Ask Angie and everyone: Modern vs. trendy (and cool) - the difference

Ornella

I've noticed a thread these days in which Elisabeth asked everyone to use only one word to describe what they are going for... here: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-going-for

Angie's response was "Modern"
Not a single mention of "Trendy"
A few mentions of "Cool"

And it got me thinking what the main difference between Modern and Trendy is?

How does Cool fit with either of these descriptors from your point of view?
ETA: I'm only mentioning 'cool" because it does seem to appear with "trendy" often, although I think it to be more about the wearer's attitude than visible aspects of the outfit.

12 years ago

General

4 replies

Latest reply was from Aziraphale

Raisin

Veteran

To me:

Modern - looks current, maybe one or 2 trends used subtly. Lines and shapes are of the times.

Trendy - decked out in several trends, or one trend to the extreme. Trends head to toe.

Cool - looks confident and bad ass in whatever she's wearing, regardless of whether it's modern or trendy.

12 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

Ornella - there was a discussion about Cool/Edgy awhile back
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....d-for-cool

Not Angie, but I think trendy (for me at least) sometimes conjures up negative images of someone packing on the latest trend. I like to adapt trends to suit my style, not the other way around.
I look at "Cool" as more of an attitude and a cool look would be someone who looks at ease in it, not too fussy, reallyl fits their style.
Modern is harder as I would think that changes with the times. I'd consider it not dated. I'll be interested in the rest of the comments as these discussions are always interesting.

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ornella, here is how I define the word cool, which I also feel is an overused word at the moment:

http://youlookfab.com/2011/06/.....tfit-cool/

I do not think that cool has to be "bad-arse". A cool outfit means so much more than that.

Trendy means you enjoy wearing trends! I have a trendy aspect to my style for sure. But I also firmly hold on to my classics so it's not a dominant adjective for my style.

Modern encompasses all these things. It's about having a modern approach to fashion and style - which means that it's HOW you wear the classics and trends and make them your own that counts. 2013 is about seasonless and creative item juxtaposition. Wear items YOUR way. These days it's so much more about what the individual decides to do with fashion that has become the reigning principle. That is MODERN style.

12 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Ornella, you referenced my thread! I'm tickled!

I don't know how to answer your question. I think Angie's got a better handle on this, since style is her business, but I will say that the word "cool" is a bit like the word "chic" -- hard to pinpoint exactly what it means. It's an adjective that encompasses many other adjectives, and involves a state of mind as well as an outward appearance.

"Modern" and "trendy" are more specific, I think. "Modern" is a compliment, and to my mind simply means you are in sync with the current world, that you move forward with the times. "Trendy" can either be a compliment or not, which perhaps explains why no one chose it as their defining word. In the good sense of the word, "trendy" overlaps with modern. In the bad sense, I think it actually implies a lack of personal style -- i.e. the person unthinkingly jumps on bandwagons to fit in with the changing trends, and not to express her own personal style. Many teenaged girls can be described as "trendy" because they all wear the same things, and most of them don't look stylish, or even all that good.

12 years ago

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