Modern Vs Classic: How To Determine Your Style Preference
The words classic and modern are thrown around all the time to describe fashion trends. But what is classic and what is modern? How are they different, and how does it relate to you? Knowing the differences between classic and modern and which one you prefer can help determine what you look for in the stores and hone in on your personal style.
The classic style is typically described as timeless, meaning it’s hard to place it in a time period. You or your grandma can wear the clothing items without either of you aging yourself to look too young or too old. The silhouettes don’t go out of style and you can be placed in any decade after the 1940s and not look too out of place. Examples of the classic style can be seen in stores like J. Crew, Banana Republic, and Polo. These stores have been selling the same style of shirt and pants for the last 30 years with slight variations. Classic clothes look elegant and sophisticated and feel like forever pieces. The items have a well-tailored look, and clean aesthetic, and sometimes have toned-down colors.
The modern style is usually characterized by clothes that are very “in” and “now.” The items can be inspired by classic silhouettes but have details, patterns, or colors that make the items feel new. Celebrities and influencers will be seen rocking these styles, making them on trend which is later picked up by fast fashion brands. Stores like Zara, Asos, and Guess usually fall into this category. Modern clothes right now lack tailoring and are oversized, or extremely body-hugging. Graphic tees and bolder, statement-making pieces are common.
Discussing the difference can only make it so clear. So, here are a few visual comparisons of women’s clothing to help tie everything together.
On the left, the lines of the dress are simple, sleek, and timeless. It has a clean simple structure that can be worn by anyone, no matter their age. On the right, however, the dress is much brighter with geometric patterns. There is also a subtle asymmetrical detail running from the hip to the bottom of the dress, creating a slit. The dress being short does not make it modern. Even if the dress were midi length, the combination of the asymmetry and the pattern make it a more modern dress.
A clean black pump is something every woman needs in her closet. The classic style is what you would typically think of as a black pump. This one is as sleek and simple as a pump can get. The modern pump on the right is not your typical black pump but can still function as one despite its funky brown heel. Opting for a unique heel will make the shoe more modern.
The white button-down is truly a staple in many of our closets; however, the item has been around for so long, there have been variations made to make it stand out from the rest. If you want to stay in the classic territory, then the original clean, crisp button-down we all know and love is a good option. If the style is too boring, then doing a half-tuck like the model in the photo or subtle detailing on the color with simple lace or embellishments will work well. On the right, the modern white button features a piece of fabric around the waist that ties in the back, creating a subtle pirate aesthetic. This detail subverts the original shape of the classic item, making it feel very “now.”
Blazers are not for everybody, but if it’s a piece you want to incorporate into your closet, you should keep a few things in mind depending on your style. A classic blazer is usually much more structured and tailored. Solid colors in your average blazer fabric or tweed will keep you in the classic territory. However, if you love a blazer but your style is more modern, the example on the left is a perfect demonstration of changing and playing with the structure of the classic blazer style. Some other options are opting for a brighter color or an unsuspecting fabric like silk or satin. If you prefer more neutral colors, then having your blazer fit looser and more oversized is a good option.
Almost every item of clothing has a classic and modern version of it. Knowing whether you prefer tailored, clean, simple lines with styles worn at any time can help you pick out more classic pieces and create a homogenous wardrobe. But if you discover your eye gravitates toward pieces that feel now and popular with interesting shapes, looser fits, and bolder colors and prints can make it easier to have a modern wardrobe that goes together. Figuring this out can be hard and can take time to master. Many pieces can go either way, deepening on your body type, the occasion you're wearing the item, etc. Asking for help from a personal stylist can make the process of finding out if you’re a classic or modern dresser.