. The exact same item might be worn by someone else and look current. For example, a number of years ago I wore a LOT of big, flowy summer skirts. I cannot wear them now. Other people look great in them and they are a style that never really is "out", but I overdosed on them and they still look dated ON ME.</p> <p>Signature style is interesting, but we don't know that walking past someone on the street. It is helpful to bring it up here to make sure someone really loves an item they are buying, but how many people would really know that something wasn't someone's signature style? If they looked uncomfortable that would be a give-away, but otherwise I am not sure it is relevant to looking dated or not because it isn't information that most people have while looking at you.&nbsp;</p> <p>And I have to agree that a lot of it has to do with fast fashion. Soon enough, rounded toes will look "dated" just like pointy toes did after the last time they peaked in the '90's. Realistically, unless they are extreme, almost all toe styles are always around, but a lot of people will say that whatever isn't completely current is dated. Same with skirt or dress lengths. Just because something isn't currently being shown on the runway doesn't make it dated, IMO. A lot of things that scream '80's or '90's to me are making a come-back, but they are old enough to be new again. In my eyes they might be dated, but to people younger than I am, they are new. If I wore them they might make me look like a throw-back, but on a teenager they would look new or cute or at least ironic.</p> <p>There are too many factors for anyone to be able to summarize what looks dated and what doesn't, and what looks dated to me might not look dated to someone else. I think each of us knows it when we see it, but again, we might all look at the same picture and half of us will say it looks good while the other half votes dated.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness/page/2#post-1027057 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 23:25:19 +0000 catgirl 1027057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, Angie's post is so helpful - thank you!&nbsp; It explains why&nbsp;*a* navy blazer is classic, but not alway the SAME navy blazer.&nbsp; It also explains why IronKurtin's avant-garde style looks as fab now as it did in the 90s.&nbsp; Once again, Angie to the rescue! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1027045 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 23:08:29 +0000 Caro in Oz 1027045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the answer is it depends :)&nbsp;</p> <p>I found Angie's post on this very helpful. </p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/10/24/the-true-longevity-of-timeless-items/">http://youlookfab.com/2012/10/.....ess-items/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026982 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 21:17:59 +0000 deb 1026982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have another question that may or may not apply. When you get bored with your clothes, do they feel dated? I think this is where my feeling of dated comes from in my own wardrobe. This leather jacket, for example. When I posted this&nbsp;WIW I said I was not comfortable with it. Some said it looked dated which I had not considered before. Then I realized it had been in my closet for years and I was bored with it.&nbsp;And the three buttons made it look dated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026978 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 21:07:56 +0000 Cindy 1026978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it really depends on the wearer. Using the Elaine example- Yes, she looks horribly dated in that dress but if you picture her with a stylish current haircut, put her in some cute boots, and throw a moto jacket over that dress she would look much better. There is a big difference between the woman who hasn't changed her look in ten year versus the woman who intentionally mixes an older beloved piece with current trends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026968 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:51:42 +0000 AviaMariah 1026968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it also depends on your wardrobe/fashion goals. &nbsp;How important is being current to your style goals? &nbsp;To me, getting overly worried about being current can sometimes take the fun out of it, and we are supposed to be having fun with fashion right? &nbsp;So if a person is deliberately wearing something "dated" because they enjoy it or it looks great on them, I say go for it and own it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026967 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:51:21 +0000 Anonymous 1026967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is perhaps why you think your friend looks good in&nbsp;her&nbsp;dresses. That's why is hard to be trendy. There&nbsp;is so much reliability on being current that&nbsp;things look dated in a minute.<br />By the way, hi all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026964 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:49:14 +0000 Anonymous 1026964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most things seldom look dated if they are part of someone's signature style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026962 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:47:24 +0000 Kiwichik 1026962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha just read Day's comment about hanging on to things until she has to stop wearing them. I tend to do this too with much loved items. I am not very fashion forward so I tend to focus on figure flattery. Having said that I am starting to get a little bored with my wardrobe &amp; am wondering if it is because I have pieces that flatter but don't necessarily fit with what is "in".<br /> I do however agree that some people have a "signature" style that stays current through the judicious application of more "in" accessories or makeup or whatever.<br /> OMG I am now more confused than ever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026959 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:36:17 +0000 Day Vies 1026959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to hop back in and say that personally I will never willingly give up a piece I can wear that fits well. My personal tastes are classic and somewhat retro. As a result I think it's difficult for me to look at my wardrobe and say that any one piece is dated especially since I have been known to hold on to pieces until they are damaged so I HAVE to stop wearing them. Lately the only things that escape my wardrobe are things that don't make me happy or simply don't fit well. Dated is just never a criteria that enters my mind when I go through my closet. I am an eternal optimist if it fits there is a way to make it work </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026954 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:13:22 +0000 Gaylene 1026954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question! I've been thinking about this topic this morning after I read the following:<br /><a href="http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.ca/2013/09/an-interesting-juxtaposition-of.html" rel="nofollow">http://theviviennefiles.blogsp.....on-of.html</a></p> <p>When I checked the online auction for Betsy Pickering Kaiser's wardrobe, I was amazed at how wearable her Galliano outfits looked today even though I'm assuming that many of them date back to her heyday as a model in the late 50s, 60s and early 70s:&nbsp;<a href="http://catalogues.lesliehindman.com/asp/search.asp?pg=1&amp;st=D&amp;sale_no=281+++" rel="nofollow"> <a href="http://catalogues.lesliehindman.com/asp/search.asp?pg=1&#038;st=D&#038;sale_no=281+++" rel="nofollow">http://catalogues.lesliehindma....._no=281+++</a></a>+&nbsp; </p> <p>I'm beginning to think the concept of datedness is really tied to our fascination with mass-market style trends. Novelty drives the fashion industry, and I suspect, for most of us, our wardrobes please us the most when our items let us participate in the current fashion scene. Unless we are able to afford a Galliano-level of design, however, most of us also realize that the bulk of our mass-market wardrobes are probably too closely associated with fashion trends to have the kind of longevity of Betsy Kaiser's wardrobe.