https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 08:59:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise/page/2#post-489292 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:52:35 +0000 banananutmuffin 489292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was in grad school, I was still wearing stuff I had from high school, so age didn't impact what I considered to be "old."</p> <p>After having two kids, I've put on a few pounds and my body shape has changed, but I still have a few dresses/tops/skirts stashed in a box that I hope to one day fit back into. It's labeled "Banananutmuffin's Skinny Clothes." lol</p> <p>Formal dresses, business suits, etc.... I have some that I've had for 10 years. A few I should get rid of because they are just too young looking for me now, but I haven't done a major closet purge in a while.</p> <p>I do tend to buy what I consider to be classic lines - nothing very trendy, everything pretty simple. So fashion-wise I think much of my wardrobe stands the test of time. </p> <p>I am more likely to quickly get rid of things that were trendy but have ceased to be so. I don't buy many of those types of pieces, but every once in a while I do, and they have the fastest turnover in my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise/page/2#post-489224 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:02:54 +0000 soobee 489224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a gorgeous long, white dress which I wore once, 18 years ago. I wouldn't get one leg in it now though .... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise/page/2#post-489206 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:20:36 +0000 anne 489206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it would be nice if datedness and worn out ness happened at the same time. In fact I aim for that to happen, by trying to only buy enough trendy things that I will wear frequently and thus wear out quickly. (Although this could still mean up to 3 years!)<br /> Of course this is hard to orchestrate precisely. And I have dresses bought 12 years ago, and over 10 years ago that I still wear regularly, though others I have bought since then look dated.</p> <p>And then with basics I have things that are getting worn out that I would happily buy the exact thing again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise/page/2#post-489158 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:00:39 +0000 cciele 489158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, I don't tend to think of "age" in terms of my clothes. More in terms of "condition" and "timeliness." So I guess "old" to me would be something that's outlived its usefulness, no matter its chronological age. I have some underwear that's going on 15 years, haha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise/page/2#post-489094 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:23:56 +0000 Elly 489094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how Kate describes things-- using tortoises and "19th grade", she is awesome and I agree with her here completely in both the posts. </p> <p>Plus-- honestly unless it is a fancy outfit or extreme seasonal items, anything worth wearing probably should be worn more than 4-5 times a year imo-- that isn't even once a month during a season! Sure, there are some things that you might only wear for three months (shorts in CO, coat in FL)-- but in that case, you probably don't need as many! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise/page/2#post-488961 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:18:54 +0000 Kate 488961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I think times worn can be a factor, but I don't think it's the only one. I think that if you can remember back to the first time you wore it, and realize how different your life was back then, it seems old. I have a red dress that was purchased for my 8th grade graduation, and I wore it to my Aunt and Uncle's wedding. I've worn it less than 10 times. I'm now in the equivalent of 19th grade, and my cousins are 4 and 7! That dress feels a hell of a lot older than the boots I bought in 2010 and have worn 122 times! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488953 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:12:55 +0000 Kate 488953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm thinking that maybe different types of animals are the best way to make sense of my clothes. I have a couple vintage items from the 70s, but I don't think of them as old since I acquired them this year. I also have various gear (snow boots, winter coat, ski coat, etc) that are about 10 years old. These clothes are kinda like tortoises - they may be 10-35 years old, but they're gonna be around another 100 years, so they aren't old yet!</p> <p>I have some other wardrobe staples that are in the 5-7 year range. These tend to be more gear. They're more like dogs. They aren't old yet, but they aren't puppies anymore. They are reliable companions that I take exploring with me (winter hat, arcteryx jacket, hiking boots, exercise shirts) or cuddle up with at home (fleece pants, sweatshirt, t-shirts from high school). </p> <p>And then there are items that I buy knowing that they won't last more than a couple years. These are things like underwear and knit tops. They are like mice - they aren't actually that old when they pass away, but they live active lives and don't last very long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488935 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:54:25 +0000 Mo 488935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm, maybe it is how many times you've worn an item. Maybe it's 3 years old but you only wear it 4 or 5 times a year and so it doesn't feel old. Or, it's a little over a year old but you wear it just about every week and so it's now old. HMMMMM. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488929 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:47:51 +0000 Anonymous 488929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What in interesting trip down memory lane, Mo. I just went into my closet and realized that not a single item of clothing remains from when we moved cross-country seven years ago. The oldest item in there are my LLBean moccasin slippers which I received for Christmas when we first got here. They have probably lasted so long because I'm barefoot most of the year! I don't even have a wallet or handbag left from before the move. There is nothing more than 3 years old in my closet besides the slippers.