Mid 30s - Tips for updating outdated millennial style

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree the more updated trends are lug boots, slackets, loose fit jeans often with rips in them, chunky sweaters, cropped tops. But I also think that for the majority of women, these trends are less attractive for the figure than the older skinnier jeans with longer tunic tops, which is unfortunate. I’ve seen the videos updating the millenials and almost always feel like they look trendier after the makeover. But worse.

I think the skinny jean/long top look is good for apple shape, but wide leg or boot cut with a shorter top really works better for pear shaped.

You're either just used to the look of the skinny jean/long top silhouette or you're an apple.

Considering my waist is my best feature, I'm thrilled that the shapes I never stopped wearing are back in!

A pear is fat on the bottom half. So they especially need a shirt covering that lower section! Seriously, these trends are so unflattering. Everyone's just turning a blind eye to all the social norms of what is flattering, for the sake of what's "in."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bootcut jeans, cropped sweaters and tops, mock neck and high cut tanks are in. Thin gold or silver necklaces instead of chunky statement. Two_scoops_of_style on Instagram has a few “millennial makeover” reels that show outfits going from millennial to modern

I’ve seen some of these videos and I have come to the conclusion that the two things making Millennials look the most dated are the whole “tall boots over skinny jeans or leggings” look, and long, tunic-like tops with leggings or skinny jeans. I think if you ditch just those two things and opt for white sneakers, flats, or like … literally any other shoe, and somewhat shorter tops, you’ve ditched the most dated styles.

There’s some dated accessories too like big statement necklaces, light indoor/decorative type scarves or blanket scarves, faux fur vests etc. that I’ve seen people our age holding on to as well but those are easy enough to just not wear anymore.

I haven’t seen anyone wear this look in at least 7 years.

I see it regularly on my kids teachers (elementary school, teachers seem to be in their mid-30s to mid-40s) or a similar look with dressy flats instead and with a longer fitted cardigan. I also see it a lot outside of this area.

I can vouch that this is a particularly tough fashion stretch if you’re a teacher. The “trends” are too casual for work (ie light wash wide leg jeans and combat boots) and the next step up is more business casual (dress pants, blouses) which is more reserved for administrators at my school. So, many of us are still hanging in to darker skinnier and boots/flats.

So true- teacher here and I still wear my skinnies to work almost every day. And I'm not giving up my waterfall cardigans and scarfs. I guess one of the perks of being in my late 50's is I dgaf about what I wear to work. And I feel confident both trying current trends but also sticking with what I know works for my body. I did get some high waisted jeans and cropped sweaters to wear out at night.

I'm cracking up at some of these styles that are in now-everything really does come back around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP, but this thread ishelpful. Trying to figure out how to update my look post kid / post pandemic and totally lost. I am not going to be able to go full on trend, but just a bit more in that direction

So, if I keep my skinnies (not colored) in my wardrobe, what is the appropriate footwear to make them a bit less dated?

If you want to update but not go full, short-lived trend, white sneakers (Air Force Ones are always a classic) or Doc Martens.

Yeah, go with WHITE sneakers, for wet slushy muddy fall and winter. You'll get one really cute wearing out of them!

I hate literally every current trend.

So um, wear boots? Good lord. There’s plenty of boots that aren’t the tall pair you bought at Macy’s in 2009.

I am the PP that asked the question but I did not write the response above. I have white sneakers. I wonder if my parents still have my Doc Martens from high school sitting around at their house… Probably not. I don’t think I can do combat boots but maybe some lug sole loafers?

[Anonymous]

I’m in a similar boat as OP but I abhor the mom jean and dirty air force 1 look. High quality denim skinny jeans not jeggings (and tall boots in the fall, oops) make my hourglass figure look great, especially as women of my ethnic group tend to put on major pounds at this age.

I think the current trends look SO frumpy. A younger woman can get away with looking like a hobo but on me I feel like it looks like “I’ve given up”. I’m buying a few on trend pieces like crops (I’ve always worn those, though), high necks, daintier jewelry, and lug boots but keeping the classics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree the more updated trends are lug boots, slackets, loose fit jeans often with rips in them, chunky sweaters, cropped tops. But I also think that for the majority of women, these trends are less attractive for the figure than the older skinnier jeans with longer tunic tops, which is unfortunate. I’ve seen the videos updating the millenials and almost always feel like they look trendier after the makeover. But worse.

I think the skinny jean/long top look is good for apple shape, but wide leg or boot cut with a shorter top really works better for pear shaped.

You're either just used to the look of the skinny jean/long top silhouette or you're an apple.

Considering my waist is my best feature, I'm thrilled that the shapes I never stopped wearing are back in!

A pear is fat on the bottom half. So they especially need a shirt covering that lower section! Seriously, these trends are so unflattering. Everyone's just turning a blind eye to all the social norms of what is flattering, for the sake of what's "in."

