thoughts on Modern Classic from non-classic dressers..... - YouLookFab Forum

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thoughts on Modern Classic from non-classic dressers.....

dustt

Veteran

With my own style pretty firmly in the Modern Classic/Natural/Sporty camp, I'm always inspired and fascinated by the rest of the community's style be it RATE or UWP or Arty or Boho or Eclectic or Girly or any of the other many descriptors we use to name our styles. I admire and enjoy your choices and try to glean pearls that fit my own rather mainstream style preferences. I'm interested to hear everyone's perception on Modern Classic. Do you as my DD's sometime comment see it as too safe or as a cop out? Are there elements that make you say "Oh, I could wear that" or "Yikes, I would NEVER wear that" ?

Inquiring minds want to know.........

Dressing

43 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

Suja

Veteran

Very interesting question. I'm a classic dresser too so I'm curious what others think. I have a friend who dresses even more classic than me and I do think she could look more hip and fun if she incorporated some trends or non-classic looks.

I'm curious to hear from people who wear non-classics to understand why they aren't into the classics.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am not comfortable in a head-to-toe classic look, but neither am I in head-to-toe trendy or boho or anything else. I don't see my overall style as very classic, but I incorporate classic pieces into my look and would be lost without them in my wardrobe.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I love classic dressers and can truly admire the style. Since I am a mood dresser and see fashion as an artistic expression, I love more boho elements.
I can appreciate other styles and really see how they fit the wearer and that's the goal for us all, isn't it? I celebrate when any of us put something together and look in the mirror and feel good. I can look at any style for color inspirtations or a certain classic piece and imagine how I could mix that into my style.

I don't see classic as too safe or a cop out ,but wonder if you mention it, if perhaps you might want to tweak something in your style?

dustt

Veteran

Tracey - It's a great questions and I pondered it for more than a minute. I'm actually really happy with my style choices but it was the comment from my DD's that got me wondering how others saw the classic choice that were closer to my own age bracket. I would say that both of them - as much as they probably would hate to admit it - veer decidedly towards classic themselves, but in their age bracket it's considered more preppy and a more deliberate decision. In my case I have always been a more classic/natural dresser so they don't see that I am veering from that choice!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Janet is spot on about her style. Well done, Janet.

I am a Modern Classic who enjoys to have fun with Trends. I often incorporate a classic piece into an outfit to ground the look. Most of the drama of my style is from the neck up, which is a deliberate style statement.

MsLuna

Veteran

After much discovery and style editing, I found out that I have strong modern classic leanings In terms of outfit silhouettes and individual garment pieces but I wear these pieces in bold colours, graphic prints, statement jewelry and (often) streamlined looking footwear.

MuseumGal

Veteran

I'm more of a boho eclectic type, but my wardrobe is absolutely grounded in classics.

doubleh

Veteran

I'm still trying to define my descriptors, but I think I am close and I would say that I am probably modern classic with a boho edge. Or aspire to be. I thought that was a bit contradictory, but am glad to see others use the same language... I tend to think of MC for myself as the "bones" of the outfit and the investment pieces from which to build upon with the fun elements.

I

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Not sure how to answer. For myself, boxy oxford shirts and loafers make my skin crawl. It's right up there with polos. Ditto, Chanel style jackets, etc. I think it's safe to say I am anti-conservative, although there is not really a term for that that I know of. But on others, some of these classics look great.
Head to toe classic does make me kind of yawn, I'll admit. But hey, we are all free to enjoy what we love and others can take it or leave it, right?!

Dana

(website)

Veteran

Modern classic is part of my style descriptor,but so is the word unexpected. I'll admit that sometimes I have to watch myself from leaning too far classic. Lately though I've really been wanting to add in a lot more edge. For example, I recently bought a pleated brush stroke print skirt. It could go with any plain knit top, but that would have felt old fashioned to me. Instead I'm pairing it with a boxy, almost boyish striped t for total juxtaposition.

deb

Veteran

I am a modern classic dresser and when we were deciding our style descriptors last year or the year before (could not find the thread), Angie pegged me as a 'Fun Modern Classic'. I like to add one item that is a little quirky for a classic.

rachylou

Veteran

The thoughts that have drifted into my head:

I like the way Angie does Modern Classic. Angie does Modern Classic in bold sharp lines, strong colour. I think because everyone here has an appreciation for fashion, I've never seen the kind of Modern Classic that makes me feel meh. Which is the kind where everything is a bit weaker - cuts a little more shapeless, colours faded. I note, tho, for my own purposes those meh qualities can be helpful. Because I can get wacky, toning it down with a little meh can help the medicine go down.
I think it's nice for the children when the adults dress "safe." Kids are very "mom, look at me!" They want and need to be in the spotlight of your attention. Of course, you deserve to shine too, but I've never met anyone who was eclipsed by their mom who had a good time of it. This isn't a thought connected to classic dressing except that it came up in context.
People *do* delude themselves into thinking they're classic when they are, in fact, copping out... sort of goes beyond fashion...

