Thursday Thoughts: What Makes Style “Modern?”
A few days ago I had an interesting email exchange with a reader about the word “modern” within a style context. She was trying to parse the definition of modern as presented by designer Amy Smilovic of brand Tibi. I have some thoughts on that, and how as women over 50, we can keep our style and look modern, without chasing trends.
Modern vs. trendy style
One of my style goals has always been to look modern (or current). But while modern and trendy may occasionally overlap in a Venn diagram, they are not the same thing.
As an example, tiered and ruffled dresses are on-trend (still!) but are not modern. Neon colors are on-trend, but not modern. Capris…well. You get the idea.
So what IS modern? Here’s the catch: it depends. It depends on your region, your Style Personality, your lifestyle, and any number of variables based on your unique perception. Amy Smilovic’s definition of modern style will be different from mine, which may be different from yours.
But I do think there are a few common denominators. And while what’s modern will of course shift over time, these basic ideas can help keep you looking current. (If that’s something important to you…which it may not be. I can think of some very stylish women who have built their look around vintage clothing and aesthetics, or a very classic Preppy look.)
Keeping our look modern after 50
Here are some of the common style elements that can help keep our look current and modern.
Simplicity. Simple and clean design, without a lot of extraneous details will almost always look more modern. Simple doesn’t mean “generic” though…look for subtle details or textures that elevate the piece. Be cautious about overly-embellished pieces, or patterns that will look dated in a few seasons. If you get bored with all solids, timeless patterns like stripes, dots, plaids, paisley (or Missoni chevron 😉) will be a better investment. It’s a weird dichotomy, but often it’s the most classic and timeless styles that retain a feeling of modernity year after year. (Or conversely, pieces that don’t fit neatly into any style genre. I think Amy S.’s definition of modern would probably land more in this subset.)
Fit and quality. While too-tight clothing rarely looks modern, neither does a head-to-toe shapeless ensemble. Your best silhouettes and fabrics will depend on your proportions, lifestyle, and style personality. But ill-fitting clothes rarely look modern.
Tweaking your perennials. If you’ve developed a few personal style formulas, great! But don’t be afraid to periodically update some of the components. For example, if jeans are one of your go-to’s, a (slim) straight leg style will look more modern now than a skinny, but can still be styled in similar ways. Sometimes, just a styling tweak here and there can do a lot of heavy lifting. Try cuffing pants or pushing up sleeves, for example.
Mix it up. Mixing textures, or levels of formality, or just throwing in something unexpected (e.g. Allison Bornstein’s “wrong shoe” theory) feels more modern now than a completely matched and coordinated look. That said, be careful of too many competing focal points. (See “Simplicity” above.)
Don’t forget eyewear, hairstyle, makeup! Yes, prescription eyewear can be expensive, but I think it’s one of the most important style investments we can make if we need vision correction. Avoid frames that are intended to look as invisible as possible. If you prefer something neutral, tortoiseshell is a perennial, and there are shades to suit every color palette. A good optician can help you select a pair that’s a good fit for your face shape and personal style. (I highly recommend SEE Eyewear, and Warby Parker has a good range of current styles and is more affordable.)
At this point in time, I think hair and makeup that’s less “done” will look more modern. And if you haven’t changed your hairstyle in over 5 years, maybe it’s time to try something new.
Though I know they’re not everyone’s thing, I’ve always thought a square-toe shoe looks modern. These loafers are now 50% off and still available in most sizes. (They run true-to-size and are VERY comfortable. I’ll probably be including them in my Paris travel wardrobe in September.)
Keeping your style modern and current doesn’t require chasing every trend or sacrificing your unique personal style. A cohesive wardrobe of quality basics often just requires a few periodic tweaks to keep your look fresh and up-to-date.
Is having a modern (or current) style important to you? Are there particular styles that you feel help you to achieve it?
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I am 68 years old and have been a ‘classic’ dresser in the past, Max Mara being a perennial favourite. However, these days, I am feeling quite exhausted when it comes to fashion, is an item; too trendy, or too seasonal, too matronly, too young, frumpy. What used to be easy is becoming somewhat of a chore, but enjoy reading fashion blogs such as yours as you make style seem effortless. As for a current hairstyle, I don’t know what my hairdresser was doing the other week when I came out of the salon looking as if I had been recruited for the North Korean Army. Keep up the good work Susan.
I’ve learned to always pay attention to what my hairdresser is doing. I’ve had to learn their language over the years in order to ask for specifics on the style I want. And I watch everything as it’s being done. Otherwise, I’m liable to leave unhappy.
Hi Susan, love your snakeskin loafers but can’t get the link to open. I’ve looked on the Nordy site and can’t find them there either. Can you help?
Hi Julie, they’re from Me + Em.
I love a good chunky loafer but I have narrow feet and very few companies make narrow loafers anymore. Especially at an affordable price.
Please show some more relaxed moveable styles for those of us who go to the gym everyday . I dress once for the day not wanting to change clothes . Thank you.
