I'm a personal stylist that is passionate abut empowering corporate women over 40. I help you to curate a wardrobe that aligns with your professional goals, saving you precious time so you can focus on your family life and career, while sparing you from shopping frustrations!
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Hi there! Today I thought I would answer a question I get quite often as a personal stylist. How to know if your clothes are outdated? That is a great question. It’s also a difficult one to answer. I believe that style is an expression of ourselves. Clothes are not just to keep us warm they are also an extension of our personality, culture, geography. Style can be a way to cope with our trauma and emotions as well. So I won’t lie this is a tough one.
Short answer would be that nothing really is outdated. Vintage clothing stores and thrift stores are very popular at the moment and thriving. As we know trends and eras come back into style but usually with a modern twist. Last year was the 70’s this year is the 90’s. So I guess maybe another answer to this question is if you want to wear something that is vintage or “outdated” to pair it with something that is more modern or trending this season. But today I want to give you 7 tips to tell if something really got to go! Here are 7 ways to tell if your clothes are outdated.
Any item that look worn out will look outdated. If they have visible wear, such as pilling, frayed hems, or missing buttons, it will make even modern styles look old and out of place. When your clothes start to lose their original color or stretch out of shape, it’s a sign they’re worn out and likely out of style.
Pay attention to the shape of your clothing. If you’re wearing items with boxy shoulders, overly flared pants, or low-rise jeans, it might be time to refresh with more current cuts. Fashion often evolves in terms of fit. Baggy, oversized pieces, for example, have come back in style, while ultra-tight silhouettes from the 2010s may look dated. Clothes that don’t align with current popular fits and cuts could be a sign of an outdated piece. For example; bootcut, slim or straight jeans are more modern options.
If you’re keeping clothes mainly for sentimental value, it might be a sign they’ve passed their prime. They may hold memories but no longer match current style trends. Ask yourself : Does it still suits my lifestyle? When was the last time I wore this item? Does it fit with the rest of my clothes? If you can’t mix and match your item because it looks out of place with more modern clothes, then maybe it’s time to say goodbye.
Recognizing old or discontinued fashion labels can also signal that your clothes have seen better days. Certain brands from the early 2000s may no longer be in circulation or considered fashionable. T-shirts with oversized, flashy logos (especially from brands that were trendy in the past) can make you look stuck in an earlier decade. Modern style favors more minimalist branding or logo placement.
Some colors and patterns become associated with specific eras. For example, neon colors were huge in the late 2000s, while earthy, neutral tones are more in line with current trends. If the colors of your clothes scream a certain era, they might be outdated.
Look through fashion magazines, online fashion blogs, or social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Compare the latest styles with what you have in your closet. If your item no longer matches what you see in recent collections, it might be outdated. Look at how fashion-forward celebrities or influencers are dressing. If a similar piece is still being worn, it could be a timeless item. If not, it may be outdated.
Sometimes, the people around you may hint (politely or not) that certain items look dated. If trusted friends or colleagues make subtle suggestions, it might be time for a wardrobe update. Only take advice from someone that is stylish themselves. But be careful, people may have opinions but it doesn’t mean they are right. Don’t dress for other people, dress for yourself always, because if you don’t it won’t feel authentic and it won’t feel good. However it’s easy to get stuck in a style rut, it happens to the best of us. so it’s always a good idea to ask ourselves if the feedback is worth listening to.
In conclusion I just want to say that some items may be outdated or not trending at the moment but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear it. You should keep an item even if it’s not trendy if it suits your body shape, if it’s still in good condition, and if it suits your lifestyle. Another very important thing to consider, if not the most important is: How does it make me feel when I wear it. If it achieves the look you want to create and it make you feel great when you wear it, then it’s a keeper. Because let’s not forget that fashion trends come and go, but style is more than trends. So don’t get overly concerned about trends and fashion, dress for yourself so you feel good in your body! If you want help with your wardrobe or want to refresh your style, send me an email and I’d be happy to help!
Have a stylish day!
Gabrielle xox
I'm a personal stylist that is passionate abut empowering corporate women over 40. I help you to curate a wardrobe that aligns with your professional goals, saving you precious time so you can focus on your family life and career, while sparing you from shopping frustrations!
Get it here!