E

Veteran

No I don't think of modern classic dressers as dressing too safely or copping out.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Rachy is very wise.

I'm pretty much a modern classic dresser and have come to accept it. For a long time, I feared it. I thought it equalled boring or frumpy. But Angie shows how to do it with drama and verve. I do like to incorporate trends into the look to keep it current. Also, I require some drama. I like what Angie said about confining her drama mostly from the neck up. I do like a quiet drama in the cut of garments as well.

Anonymous

I definitely don't think modern classic is a cop-out. On one hand, I think the "default" for people who really don't care about clothes but want to look appropriate and presentable does tend toward (the duller end of) modern classic, just because it's so easy and available. But that's a completely different thing than modern classic with flair and an eye for detail, chosen by someone who clearly pays attention to what they're wearing.

As an aside, I don't think of my style as modern classic as all, but wonder if that's how other people would classify me because I'm fairly mainstream in how I dress and don't really fit into any other obvious aesthetic. For me, modern classic involves elements of crispness and structure that just aren't my thing.

shiny

Veteran

I am not even sure how I would classify my style, and don't really find a need anymore to try to label it or pin it down.

Certain classic silhouettes work great on me so they are staples and are in my closet no matter what is in fashion. When I say "great" on me, sometimes I mean by that only that I can find these items easily in my size to fit and flatter, and also find them comfortable to wear.

These are my tried & true items -- even if they may be boring to others. I shop regularly at certain "classic" stores (like Ann Taylor & BR), because I know it won't be an exercise in frustration and futility, like it often is when I hit the high-end department stores. I don't buy their stuff because they've tamed down the trend and made it more "safe" for classic tastes. Nope. I buy their stuff because I can't find the same trendy item anywhere else, that will fit me.

Meanwhile there are a long list of classics that do not suit me all that great, such as crisp button down shirt or loafers, so they are either never in my closet, or come in briefly for awhile. If something classic becomes a trend again, I might try adopting it for the fad alone, or shall we say, to look current. Loafers (which someone mentioned) are a good case in point. They aren't a staple in my wardrobe because I find them uncomfortable, but when they are in style, I might add them in for a season -- or just go dig up the pair I have in reserve, knowing that the style will eventually come around again. Heh

Or maybe it's a classic that I simply grew tired of, so out of my closet it went. Only to have me intrigued again when the classic comes back around, years later.

Perhaps this makes me a Modern Classic, I don't know.

As for RATE or UWP or Arty or Boho or Eclectic or Girly, I appreciate all these styles very much, but when I try to pull them off myself, they don't work, at least, not head to toe. I can take elements here and there. Otherwise, I feel like I look too costumey. I'm not saying others look costumey - they DON'T. I am saying on *me,* it looks like I am trying too hard, or something. It's just not me, I think. Even if I adore these looks on others. I will sigh wistfully... if only I had stronger/more interesting features (to pull off RATE or Arty)... more contrasting coloring (to pull off UWP) ... a tinier waist (to pull off girly)... or hair that looked good naturally (to pull of Boho)....or an athletic build (to pull off sporty). As for Eclectic... heh... I admire that style the most but fear I don't have the patience or confidence in my taste to put it together just so.

But I can and do take *elements* of all these styles and incorporate them, and that seems to work and meet my need to play and have fun.

Two of my favorite fashion periods were the 40s and the 60s. Whenever those silhouettes come back on trend, I'm a huge sucker.

doubleh

Veteran

@ Rachylou. New word: "meh-dicine".

Zibbets

Veteran

Well said, rachylou. I think you're spot on with all three points.

I think I'm in the modern classic camp. I'm most comfortable in tailored pieces with classic lines, but fit has to be current.

Mellllls

Veteran

I also refuse to label my style. BUT I do think that most of the general population is modern classic even if it doesn't appear that way on ylf.

Anonymous

Shiny, I identify so much with your second and third paragraphs. In particular, I think I usually mean the exact same thing when I say something works "great" on me. For petites (and probably for other special sizes), a certain amount of classic does seem to be hard to avoid.

rabbit

Veteran

My feeling is somewhat akin to Mo, and thinking about it, it’s honestly because prior to YLF I associated a certain kind of modern classic with wealth, suburbia, and conservatism – none of which fit with my self-image. The caveat is that this is purely subjective and somewhat irrational.

