So, what happens when you really really like certain things that are dated? - YouLookFab Forum

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So, what happens when you really really like certain things that are dated?

Andrea H

Sara L's question about whether her highlights look dated (which btw I vote no, they look fab) made me think of this. I'll probably never stop putting in a few highlights 3 or 4x a year, because I like the dimensional look they give to colored hair. But honestly? If I had my druthers, I'd be getting my early 2000s highlights: big chunky multicolored stripes that looked like nothing found in nature. Pretty sure my hairdresser would refuse to give them to me if I asked though. After all, it's her reputation if a client walks out looking like it's 2003.

But in matters that are totally in my own hands, I sometimes willfully ignore what's on trend and wear what I like. Just as one example, I will always go for a chunky shoe and take the platform or wedge because I have a real poison eye for stilettos or conventional pumps/high heels, no matter what's trending a particular year. So, what do you think, fabbers? Is it possible to integrate "dated" things into otherwise fashionable outfits and still look fab?

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Sara L.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

First, I'm trying to figure out what you mean by highlights that "look 2003". Perhaps you can show us a pic?

Second, something can be stylish, but not necessarily fashionable.

Third, items can date for a particular wearer slower or faster than for others.

These days, the bench marks for what makes an item truely dated is very, very wide. It's become quite the personal thing and very much dependent on the wearer.

DonnaF

Veteran

Well, I have very fussy feet that are hard to fit on top of that. I can't/shouldn't wear flexible soles, so that leaves clogs and platforms and the like. Very delicate shoes aren't the right scale for my chunky legs. BUT I think there are sufficient trends out there for one to pick and choose even if one doesn't buy the MOST dominant trend in a given year. Angie generally posts LOTS of current options.

BTW, I think stilettos and conventional pumps are a rather dated look. . .I'm still waiting for Dansko Pros to become all the rage. I've been having such problems getting booties to fit that I think I'll give up and buy black patent Pros which will be just fine in my climate.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Well, on the topic of highlights, you could do the tiger stripes like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's and then everyone would get that it was a deliberate fashion era reference.

But, on the other hand, if you did claw bangs, people would just think you got lost in the back aisles of Walmart in 1983 and never made your way out.

I think it's all in the intentionality and how up to date the rest of your look is.

Carla

Veteran

It seems like hair colour is meant to look intentional these days - grey hair on 20-somethings, mermaid hair, pink, etc. I don't think any kind of colour or application is patently wrong. The ombré trend was based on natural summer-to-winter grow out, if I'm not mistaken, and folks still go out in the sun, and get natural ombré, though just as many or more get it done in a salon.

Style trends are all over the map too - with 'natural' air dried wavy hair, flat ironed blow-outs, undercuts, etc. Long hair with short bangs, pixies with long side sweeps. I don't think perms are the done thing anymore, but you can correct me if I'm wrong.

I was talking to the stylist who cut my hair today, about a training session he just attended. He said it was all about how clients want the process to be fast and easy. A quick cut, a fast style, and the same ease when they are at home. He said undercutting is still very big, with undercutting at the nape under bobs in order to avoid the flip-out, and also to reduce drying time.

When it comes to shoes, I'm in the flats only camp. I edited out the last of my heels this summer. I have a 1 inch block heel on my winter boots, and Chelsea boots from previous years. Those, I will keep in rotation. Everything else is flat or the slimmest of 1/2 inch heels. I have pointy toes on most, slip on sneakers, and sandals. I will try hard to have trendy footwear, but not at the expense of comfort.

There are also 2 pair of grey barely boot cut Editor trousers from Express that are my go to work trousers. They are not particularly 'on trend' but they feel good, wear well, and I tell myself they are as flattering a basic as I am likely to find!

shedev

Veteran

I'll keep wearing things that fit my persona, if they are not in style they are within my style. While everyone bought pointy toes and fashion sneaks, I bought platforms and flatforms.

Traci

Veteran

For some reason I totally associate those highlights with Kelly Clarkson, even though she's certainly not the only one who had them!

I'm pretty excited right now because so many of the styles I still love from my late teens and early 20s in the 90s are everywhere. Flannels and baby doll dresses and chunky Mary Janes? Im eating it up.

