Forgive this ignorant question ladies

hissy · Apr 15, 2005

But how do you know if your clothes are out of style?

I am getting ready in a few months to attend a writer's conference. It is a very big deal- with industry people, publishers, editors, etc attending. There is a cocktail party, and seminars and conferences for the weekend event. I am looking at my wardrobe and wondering how far out of style all of these clothes are? It's not like i live in the big city anymore and can just judge by what I see around me. I need business suits, which I have, and professional attire, which I have, plus a cocktail dress which I think I have. I really don't want to go out and spend money on new clothes if I don't have to. So how can I tell if these clothes will pass? It's been 5 years since I have been working out in the "mainstream"

pinkdaisy226 · Apr 15, 2005

You can show us what you want to wear and we could tell you?

Basically I think simple works best. If you have frills or shoulder pads or lace then that's not going to stay in style. But if you go with a clean look then it'll always be in style. As in the basic black dress, business suits that are just clean cut, skirts that are knee length and a simple blouse.

I hope that makes sense and helps a bit.

rockcat · Apr 15, 2005

Originally Posted by hissy

But how do you know if your clothes are out of style?

I am getting ready in a few months to attend a writer's conference. It is a very big deal- with industry people, publishers, editors, etc attending. There is a cocktail party, and seminars and conferences for the weekend event. I am looking at my wardrobe and wondering how far out of style all of these clothes are? It's not like i live in the big city anymore and can just judge by what I see around me. I need business suits, which I have, and professional attire, which I have, plus a cocktail dress which I think I have. I really don't want to go out and spend money on new clothes if I don't have to. So how can I tell if these clothes will pass? It's been 5 years since I have been working out in the "mainstream"

Wow MA, I wish I could answer you, but most of mine are out of style! Maybe walk around the mall window shopping? I should probably do that too, but my jeans and tee shirts are acceptable most of the time and I REALLY try to avoid the mall.

hissy · Apr 15, 2005

I guess I could take all my dresses and walk about a large mall in Portland, and when people laugh at me, or ask if I left my cane at home- that might clue me in? I could quick change in the bathroom!

maverick_kitten · Apr 15, 2005

i wouldnt worry about style. what ever you feel good in and gives you confidence will work.

buy plain out-fits and up date with accessories, eg. a black dress then buy cheap jewellery or scarves in this seasons colours.

if i'm stuck for ideas i just have a look online. go to a fashion magazine website to see what cut/style people are wearing.

as long as you have fabulous shoes you'll be fine

flisssweetpea · Apr 15, 2005

Ari and Maverick-kitten are right. Simple, well cut "classic" styles brought up to date with accessories. Maverick_kitten's suggestion of looking online is a great idea.

valanhb · Apr 15, 2005

All I can say is that Classy never goes out of style.

Like Ari said, clean lines, simple suits were in style 20 years ago and are in style now. OK, minor things have changed...big bows are a no-no, shoulder pads are not en vogue, frilly lace works for church but not business, big collars are out, and obvious polyester is bad too (think 70s).

okeefecl · Apr 15, 2005

I don't think fashion has changed *that* much in the past five years. Any piece of clothing with bold designs or ornamentation will probably become "dated" quicker than simpler clothes. Stick with classics like khakis, tailored pants, plain button down shirts, long black skirts...

gailc · Apr 15, 2005

As my office went to "business casual" several yrs ago I hear you on what in style.
I would go trolling around the mall in the big dept stores to see whats out there.
I'm a big fan of accessories- have lots of scarves, costume jewelry and alas-LOTS OF SHOES -oh and purses too!! Front pleated pants are basically out too!!
I bought a sleeveless black dress at Talbots I bet 2-3 yrs ago and wear it alot.
Good luck!!

talon · Apr 15, 2005

When you find out what is in style, please let me know - as I beleive I have *NO* style sense.

sharonkay · Apr 15, 2005

Originally Posted by hissy

I guess I could take all my dresses and walk about a large mall in Portland, and when people laugh at me, or ask if I left my cane at home- that might clue me in? I could quick change in the bathroom!

well, along those lines, an easier way might just be to go to that large mall and look around and see if clothing like what you have at home is still on the racks!

I'm with Ari though, simple and classic is never out of style..a good suit is a good suit!

Anything that compliments your figure and coloring will look great on you no matter how old it is.

bumpy · Apr 15, 2005

You are in luck! Here are the Cool classics
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7508352/

maverick_kitten · Apr 15, 2005

i dont know why i'm giving advice. today i went out in my slippers and pjamas over jeans because they are so comfy!

i only went down the road but i think my sisters disowned me....

kittylover4ever · Apr 15, 2005

Come on MA, give us a style show......

berylayn · Apr 15, 2005

Have you seen the show "what not to wear" on "The Learning Channel"?? That's always a good way to find ideas of things that are completely out of date now. I am addicted to that show. But I agree with others, simple clean lines are never out of style.

binkyhoo · Apr 15, 2005

Let me put my 2 cents worth in. I would think that as a writer you would want to be taken seriously and be respected for your work and opinions. You have gotten alot of good advice, simple and classic never goes out of style. A new pair of shoes can change the look of an older suit. ( BTW, 5 yrs is not old, 15 is) My idea i want to express, is go for the 'Anchor Lady' look. Pleasent yeat serious .When you watch your local news, They are allways dressed smart and pleasent. And different every day. Its never a fad thing. And they allways look great. When i go to a job interview i keep that in mind. But the cocktail party with associates? that is a hard one. Would want to express your personality a bit more there? Well be like me.... wear a tie dye T-shirt under your suit!

Good luck

coolcat · Apr 15, 2005

Originally Posted by hissy

But how do you know if your clothes are out of style?

I am getting ready in a few months to attend a writer's conference. It is a very big deal- with industry people, publishers, editors, etc attending. There is a cocktail party, and seminars and conferences for the weekend event. I am looking at my wardrobe and wondering how far out of style all of these clothes are? It's not like i live in the big city anymore and can just judge by what I see around me. I need business suits, which I have, and professional attire, which I have, plus a cocktail dress which I think I have. I really don't want to go out and spend money on new clothes if I don't have to. So how can I tell if these clothes will pass? It's been 5 years since I have been working out in the "mainstream"

Woaw MA!

Not fashion advice for you Â´cause is obvious!

, but sending (((((((Good Vibes)))))))) for you for this great event!

maverick_kitten · Apr 15, 2005

Hissy you should buy a pretty pashmina and a pretty beaded bag to instantly update anything you already have.

my friend had short hair and rather than buy new outfits she buys Â£5 hair pieces from dicount beauty shops and plaits them into her hair or has them cascading down like a long ponytail. very pretty and creative! (not that i'm suggesting you do the same! lol

hair hair is neon pink right now)

if i want something new to wear but dont have any money/time i just cutomise what i already have with pretty brooches, belts or scarves

katl8e · Apr 15, 2005

The classic suit always works. I wore a vintage 60s Chanel knit suit, well into the 1990s. I just switched around blouses, shoes and jewelry.

Classic pumps go well with most suits. I wear stilettos but, a mid-heel will do.

As for the cocktail dress, it depends upon the style. They go out very quickly. A silky skirt or pants, paired with a sequined sweater and strappy sandals may serve you better. Check out vintage and consignment shops.

misstorri · Apr 15, 2005

I always say if it doesnt fit you must aquit! If you've had a chance to grow out of it its most likley not in style anymore, and like Ari says absolutley no shoulder pads!

Forgive this ignorant question ladies

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