It’s Not You; It’s Me. Really.
Hey there Current Trends. Glad I caught you all here together, because we need to talk. Yes, I know you’re a fun bunch and definitely In with the In Crowd, but I don’t think it’s going to work out with some of you. Sure, we flirted, did a turn on that crazy dance floor with the three-way mirror, and even fumbled with a zipper here and there, but I’m just not feeling it.
Above-the-ankle/cropped/capri pants.*
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I’ll admit it; I really had hopes that we’d be BFF’s. Your Audrey-esque gamine glam is infectious, but when we’re together I just feel like the short-and-dumpy sidekick. So no hard feelings, but I think we’re best at opposite ends of the room.
Neon colors
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You’ve always been the life of the party and you know it. Damn, we had some fun in the 80’s, didn’t we? But these days my life is quieter, and you’re just a bit, well…overwhelming. But hey, rock on, girl!
Floral/print pants
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In the right company, you’re fun, bright and irreverant. But us together… see above re: “dumpy sidekick.” We’re more Ladies’ Garden Club Luncheon than Coachella Festival.
Maxi Dresses
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Remember the last time we partied together? It was 1976 and I was passing hors d’oeuvre trays at the rich hippie wedding. It was a paying gig, but we got invited to the “after party.” You’ll forgive me if seeing you now only gives me a bad flashback.
So you see, it’s probably best for all of us that we go our separate ways and chalk it all up to experience. I wish you only the best, and may you find happiness elsewhere. (I have no doubt you will.)
*Edited: I modified this to “Above-the-ankle” as I remembered I have one pair of “just-at-the-ankle” pants that are indeed flattering favorites.
Any trends you’ve passed up or decided to embrace?
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I agree with you on all of these except for the maxi dress. I love them–and the midis. But, this is probably because I’m tall and they are flattering on me.
The ankle pants drive me nuts. I’ve always thought the fashion industry saw them as an out for making pants long enough.
I’ve always had difficulty with the changing style of pants–the lengths, the leg widths, the rise—the whole thing.
Color blocking. I’m not loud in real life and I don’t want my entire outfit to scream.
Very funny! Ankle pants look great on me because I’m small, and with flats it’s such an easy summer look with, other trousers( look you’ve got me saying ‘pants!) I have to wear heels otherwise I look stumpy.
Oh got your email, BT has blocked my email which will require a two hour call to Delhi to sort out, thank you and I may take you up on the offer!
too amusing! I am too old for patterned jeans but am loving neon and ankle jeans!!! Happy Jubilee Kate !! xxx
Great post! I’m with you on everything except the ankle pants. They are fab for me – I have short legs, so sometimes they work as “real” pants that I don’t have to shorten. (Petite pants don’t work because the body is too short for me.)
Anyway, wedge heels make me gag. I cannot explain it, but I do almost have a physical reaction against them. Also, jackets shorter than the top underneath. I cannot get past my mother yelling 40 years ago, “Tuck that shirt in!” to my brother. And it should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway, peep toe boots! What the….???
I’ve been in love with neon since the ’80s!
Oh yes all of the above but also skinny jeans damn it. Love the look on others but me with my thighs nooooooooo!!!!!!!
Coco
I adore ankle pants, I always feel long-legged & slim in them. Capris do the exact opposite. I agree totally about neon, print pants (hell, I don’t even like print tops much) and maxi dresses tend to look sloppy unless they’re on just the right body type.
My trend I can’t stand is wedges, though I may be alone in this!
I’m with Lyn – Ankle pants work for me. I am short but long legs for my size and they make me feel slim. I make sure the hit correctly at my ankle and wear with heels. I believe one issue is that there is no true standard for what is ankle pant length – I see every variation on people and you have to understand what looks good and intentional and what look like you shrunk your pants. For me they look best one inch above the top of my ankle bone where it is thinnest. You must hem them. If you have thick/swollen ankles – you should skip this trend.
However, I have limited my purchases…two slim ankle trouser jeans (old Navy) and one J Crew Cafe Capri (emerald green). The other two pair are J Crew Minnies that I believe will be fabulous tucked in boots in the fall so I stuck to navy and khaki.
The other trends you mentions – I agree. Not for my height/age/style.
@ExecutiveKnitter, point taken about getting the length just right. I even amended the header for that one to “above-the-ankle.” I do have one pair of pants that have a narrow fit and hit just *at* the ankle and are quite flattering.
So true!
Like Pam, it took me a moment to stop admiring the small, trim middles of the models. Oh well. Ankle pants work for me but the other items are not for me. Love your blog and enjoy reading it every week.
Very cute and innovative post! I agree with all; gave away all my ankle pants recently; have never worn print pants or neon colors. Another thing I’ve said goodbye to is tans-in-a-tube. No more!