When the trend passes again I'll go back to wearing more toned down versions, but I never go to the other end of the spectrum. Dainty shoes just won't ever suit my frame. In my book plaid is never really out of style, it's just not on trend sometimes.

I think you could get chunky highlights that satisfy you but look more modern due to the colors woven in. Less brass would look more modern to me. But if you love it up, just go for it!

Gaylene

Veteran

Short answer: YES, it is perfectly possible to integrate "dated" items into an otherwise current look and still look fab. The keys are "integrated" and "otherwise current". It takes a certain amount of courage to go against a dominant trend, but, if a person owns the look, it can be a refreshing alternative to the expected, cookie-cutter look endorsed by the masses.

Sal

Veteran

When everyone was flat ironing their hair I had waves...so I understand what you mean. And I persisted with midi dresses and skirts when everyone else was in mini skirts.

I think there are very few things you cannot wear at all because they are so dated...and remember that as soon as something is totally out it comes back in again...and someone like Miley Cyrus or Man Repeller will wear it with total style.

rachylou

Veteran

I feel in my secret heart of hearts that if you're good, you can take anything and make it work. But the catch is, you have to be good - and maybe willing to be a little funky. I think if you're playing it super straight, it gets much harder to wear styles from the 7 - 10 year out range. Past the 10 year range, it starts getting easier because then you're in retro territory.

Sal

Veteran

Yes Rachylou I think you nailed it there....

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes, what Rachy said.

Diana

Veteran

Yeah, I was going to say basically what Rachy said as well. I think you need to integrate it into your whole look, and arty/funky is the easiest way to do that.

Style Fan

Veteran

What Rachy said. Or just do what you want and make yourself happy.

Chris987

Veteran

What Rachy said, and what Style Fan said!

There is nothing wrong with having a personal style that doesn't fit any "rules" if it makes you happy and works for your life.

Sally

Veteran

To be honest if I was too fashion forward I would be as self conscious as I move in circles where people don't appreciate fashion. In saying that I once worked with a woman who at 35 was so dated in her clothing choices we actually thought she was much older...people commented on it. But she was a really interesting with it person.
I also worked with someone who came to work in bright yellow kaftans she probably found in the dress up box but she pulled it off. Another design student who was working in same office..she came with a blanket wrapped around her. It looked so good, I asked her where she'd got her outfit.
So as Rachy said if you're really good...you can pull anything off.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It all comes down to confidence.

unfrumped

Veteran

I think it helps, or may be key, if it's very flattering in some way, either conventional as in fit, or a " look" ( proportion, or drama, fitting one's features).
Yet it's possible to lose track of how that shifts, so it may need updating.
For example, some version of Bootcut clearly works for me. Sure, that may not be the best example of " dated" since it's perhaps Classic, but I get surprised at how some new ones look better than some older ones ( or vice versa). Same for high- waisted pants for me.
Snothef option is color. If a particular color is just fab- ly flattering on someone, OR is a trending color, that may be a good version of the less current style item.

RobinF

Veteran

I'm reading this post with interest. I agree that some people can wear anything and look good. But most of us not so much. I feel like if part of the outfit it quite current then maybe the rest doesn't have to be. Like if my shoes are a current style, then the rest can be more toned down. And I feel more comfortable than if I am head to toe dressed trendy.

Andrea H

Angie, I attached a picture of the kind of highlights I'm talking about (which I found by googling "chunky highlights early 2000s," lol). That's exactly how mine were in that era: thick stripes of both red and gold all in the front of my otherwise brown hair. I thought I was very cool at the time and I'd be lying if I said I didn't still like it. But it does look like 2003. Maybe we're almost around to retro on that.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Andrea H, those highlights look just fine. Not dated at all. Go for it, if it tickles your fancy.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I kind of love those highlights, too! I have a friend who has hair a bit like that -- her base colour is blonde but she has some brown and bright red (or sometimes pink) in there and it looks amazing on her. AND she is in her late 50s. And yeah, it still looks awesome!

Sara L.

Veteran

I actually think my stylist was thinking something similar to those highlights but not quite as dramatic. She said she wanted them to really contrast and not blend in (the sliced vs. weaving thing).