What is essential to your style to keep up to date? - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

What is essential to your style to keep up to date?

Bijou

Veteran

Angie recently mentioned that during her closet edit she realised she needed to update her jeans.

Quote below:
"...I'm revamping my jeans capsule this year - unexpectedly. Not enough trendy in what I have, and they're wardrobe essentials.'

It got me thinking about what item is a wardrobe essential for me and what I need to keep refreshed and up to date.

For me, it is my dresses. They are the backbone of my wardrobe. I have certain dresses that fulfil different roles and I always have a few to select from depending upon my activities. I am one of those people that could be invited to a wedding tomorrow and I would have an outfit, because I always seem to have a selection of dresses that cover most activities.

Other areas of my wardrobe don't have to work as hard. I wear jeans on the weekend, but I am OK to wear the same jeans for a number of years. I like booties, but even though Western boots are trending, I may or not participate in that...my coats and jackets are rather traditional. In terms of being trendy, it seems that my dresses have to do all of the heavy lifting.

Realising this, has meant that I feel safe to be more ruthless in my closet edit of my dresses and also be OK about purchasing new dresses. I am saying goodbye to a number of dresses and skirts that are relatively new and not having regrets - because my style has changed and these old dresses no longer spark joy. I want to only wear dresses that spark joy.

I would be interested to hear what your essential item to keep trendy and current is? For my best friend, I know it is all about the shoes with her...

Dressing

67 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

rachylou

Veteran

This is a really interesting question. And now I have to rethink my thoughts on editing my sweaters. I think I can let a lot of them go... I depend on my sweaters and every year I do like a new one to keep me up to date and old ones become ‘House Sweaters.’

I find, also, that my tees date, even tho I hang on to them forever and can always wear them at the bakery. Shape, cut, I don’t know.

It’s very odd to think about. Because I don’t feel my style is always changing or anything.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Hm, this is one I might need to think about. I’ve generally considered “trendy” to be a negative word. That doesn’t mean I want to look like a fuddy-duddy trapped in the past. I’ve always aimed for things that are classic and fun, with some kind of interesting little something special. So keeping current.... off the top of my head, I’d say it’s all about what I put with what, but I’ll have to think about it.

ETA: “keeping current” really isn’t something I think about or am comfortable looking for. I am one of those pieces of flotsam moved around by whatever is in fashion, and it doesn’t bother me a bit. By that I mean that it is not unusual for me to wear something, maybe from my wayback closet, maybe new, and then see a fashion piece a few days later that proclaims that thing to be the latest thing. I don’t think I’m a fashion genius and I certainly don’t spend much time thinking about these things. But a trend, by definition, involves a lot of data points doing the same thing. So I’m in there with the gang, doing what I think is my own thing, wearing what I think just looks nice, when my idea of what “nice looking” is has been shaped by broader forces than I consciously experience.

Sal

Veteran

Yes I can see that with you Bijou - dresses are most definitely your thing!! And having ones that you love and feel current in is important.

I am not sure it is quite as clear cut for me - I also love dresses but I do enjoy a mix of new and old, trendy and classic. And I am a bit the same with shoes.

I do like most outfits to have a mix of trendy and timeless - so if I wore a sheath dress (classic but not trending right now) I would feel best in more trendy shoes. I don't like to veer too far in either direction.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Great thought-provoking question. Off the top of my head I would say jeans, cuz I wear them for at least part of every day. And when they start to feel “off” it is therefore very noticeable.

In terms of outfit impact, though, accessories are important to me. I like to spend small amounts frequently to buy funny or interesting jewelry or bags or tights, whatever. Things that just liven up the wardrobe and add new colors or shapes.

Katerina

Veteran

Great post, Bijou! You have a fantastic selection of dresses and I understand these would be the important category too keep on trend (or current - I am not using these terms accurately....).

I had to think a bit before my answer, the “trendy” or “current” or “modern” are concepts, which are actually the most challenging in my dressing. I think that the reason might be that I love impeccable quality of fabric, tayloring and details, which normally comes with a higher price. I am talking about blazers and jackets, which are the essential category for my style. Therefore, I try to buy pieces which I could keep for a long time. As I have many, they won’t get warned out. Since they are of great quality, I won’t like to let them go.... etc. etc. So my point is - I have to be careful not too look “dated”.