I am still smiling. You have defined the issues I have been dealing with recently. First, the Maxidress. Did that, no thanks, also flashbacks. And just so we are clear, you cannot jump on a motorcycle while gathering up all that fabric and not end up with a scratch or two, just saying. Any pants with big flowers printed on the fabric scream, wide load! Neon colors, never worked for an Irish girl with pale skin and freckles. Slim ankle pants, a possibility but not likely, I like my wearing ease. And last but not least the ’40’s look, while charming, is way to costume-like for my lifestyle and my city. I still am sensitive if someone, even someone I do not know or will never see again, points and laughs at me. Oh well.
My rule of thumb: if you wore it the last time it was in style don’t do it again! I’ll just enjoy the summer brights in accessories (or cycling clothes) and admire the younger ladies in their stylish finery.
Yup, me too… or at least, you can wear a modified, modern item that references the original but nothing too obviously retro.
Cheers,
Eleanorjane
PS – I was born in the 70s so I’m fine with maxi dresses. 🙂
Fabulous post! …I agree with you on most, I get a severe case of deja view with maxi dresses, neon and color blocking are not for me. I have a few (small) patterned pants which are pretty cute, IMNSHO, and slim ankle pants are a good look on me, although I agree it takes a couple of tries to get the perfect length… More, please!
hahaha – Laughing at this post. You’ve nailed exactly why I cannot wear a maxi dress!
Love ankle length pants with flats but those patterned jeans and maxi dresses are not good on me either….
taller women can carry them off, not those of us who are height challenged :-))
Since I’m wearing a maxi dress today, I suppose I’ll have to disagree with that one! 🙂
But totally with you on the floral pants. I wasn’t on board the last time around, either. Not my tasse du the.
As for neon, I’m finding it can work as a small touch, like a skinny belt. As an all-over color? Not so much.
I finally gave my leather miniskirt and leather jeans to Goodwill. Even if I ever did have a prayer of fitting into them again, which is not likely as I have discovered that marriage is a bit fattening, leather + 48 years old seems just a bit icky.
Pseu, THANK YOU for spelling hors d’oeurve correctly. It is, unfortunately, rarely done – even on restaurant menus!
Love this post. I have the exact same issues with the same items…but really, seeing so many people wearing them successfully made me feel like the lone person that could not wear any of them. I’m still torn on the ankle pants. They are so cute…but my hips say no.
So funny and so acute. Couldn’t agree more about neon, floral pants, and oxymoronic trends like the peep-toe boots Elle mentions. I’m a short-waisted petite, so ankle pants still seem to work for me, the hem at the narrowest part of the ankle, as Executive Knitter explains. Concerning maxi-dresses I have very mixed feelings: a few long cotton April Cornell dresses with batiste underslips saved my life during hot-flashing menopausal summers, but now I’d feel too self-conscious wearing them around town. So my current rule is: for at-home wear only.
C.
The maxi-dress picture brought up some hippy trippy flashbacks. To me the only redeeming factor of my old 70’s Gunne Sax dress was that it was one of the few semi dressy articles of clothing available at that time that was not made of polyester. Back then if I was going to be forced to wear a dress, at least it wasn’t going to be all static clingy. And strangely, on the rare occasions when I wore it, I had a unnatural urge to can peaches and churn butter. Prairie revival indeed!
You hit my favorites out of the park.
I’ve seen a bunch of knit maxi-dresses in the past few days. Long knit columns are popular. Ladies – you still need a slip!
YES! or some supportive undergarment of some kind! I have yet to see anyone actually look good in them (sorry tall poster above) because for some reason the girls wear their thong or nada under. I don’t care how tall/skinny someone is, loose and jubbly or the dress stuck in your bum is not good! Ever! I hate the maxi dress with a passion. Same goes for the short maxis too- I’ve seen too many “nether-regions” when the wind blows. 😉
Neons or brights- for me, only in running clothes to avoid being run over. Capris have to hit me at the right spot or I look like the dumpy sidekick too.
It took me awhile to stop fixating on the tiny waists of the women in the first picture..but now I am past it, I agree on the floral pants,neon colors and I would second color blocking. I tried color blocking and it is not my favorite. For me personally, I am more into classic great fit styles than I am the trends.
Yes, because you’re not used to seeing them anywhere anymore.
The tiny waists of the women in the first picture are probably the result of highly constrictive foundation garments. My 5-foot, 2-inch mother weighed 95 pounds at the time of her wedding in 1964, yet she wore a girdle even though, as she says today, “I had nothing to gird.” Societal norms and all that.
Delightedly agree with this post. Would add maryjane style shoes, (on women of a certain age these look way too “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane”) and any large print flowered frock, (Women’s Institute anyone?). Also on my list of “nevers” Birkenstocks. )))Shudder(((.
good catch with the maryjanes.
i can’t believe you read my mind as i was shopping yesterday!
thank you!