</p> <p>I have a history of having a few favorite "go to" outfits each season and I either get tired of them or notice signs of wear after a few years. I've been trying to find my way with style for several years now and it seems better not to buy too much until I figure myself out!</p> <p>I think there's a huge correlation between the size of your wardrobe and how long your clothes last, without seeming "old". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488915 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:19:03 +0000 Lisa 488915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The bulk of my wardrobe is 3 years or less. I usually tire of something within that time frame. I have a high turnover with my wardrobe because I like to mix up my style. If I want to keep with the one in and one out rule, I expect my wardrobe to have a high turnover. The items I am more willing to keep longer than 3 years are my bigger ticket items: premium denim jeans, blazers, boots, if these are in good shape I expect to keep them for longer than 3 years. Shirts and knitwear, usually get yellow armpits, stains or just worn out from washing and have a much shorter life in my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488903 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:09:50 +0000 Queen Mum 488903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>good gracious.. the oldest thing in my closet is less than 3 years old. And it's on it's way out....<br /> I'm almost embarrassed to admit that! I know that back in the day, I didn't buy good quality stuff, and when I was heavier than I would have liked, I lived in the same pair of jeans almost 24/7. Plus, I had no clue what I was doing style wise. At this point my goal is to keep most wardrobe items for 3 years. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised to see things start to last longer than that. Shoes should last given that I'm spending more than $20 a pair now </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488890 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:00:37 +0000 Mander 488890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The oldest thing in my wardrobe that I can think of at the moment is a black jersey cardigan. Surprisingly, although this was actually thrifted nearly 20 years ago, it's still in pretty good shape. I usually only wear it as a layering piece under a jacket, however. It's close-fitting and cropped, and so it is unobtrusive.</p> <p>For the last 10 years or so I have been in a terrible habit of keeping things far too long. Hence the major closet purge that is in progress right now. But I do have a few nicer things that I have kept for a long time and will probably wear again someday, like the two floor-length black ball gowns and my favorite (but sadly too small right now) 40's style suit. My trusty Doc Martens are at least 10 years old but they look practically new, and they get worn fairly frequently. There are many other items in my closet that are probably 5-7 years old but these are mainly nothing special and are either nondescript enough that it doesn't really matter if I am seen wearing them repeatedly, like the black dresses, or they are worn infrequently so they don't look worn out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488858 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:54:09 +0000 Mo 488858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perfect answer Elly - thank you! </p> <p>I guess hearing something from a year or two ago referred to as old just struck me as odd. Which made me wonder if I just see it differently or if it was a product of my age as well. :)<br /> I totally agree with worn out and dated, as everyone touched on. I was just curious if after a certain amount of time, clothes become thought of and referred to as 'old' in general despite being in good condition and totally wearable stylewise, you know?<br /> Anyway, thanks everyone for indulging me!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488853 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:50:55 +0000 Astrid 488853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't say three year old items are old, if they still look nice and fit. I'm not able to buy that many things at once, so if I would consider everything old after a year or two, I think I wouldn't get anywhere with building my wardrobe. As long as it's in a good condition and I still like the look of it I'll wear it. I think the oldest item I have is maybe eight years old, but that is an exception. I had to replace most of my clothes in the last six years because I steadily gained weight, so most of the things I wear at the moment aren't older than three years and the age depends on what kind of garment it is. I'm loosing weight again at the moment and that's for all intents and purposes a good thing, but it's bothersome that I can't depend on being a certain size when building my wardrobe. I'm still at the beginning of it all, but I hope I will be able to wear the new things I buy for a few years before I'm forced to replace them. I guess many of my older items will have to go in the near future though, there's almost nothing that's worth keeping in the long run. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488846 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:44:06 +0000 Elly 488846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok Mo-- I am about as young as the board members come while still being an adult-- I can't think of anyone else who is a regular poster that is younger than me, but over 18. </p> <p>So, I will give this a go. </p> <p>My oldest item is a pair of boots which are 8 years old. They are close to being ready to retire simply because I wear them often and they weren't expensive or quality enough to bother to resole. I have a couple of clothing items that are 6-7 years old, and some more shoes and boots from that era (less worn). The clothing is either something that wasn't worn often (for whatever reason, including "formal wear") or is at the rag bag stage. I also have quite a few clothes that are 4-5 years old. I then have most of my jeans and knit tops, which are 2.5. </p> <p>I consider the 2.5 year-old stuff old only because I have been wearing the same 14 (give or take a few, esp. with some seasonal differences) knit tops and tees with a handful of wovens and layers thrown in and the same 3-4 pair of jeans for the last 3 years, give or take. All of them are at the point where they are showing wear, most should be tossed. </p> <p>I also have a few 3-year-old blouses and dresses that are "old" because they look dated. They were trendy at the time (not-so-classic ruffled blouses, for example). On the other hand, I have 3-year-old dresses that are my current go-tos and ones I've done slight alterations on to update them (turned some flutter sleeve dresses into sleeveless). My nicer dresses are 5 and 6 and still look fresh and haven't dated.