https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:07:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/3#post-1967270 Sun, 21 Oct 2018 12:14:57 +0000 Bijou 1967270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stirling, I think most of us are of a similar mind. Personally, I find it useful to see what is trending (Angie's seasonal updates are wonderful for this) and then think through what appeals to me so that I maintain a nod to what is current within many of my more classic pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/3#post-1967268 Sun, 21 Oct 2018 11:55:12 +0000 Anonymous 1967268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fascinating thread. &nbsp;There is much for me to think about. &nbsp;</p> <p>One of <b>Suz</b>'s comments exactly expressed my way of thinking. &nbsp;It is absolutely crucial to me to stay "current," but I would never use the term "trendy." &nbsp;For some reason, I equate "trendy" with teenagers and I don't feel the need to mirror their behaviors. &nbsp;I realize these are just words, but they evoke strong mental images so I am going to continue to use them that way in my personal life. &nbsp;</p> <p>The reason I have not commented is I don't have an answer. &nbsp;Logically, it would be pants, but that doesn't sound correct. &nbsp;My style seems to be in flux. &nbsp;I have not exactly nailed it down yet. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/3#post-1967237 Sun, 21 Oct 2018 08:14:58 +0000 anne 1967237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>... Just lost access to my laptop.<br /> To continue, I do want to have an element of currency in my style and like to keep my purchases of some items lean, so I can feel like they wear out about the same time as I want to replace them. Shoes and jeans are the main examples. Like Suz, though in a lesser way, I try to add a few seasonal items each year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/3#post-1967236 Sun, 21 Oct 2018 08:04:08 +0000 anne 1967236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so late to this fascinating thread.</p> <p>Firstly Jenni, I think some people's minds do work in a more chronological fashion than others. There are some fashions I can pinpoint to particular years because of associations with other events. For example, in my second pregnancy, in 2005, there was a trend for long ribbed singlet tops with long pleated, tiered skirts. Being pregnant, I sat that one out. Mind you, I also think people just say those dates sometimes, without really being that sure of their accuracy!</p> <p>To Bijou's main point, I don't feel that there has to be&nbsp; a particular something in my style that has to be current. In general, colour, style, appropriateness is more important, and my considerations of (relative) frugality) is more important.</p> <p>but... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/3#post-1965595 Tue, 16 Oct 2018 09:51:30 +0000 Jenni NZ 1965595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know I think I'm pretty clueless about trends really? I remember my girls going to a clothes swap perhaps 3 years ago and picking a few small items but not wanting some as the skirt shapes (say) were "really 2007", they claimed. And this must have been maybe 2015 so 8 years later? I don't think I'd have a clue what 2007 skirt shapes were and how they'd be different from 2015?<br /> I hope there may be some other Fabbers who are clueless like me. I still want to look "modern", whatever that means- it's an old-fashioned word now maybe, aren't we post-modern now?-maybe I just mean not too outdated, but not trendy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/3#post-1965573 Tue, 16 Oct 2018 06:22:56 +0000 Cee 1965573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>... You wouldn't dare ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/3#post-1965560 Tue, 16 Oct 2018 04:20:56 +0000 Sal 1965560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating thread - thanks Bijou.</p> <p>Suz/Angie -&nbsp; your definitions were great too.&nbsp; I concur!!</p> <p>And yet there is that something special/extra that people bring to their look - that makes the unfashionable look current, or the classic look modern, or the trendy look classic.......I guess that is the essence of style and being true to yourself.</p> <p>I wore a 1980s tracksuit for a weekend this year as part of a uniform.&nbsp; I looked and felt very unstylish.&nbsp; Yet I see university students wearing similar pieces and looking so edgy and modern.....</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/3#post-1965554 Tue, 16 Oct 2018 04:05:32 +0000 Suz 1965554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Cee</b>, you mean that photo of me from high school in the baby blue cowl neck is finally coming back into its moment? I could punish you with that photo...</p> <p><b>Angie</b>, thank you! Yes, I do think mom jeans are still trendy...it's an interesting example, really, because it was a fringe trend several years ago and has taken some time to take hold...hmmm. And I was actually thinking COS when I thought avant -garde. Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965534 Tue, 16 Oct 2018 02:10:33 +0000 Cee 1965534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I'm finally thinking about buying some COWLNECKS ! Most people I know say they're comfy, warm and stylish ! You'd be a fool not to have at least a dozen loose neck sweaters instead of those stupid, choking, UGLY turtleneck/rollneck/poloneck things ! They're yucky and they smell bad too !