https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:14:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern#post-1036296 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 19:14:18 +0000 Gaylene 1036296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My own opinion of the term "modern classic" is that it refers to an updated version of something that is considered a "classic", when "classic" is used to denote an archetype of a genre or class. For example, the term "trench coat" seems to have originated when offiicers wore their Aquascutum and Burberry raincoats into the battlefield in the trenches of WWI. These coats, along with the waterproofed coats designed by Charles Macintosh, became archetypes--or original models--for the hundreds and thousands of variations that have evolved over the past century.</p> <p>In most cases, the actual, original version of a "classic" would probably not be very wearable today, so in that sense every archetype could be considered "dated". But that is probably not the sense in which fashion uses the term "dated". To me, "dated" in the fashion sense is a much more loaded term; I mean, who would describe their style as "dated classic"? I think a better alternative to a "modern classic" style might be a "vintage/retro classic" style? So someone with a "modern classic" style is deliberately choosing to<br /> dress in a way that reflects a modern take on these archetypes while someone interested in a "vintage/retro classic" style might choose to wear classics that are more closely related to the original archetype. But neither of my theoretical fashionable ladies would probably be caught dead in the heavy, moth-eaten original "trench" coats! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern#post-1036218 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 17:24:04 +0000 Traci 1036218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is dated the opposite of modern? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern#post-1036215 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 17:21:26 +0000 Adelfa 1036215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well said, Gaylene! I'm trying to find my own little piece of ground under the big umbrella. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern#post-1036190 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 16:16:39 +0000 Gaylene 1036190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a great definition, Sveta!</p> <p>And welcome to the forum, MuseumGal. I'd just add that these definitions are subject to quite a bit of debate on the forum because of the huge variety of styles that are represented here. Many members wear retro classics in a modern way. Some interpret modern classic style in a very simple, streamlined, and unembellished way while others prefer a more colorful, pattern-rich version. And then there are those who like to infuse their modern classic style with a strong dose of steam punk, boho, or urban warrior style. Some wear a trendy, edgy, very up-to-date version of modern classic, while others aim for a more restrained, sophisticated, elegant version. Modern classic is a big umbrella! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern#post-1036173 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 15:16:11 +0000 MuseumGal 1036173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Sveta, that is interesting/enlightening.&nbsp; I guess then modern is juxtaposed with ... retro?&nbsp; I wonder if there is an inbetween ground.&nbsp; I wear a lot of classic pieces (e.g. my navy and black blazers are workhorses) but in neither modern nor retro ways ... I just wear those pieces b/c they look good on me and are so dang useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern#post-1036147 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 13:45:36 +0000 Suz 1036147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sveta, great explanation!&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie has a couple of blog posts about this as well. It's all in the details. A trench coat is a classic....but over time, the cuts do change a bit. Ditto pencil skirts, blazers...pretty much any classic item will always be updated in different ways.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern#post-1036131 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 13:32:40 +0000 Anonymous 1036131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow .... Sveta. &nbsp;You explained it perfectly for me too. &nbsp;Thank you. &nbsp;</p> <p>Without a doubt I am a modern classic and I didn't even know it. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern#post-1036126 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 13:19:30 +0000 Sveta 1036126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What we refer to "modern classic' in style here is when basic classic items and shapes are mixed with some current trends to make them "modern". Trends may be incorporated in different ways: <ol> <li>&nbsp;how these classic items are designed (for example slouchy and tapered legs for menswear inspired trousers which are classic);</li> <li>details (classic&nbsp; sheath dress with leather trim or sleeves for a mixed media trend);</li> <li>how classic items are mixed with trendier items (classic sheath with booties instead of pumps);</li> <li>at last the outfit may consist of all classic items but they are styled in trendy way (classic jeans and button down shirt&nbsp;semi-tucked with belt or sweater worn over the un-tucked button down shirt).</li> </ol> <p>I hope it makes sense - at least this is how I think about "modern classic"</p> <p>Welcome to the forum!<br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-modern#post-1036123 Sun, 22 Sep 2013 13:07:02 +0000 MuseumGal 1036123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello all!&nbsp; I'm a newbie here, so go easy on me.<br />So I see that a lot of you call your style "Modern Classic," and I'm wondering exactly what you mean by "modern."&nbsp; Of course I know what modern means in real life and even in philosophical/academic terms, but in terms fashion or style, I don't grok it.&nbsp; It sounds like an oxymoron to me.&nbsp; Please help me out ... what do you mean by "modern"? </p>