For me, the “current’ lies in the mix. I try to mix and remix my classic pieces in new, current ways. I also buy various accessories in trendy colours, costume jewelry, sunglasses, various scarves and try to use these to achieve some “current”. Some footwear like sneakers and lighter boots. Makeup, too. So I guess my approach is to keep my blazers and jackets, as long as they are not totally out, and try to give them a new life by new accessories, shoes and sometimes bottoms.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Mainly tops, I immediately think. Because I'm at work 5 days a week, two in a health organisation office and three seeing patients, I like to vary what is seen when I am sitting down. I can't move my arms properly with jackets on, so those come off and hence if it is the same black one most of the time hanging on the back of the chair, that doesn't matter!
I'm sure you expected me to say shoes? Shoes will affect the tops- eg have bought 2 tops in the past year with cobalt in, because they'll be a slam-dunk with the cobalt boots. And I guess if they're new tops in the shops, they'll be fairly current??

Bijou

Veteran

Rachy - if you don't think your style changes how do you keep looking so edgy and current? Is it in how you mix your items, or having fun with your hair? I never think you look anything but artistic and edgy in your WIWs (except your camping ones, which are far more practical).

Fashintern - Yes this is an issue I have thought about. I want a mainly classic wardrobe, but, I also don't want to look dated or as though I am still wearing what was fashionable a decade ago (even if something I am wearing is a decade old)!

Sal - I always think you get the balance right, trendy but your way with a nod to the classics too.

Jessicams - Accessories are a brilliant way to keep things fun and fresh!

Katerina - I think you are the perfect example of someone who wears classic pieces in a very fresh and innovative way. You mix of colour, proportion and always picking the perfect accompanying act is exceptional.

JenniNZ - You did surprise me! But that makes perfect sense and you have a wonderful selection of tops too.

Kathie

Veteran

I think I’m in the midst of switching from mostly separates to more dresses, but, as I edit, I realize that details of fit through the shoulders, and color are how I keep my items reasonably current. For example, with earth tones and leopard trending, I bought a hunter green dress- a shade I haven’t worn in years- and a leopard print skirt and scarf. The shapes of the dress and skirt are classic, so when either wears out, I’ll likely replace with similar shape, but whatever colors are trending at that point.

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The Cat

Veteran

I prefer timeless lines and styles, so I wear most of my clothes for years.

However, to look current, I focus on details like:
● A good haircut
● Mixing items in new ways (get inspirations from bloggers, magazines, and people I meet)
● Including one or more of the season's colours in the outfit
● Fabrics that look and feel right for the season
● Accessories like jewellery and scarves
● Shoes

The Cat

Veteran

By the way, I hope Angie will reply to this post, as she has often pointed out that, in her opinion, in order to be stylish an outfit needs to look current. (This is not the exact statement, but I hope you know what I mean.)

krishnidoux

Veteran

Food for thoughts!
In my case, tops.
I find that the rest of my wardrobe is pretty classic and can withstand a few years - even a decade sometimes (except for jeans, lately, as I gave away all my low waist skinnies). But tops become dated more often for me.

kkards

Veteran

this was an easy one for me...footwear...for me, it acts as a way to insure my look, which tends towards more classic and basics, stays current. it also generally provides my statement pieces, since the core of my wardrobe is leans very basic....

Anonymous

Probably work tops, since they require replacement most frequently. But, changing availability in tops means changing bottoms, and shoes that work....
Ultimately its not about trendiness for me though. I enjoy trying new things and like to be current, but not at the expense of what is fundamentally right for me (though mistakes still happen).
Im with you about the jeans. Mine get so little wear that yearly updates are low on my priority list.

cindysmith

Veteran

I seem to have settled into skinny jeans & pants as my default bottom, so tops & shirts are where I need to update when my preferences change.

gryffin

Veteran

Most of my wardrobe is for work. Jackets are a huge part of my style and I do keep them a long, long time. So I am constantly on jacket hunt. Usually when the lining goes (although I've replaced a ton of linings) it's time to be hunting for its replacement. Hardest for me are tunics. So few designers make a 33" tunic. EF is one of the few but finding different ones, that's tough. Short dresses work but are also hard to find. So I have 3 black elbow sleeve scoop neck tunics in silk and jersey. I'm better in the winter, more variety. But that's a HEWI for me. Booties are also important although since I developed a neuroma and need orthotics it has become a more difficult buy. Outerwear was my mission this year. I updated my winter coat and puffer. I'm really excited to wear them, it's the only good thing for me about the cold!! Kudos on figuring out exactly what you need and giving yourself permission to get it!!