</p> <p>*Evil cowlneck turns away from keyboard and grins sardonically at the real Cee who's desperately struggling against ropes in chair whilst shaking head and making muffled protests through gag*&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965487 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 22:12:52 +0000 Katerina 1965487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is fascinating. About the “trendy” - I am not a trendy dresser. I would love to be able too be one, though. Often, I see someone on the street and I admire their trendy, soo cool outfit. But I can’t do trendy well at all. I can do classic, polished, dressy, dramatic, retro and even a touch of avant-garde. I know how. But not trendy! When I try, it doesn’t feel authentic, I feel like a fake and ridiculous, IYKWIM. Wonder why that is... And again, I love many trendy outfits and admire people who do newest trends with such an ease. There are quite a few here on YLF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965454 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 20:17:06 +0000 Sara L. 1965454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Footwear for me!&nbsp; The rest of my style is fairly consistent and doesn't change that much year to year.&nbsp; But trendy footwear really ups my style game. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965423 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 18:39:30 +0000 Angie 1965423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>,<b></b> you are dead right. You got it! (I'd say Mom Jeans are trendy, though).</p> <p>COS is&nbsp;consistently&nbsp;avant-garde.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965412 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 18:10:45 +0000 abc 1965412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't had time to read all the replies, but this thread really got my brain juices flowing!&nbsp; With perfect timing, as I am struggling because I want to totally redo my whole wardrobe (when I know that isn't necessary).&nbsp; I'm feeling stressed and usually this comes out in my wardrobe angst.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Anyway, this post helped me determine what I should be focusing on, since I don't have unlimited resources (money) on my upcoming trip to the USA.</p> <p>I think for me, the items I tend to focus on keeping up to date are:&nbsp;<br />- hair cut and color (without either, I feel less than positive about myself)<br />- footwear<br />- toppers&nbsp;</p> <p>I would LIKE to find on my upcoming trip:<br />- animal print booties<br />- a new blazer, perhaps longer than I'd normally go for, in a navy print (see my post just now)</p> <p>I think these two key items would sufficiently update my fall wardrobe, but I know I'll want (and get) more than just those two things. That's ok, if they serve their purpose.</p> <p>Very interesting topic, thanks for asking the Q and for all the replies.</p> <p>Angie, I agree, a blog post would be most helpful on this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965401 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 17:34:25 +0000 Colette 1965401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking about this and I'm not really sure, but for me It’s probably footwear and denim. Handbag and outerwear are next in line. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965399 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 17:08:28 +0000 Anonymous 1965399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh it doesn’t bother me AT ALL if someone says “Oh that’s so 2013”...if I was wearing the outfit in 2013!</p> <p>I love trends, and my goal is to incorporate trends in my look. I am very unsuccessful though!! It is so unnatural for me! </p> <p>But anyway, I will say that like LaPed and a few others, I do not have a category of things I like to keep updated. I just pick a few things at random. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965395 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 16:54:23 +0000 Kate 1965395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really had to think about this one. For me, it's toppers first, then tops, followed by shoes. For instance, I don't really follow trends in jeans, because I have definite likes. Right now my preferences are on trend, with high rises ascendant, which is delightful. I'm having a field day buying jeans. But I prefer skinnies, not trending, and will keep wearing them. Dresses over pants, not trending, but I love the look and will keep wearing it. I wear dresses of all lengths, except maxis, over jeans and pants. At 62, I've seen a lot of trends cycle through, and will only partake a second—or third!—time around if the trend suits my current body and lifestyle.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965388 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 16:19:06 +0000 SarahD8 1965388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>, I second <b>Suz</b>'s request, I would find that helpful too!</p> <p>In my mind there is a distinction between "trendy" and "current" as well, though I'm having trouble putting words to it. Being "trendy" doesn't feel like a compelling goal <i>for me personally</i>, but the idea of keeping "current" seems like a sensible thing to aim for.</p> <p>For me, I don't really care if my clothing is on trend (though I'm happy to incorporate trendy items if they tickle my fancy -- hello silver tassel slides that I wore the whole month of September!). But I don't want my look to be dateable to a specific time frame -- like I don't want people to glance at my outfit and go, "oh that's so 2013." I guess that's a way of saying that while I don't care much about wearing <i>current</i> trends, I don't want to get caught wearing <i>past</i> ones! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965387 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 16:16:13 +0000 Suz 1965387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So....just brainstorming for myself...<b>at this moment</b>....</p> <ul> <li>Leopard print is trendy/ on trend.&nbsp;</li> <li>Moto jackets are current.&nbsp;</li> <li>I could create an 70s influenced outfit with full length bootcuts, a silky leopard print blouse in earthy tones, and a suede moto jacket and be modern retro.&nbsp;</li> <li>"Mom" jeans were fashion forward about 5 years ago. Now they're current. I am not well-versed enough in fashion to know what's fashion forward right now. (I'm not a trend-setter but a trend-follower.)&nbsp;</li> <li>As for avant-garde, that seems like its own category and has a lot to do with cut and structure. We think of certain designers as&nbsp;having an avant-garde flair.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <div>Do I have it more or less correct?&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965382 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 16:09:29 +0000 Suz 1965382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>, a blog post on all those terms would be brilliant! With visuals. Nobody parses it as well as you do and personally I find the distinctions really helpful in updating my own closet.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965351 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:32:24 +0000 Angie 1965351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>FashIntern</b>, trends aren't ephemeral anymore, actually. Fads no longer exist. Fashion and style are inextricably linked, but not the same. Fashion is wrapped up in trends, and is a component of style. Style is the sum of its parts. That's why fashion unites us, and style sets us apart. </p> <p><b>Gigi</b>, if something is trendy - it's on trend. Either fringe or mainstream. Something can be current but not on trend. Moto jackets are current - but not on trend. Current and Trendy items are Modern. And Modern Retro is Modern. A look or item is Fashion Forward when it's ahead of its time. A look is avant-garde when it's beyond what's on trend, but not dated. It can be confusing.  </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965340 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 14:12:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1965340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, i can agree with you on keeping current, and haven’t used that term as an insult or heard it used that way, because it doesn’t have the meaning of being based on ephemeral, surface-level things the way “trendy” does. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965311 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 12:41:33 +0000 Bijou 1965311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - so many amazing responses here! It has been a delight to read them and it makes sense for us to pick and choose the item that will add that certain current aspect into our style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965271 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 08:47:14 +0000 Style Fan 1965271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great question Bijou!&nbsp; You certainly have some amazing dresses.&nbsp; I enjoyed reading the replies.</p> <p>Number one on my list is jeans.&nbsp; I need a current/trendy pair of jeans in my wardrobe.&nbsp; I would actually say that I like to have jeans (or bottoms) that are a bit fashion forward. &nbsp;</p> <p>Number two is my hair.&nbsp; I wear my hair shoulder length with bangs but I depend on my stylist to update it.&nbsp; She might add layers or take away layers but she seems to update my hair with small tweaks.</p> <p>Number three is accessories.&nbsp; Lately, I have been wearing more gold fine jewellery and layering necklaces.&nbsp; I also have been wearing multiple rings. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965246 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 04:58:49 +0000 Suz 1965246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Bijou</b>, what a great question. It makes absolute sense that you'd focus on your beautiful dress collection as the essential area to keep pristine and up to date. I do think that the "joy per wear" factor can never be dismissed and those items or categories of item that tend to bring us joy will be easier for us to justify spending on.&nbsp;</p> <p>"Trendy" used to have negative connotations to me, too -- but now that I stop to think about it, why? Because even as a 14 year old I was following the trends. Not buying into them willy nilly -- no way! But picking and choosing, you bet!&nbsp;</p> <p>I think staying "current" or even "trendy" is a valuable style goal for those of us whose core style is classic. Without the "modern" classic can quickly look (and more important, <b>feel</b>) stodgy, boring, dull, and even uncomfortable at times.&nbsp;</p> <p>My core style sensibility is extremely classic...with a bit of prep, a tiny bit of punk, a bit of retro. And I'm (ahem) part of the grey-haired well over 50 age group. I am in no way trying to deny my age, but neither do I want to appear less energetic and lively than I feel. So "trendy" has come to be a plus in my fashion vocabulary. <b>Caro from Oz </b>(forum member) always said she feels that following trends or being current has become even more important, rather than less important, to her as she ages. I'm with her.&nbsp;</p> <p>Phew, that got long. Anyway -- I like to maintain currency especially with:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Haircut (and colour).&nbsp;</li> <li>Denim (since I wear it so regularly).&nbsp;</li> <li>Footwear.