How to look more modern

[Nightmarenextdoor]

I went to a trade event at the weekend (creative industry) and was really aware of feeling not quite right. Maybe it was the heat, maybe the weight I’ve put on over lockdown or maybe I’m dressing like I did 18 months/2 years ago and everyone else has moved on.

I like simple comfy clothes but with a bit of an edge - thinking maybe I’ve lost the edge!

Any ideas how to update myself a bit?

I think these recent responses show that will can all mean different things when we think about "what is on trend". For some that means hyper cool youths in an underground club style, or it could be what's literally in Vogue, or it could be what are most folk my age generally wearing that I can buy on the high street. Or any number of others. And there's just so much choice too. Something for everyone

I'm 43 and stuck on footwear. Worried about going into the office as I've always worn heels. I'm under 5 foot and my lower leg just looks so stumpy that the trainers thing looks odd. I have white leather Lacoste ones, and some denim ones and just take them off after trying them out. But I feel heels and wedges look dated.

It isn't just vanity, but a few extra inches makes you feel less crowded in, and able to join in conversations while standing up without looking up too far, feeling more on a level with male dominated sector.

Do you like having your toes out?

Flat forms or chunky soles are more on trend then wedges.

@fraddu I think the one in the orange looks really modern. Some of the ones in the first pic don’t but I think the last one does. The orange one is really classy and current

I guess we just have different ideas of modern 🤷🏻‍♀️

@fraddu

I don't disagree that the ladies in the last photo look nice, I just don't think they look modern.

They look ok but just normal.

@Dragonn I am the same as you, I feel really dated in heels but my legs look so stumpy without them. That’s fine with a maxi length but terrible with anything midi or shorter.

I definitely couldn’t wear open toes in the office so the flat form sandal style is out for me, unfortunately.

Hello @Dragonn - I totally get what you mean, in some environments heels just help! I think you can definitely still wear them and look modern - they just need a sculptural aspect to them - so an interesting shaped heel - preferably with an angular form or ugly detail somewhere (bottega venetta being the most obvious as they've been doing this for a few seasons)
The fact they have to be closed toe makes it more tricky - would a mule work?

I can't think of any on trend heels with closed toes tbh

@Travielkapelka

See I disagree, I don’t think the yellow trouser lady looks good at all, the top is horrible and very middle of the road. The 2 girls in the last pic look good especially the orange dress which is fabulous.

Seeing as these are actual people whose pictures and dress sense have been published on mumsnet presumably without their permission can we just say ‘it’s not for me’?!

Good point

I definitely agree about the sculptural heel
@Dragonn - I think you could look for block heels or cone heels. I’ve just seen a woman in black suede cone heeled shoes with a white vintage style dress ( quite 1940’s in style). She looked great. If you want something more casual then there are clogs or espadrilles.

I wouldn't wear flip flops to an event as it's too beachy - if you switched to some flat form sandals, I think you'd feel much more on trend.

If you like unfussy clothing, could you add some layered necklaces or large earrings?

Also - sunglasses! An updated style can make ALL the difference.

Oh blimey have I messed up sharing those photos? They’re from the event’s Instagram so they were ‘out there’ anyway and I only posted them to show people I thought looked good 😳

Very good point about flipflops, I live in them but agree they’re maybe not the most flattering/appropriate 🤔

@Divebar2021 thank you for reminding me about cone heels. I have a lovely grey pair that must be at least a decade old but are getting shabby.

Ash have some nice cone heels but the colours are too A/W (when I wear ankle boots mostly anyway).

@Nightmarenextdoor

Oh blimey have I messed up sharing those photos? They’re from the event’s Instagram so they were ‘out there’ anyway and I only posted them to show people I thought looked good 😳

Very good point about flipflops, I live in them but agree they’re maybe not the most flattering/appropriate 🤔

I had been thinking that too - these poor women. They're not fashion bloggers, models or designers, and some posters are pulling them to bits because of the clothes they're wearing.

(Not you, OP, as you put them up as you admire their style, but I think others should probably remember these are just normal people.)

If you have the budget for it, have a look at shoes from Tracey Neuls. She's popular with creatives as her shoes are stylish / distinctive rather than fashionable. They have an edge but they're also SO comfy!! I've been buying shoes from her for the past decade. They're very well made, in some cases, handmade and they last forever.

traceyneuls.com/collections/women-1

I love lfmarkey and ganni and think they're edgy-ish (££ but sale reductions make it a bit less ridiculous)

Not heard of lfmarkey, nice stuff!

I think it's interesting that we all have dfffering opinions as to what looks 'modern' and indeed what the word even means. I love that someone says 'older women eg 30s and over'. I'm 63 very definitely follow trends and thanks people in their 30s are 'young'!

Of malarkey often do collabso watch out for those. Look at all the fancy websites and magazines ( I rate grazia for fashion as well as Red, online websites are free to access).
But the important thing is to work out what you feel both command good in. I highly recommend a personal shopper session, free at places like John Lewis and in many boutiques eg the dressing room.but enjoy it, it's only clothing after all

I said older women, it wasn't meant to be a slight. I'm in my late 30s & love fashion, I was a buyer for years. I just meant that in general it's younger women who make & embrace trends first which is my interpretation of modern.

Handbags - what's the future?

I dug out a little used knitted zipped cross body bag and DD said it really Y2K, once I'd processed that I confirmed I did buy it that long ago!

I'm wondering if my two tone satchel is going to look really dated. Is it going big unstructured? I don't buy bags often but I'm wondering if it's shifting and what direction.

from what i've seen with bags anything goes structure & size but lots of softer shapes & chain straps. Main thing seems to be the move to top handle & shoulder. I love top handle but they are often impractical.

I think @TheBullfinch made a good point (and a few others) in the the current style is much more relaxed and casual. I used to wear very fitted pencil skirts and blouses/very smart tops to work, and feel like they would be very outdated now as well as way too formal. Everything seems looser, breezier, more comfortable and more neutral. I looked at an old sequin top and can't image any event to which I'd wear it.

I think well-fitting but loose-cut basics are the way - my office attire is a t-shirt with culottes and flat sandals, or a simple dress. Woman in my office has worn bodycon style dresses with dinky cardigans for about 5 years, and suddenly she looks very dated against everyone else's looser look.

For bags, I've seen most of my friends opt for a sleek, possibly leather backpack and forgo the traditional handbag altogether.

But obviously the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident!

I am an older woman....oh dear. I have a skirt from John Lewis with a blue paisley print, its very Granny style but I may have to wear it.