&nbsp; If I like something enough to wear it, despite its lack of currency, I'm thinking it's probably has more to do with my own personal tastes and style preferences--the item in question can be a "classic" but in a more restricted, personal sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026951 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:11:18 +0000 Day Vies 1026951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question! For me dated means a garment or look with details that place it at a specific time. The more details the more likely it is that wearing the look beyond that time will look dated. I think it's a balancing test. There are some things that on their own look dated but remixed into an up-to-date outfit the piece will look fresh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026943 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 19:57:19 +0000 nancylee 1026943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Claire that it depends almost entirely on the wearer. Some people don't care that much about trends and are happy to wear something that's 5-10 years old...or even older...while others have to be on trend to feel good.</p> <p>It's all about how <i><b>you</b></i> feel in it. &nbsp;If you feel frumpy you won't be confident. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026940 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 19:45:50 +0000 deb 1026940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the statement 'own the look' helps an item not feel dated.&nbsp;Shannon's navy jacket looks boxy and dated to my eye because of what she paired it with. It is also not a style she wears, or we see her wear, often. It is not a signature style.&nbsp;(Sorry Shannon for using you as an example) Her polka dot jacket is more her signature style so it does not meet the 'dated' criteria. I also think it is a personal thing. If I dressed in a more quirky way, I could get away with wearing something I wore in the '80's. But, that is not me and I do not feel comfortable. I envy those who wear non-current items that suit their personality. After all, is that not what we are projecting with our style, our personality? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026934 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 19:32:58 +0000 shedev 1026934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not fashion forward enough to really tell what is dated but some things feel dated to me personally. Like blingy jeans such as Miss Me, once I've moved on they feel personally dated even though they are still common in Cleveland and sold at Dillards. I prefer chunky footwear to todays refined pointy toed trend. That might make me a little dated but I can deal with that.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026933 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 19:25:50 +0000 Mia 1026933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting discussion. &nbsp;I have&nbsp;&nbsp;noticed that women and men with a really strong sense of personal style seem to be able to incorporate garments and accessories that might be against the current trends&nbsp;and to my eye&nbsp;escape looking "dated". &nbsp;</p> <p>My point being that one must look at the big picture as well. &nbsp;The item might be "dated" looking on its own but can be part of a whole look that is interesting and modern and reflects the personality of the wearer. &nbsp;It's tricky for sure. &nbsp;I see looks like this all the time on "Advanced Style". &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026903 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 18:38:46 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1026903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you started this thread Una - this subject totally fascinates me. I just posted this reply in my thread about the navy blazer:</p> <p><i>In roving around Pinterest the other night and a few store websites, I am seeing some jackets with this type of boxier shape and with shoulder pads. Is it possible that something that last year would have seemed dated is now not?</i></p> <p><i>I'm also wondering if something that could be seen as dated but is worn in a modern way (i.e. with more edgy or trendy pieces), can that item then become modern&nbsp;in its own right?</i></p> <p><i>And IK raises an excellent point - when does something transcend being "dated" to become "classic"?</i></p> <p><i>I'm curious why the navy blazer would be considered dated when my 1960's shoulder-padded polka dot jacket isn't? (see pic below). Is it because I wear the vintage jacket&nbsp;</i><i></i><i>in a&nbsp;deliberate&nbsp;way? And if so, can't that also be done with the navy blazer?&nbsp;</i></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026887 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 18:15:31 +0000 AviaMariah 1026887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so with IK on square toed pumps. &nbsp;I love, love the look of a square toe so much better than pointy toes. &nbsp;I have a pair of black boots with square toes that I will wear again this winter and to #$ell with what is fashionable!!! &nbsp;So I guess that's my answer. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026880 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 18:11:22 +0000 Anonymous 1026880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are certain items from my past that I could still wear today<b> ***IF*** </b>I combined them with up-to-date things to achieve a more current style. That said, I don't want to wear looks that were fab back in the day but don't measure up now. Besides, I get bored if I don't change things up once in a while.</p> <p>Still, my feet hate pointed toed shoes. Moreover, there are certain&nbsp;styles that never worked for me and never will.</p> <p>I'm glad I've "found myself," so to speak. I no longer wander all over the map when it comes to colors and styles. There's a lot to be said for experimenting to see what works, and I'm glad I did, but it feels good to have a better idea of what really works for me and truly expresses who I am. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026873 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 18:07:20 +0000 catgirl 1026873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating! Because WHY does a certain item make you feel fab or not fab in this context? Would I love and buy my Lanai (wearing today!) at any point in time? Are some of us just more fickle? Can an item be dated on the hanger but not on a body?</p> <p>I've realized I tend to favor the same thing over and over, just like I can eat beans and rice for weeks.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/does-flattering-negate-dated-ness#post-1026872 Wed, 11 Sep 2013 18:06:06 +0000 ironkurtin 1026872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, it's so interesting you say that, because sometimes when I find the original version that the trends reference, I feel so much cooler than in the new version.</p> <p>Of course, we're not talking puff-sleeved floral dresses, although I do think Betsey Johnson kept that style alive for many, many years.&nbsp; I think I still own some from the 90s. </p>