I also have found myself sometimes dressing more modern classic since joining YLF, there is a London Fog trench coat I have which I thrifted purely for rain, but it often makes my outfits skew a bit more classic in overall effect. I feel comfortable wearing it at the mall or at Safeway, but I sometimes don’t feel as comfortable wearing these outfits to my group art studio, or New Seasons (our Whole Foods), or to the mom and pop computer repair place, or to meet friends, or to do anything in my professional capacity in the arts because in my mind they read as ‘rich lady from the suburbs’. So it’s weird, I think I’m reacting to my environment and code switching a bit based on what I think I’ll be doing during the day.

I like what Rachylou said about modern classics with a bold or trendy twist like Angie or many Fabbers sport. I find that appealing, not necessarily something I want to emulate everyday, but I appreciate it.

Oh, and what she says about what mothers wear. In middle school I SO wanted my mom to dress like a rich lady from the suburbs instead of an eccentric thrifter. In hindsight though I don’t think it was important in the overall scheme of things that she didn’t.

shedev

Veteran

I like modern classic on others, but some elements are too preppy for my taste.

DonnaF

Veteran

I have a fair number of modern classic pieces because, as Shiny pointed out, that's mostly what is available for Petites. But something keeps me from buying a 100% classic (cut + color + fabric) blazer or other fully classic items. . . .And when DD was around, as Rachylou pointed out, I tended to dress more conservatively so as not to mortify her. Ummm, the change has been noticeable, as quite a number of people have commented on this to me.

kerry

Veteran

Rachylou, your comments always seriously crack me up and often make me stop and think. I like that.

Shiny, you describe so well and specifically why certain style statements don't work for you. This is so helpful to me. I need to consider this more for myself to avoid shopping mistakes or outfit blunders on me.

I'm not sure I know what modern classic is. I don't think I dress this way but maybe I do because the less inspired modern classic look is sort of a fall-back for a lot of people?

I'm afraid I lack the panache (and the body) to pull off modern classic without looking frumpy and matronly.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree with RL. There is what is usually defined as classic & there is modern classic & they seem very different imo. I also feel like Janet - too many classic pieces & I don't feel right in my clothes I think finding our balance is what personal style is all about - for me it's never static & always shifting & always includes some modern elements

Anonymous

Without some modern classic in an outfit it easily can look like a costume.

Gigi

Veteran

I used to dress very classically. As a kid, I never grew up with any sense of style, so when I became an adult, I just kind of defaulted to a very traditional way of dressing. When I became more interested in fashion about a year ago, I did modernize my classics by shopping at places like BR, and at first I felt very happy. But as time went on, I realized that my style needs more than a modern classic approach. But as Shiny and Aubergine point out, shopping at places that do not carry petites' is an exercise in futility. So trying to expand my style has been very difficult and has resulted in many wasted hours shopping. Slowly but surely I am finding more interesting pieces, and for the time being, I am able to combine them with the more classic pieces to create outfits that make me happy. I will say that I see where Joy is coming from too: sometimes an outfit can look costumey if there are no modern classic elements in it at all.

So, in short, I don't view modern classic as a cop-out or "playing it safe." Although I will say that I myself was playing it safe by dressing that way from head to toe! I just assume that that is that person's style and how she feels best able to express herself. I actually sometimes envy people who are modern classics from head to toe because if that were my style, I would not have such a hard time finding clothes to fit me!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Dustt, You can walk with pure confidence that this is your conscious choice and it is purposeful! A great place to be!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

rabbit, I identify with what you say about veering away from modern classic in order to fit more easily with your artist friends/ community. Or at least I understand the urge.

As someone who actually objectively looks better in modern classic or at least somewhat straight lined and structured items, I really struggled to feel that I "fit" with my artist friends. I'm a writer, so the issues may not be as acute. Most writers of my acquaintanceship dress so schlumpily you can't identify any style and show little awareness of visual design. But those in my circle who do pay attention to fashion have a quirky, dramatic personal style that relies a lot on unusual thrifted items and odd combinations. Or else (if they are wealthier and often older) they tend to dress in an eclectic style, or avant-garde (i.e. like Australia Deb here). And for years I felt embarrassed that I kept gravitating back to classic styles.

(Like you, I have friends across multiple generations -- many of the people I hang out with are either a lot younger or a lot older than me.)

Angie helped to show me that it was possible to do that in a modern way and I could do it authentically without looking like a country club matron.

One trick is always, always casualizing the modern classic. So I will wear the crisp blazer (which looks sooooo much better on me than the drapey jacket I love equally) but for most occasions I'd wear it with the distressed jeans, not the pencil skirt. And I'd wear the pencil skirt with the denim or leather jacket.

I still don't think I "look" like an artist (or like our stereotypes of artists). I've come to accept that, and most people around me seem to accept it, too. For a while I experimented with more arty or avant-garde or boho pieces -- and they always felt like costume on me. So it is what it is. I keep trying trends and aiming for the ones that don't feel "costumey" on me.

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