Retro VS Dated
Let me preface this with the fact that I am in no way qualified to write this, but this idea has been bouncing around in my head since reading Sal's comment from her latest article on Trend Awareness. She responded to a commenter saying, "As for the line between frumpy and retro, that is a tough one. I’ll have to give it some thought! Anyone else care to weigh in?" So here's my answer:
Head to Toe
Dressing from head to toe in a certain decades trends is the Number One way to looking outdated. Wearing bell bottoms, a fringed vest, and a headband is more likely to make a person look like they've just stepped through a time warp than out of an editorial. We've all seen "that person" who looks like they haven't updated their closet since high school - 20 years ago. There are times where head to toe vintage can come off as polished, but that brings us to:
Cut and Fit
Remember the 80s and those big shouldered blazers? Everything had shoulder pads? Look in a magazine or at your favorite fashion online rag and you'll see celebrities galore with strong shouldered jackets. What makes them look fashion forward instead of frowzy? Fit. Those jackets have slimmed down in the body and sleeves, instead of the boxy bodied shapes of their yesteryears. Wide leg pants have also taken on a new cut. The rise has risen from ultra-low, the width slimmed down, breathing new life into what was a dated cut.
Fit has changed drastically over the years to compensate for the current concept of "beauty". It never hurts to try on that vintage dress, because it may fit better than it's modern counterpart. Many current pieces are fashioned for hanger appeal, to increase impulse purchases. Vintage pieces were cut to fit bodies. So try things out, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Print
Browse through any thrift store and you're bound to find garish prints that haven't looked modern in decades. Prints can date even the most modern cut garment. There's been a resurgence of "Grandma's Couch" florals in recent years. These items look instantly dated, even on the shelf. (In my opinion) It can be hard to overcome a dated looking print.
Modernize!
Fear not, fashion-lovers! Those vintage pieces don't need to languish in your closet until the fashion cycle turns around. Refresh your pieces by pairing them with modern counterparts, accessories and shoes. Try a large statement necklace with that 50s style dress. How about that fringed vest with a pair of skinny jeans? Try vamping up that dated print with fresh color pairings. Mix a 60s dress with a 20s cloche hat. Try taking things to the tailor to be hemmed or altered to better fit you.
What you think makes a garment dated? Do you wear vintage, and if so, how do you keep it fresh? When is it time to say goodbye to an outdated piece?
Commenter Audi says: "I'd also add that fabric is another thing that dates vintage pieces. For instance I love 60's mod styles, but find that I can't get past the polyester fabrics so often used back then; I'd much rather have a 60's-style garment in a modern fabric, or else hold out for the really high quality vintage stuff in wool or silk."