Ignore the neons and flower garden slacks. However, I LOVE the maxi dresses and skirts. Being only 5′ 2″ (and 1/2 –I cling to that 1/2), the maxi is the answer to my prayers for appearing taller, put together, and sleek. Of course, the maxi’s I choose are neutral and fit closer to the body and I am slender. It is one of those trends that speaks to all age brackets and a way to look more youthful (NOT YOUNG MUTTON DRESSED AS LAMB).
They provide a “column of color” and I team them with long scarves, and assorted jean jackets/wraps. I can wear platforms (my flat shoe–I just can’t wear flats). So, so many complements have ensued and these will be a fixture in my wardrobe forever!!
Go with what looks good on you and complements your body. If you can own it and look sophisticated while hiding flaws and emphasizing strengths—go for it and forget if it has the unfortunate label as a “trend.”
I don’t like Mary Jane shoes either.
About maxi dresses–I’m not liking style that look prairie, hippie, 70s, etc. There ARE other styles–and if you are tall, they can be nice for casual dinners out, etc. And midi length dresses are my VERY favorites right now. My skirts HAVE to be below my knees, not because I don’t want to show my knees, but because the proportion is so much better.
No to neons colors (also look cheap to me) and flowered pants.
Hilarious post!
I used to wear patterned capris but those have been regulated to the ebay pile. The only trend I love is the maxi but it’s not really a trend for me since I’ve been wearing long dresses since I was 14. The only trouble I have is finding ones short enough to fit me. Also, on the opposite side of the spectrum, I find too many skirts these days way too short! I am definitely not comfy with anything too above the knee…. nor was I ever, I think.
I love ankle length jeans or pants. For me it’s perfect for summer with flats. No to the rest of it.
I am short and heavier below the waist so capri pants look awful on me. The idea was nice for me – no hemming, but I look shorter, fatter, and just plain silly. I divorced myself from those pants many years ago.
Long 70’s dresses? I still love them in the summer. They are cool and easy to wear. I don’t mind remembering my youth either 🙂
Neon? I doubt those colors were ever allowed in my closet . . .
I like the ankle pants, neon and maxi dresses that are straight (no hippie tiers) and allow me to wear a bra. No to the flower pants. Reminds me of a pair I wore to a Don Henley concert in 1990 when I decided to go at the last minute and had to go buy casual clothes at the mall after work (because we still dressed up in those days). Animial prints and color blocking are also yesses. I have worn both for years. I love color and as a fair salt and pepper brunette, I can wear color, including neon pink and green. On this note I am also all about the red and fuschia lippies.
Other noes for me are bi level skirts, midi skirts, bright skinnies, bermudas, “makeup neutral” colors and stillettos.
I think it’s ok to rewear trends from your youth if they look good on you. Things never come back in excactly the same way, and certainly not the same fabrics.
I am guilty of a few of these and I just bought some maxi dresses and love them. I am not a dress person, but maxi’s feel right to me. I have my floral pants that I love. Neon is not for me although I do like bright colors. I’m pretty adventurous and some probably see me as a crazy old lady, but I do not care as long as I am happy. I think everyone ought to do what they think is right for them as long as it is decent to wear in public.
My daughter just borrowed/took some very high quality long skirts that I’ve held onto. So that’s the coming trend. I am delighted, since I don’t think I’ve worn a skirt since long/midcalf ones were au courant. I LOVE longer skirts.
Dear Pseu, I always enjoy reading your posts for their informative nature, but these past few have been a real joy as READING material. You’re expressing your personality even more than usual, and it’s delightful!! As for these clothing picks, I confess to buying ankle pants regularly…my excuse is that it saves me from having to hem around 5in from std trousers, as I don’t seem to be the uber-tall person designers assume are buying clothes. As for the rest? Never worse them their first go-round, still have no interest in wearing them. I have to pass on the long cardigans, too, for they make me look like I stole Granny’s clothes from her retirement home.
Thank you for “outing” some of these terrible trends! I must admit, the ankle pant works well for me and I like the look. But the maxidress–truly, I couldn’t look worse if I tried. And bright skinny jeans! Yeow.
except for the ankle pants which I love in summer with flats or sandals, I agree with you about all the others. In my 50’s now, I used to wear them all in my youth, and could not think of doing it again. Like another poster, I don’t like shorter jackets over longer tops, it just looks wrong.
Janey
What a delicious post! You cracked me up – and I couldn’t agree more. Many of these trends didn’t suit us when we were gamines. They suit even less now…
I’ll pass on the high-low skirt trend. That graceful swoop of fabric circling up to highlight my no-longer-25-years-old knees? No, thank you. What’s next? Tops with special cut-outs to emphasize flabby triceps?
