How To Tell If Your Outfit Is Classic Or Boring

[@miradonfbd]

Those long and oversized blazers ( particularly like Frankie Shop), I just don’t think that works well on me, as a 5’2”. I think cropped looks best. White shirts, I’ve picked up a couple of beautiful fitted ones, so I’ll be ready, lol! The simple black sheath that you said was boring, I see that as a perfect dress to show off jewelry.

[@americafirst9144]

But Petites don't usually look good in long oversized blazers.

[@NadaManley]

Totally agree! I think a style like the one from Reiss, which is only slightly slouchy is best. And it has to be the right length too. Not long and baggy or short and tight. In between. I think the one from my petite studio video was a good example of that as well as the Reiss one. Very good point as always

[@heidimeigs5192]

5 ft tall…..it’s sooo hard to find a blazer that hits just right. I currently have 2-3 I lucked out on finding, even though I don’t really need them. 😁

[@Julia.Mandelbrot]

Nada, how u manage to inject SO MUCH CONTENT in your content! You're an exceptional resource. Thank u so much for all I'm learning. I have 12 white blouses I've accumulated to go through and find the right one, and now I know how to do it! Your help is so greatly appreciated.❤

[@susanmcmullan6067]

As for details on the sheath dresses, I wanted to point out that both the St. John (starting at 20:50 on the video) and the Michael Kors, in addition to the interesting necklines, have princess seams (the seams are topstitched too, I think), Another detail that makes them not boring.

[@lynnmyrick4045]

I absolutely LOVED this video. Especially valuable for me since I’ve stayed about the same size for decades and invested in high quality “classics” over the years when working. The very clear, detailed examples you gave about modern vs boring vs dated are invaluable! Thank you so much!!!

[@heartflyte4697]

Could not disagree more about the ‘boring’ sheath dresses. The whole point of a basic sheath is to be a blank canvas for accessories. The sequined dress would look ridiculous in an office. I’ll take one the boring dresses over that one any day.

[@NadaManley]

Thanks for the comment, but I would never suggest a sequin dress for an office. I was simply suggesting a simple sheath dress in a really elegant fabric with beautiful simple details as opposed to one that is very basic. Just as simple but better quality and fit. Sorry if I wasn’t clear. I appreciate the comment.

[@elaineminami5511]

I have sheath dresses in black, navy and cream. All 3 fit me really well which is a challenge because I have a short waist. I find it best if I wear clothes that look perfectly tailored and at knee length, even if one can consider them boring. I wear really pretty jewelry, or scarves to change the look and feel. I have even pinned a flower pin below my collar bone to draw the eye up to lengthen my torso. I liked the segment on khaki blazers. I am forever looking for blazers that aren’t boring yet not too oversized. Haven’t found one yet! Petite sizes seem to veer toward boring outdated silhouettes.

[@Darry4645]

This is helping me let go of 2 sheaths from 7 years ago

[@jacquejohnson7157]

I agree that you need to stay modern and what worked in the 80’s as classic need tweaking today. But if things fit you well. And fall in your FFF, like a blazer or sheath dress can’t you “modernize it” with accessories and styling?

[@NadaManley]

Absolutely!! You can always modernize and add interest to boring pieces if the fit is right. If like the blazer and white shirt example the fit is dated then it becomes harder to update..

[@jens6754]

Isn't that what accessories are for? 😉 What accessories are in, or how can accessories update or modernize a "boring" outfit? Scarves are my favorite way to incorporate trends as they can be styled multiple ways, are relatively inexpensive, and come in all the trendy colors!

[@NadaManley]

Yes! Great point! Accessories can definitely update and add interest to the boring pieces. They don’t unfortunately work for the dated ones though. But definitely a great point. Thanks for the comment.

[@littlemom2070]

For me, maybe it’s more jewelry for accessories. No one under 50 wears a scarf, other than the kind you wear for warmth, so you can look older just by wearing one.

[@NadaManley]

@@littlemom2070 I am totally with you on scarves. I do not wear them myself at all except maybe on a bag. However, I see a lot of women over and under 50 wear them in stylish ways where they managed to not look matronly. I have a video next week without food ideas and you will see many of them, including scarves. But like you, I generally used jewelry instead of scarves. Jewelry and hats and shoes are my go-tos. Thanks for the comment!

[@jens6754]

@@littlemom2070 You're right, you need to be careful with scarves! But try one tied around your wrist, as a belt, a hair tie, or a long skinny one draped loose over the shoulders with a casual button down and jeans. They're pretty versatile... when done right 😉

[@jburd07]

This is the most helpful video I have ever seen. I can begin to see the difference when you went into this level of detail. I hope you will do more for other items like maybe jeans, shoes, etc, I did watch the one about sweaters but it was done from a shopping site and I felt it didn't help me as much.

