Fashion or style?

[MadameSapphire]

Really trying to buy some key, stylish long lasting pieces for my wardrobe. Am looking at Vinted, eBay, etc. for some of these, but keep getting drawn into pieces such as a structured, fitted black jacket, which I know would be particularly flattering and is look feminine in style, which suits me. But, I think what I should be getting is a more oversized, classic style blazer… If I bought the first, I think I’d look dated and I don’t want that, but neither am I aiming to be a slave to fashion (but I guess I’d like to nod to it).

Thanks got reading if you’ve got this far! 😂 I suppose I’m looking for some key, stylish pieces that look cool and aren’t going to date.

Get what suits you.

I think the trick is to buy things that are in fashion AND that you like/suit, and mix with the other stuff you just like regardless of whether it's in or not. And just let fashion that's not for you pass by. There'll be something else along shortly.

I get you and I don't think fashion and style are as distinct as we sometimes like to think - I know what I regard as flattering can change depending on what's in fashion.

Unfortunately I also think everything dates and that this quest for timelessness is futile, although things do come back into fashion if you wait long enough (and sometimes not even that long). My own ideal would be to find a style that isn't on the fashion radar at all but that's hard because, if it's not on the radar, it's not in the shops either.

Regarding the blazer, how much do you like the oversized ones? Forget for just one moment this whole business about whether you think it suits you. Do you feel different when you try one on? Do you check your reflection, smile and walk with a bit of a swagger? If yes, then quite honestly I'd go for it. I know some posters won't agree but I believe dressing up should be fun. But if no then I'd leave it, buy a more fitted jacket and then team it with something more contemporary e.g. wide leg trousers and flat shoes. You can swerve a specific trend and still look current. (I don't own a single pair of trainers.) And if it helps, then I believe more fitted jackets will be having a moment again soon - check out some of the Dior adverts.

Oh, if you’ve found a jacket you love that’s stylish and flattering and a bargain - buy it! If it’s not currently in fashion then mix it up with things that are completely of the moment; the newest shape of trousers / jeans/ footwear - and maybe a sleek balaclava. You’ll look amazing.

(Alternatively buy it and rest it until the ghastly oversized jacket fashion dies out in a season or two.)

Or what Floisme said!

(I too don’t own a single pair of trainers.)

I think with a blazer, if it doesn't make you feel confident and pull the outfit together, leave it. The oversized blazer doesn't look great IMO.

I've worn wide leg trousers, and stripey tops for so long. I don't care if they are in fashion or not. I just love them. Never loved blazers, and hate the oversized style. I would never wear them.

I go by instinct if something feels right, that's good enough.

No point in going fashion if it's not your style, or if you feel uncomfortable. I would order something to try and see if I like it but I wouldn't wear something for fashions sake.

And I know people bang on about things 'not being in fashion' anymore like skinny jeans for example, but if it suits you and you like it, it will always look miles better than fashion that doesn't suit you.

Stuff dates, fashion moves on inevitably

Just buy things you like

I too have fallen into the trap of buying stuff because I think I 'should' and then it doesn't get worn

Agree you can happily mix your structured black jacket with something fashionable and wear it year after year

The boxy oversized style is on its way out and there is more fitted, tailored clothes coming. But the most important thing is to buy what suits you. I can't pull off oversized clothes so I am delighted I can finally find some fitted coats and jackets in the shops again.

Me, I like an oversized, mannish looking jacket but I also love this autumn 2022 take on the Dior New Look worn with wide, floaty trousers. And this skirt suit, which I'm unable to post but it's Look 8: www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2022-ready-to-wear/christian-dior/slideshow/collection#8

I have no intention of picking a side.

And no, I'm not saying you have to buy Dior to recreate it.

I think it's not necessarily an individual piece that dates an outfit (if you're interested in such things) but rather how it's styled. I tend to swerve trends (also a non-trainer owner), not intentionally, but just because they tend to be a bit boring, a bit safe, which I guess is why they become trends.

Today I was wearing a pair of cropped cashmere flares with a black cashmere roll neck and a vintage Gaultier jacket that I belted with a wide suede belt, all black. Red patent mary janes from Carel and back winged sunnies.

Looked great, and 'current', but no particular piece screamed fashion or trend.

I guess what I'm saying is that it's individuality that's the key to looking stylish rather than buying an item and then styling it like every other bugger. Because that will date.

And I'm with Flo, clothes and fashion should be fun, not angsty and filled with fear about whether something is dated or not. Buy the jacket you want, not the one you feel you 'should have', and then have fun trying it out with different looks. Some will work, some maybe not so much. It doesn't really matter, it's just an outfit, you can wear a different one tomorrow!

Style always trump's fashion, when did you last hear the phrase style victim?