Defining Dated

Sarah

This is a question that’s been popping into my head for a while. Why are some old styles classics, while others are retro, and still others are dated? I understand what each term means, I’m just not really sure how a particular style becomes one of the three. And how do I know if my clothes are dated or will become dated? Classic I don’t mind, and retro is cool, but dated I’d like to avoid. I’m not sure if this questions makes any sense. If not, I’ll try to re-word it.

Sarah M.

17 years ago

General

4 replies

Latest reply was from Sarah

Becky

Veteran

Makes sense to me, Sarah, but I don't know if I can answer your question! I eagerly await expert opinion!

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Well I think tredy styles become dated. Not so much the individual item, but the style itself. For example...plaid shirts. The whole grunge phenomenon back in the 90's gave plaid a bad name. But plaid is making a comeback. But the plaids that are coming back are not grunge in style.

Classic is timeless. Patent is classic, but not everything patent is classic. You could have a patent raincoat that has a dated style--like a too small collar, or some decorative feature that is trendy right now. Just because it's patent does not mean it wont be dated in a few years.

And retro, is when you intentionally look for things from a prior era, but update it to some degree. I beleive there's another category here too....Vintage. That's when you find an original piece from a past era, that you incorporate into your wardrobe today. That's the difference between retro and vintage--originality. Retro probably tends to be recreated with a moden adaptation. Vintage is the real thing.

I could be off base on all these ideas, but that is how I think of it. I'd love to hear what Angie has to say too. Great question Sarah!

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wonderful quezzie Sarah and one I have taken for granted. I’ve assumed the meanings of these words were obvious when they aren’t.

A great clarification, Nicole. You have defined “vintage” and “retro” precisely how I understand them.

Trendy items and those that are “in trend”. We discuss current trends on the blog all the time. Some items are trendy for a season, while others are trendy for a decade. Leggings were trendy for a season; bootcut jeans have been trendy for decade. Some items start off being trendy and become currently classic. I pretty much put bootcut jeans and pointy-toed pumps into that category. When items are out of trend and not modernly classic – they’re dated.

Classic is a hard one. I like to put the word “modern” in front of it. Classic pieces that are neither modern nor retro or vintage, are dated or “traditional”. The Queen of England wears traditional clothing. Her clothing is dated and not classic. Someone like Jennifer Aniston has a very classic style – but it’s fab because of its current element. She does not look dated. If you’re after a classic piece, make sure it’s a modern classic piece unless it’s from another era (vintage).

If you don’t mix vintage and retro items with trendy pieces, you’ll look like you’re wearing a fancy dress costume. That’s why the style is tricky to pull off without practice and the right pieces. But once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s a great way to dress because it’s visually interesting.

The goal is to NOT wear dated clothing. This is why we update our wardrobes seasonally.

I hope that clears things up.

17 years ago

Sarah

Active Member

That makes sense. Angie and Nicole both had great things to say. I never new the difference between vintage and retro, and it’s good to hear about dated-classic verses modern-classic. I understand now! Thanks so much ladies.

17 years ago

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