</p> <p>I also have a few skirts and tops from 2003-2004 that are still in good condition, but they are dated. </p> <p>I also have some things I consider old because they are 3-7 years old and I have worn them to the same type of function time and time again with the same people (I have one blouse that goes to a lot of semi-formal family and community functions, and after 7 years it is still a nice style and in ok shape, but I just can't stand to see another picture of myself in it-- if my hair hadn't changed you wouldn't know the pics span 2003-2010). </p> <p>I do think that being younger does impact the age of clothes in one's closet, as well as what you consider "old", but not in the way you are thinking Mo. In your twenties, having clothing for 5-10 years generally means that the pieces are from your high school or teenage days (we won't even get into college clothes). Most women do finish developing during that period and even though they may stay the same size, the clothes fit differently. Even with no body changes, most clothing from the 14-21 era tends to be disposable and casual or trendy. </p> <p>The other thing that impacts "old" is the size of the wardrobe, as others have mentioned. Since I wasn't buying premium denim and wool blazers at age 17-- I was buying 30-50 dollar jeans, cotton knit tops, and knit jackets and wearing them into the ground, the only clothing that survived me having a small wardrobe were pieces that were orphans or failures in some way or were special occasion clothes or seasonal items. </p> <p>Most of my clothing that doesn't have a fatal flaw early on (stretching, piling, weird cut) lasts two years without me questioning the "oldness". At that point, it usually becomes obvious if there is too much wear or if it has dated (it happens). If it is dated or worn, then it retires. After that point in time, I am more careful about weeding and making sure things still look current, fit well, and aren't shabby. Most things don't make it past 5 years. Even my black slacks at 5 years fit slightly off, are worn, and have dated slightly -- even though you can still buy the style and I haven't changed sizes, the company recently tweaked the cut and details. For me, things that get past the 5-7 year mark have to be excellently cut for my body with very simple lines and good fabric, or "classic" items that haven't changed in the past 30-50 years like Frye Campus boots, docs, felt cloches, ect. </p> <p>There are always golden oldies that are special enough to put away or just stand the test of time and you can keep wearing (a coat, suit jacket, pencil skirt, ect). However, I do think that many items visibly date in the 3-5 year area. I also think in general the 20-something population of peers is more likely to notice something slightly dated. </p> <p>I see some women wearing things that were theirs in the 70s, 80s, even parts of the 90s combining them with new pieces in a fresh and funky way. However, I also see women who are wearing clothing from 5-15 years ago that don't recognize that subtle things are dating the pieces-- specifically proportions or age-appropriateness. </p> <p>I too have felt dated and awkward in pieces that were seldom worn -- and I find it is just better to let them go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488844 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:42:36 +0000 rachylou 488844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We-ell, you know there's "vintage" and then there's "dated." So, like, I have a vintage coat from the 1940s but no longer have the dated red Princess Di overcoat with black velvet collar from the '90s.</p> <p>And then there's the *clash of ages* and my friend who gives me grief about my Anthropologie coat (current) and while his self wears Hawaiian shirts and aviators like CIA on vacation (space-time anomaly). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488839 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:34:48 +0000 Di 488839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, FWIW, I'm 32, so most of that old stuff was old when I was in my 20s, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488838 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:29:45 +0000 rae 488838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty emotional. If I like it and it feels "fresh," then it feels new. If I've had it a week, and I'm sick of seeing it, it feels old. </p> <p>As far as anything being "too old to wear," I guess I don't think like that. I have a cub scout's shirt my hubby used to wear when he was a kid... still not too old for me, and he's 11 years older than I am. Also still wear a tee I got in Vegas when I was, like, 7 (used to be oversized). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488828 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:11:25 +0000 Anonymous 488828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have 2 SILs who do not purge their wardrobes and wear clothing that is clearly outdated. This makes them look older than they really are, and it's a shame because they're both college-educated professionals who need to dress better. I have not worked up the nerve to tell them, though.</p> <p>I don't try to keep up with all the trends... only the ones that suit me. I do, however, want to look stylish so people won't be able to guess my age so easily (or worse, think I'm older than I am). Most people, if my daughters aren't with me, guess that I'm in my 30s. I turned 50 this year. I don't try to dress like my daughters, but I don't want to dress like my grandmother or other 50-something women I've met who look like they're in a style rut. There's something to be said for looking like you're part of this decade and like you care about keeping up with the times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488827 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:10:38 +0000 ironkurtin 488827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have one pair of shorts that dates back to when I was 14 and they were pants. Those are OLD, man.