Trends are trendy and they can be spendy but boring is bad and dated is deadly. I got a little carried away, but you get the idea. It’s a struggle. For ALL of us. We want pieces that will last more than a minute but we also want to look modern.
The solution? Modern classics. These are the in-between pieces. They bridge the gap between too trendy and too classic. They’re like the Switzerland of your wardrobe. They don’t take sides.
If, for example, a classic blazer is fitted and a modern blazer is oversized, a modern classic is slightly slouchy.
Modern classics play well with others. They elevate your wardrobe and make you look modern and stylish, and they stick around for a few seasons so you can really become acquainted.
Today, I’m going to show you how to discern the difference between classic and dated, without falling into the boring trap.
But first, let’s look at the 5 details that make an item dated or modern.
- Silhouette
- Quality
- Fabric
- Details
- Combination of Elements
Now that we covered the details that matter, which is pretty much all of them, let’s look at how these play out in 3 key fall pieces.
You can shop all of these items in this catalog.
The Camel Blazer
As classic as they come, a camel blazer can look either boring or classically chic. The key is to look for a modern classic and not a dated one. Here is how blazers have evolved in the last few years.
All of the items can be found here.
Now let’s look at some of the camel blazer styles in stores, so that we can separate the classics from the dated and boring styles.
The White Button Down
Like the camel blazer, the white button-down is a classic that’s not really a classic. In other words, like everything else, it has changed, and the white shirts from 10 years ago look very different than the current versions. Also like a blazer, the key to a modern style is the fit. The new shirts are slouchier, even in the tailored versions.
All of the items can be found here.
The Sheath Dress
This simplest of frocks is surprisingly tricky to get right, as designers come out with trendy variations that date very quickly, while the older styles can look boring and ho-hum.
Look for a dress with a modern shape and details, but without a lot of very trendy elements. The bell sleeve from a couple of years ago is now tired and dated.
All of the items can be found here.
What did you think of my explanation of boring vs. classic vs. dated. Did you find it helpful? Do you recognize any of these pieces from your own wardrobe? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Nada Manley says
Thanks for the comment Louise! I am 5’2″ and totally get that. I think the key is to find an updated style for you. Cropped jackets are a big trend as well and I’ve been wearing them a lot. And my blazers are only a little bit oversized and not that long, since I’m short. So the key is to stay away from that tight blazer from a few years ago and find a slightly looser or longer version that works for your body type. There’s a style out there for everyone. That’s why I advised against the very oversized and long. I don’t think anyone pulls those off well. I hope that helps!
Nada Manley says
Good question. The neckline and sleeve opening are both updated, although that’s not as significant a difference as the fabric. The fabric of the one at the end is much better quality and elevates the sheath. In my opinion, the combination of very simple to the point of being boring and then poor quality fabric is what made the first ones not work. I hope that helps!
Louise Johnson says
I feel like you have ignored the fact that our bodies are all different. My example is the length of a blazer and how fitted its lines are. What you consider modern and not boring would not flatter my figure at all. I am a blazer person, but oversized blazers make me look fat and shapeless.
Corina A says
The black sheath that you identify as boring and borderline frumpy looks to me almost identical to the black sheath at the end that you identify as elevated and minimalist. What is the difference?