Bonnie

Veteran

This year has been my year for jeans. I wear them most days and the ones I bought four years ago served me well. I'm sure I got over 100 wears with each pair. However, the new high rise jeans fit me better so I have added black, olive, taupe, medium blue, and just yesterday dark blue and blue black flares. I will be moving to a much cooler climate soon, so I suspect that I will be wearing jeans almost every day.

Staysfit

Veteran

Glasses frames popped into my head first. I have used them a bit like an accessory, and tend to have three to rotate depending on my mood and outfit, the same goes with sunglasses. I cannot wear contact lenses, so I do the best to have fun with the ever present frames.

Sweaters are second on my list, especially for the prolonged fall/winter season we have. An updated color and silhouette does a lot to make me feel like my wardrobe is staying fresh. I like to add one or two statement pieces that are right on trend. They may not be useful for multiple seasons, so I try to choose wisely. The majority of my sweaters are very simple, solid, and maybe classic in design, so they last a long time.

Shoe styles change enough every few years that I like to update these as well. The hard part here is balancing the need for practicality with my tendency to enjoy shoes that are not all that functional for my work setting. For example, I like to wear heels. They don’t bother me, but if floors are wet, wearing them can potentially be hazardous. I try to update by finding some water resistant shoes or booties that are on trend. They are not always the most fun option, but anything else will get destroyed very quickly.

Jeans are the mainstay of my winter wardrobe. Currently I’m in denim heaven because rises are higher. I need to resist the urge to purchase more than I will wear because the fit is so much better than mid or low rise on my frame. I try to get at least a couple pairs that are trendy but I pick and choose because I don’t like the way some styles look on my frame, especially long flare legs and wide leg jeans. I prefer a narrow straight leg. In the winter, a skinny leg is most practice, so I can pull on boots over my jeans,

I prefer a dress over separates in the summer, and whenever the weather is warm enough to go without a heavy coat, so the majority of my wardrobe is made up of dresses. I update them, but mostly I use accessories to keep things fresh, so my scarves, shoes, earrings, etc. My dresses last a long time.

nemosmom

Veteran

What a great thought-provoking post! I tend to separate trendy from current (maybe they are the same thing?) But, in my mind, trendy are more item-specific (e.g., animal print coats), where I will bring out my animal print shoes in an effort to feel "current" - does that make sense? Maybe I am all wrong... LOL

Christina F.

Veteran

This is a good question. I think traditionally it was jeans, like when I was an early-ish adopter for skinny jeans when most of my friends were horrified by the idea. Now it’s also shoes, now that non-heeled shoes have been in for a while. I try to keep current shapes in mind, too. But I only adopt those when they suit my body and eye. I can’t do a true high rise jean for various reasons, but mid rise often looks high on me and I can nod to it by tucking or wearing shorter tops.

Runcarla

Veteran

Timely post, Bijou, 'cause after my recent closet edit I've realized I don't need to add a lot of items, but I do want to inject some trendiness, and I've come to the conclusion that for me it is TOPPERS.

I'm very happy with a recipe of classic underpinnings: straight cropped bottoms, t-shirt or light sweater, sneaker or pointy toe flat, and a topper. My toppers seem to do the heavy lifting when it comes to adding the extra spark. Perhaps that is why I am a bit at sea in the summer time, when it's too hot for a topper?

I want to add a blazer style jacket in a multicolour (plaid?, houndstooth?) to my current collection of - Jean jacket, Ikat print Jean style jacket, and silky embroidered bomber style. I would add that my outerwear is almost in the same category, and 2 of my 6 coats are red! I'm following jacket discussions in order to learn what might be more trendy in jackets this season and I'm ready to spring for something a little more special than safe - if I can find it!

LaPed

Veteran

Hmm, for me it's not a particular category but more keeping an eye open for the trends that I can tell will suit me, and working around the ones that don't. I spent a decade opting out of skinny jeans and long tops, but achieved long-over-lean by layering mod shift/mini dresses over cropped leggings or leggings-and-boots, depending on the season.

