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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