For me, it’s shoes. My attire is generally very simple, but if I’m leaving the house, my shoes will be nice ones. By nice, I mean modern loafers or sneakers, in interesting colors or patterns or textures. And great point about eyeglasses — my current public-facing pair is fuchsia, and I love them.
Thank you for this Susan! As usual, you simplify and organize thoughts into bite sized pieces that I can absorb. I appreciate you breaking this down for me. It took the pandemic for me to admit that I needed to buy clothes that are comfortable and the correct fit.
BTW those Me & Em loafers look fabulous–not usually a fan of animal prints but these seem to have a very subtle presentation. The glasses you recommend: you must have walk in stores for them where you live? I always feel like I have to physically try on glasses….
I love your style, but, it is too $$ for me. I am an avid Quince shopper, and J Crew, Johnny Was, Anthro when there is a sale.
I am in SoCal, it is warm, go from gardening to running errands to walking dogs. I want to look out together while comfortable, not frumpy but can do all activities without changing each time.
I guess a miracle wardrobe! Ha. Love your clothes…
Sandy, my PNW life and budget mirrors yours in SoCal. Always looking, but rarely finding the right things!
Hi, I shop at the same stores as you (online and brick and mortar). I’ve only purchased two items from Quince: short-sleeved linen shirt and a wide-legged technical pants. I’m satisfied with both purchases. Have you purchased any of their silk items? What’s the quality like?
Hi SuD, I’m wearing a Quince silk top in the photo above. https://bit.ly/3ycGJFK I think the quality is quite good. I also own one of their silk tees.
Thanks for the feedback Susan! I’ll have to check these out as well as their silk skirts.
I could not agree more! I, too, am looking for that “miracle wardrobe” (love that term!) that takes me through my day effortlessly. My daughter manages it quite well, however she is in her 40’s. Much more of a challenge in my 70’s!
The Washington Post has an article on the number of “Jackie” A-line dresses seen at the nominating convention. I remember the originals very well and how elegant Mrs. Kennedy Onassis always looked in her signature styles. Of course, her clothes were at least custom-made, if not always couture, and precisely fitted in fabulous fabrics. The popular version featured in the article is polyester and has fake pockets, and off course is standard sized, meaning it essentially fits no one correctly. Still better than dresses so tight you can see cellulite.
I always liked the look, though I’m bustier rather than straight up and down. I wish I had the talent to create a version for me–or find a real dressmaker.
I’m a longtime classics dresser—501s with a frayed cuff and belted with an Hermes scarf, Brooks Brothers white button-down shirt, black 3-season wool blazer, and shoes appropriate for the occasion. I’m sooooo tired of the boho/prairie ruffled, tiered monstrosities in multi-colored prints that look like party dresses for the cast of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Please tell me that trend is over.
I really prefer the term “current” over “modern”. Great post … I’m always interested in your point of view about fashion in the larger context. Something to think about today …
Your insights into fashion are wonderful. I have printed several of your quotes to hang in my closet as a reminder of what to strive for.
I follow a menswear critic/informer (@die_workwear)(derek guy) and he reminded followers yesterday that one must know fashion rules in order to break them. Lots of comments ensued but I was reminded of that with this post here: I think one’s outfit can look modern if there is a twist (same as link to the “wrong shoe” article you provided) from the “rule” or the expected. To wear vintage but not head to toe. To mix up the expected whether by accessories, or color always looks modern to me. That said, as commenters here note, some people have a preferred style that does not have any “modern” twist but is a pure expression of their style personality whether it is classic or very vintage or sporty.
Susan, Can you please explain why eyewear meant to downplay itself is considered “wrong”? I’ve read this repeatedly, but if one doesn’t want to wear contacts to eliminate their eyewear, the next best thing are Silhouettes in a skin-neutral color (not wraparound, though). I am limited to glasses with nose pads (low bridge), so I am significantly limited in style options compared to most women.
I recognize that interesting eyewear can add “personality” to one’s face, but is it unfashionable to show your (as close to) unadulterated face to the world in minimal eyewear (and let other items express yourself)?
Hi Joan, it’s not that I think that style of eyewear is “wrong,” it’s just that to me it doesn’t look modern/current. You should absolutely wear what you like best and is most comfortable for you. And just FYI, I was told by an optician that nose pads can be added to many styles of frames without them.
Excellent post, Susan! I’m 72 and love fashion. I was a clothing and textiles major in college but didn’t pursue clothing design. I taught elementary and middle school visual art. Your comparisons of modern and on-trend were spot on. Too often I think I’m more on-trend than modern and I’d rather be modern. I read the wrong-shoe article and think I may buy Bornstein’s book. I cannot wear a lot of the elegant looks you post because it’s 94 degrees today in southwest Florida and feels like 107. However, I modify. I have loved every purchase I have made from your website and appreciate that you include the size you purchased. Thank you!
I love that outfit, Susan. It’s modern (thanks for unpacking that word) and comfy and exudes a confidence I really appreciate. Really nice.
I think Kamala should subscribe to your blog! those pastels don’t do her justice, and the suits just don’t hang right. Thanks for the advice on staying modern. Eye glasses and shoes are tough ones for me. I loved the “wrong shoe” video.