</li> <li>One or two seasonal "must haves" assuming one or two of them speak to me. (If not, I let that go.)&nbsp;</li> </ul> <br />My toppers, tops, dresses, accessories, and bags tend to be much more classic. I love a great collection of blazers and blazers, as much as denim, are a wardrobe essential for me -- but mine are mostly pretty standard in cut and style -- or at least, the ones I wear the most fall into that category. I <b>do</b> love the drama of a colourful or patterned coat, but it's often in a fairly classic style. In fact, I'd say I purposely look for wardrobe longevity in most of my coats, blazers, and dresses -- with a space for a trendy wild card or two.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965232 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 02:35:20 +0000 jussie 1965232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. I interesting post Bij. For me, I don’t have any particular category that I focus on keeping current- however I can identify that my shoes tend to be more “classic” than trendy..... not that they are super old but more that I’ve always gravitated to plain styles like ballet flats and plain chelsea boots. I’d like to up my game in this area. Expensive though!<br /> Because I shop quite regularly, I would think most of my stuff isn’t likely to be too severely dated, just because I don’t hold into most things for all that long... I have a handful of older tops and dresses that may not be current, but I think that’s about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965215 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 01:56:49 +0000 Jaime 1965215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More than trendy I like to look intentional and aware, which definitely involves a large degree of trend spotting, and then mixing in what seems right for me. My hair is in transition because I realize I like it to look geometric rather than soft, but it is definitely a huge style factor for me. Shoes too. Then I think bottoms because I can work with a lot more silhouettes than with tops. Jackets during the part of the year when I can wear them (about 5 months). Patterns when they appeal to me and I can find them second hand or local. Great topic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965170 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:10:33 +0000 DonnaF 1965170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My circle of friends and acquaintances do not seem to pay attention to trends, and looking current is not at the top of their list. Hence, I feel no social pressure whatsoever to look up-to-date which is nice. OTOH, a number have indicated that they pay attention to what I'm wearing or look on Sundays with curiosity so I feel that I need to look somewhat put together.</p> <p>I bought the pointy toed mules below a couple of months ago, and I must say, I feel so up to date in them. I may try with footwear, but my right foot isn't up to much; cool footwear is mostly aspirational. These mules join my red, blue, black patent, and rust Dansko clogs.</p> <p>I tend to pay more attention to whether something is apt to look aging/matronly on my particular body and coloring; I'm too old to have something look ironic!&nbsp; This means I avoid Lands End, Foxcroft, and some Eileen Fisher due to cut and many NYDJ, Eliza J, Caslon, and Halogen prints. I also avoid orthopedic looking footwear other than Dansko Pros. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965165 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:02:19 +0000 Gigi 1965165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Fashintern</b>, I too grew up with "trendy" being a negative thing. It's only been in the last few years that I feel better about using that word; it has lost some of its negative connotation for me thanks to spending a lot of time on YLF. I do generally perfer "modern" or "current," though.</p> <p><b>Bijou</b>, for me, jeans silhouettes are probably the most important as far as looking current. Jeans are the backbone of my style since I work at home. I wish I could wear more dresses like you! I am different sizes on top and bottom, which makes it hard.</p> <p>After jeans, it would probably be footwear.&nbsp;</p> <p>I generally wear pretty classic tops, so those don't need frequent updating.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965146 Sun, 14 Oct 2018 22:43:08 +0000 Anonymous 1965146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine is jeans and casual and casual pants as I wear them nearly every day all year round. I also try to stay on trend with footwear as I have come to realize how important it is for an outfit. In my present climate I need to add toppers as they play an important outfit role.. And can change an outfit. Good question. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-essential-to-your-style-to-keep-up-to-date/page/2#post-1965138 Sun, 14 Oct 2018 21:42:19 +0000 Angie 1965138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>The Cat</b>, YES. That's my point. That a trendy refresh is personal, varies from person to person, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Furthermore, some seasons you feel trendier and more committed to fashion than others seasons. Life events and your environment can change the way you view fashion too. </p> <p><b>FashIntern</b>, I came on strongly in my last comment which was unwise, and of course, feel free to disagree with me at any time. I'm very sensitive to others negatively judging those who want to be trendy, so that's where it comes from. I understand that trendy can hold a less than aspirational goal for many. My clients, friends and family illustrate that daily.&nbsp;</p> </p>