</p> <p>Generally I don't really pay attention to how old they are, but how they fit and if they're still flattering or in style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488811 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:41:55 +0000 Mo 488811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Di, good point - I've been only 2 sizes all my adult life. I did a big purge at 22 when I first went up a size. 3 months later I was again the smaller size and I learned to not toss out the baby with the bathwater. </p> <p>I've yet to hear from any of our younger board members . . . I'm still curious if 3 years sounds old for clothing in your 20's. I honestly can't remember if I felt that way or not lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488805 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:37:55 +0000 Di 488805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been just about the exact same size for... maybe 17 years? And I have a few things that are 10-15 years old. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488796 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:30:09 +0000 Anonymous 488796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in the "if it's looking worn, it's old" club but have had to replace my wardrobe in the last 3 years due to weight loss. However, yesterday I was wearing a pair of black lace trouser socks that came from Penny's Outlet in the 1980's! They have been in continueous cool/cold weather rotation for longer than many of you have been alive. At the time "knee highs" had just become a popular sock option. They still get compliments, add an interesting texture, and are obviously much tougher than they look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488794 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:30:01 +0000 citygirldc 488794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems that most of my clothes last about 5 years or less. </p> <p>I found a cropped a-line jacket in my closet that no longer would work today. What was I thinking making myself look bigger than I really was?? I was a bit heavier back then so maybet that's why.</p> <p>Shoes may last a bit longer if I don't wear them all the time. </p> <p>Pants styles / fabrics change constantly so what I wore 5 years ago don't fit me the same way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488776 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:05:43 +0000 rosee 488776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>um... I have vintage dresses from the 1940s and 1950s, dresses and skirts from the 1970s...</p> <p>Some of my pieces are about 5 to 10 years old but still in good condition -- if it's not in good condition, then it's "old" by my standards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488774 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:02:02 +0000 MsMary 488774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a great point, Suz!! Before I lost my weight, I had a much smaller wardrobe and wore things much more often, which meant things wore out a lot faster!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488762 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:46:27 +0000 Suz 488762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in MaryK's exact position (even to age! waves to MaryK!) except I don't have as full a closet as hers so presumably my clothes get a lot more wear; I have fewer to cycle and in addition I work from home so don't distinguish between work wear and weekend wear. </p> <p>I also don't have her brilliant consignment store!! </p> <p>I definitely agree with the "it's old if it's worn out" rule, whatever its actual age. But apart from that, I think for jackets, some tops/ skirts/ dresses and some kinds of footwear I would probably be hoping for about 3 years, longer if possible! For coats, I'd aim for 5. </p> <p>Even with my weight loss, I currently have some items in my closet that are 3 years old; I managed to get these altered. I would hope that some of my new purchases would last at least that long. </p> <p>I also have consigned and/or thrifted items that are much older, and this summer I managed to rescue two dresses that I'd saved for decades! With a little alteration they were usable, although to be honest I don't think I will wear them again because I didn't feel fab in them. </p> <p>With thrifted and consigned items it is sometimes difficult to determine the item's age. We might be able to date the clothing, but it's difficult to tell how much it was actually worn, and that will factor into how long it lasts for us once it is ours. </p> <p>In my case, unless the item is a real wardrobe basic or a less frequently worn statement piece, I am likely to be tired of it after 3 years. That's because I favour a small wardrobe. So I wear many of my pieces multiple times in a week! True, my wardrobe smaller than even I might wish right now and I'm still building, but even when I get it to where I want it I will probably be wearing the same clothes quite frequently. So the type of wardrobe a person favours might influence the speed at which something feels "old" to her, as much as her own age! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488750 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:24:35 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 488750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go more by fit and preference than age of the garment too. The jacket I mentioned is a simple black jacket that hits at the hip bone. It still looks like new and fits well. I have other pieces that don't survive a year in the closet before they are cut from the team. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488747 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:20:53 +0000 MsMary 488747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, if it's showing a lot of wear or faded or whatever, it's "old" and out it goes!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/just-curious-what-do-you-consider-old-clothes-wise#post-488743 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:17:19 +0000 Mo 488743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rita and Dianthus, thanks for the detailed responses! I think so far I'm seeing similar guidelines within our rough age bracket. </p>