[@meggreen]

Thank you for your video! You have perfectly illustrated the differences in what makes something boring or modern classic. I am learning so much from you ❤

[@marinarehren7076]

Watching your presentation helped me to understand better, why something looks dated or boring or has potential to be great for longer. Especially your comment on the effect and importance of good material. As you point out there is sometimes a fine line between boring and classic and therefore I will find it easy to find the clothing with more longevity.

[@kathystclair9485]

A clothing brand I never hear anyone talk about is Cold Water Creek. About 12 years ago my husband and I would stay at a hotel in Parkersburg, WV when we would go to visit my sister. There they had a Cold-Water Creek outlet store. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I would not buy their items online, but did I ever get clothes for cheap at the outlet. Most of the time there were nothing wrong with them. I had clothes that I gave away when purging that I wish I still had now. They never wear out. I still have a wool blend short brown jacket that I wear every year. They made their clothes to last and hopefully still do!

[@christinekelly-rose303]

I enjoy your content but.... I think your off the mark with this one. It's very nit-picky. A one button navy blazer as you pictured isn't boring. It's a staple most KZbinrs are always promoting. The fit of the camel blazer depends on body shape and where the buttons may land. The shrug cardi was a teen/college age girl not a mature woman who would have picked the more sensible long cardigan. It don't think any of your followers are choosing a tight white shirt tucked into low rise jeans. It's ok to refresh and update your wardrobe but because it's not "in style" this year isn't a reason to go out and consume more. I owned a Bill Blass sheath dress from 1990 ( I remember the year because I got married that year) in the same glen plaid as you have on. I regret giving away or donating so many designer pieces from those times because they were "out of style" only to see them come and go and come back again.

[@NadaManley]

Thanks for the comment. I am definitely being nit picky but I think it’s important to be more particular as we get older. However, I don’t think we should be getting rid of everything. That’s kind of the whole point behind my reverse closet edit. Things do come back around, and if the quality is great then our favorites should stay in storage until we can bring them back out again. Definitely true about the fit of blazers I’m going slightly oversized in a way that is proportional to your body in BodyType definitely looks more modern. It’s not just the single button blazer. It’s the whole look and a combination of details.I appreciate the comment and your feedback!

[@Julia.Mandelbrot]

I get what you're saying but my faith is in Nada, not "what most KZbinrs are promoting".

[@jeng1395]

Many of my clothes are forty or fifty years old. I love the seventies vibe, it is MY classic.

[@carlsenlifeafter60carlsen11]

In that first picture, you showed the woman with the straw bag. I have that same bag and I bought it probably in 1980.😊

[@jeng1395]

Loved the Ann Klein black sheath, that glittery thing was horrible.

[@NadaManley]

You have to go with your preferences. This is my opinion about this dress as a personal stylist. The quality and fit are not good. There are nongliittery options that are much better.

[@notaclue822]

I know what you mean about the blazers, but I do balk at the polyester. Often the blazers with the modern silhouettes are made of synthetics.

[@NadaManley]

Good point! I would look for season less wool crepe or silk or cotton depending on the blazer. Mine from LilySilk is silk and beautiful quality. Thanks so much for the comment.

[@ckoskimies]

Great again. It is really nuanced small but notisable differences. One really has to pay attention when watching your videos which makes them really worthwhile.

[@catherinegardner8407]

Many thanks!

[@christinemurray2693]

Nada, this was one of your best! So informative.

[@julieu4305]

GREAT video! I have a lot of high quality “boring” pieces and don’t really have a budge to replace all of these items. But since they’re “boring” without much detail, can you show us a way to style them in a more modern way with other modern pieces? Love your videos!

[@NadaManley]

Yes! I may be should’ve said this clearer but boring pieces can be updated with accessories and other modern basics, whereas dated pieces are harder to work with. I will do a video about this. Thank you so much for the comment

[@julieu4305]

I would LOVE that! I’m actually 38 and re-entering the workforce after raising my babies. I have a lot of Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, WHBM, and J. Crew items and I’ve been slowly adding in modern pieces like wide/straight leg items that I’d love to learn how to mix together. I’m in a creative line of work and style is a must! My previous work attire is all very fitted. Like you, I’m very petite at 5’ & 100lbs.

[@kathryn2334]

This is brilliant. Having the examples helps enormously. I subscribed and will be following all your content.

[@trustytrunks315]

Yes! Love the help understanding style!

[@sandiscalmanini8096]

I’m over 6 feet with heels and have never worn oversized blazers. I think they look horrible on me. They looked bad in the 80’s and still do. They are definitely on my ‘hate list’. Grateful for bomber jackets and leather motor jackets.