In addition to my previous comment, I wanted to mention how creative today’s entry was written. Regardless if one agreed or not, it was one of the most entertaining entries I have ever read in a blog.
Okay, here’s my $.02 worth. My story is that I was always tall and slim (ish), until I had babies in my late 30s and promptly segued into menopause. This, I believe, caused me to be fat for about 10 years, until last year when I got serious and lost 50 lb. so now, age 55, I’m reevaluating my closet and also what’s in the stores, to figure out what works for me now. Ankle pants? Yes in theory, but my ankles aren’t slim, so I don’t think it’s for me. Maxidresses, I WANT to love them, but I just don’t. Print pants, yes. Once I have figured out what size I’m going to end up being (10, I think) I will likely get some…or at least wear the ones already in my closet. Neon colors…..only for t-shirts, for casual wear. I’ve also figured out that Bermudas are way more flattering on me than capris, so I’m making that switch. Since I live in a very hot climate (Houston, TX) I need something cooler than long pants. Tried on some linen shift dresses at J Jill today, but they were just shapeless and unflattering. Also tried on some casual dresses at the new Athleta store, but found those a bit clingy where I didn’t want them to cling! It’s all a process, isn’t it? Figuring out what you like and what flatters your body and your lifestyle.
Can I add cap sleeves? I’m on a campaign against them!! Who in the world do they flatter? A few skinny teenagers maybe. I actually have thin arms and they still look huge in cap sleeves. Not to mention fabric bunching up in your underarms. I’d love to kick this trend to the curb but right now it’s 90% of all sleeves in the stores.
what a fun post…after reading pam’s (over 50 feeling 40) i had to go back and look at the tiny waists…haha…
love neon colors…always have…always will…if you love the neon…do it in a small dose…like a skinny belt…
maxi dresses…i live in them…
flowered/printed pants…uh…no can do…although i love the look…just not on me…
ankle pants…j’adore…my height helps…though…
i haven’t tried any peplums on…although i wore them like crazy in the 80’s…i love the idea of a smaller looking waist…not sure how much emphasis the hips can take…
Loved today’s blog! I too was staring at the photo but for a different reason: what design elements can I steal from those dresses? Your entry today bolstered my conviction that sewing my own clothes really is the way to dress appropriately for my age and body shape as well as have complete control over material, color, and design choices. I love not having to scrounge around retail stores any more to make do with clothes that don’t flatter or fail to convey who I am.
@Beautifuldreamer1066, if you like that style of dress, you really should check out Karina Dresses! (See link at right.) The Megan, Penelope and Audrey styles especially have a similar silhouette and aesthetic, but in modern easy-care knit fabrics.
I love the theme of Current Trends as almost but not quite BFFs!
I”m glad you modified your opinion on the ankle pants – I love them with flats. I have thinner legs and more around the middle so ankle pants are flattering for me. I’m with you on all the other no-nos. The one I can’t figure out if it is a yes or no is bright skinny pants/jeans. I love the look of them in red or cobalt blue, but wonder if I’m too old (I’m over 50). I would love to know what you think about them.
@Grace, I say age has little to do with it. I’ve seen several “certain age” bloggers who carry off bright pants with aplomb. Try them, see how they work with your style and if so, enjoy!
Very clever post and your writing continues to amaze me. I like them all, but then I’m all over the map and have fun mixing it up with my choices as self entertainment. I’ve worn maxis for years and still love them, so it’s not a trend for me.
Do patterned pants work on ANYONE? I can’t imagine a good application of patterned pants.
Capris – meh. I think it depends on the shoes. Some make your leg look good, others, dumpy.
Neon colors – ick.
As for the beginning image – I adore those ’40s styles with the cinched waists, but I actually don’t have a waist, so they don’t work for me. Sob.
I just wrote a post about fashion at art openings.
I just bought a pair of ankle pants in black and I really like them very slimming. I also purchased a smashing maxi dress in a small scale leopard print. Neon is used sparingly,but I have a neon citron sweater that I have had for 4 years, even before neon was huge, it is a staple in my spring wardrobe. I loved this post and how beautifully you wrote about what does not work for you. Love your blog. I just wrote a post about color coding my closet. It really helps keep it organized for me. Drop by if you have a chance.
KATHYSUE
[email protected]
Great post! But I still have a couple of maxi dresses that I can still rock! And they’re so comfy!
Oh, the puffs on the dresses, ugh. Ugh to shirts too. I have done some foolish purchases considering shirts. Please, no more.
Ok with the rest of your marks, only I like my pants cuffed, other ways they seem to be ” on the way ” all the time. Long skirts, no, as I seldom wear skirts, but an ankle length dress is ok. I like tulip shaped ones.
Flats/ ballerinas for casual wear, not for festive occasions ( which are scarce for me ; ).