I don't think modern classic is too safe at all. I think all styles can be great, and the main thing that catches my eye: does the person own it? Do they look comfortable in their own skin and move confidently? I like classic pieces that fit well and I can move in, though I kind of like deconstructing them myself. I don't go for head-to-toe of any style. But on others, modern classic can strike me as elegant, pulled-together, sophisticated, and professional. I also agree that classic pieces can ground a more eclectic outfit, and I suppose I'm rather understated eclectic. There are pitfalls in any style, and one can look unbalanced in any genre!

Wow - loads of great thoughts!!

I can only speak as another modern classic dresser myself.
Agree with Kat that any genre can look NQR when the wearer is unsure or uncomfortable in their own skin!

I admit that when I sought input here on descriptors for my style, I was disappointed when several people suggested modern classic. I guess that still conjures up images of country club matron in my mind and that is something that I've never aspired to. And I question if I even understand how to define and/or recognize modern classic.

I do agree with Mo in disliking some styles that I view as conservative or preppy. So that type of classic style leaves me cold. Yet Angie's version of modern classic is very striking and I find it very appealing.

I hear what you are saying Suz, and I think authenticity to what feels right and works visually on someone trumps all. There of course isn't 'one' look for an artist or writer, after all, even if there are sometimes tribal patterns, there are an infinite number of people being creative in their own way (and definitely not all the time ) and practicality is important. In hindsight the times I focused least on my outward appearance, down to wearing the same khaki shorts and white tee shirt every day, were the times I was actually producing the most work.

I sometimes feel sharp and dashing in modern classics, they can be so elegant. You wear them sooo well. I like that within the constraints of lifestyle and work, we can choose to stick with a certain style - or just be eclectic with the clothing styles that make us happy.

I'm also thinking that you are right in that the key word is 'modern' in modern classics. I don't associate the 'modern' part with anything stuffy and thinking about my previous post, I realize that some of my subconscious preconceptions were more about classics + certain status brands signaling a certain tribal identity, without necessarily incorporating 'modern' - so I would edit that out of my post if I could.

I am firmly entrenched in the Urban Warrior Land as an Urban Night Warrior. I have the utmost respect for The Modern Classic. I think it can be safe but, I also think that boundaries can be pushed. I think lines can be blurred and often I find myself wondering into the Land of Modern Classic and incorporating pieces into my UNW style.

I am often envious of Modern Classic types. When done well, it's a look that says "I have class and taste." It is appropriate. I struggled to find looks that were appropriate for various events when I was younger (I'm sure most of us have done that).

I am not a classic dresser myself but it sneaks into my look through my love of blazers, androgynous looks, and a bit of preppy style.

One of the things I like about Modern Classic is that it can evoke a sense of participation. As in, I am aware of what makes for quality, I am aware of what looks good on my body, I am aware of the situation and what is appropriate, and I am aware of what is current in terms of silhouette and color. When my outfit is mostly Modern Classic I find I am able to relax and receive a level of attention that I'm comfortable with. I don't like to disappear, but I also don't like to be the center of attention. My home is like this as well, orderly, calm and soothing, but still personalized to the way our family likes to live and use the space. For some reason I'm much better at this with my garden and my home, and I'm trying to incorporate this sense of space (harmony? peace?) into my daily wardrobe. I think Modern Classic is a great starting point and will probably be the cornerstone of my style even as I evolve over time.

Thank you for starting this very thought-provoking thread, and to all the YLF members for sharing. It made me take a closer look at my own admittedly irrational biases, and think about their origins.

I'm probably conflating 'classic' with 'preppy' here, but I realized that as a teen I was heavily influenced by two items of popular culture. 1) The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach, which parodied prep style and 2) ice queen Beth Jarrett as played by Mary Tyler Moore in the movie Ordinary People who represented everything I did not want to be.

That said, I enjoy and wear classic items: i.e. LLBean cardis & oxford shirts; but I have to give them some kind of anti-preppy twist.

ETA: The Preppy Handbook also inspired J.Crew

I truly appreciate everyone's input on this topic and all of your responses (way more than I anticipated). I had never given much thought to the perception of privilege (of which I am definitely not) and tried to do some internal searching on why this felt like the most comfortable representation of who I am. Here are a couple of my thoughts......

My cultural Environment growing up was anything BUT classic - Boho/Artistic/Hippy Chick - my mother was very anti-establishment even though she came from a fairly conservative background. Classic/Sporty was my way of rebelling against the status quo in our household (oh the twisted things teenage girls do to rebel!!)

My Interests and choice of Profession shaped my view of myself further and as a working Mom of 2 girls in a field that was predominately male, how I dressed and displayed confidence was in part reflected by my choice of fairly classic or sporty dress.

My Body Type is flattered by Classic choices easily - I'm a tall IT with some lingering athletic tendencies - Classic/Sporty and Natural Styles are comfortable and flattering on me.

But my Hippy Chick roots are still there and show themselves in the way I long for color - sometimes unusual color combos - the need for Baggy Khaki shorts with Birks..... remember I'm the one who never got rid of mine even when they were fashion suicide!! I think that is the basis of my total LOVE of the boyfriend jean - It's the best combo of Classic/Sporty/HIppy Chick I can find!!

I still own, wear and enjoy the standard classics - Ray Bans, Khaki shorts, Navy Blazers, WHite blazer, STRIPES of all iterations, pencil skirts and pumps, but I make them MINE in whatever sporty/hippy chick way I can.

I think a good classic look can be fantastic. Thinking Brooks Brothers or Ralph Lauren. Besides if there was no classic, then what would be trendy.

Dustt, I'm starting to think we may be twins separated at birth!

Sporty/classic is my fashion persona. I don't think I have a RATE, avant guard, Boho, bone in my body (though Rachylou once tagged me with part academichic).

Sporty is my love of comfy, form fitting T's (striped please), turtleneck sweaters, and draped or ruched sleeveless knits. I've never met a (pencil) skirt, sheath dress, or DVF style knit wrap dress I didn't like. The third element is important, but I'm eschewing the cardi and blazer style jacket in favour of jeans style toppers or a leather moto in an attempt at being more 'modern' via the juxtaposition of dressy with casual. Paying attention to footwear is also an important part of projecting some on trend modernity to the classic style and avoiding frumpy.

I don't even think I have a shadow persona. Couldn't even manage a rocker look for a jazz.blues/rock concert! LOL!

Carla - I think you very well could be right - every time I see your WIW's I think - OOOOooo - I'd wear that!!

rocker chic - I also couldn't pull off without feeling unsettled - but academichic that I could probably do!!

Modern Classic is not a cop out, though occasionally just classic can be. The "modern" is what makes it. Rachy and Anna both raise very interesting points, though to Rachy's point #1 I think the key really is the word modern. Classic vs. Modern Classic. The "modern" part can be interpreted differently person to person, this is the "twist" most MC dressers throw into their style descriptor as if being Modern Classic or even just Classic is a Bad Thing when it's most definitely not.