[@lynnraynor2043]

Awesome video, thank you so much!!

[@yuyugo62]

Other thing that I think makes the beige jacket dated is the smaller lapel and the single button is too high.

[@NadaManley]

Yes! Definitely. Great points!

[@americafirst9144]

To accent your shape, the button is in a good place.

[@shannonalwaise8398]

Can be quite tricky! I don't have a long sleeve white button down. I like the Nordstrom and J. Crew versions best.

[@annapaik9460]

Question is, what is your definition of classic and where you come from. E.g., maybe in America wearing sneakers can be seen as classic, however by European standards sneakers are casual.

[@NadaManley]

@@annapaik9460 classic and casual are not contradictory. These are items that have been considered essentials or staples in women’s wardrobes for the 2020s and often longer. As a trend reporter, I have been tracking these items for years. Thanks for the comment!

[@annapaik9460]

@@NadaManley sure, I am not saying these two cannot go well together. What I meant was that everytime I watch a yt video on fashion and classic, each author has their own definition of what it is and even to me the word classic itself may mean "timeless" or a trend going more into the "old money" direction. And regarding sneakers I do not criticise/judge, it's just that this piece seems to fall in two different categories depending on geography, so just mentioning it :)

[@NadaManley]

@@annapaik9460 you make a great point and this is definitely my definition. I’m trying to create my own category of modern classic pieces here to bridge the gap between the really timeless pieces that supposedly last forever, but never really do and the trendy pieces that last for five minutes :)

[@NadaManley]

Modern classics are in the middle! Not tight, not oversized, and not too many details!

[@americafirst9144]

Foxcroft shirt fabrics are stellar though. Oddly, they seem to have gotten their start in New York & Co. (a lower priced teen shop).

[@shogo8995]

I bought Foxcroft shirts from Nordstrom about 15 years ago. They were anywhere from $78 to $98, which was not low priced at the time. I still have them and consider them to be timeless. Most are slightly fitted, with curved shirttails and side slits and can be worn tucked or out. Then they just seem to have disappeared, at least from Nordstrom. I agree they can look boring, unless you leave a few buttons, undone, roll the sleeves, and maybe add a scarf or great belt or blazer. Their print patterns are pretty awful, though.

[@billycaldwell6531]

NEVER been a fan of Foxcroft ~ but I’m having a hard time trying to figure out how their not-too-fitted/not-too-oversized white shirt is less modern/current than the ones that are recommended ~ ???

[@peterpatton8736]

Im 5'2" I wear short jackets that are fitted. Boxie is definitely out.

[@nancylanderson8012]

I've enjoyed your videos and have learned from what you've taught us. However, as a "plus-sized" woman, it's difficult to see examples of a huge ugly item on a woman who represents the plus-sized version of what not to wear, and then see what we should wear worn a normal-sized/thin woman. The plus-sized models who are featured often have flat tummies. So, women like me feel left out of knowing what to wear. So many plus-sized clothing on the racks in stores are made in ugly patterns and fabrics. The prettier alternative fabrics are typically made into smaller sizes. It's a real dilemma. So we gravitate toward the layered dresses and flowy blouses because those are prettier alternatives. I understand that your channel may cater to a different audience and that's ok, but people like me still want to learn more about dressing nicely so that we can be our best selves even if we have an apple-shaped body.

[@NadaManley]

Are you currently shopping for modern classics? Let me know what's on your list and I'll help you find it!

[@idak1779]

yes, this video is very helpful.

[@kristinesmith6567]

Yes, and this helps me too. Is the blazer you are wearing from Petite Studio? I'm interested in that blazer you showed in last week 's video but, I want to be sure I can wear it next year and it not be dated already.

[@NadaManley]

@@kristinesmith6567 yes it is! It is a pretty simple style that should be around for years. Thank you! Don’t forget to use my code Nada25 :)

[@kristinesmith6567]

@@NadaManley are you wearing a XXs or xsmall? I ask because I'm typically a small but I have an athletic build and sometimes a bit broad across the back and shoulders. I've a size small in my basket and I think based on their chart it should work

[@NadaManley]

@@kristinesmith6567 I think a small would be great! I have an XS and it’s a good fit for me so if you feel like your shoulders are a little bit, then a small should be good

[@kamillaerdos7636]

Those people who dont have good fantasy try to push to the other people to be classic or those who are obsessed with status showing. Nowdays many classic wear people running on the street they look like in uniform . No any individuality.

[@susanbrownstein3971]

Stephanie Zimbalist. ???

[@Su-ri5ob]

I think all classic outfits are boring. Who the hell wants to dress in shades of cream, taupe and beige, with possibly a bit of black? No thanks.

[@kamillaerdos7636]

Timeless boring....and we are not man to wear masculine stuff.