K/R - so 1985, no? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

K/R - so 1985, no?

Alecia

Veteran

I thrifted this skirt for $5. It's vintage, 1985 probably. It's kind of tulipy. Anyway, it's a nice addition for a summer work capsule. I envisioned it with a top with this kind of sleeve (short dolman?) would be perfect for it. I found this pink top at the rack and thought it work for it and would get me into the fluorescent trend.

And then I realized that I think my mom wore this outfit except with round-toe pumps in the 80s. Whatever. I like it. But I'm open to other opinions before I make a final determination.

Do you think this outfit needs the more modern shoe (like the one shown) to keep from looking completely throwback? And how else would you wear this top? Too keep it, it really should be more than a one outfit top.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

Kari

Veteran

Honestly to my eye it could be a brand new skirt. Nothing dates it at all to me. I love the pretty fuchsia blouse!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Eeee, sorry, I'm not a fan. My mother wore those skirts back in the 80's when she was a attorney.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm sorry Alecia - I want to like it but it does look rather dated to my eye.

qpswan

I was 22 in 1985 and I don't think this outfit screams 80's. You have two classic pieces that fit you well. Now all you need is to add a jacket or cardigan and accessories to complete the look and make it yours.

The pink blouse can be worn with black and navy as well as denim. This summer, orange and fuchsia are a popular combination.

Kari

Veteran

Huh. Maybe I'm showing my age here (I was too young in the 80's) but this to me just looks like a straight skirt. What would make it dated?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think you need to wear modern shoes (as you are here) with it. The dated parts, to my eye, are the waistband and the straight down from the hip cut. But it is a great color and I think this outfit looks good.

IndyGal

I like both pieces -- they're classic, not dated. The outfit is plain for my tastes, though, and I think your instinct to add more modern (even funky) accessories is spot on. I'd throw on some chunky beads and a wild clutch, or something like that. Maybe pops of turquoise or yellow for some intense contrast.

As far as how else to wear the pink top, it looks like it has some volume to it, so my inclination would be to pair with skinny cigarette pants and heels for a cute "going out" look.

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

to me, this is a classic piece and I don't see anything dated about it. I do have a suggestion however-shorten it to just above the knee. Its more modern take on the classic skirt. Also, I agree with Indygal-it needs more contemporary acccessories-bold trendy necklace or cuff or shoes with modern lines(I like the ones you have on. My suggestion would be to stay away from classic pump with this outfit) will take it from 1991 to 2012. I am into simple classic lines and updating it with accessories and jewelry.
Btw, keep in mind, Alecia, no matter what you wear, not everyone is going to like the outfit but it doesn't mean there is something wrong with it, just that everyone taste is different

Anonymous

It doesn't look dated to me the way you are wearing it. If it's the waistband, you might add a belt. Patterned shoes or sandals would be fun with this.

marianna

Veteran

I'm with Kari on this one. Looks totally modern and fab to my eye. (I wasn't around in 1985 so that could be why!) You look great.

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

I also do not think it looks dated (and also was not around in 1985 xD). I do think that what might be a bit off is the proportions-- since the skirt is straight down from the hips and actually has a fair bit of volume at the bottom, I would pair with a less voluminous top. Ditto on the contemporary accessories advice!

lyn67

Veteran

See whta Angie says, it's a straight skirt, and an edgy, really on trend cage sandals, what's dated???

Deborah

Veteran

I do find this skirt to be pretty classic 80's (and I was there too and remember wearing this style when I first started working and was trying to dress like a grown up!). Having said that, I think your styling looks good. The modern shoes work and the on trend bright top. What dates it I think is the waistband and the tulip shape. I don't think i could wear this skirt and feel current but is this is the first time round for you in this style you will feel different about it than I do. I think you wear this well and have created a modern, contemporary look.

Meredith1953

Veteran

I love the top first of all! It would look cute with crops, jeans, shorts...lots of ways to wear it. The skirt looks fine with this top and also would look terrific with other colors and patterns as well. Tapering the hemline would probably make it look a tad more modern. I would love to see this with a a black and white top, maybe a striped shell.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

OMG! I had a navy skirt exactly like this in 1984. It was part of a suit I purchased for interviews as I was looking for summer internships. I wore that suit for years.

OK, so the question is how to make it less throwback.

Have you tried a belt? Either a slim, simple belt or a wide waist belt.

My other thought is to add modern accessories like a bib necklace or a stack of bracelets.

I do think this outfit works best with the modern shoes you have shown in the picture.

The top is fabulous. It will go well with black, as well as with jeans.

Final thought on how to update this skirt is to shorten it to an above the knee length. I have been seeing short tulip-y skirts but not below the knee, midi skirts.

jayne

Veteran

THis is super pretty, love those colors. I am wearing my white skirt with white tops for a white on white look and pairing with silver. White on white is on trend!

Hmmm, now I want to wear my skirt tomorrow

missvee

Veteran

I agree that a belt would be the final touch to lift the outfit into the 21st century. It's got a vintage vibe for sure, but the top and shoes make it modern to my eye. Great choice!

catgirl

Veteran

The waistband is what is making it look dated to my eye - but you could cover that with a skinny leopard belt, for example, and look totally j. crew up-to-date!

Carole

Veteran

I agree, the waistband makes the skirt look dated, but a belt could change that n an instant or perhaps wearing a blouse untucked and belted over, if that makes sense.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I think it is the waistband, and maybe the fabric (it's hard to tell from the photo - is it that spongy 80s suiting?) that's making it veer a little too literally 80s. I agree that a belt, or wearing it untucked although the silhouette looks great, might freshen it up. If you are considering shortening it, you could shorten from the top and do a new faced waistband or a darted one rather than the gathered to a straight waistband setup you've got now.

But it's certainly not *bad* - I've probably worn things more old-fashioned looking than this on a regular basis.

Jonesy

Veteran

I think it looks fine as-is, but agree that if you wanted to go for it, you could shorten it to above the knee and taper it at the hem a bit, and it would look very modern (current examples below, from Rochas, Carven, Jason Wu, and Valentino).

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Scarlet

Veteran

Maybe just taper the bottom a tiny bit? With this skirt you definitely have to work to keep it modern. That top looks so versatile. You could wear it with anything, also untucked with jeans.

Alecia

Veteran

Thank you, thank you, thank you. What an interesting mix of responses! You've provided so many good ideas.

I will be keeping both the top and the skirt. I'm not sure about tapering the skirt. That seems like more expense than this skirt is worth. I very well may shorten it, though.

I look forward to finding different ways to wear both items and I'll try to post so you can see the fruit of your inspiration.

Scarlet

Veteran

I bet you could draw a line through our ages by our responses Pretty interesting really.