I was ahead of the curve on higher rises and looser legs because I have a bunch of vintage denim. It's nice now having some more retail options for fitted and cropped tops to go with those.

I've mostly minimized my engagement with the pastel/pale trend because they're hard for me to wear in large swaths, but I love them in small doses (shoes and bags).

I will probably sit out the oversized blazer trend because they swallow me whole and often emphasize my wider parts (hips and thighs), even though I love the look on others.

All about midi lengths, flats and sneakers because, flattery aside they are so easy, comfortable and practical to wear.

deb

Veteran

As I read through the replies I'd shake my head, yes jeans, that is mine also. Then I read, footwear, no that is mine. Then I read glasses, really that is mine. I cannot think of any other category so I will say footwear, glasses, jeans - in that order.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Footwear mainly because nothing updates an outfit better than modern footwear.Having said that I’m definitely in the market for some trendier knitwear to go with my high waisted items.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

My first reactions are:

- Hairstyle -- I'm always wanting to keep my style up-to-date and I'd rather be a little ahead of the curve than to have a haircut that's feeling dated.

- Footwear -- I think I need to take a closer look at my boots and shoes for the coming season because I'm feeling like some of them are a little tired, stylewise. I've noticed sometimes when I post shoes/boots for possible closet editing, Angie will note that some I have on the chopping board are "dated -- for me" and she's right. I don't generally carry really trendy bottoms/pants very well, so I need to rely a little more on shoes to keep the look up to date. In fact, I think I need to start a post of my own about updated footwear with bootcuts.

Anonymous

Easy : outerwear and footwear.

And as Janet mentioned: HAIR. I am feeling a little blah about mine right now in fact, and need a more interesting and statement-making cut.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

ASTUTE, Bijou. I love that you're so very passionate and extra focused with your dresses. It makes complete sense. You are FABULOUS.

To answer your question, and in this order:

Hair & Eyewear. NUMBER ONE BY FAR. Growing out my fringe and feeling refreshed. A new pair on vintage white sunnies helped too. Looking at red specs.
Jeans & Pants: As you pointed out.
Outerwear: Always need a few trendy pieces because I wear a LOT of toppers and they add drama to my look
Handbags: Not into adding the new "it" bag that much but because I'm very set in my ways with what I like. But I'm regularly refreshing my bags because it'm my favourite item to purchase
Footwear: I do what I can with my hard to fit fussy feet and zero compromises with comfier and my urban walking lifestyle.
Remixing: execution is everything.
Dresses & Skirts: I will only wear midis (and sleeves), but I refresh within my narrow style preferences.

Tops, knitwear, blazers, make-up and jewellery stay relatively modern classic.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The Cat, close enough! Hope my response was satisfying.

FashIntern, NOTHING negative about the word trendy. How you choose to inject the trends into your style is completely personal.

rachylou

Veteran

I really have to think about this one. It is wonderfully My Thing To Think About now! Because I completely think of myself as trendy - will hop on any fashion bandwagon - but at the same time I’m pretty sure I’ve had the same style since I was 5, lol. There is always some version of a pair of patent leather shoes and a Puffy and ‘pegged pants’ in my closet. Always a breton. Always something with puff sleeves. I forever and always feel sympatico with the prep-punk connection.

Maybe the thing is, it’s the items that are trendy more than the overall... don’t know. Have to keep thinking!

Anonymous

For me it would have to be tops. For the past couple of years I have been wearing out my closet because I "overdosed" on long sleeve tee shirts a few years back. I wear them both casually and dressy. I find that I do not wear sweaters or knitwear much since I am always too warm in them (except in my own house where I keep the temps cool). I also do not wear dresses or skirts because I have no need to (gave up the business world over 10 years ago).

Soon I will be on a mission to revamp my wardrobe. Something I am both looking and not looking forward to since I get easily discouraged if I cannot find things that I like and are flattering. I don't always want to look "dressed down" and would like to look more like an adult at age 62 and less of a teen.

I am big busted (36DDD) and have an hourglass figure. Since I started working out over a year ago, some of my dressier tops (not tees) are tight in the shoulders, so I might have to go up a size for both long and short sleeved tops (I guess I will figure it out early next year where you will most likely find me in any and all clothing stores).

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