Being on trend doesn’t equal wearing what’s flattering. That’s actually a big part of the younger “gen z” mindset that you should wear what you like if you like it, not because it’s “flattering.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m in a similar boat as OP but I abhor the mom jean and dirty air force 1 look. High quality denim skinny jeans not jeggings (and tall boots in the fall, oops) make my hourglass figure look great, especially as women of my ethnic group tend to put on major pounds at this age.

I think the current trends look SO frumpy. A younger woman can get away with looking like a hobo but on me I feel like it looks like “I’ve given up”. I’m buying a few on trend pieces like crops (I’ve always worn those, though), high necks, daintier jewelry, and lug boots but keeping the classics.

That look is for teens/women in their 20s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Flared leggings cracks me up. In the late 2000s we called those yoga pants. Lol. And they were great so I’m glad they’re coming back!

I still own mine from Nordstrom, circa 2008. They held up well enough and are getting a new life. Also still have my boot cut Seven jeans. LOL!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree the more updated trends are lug boots, slackets, loose fit jeans often with rips in them, chunky sweaters, cropped tops. But I also think that for the majority of women, these trends are less attractive for the figure than the older skinnier jeans with longer tunic tops, which is unfortunate. I’ve seen the videos updating the millenials and almost always feel like they look trendier after the makeover. But worse.

I think the skinny jean/long top look is good for apple shape, but wide leg or boot cut with a shorter top really works better for pear shaped.

You're either just used to the look of the skinny jean/long top silhouette or you're an apple.

Considering my waist is my best feature, I'm thrilled that the shapes I never stopped wearing are back in!

A pear is fat on the bottom half. So they especially need a shirt covering that lower section! Seriously, these trends are so unflattering. Everyone's just turning a blind eye to all the social norms of what is flattering, for the sake of what's "in."

Being on trend doesn’t equal wearing what’s flattering. That’s actually a big part of the younger “gen z” mindset that you should wear what you like if you like it, not because it’s “flattering.”

I just don’t get how you can like it if it’s NOT flattering. I feel great when I look great. Something that accentuates my worst features doesn’t have me feeling good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh I find a lot of the current style so unflattering for my body. Pleated jeans really??? I’m trying to find a middle ground which is most straight leg on me. Question for you all after the discussion about colored jeans— what do you think about gray/black? I have an awesome new pair of boots tho think would look good with those colors but am having trouble pulling the trigger on the gray ones…

I have gray jeans that are my most frequent flyers - I wear them constantly in the fall and winter. Go for it!

Gray and black are in. It’s just the real colors (like burgundy!) that are dated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m in a similar boat as OP but I abhor the mom jean and dirty air force 1 look. High quality denim skinny jeans not jeggings (and tall boots in the fall, oops) make my hourglass figure look great, especially as women of my ethnic group tend to put on major pounds at this age.

I think the current trends look SO frumpy. A younger woman can get away with looking like a hobo but on me I feel like it looks like “I’ve given up”. I’m buying a few on trend pieces like crops (I’ve always worn those, though), high necks, daintier jewelry, and lug boots but keeping the classics.

That look is for teens/women in their 20s.

Of course, but I do see plenty of women my age in very distressed or relaxed mom jeans, or oversized shapeless young person pieces. I think early 30s is a weird inbetween age in general, particularly if you haven’t had children yet. At least moms have an excuse!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh I find a lot of the current style so unflattering for my body. Pleated jeans really??? I’m trying to find a middle ground which is most straight leg on me. Question for you all after the discussion about colored jeans— what do you think about gray/black? I have an awesome new pair of boots tho think would look good with those colors but am having trouble pulling the trigger on the gray ones…

I have gray jeans that are my most frequent flyers - I wear them constantly in the fall and winter. Go for it!

Gray and black are in. It’s just the real colors (like burgundy!) that are dated.

Ok is burgundy (for example) dated if it’s for corduroys instead of jeans? I love my burgundy cords but I’m not sure if they’ve ever been “in style” I just love the way they fit and that they’re warmer than jeans in cold temps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree the more updated trends are lug boots, slackets, loose fit jeans often with rips in them, chunky sweaters, cropped tops. But I also think that for the majority of women, these trends are less attractive for the figure than the older skinnier jeans with longer tunic tops, which is unfortunate. I’ve seen the videos updating the millenials and almost always feel like they look trendier after the makeover. But worse.

I think the skinny jean/long top look is good for apple shape, but wide leg or boot cut with a shorter top really works better for pear shaped.

You're either just used to the look of the skinny jean/long top silhouette or you're an apple.

Considering my waist is my best feature, I'm thrilled that the shapes I never stopped wearing are back in!

A pear is fat on the bottom half. So they especially need a shirt covering that lower section! Seriously, these trends are so unflattering. Everyone's just turning a blind eye to all the social norms of what is flattering, for the sake of what's "in."

Being on trend doesn’t equal wearing what’s flattering. That’s actually a big part of the younger “gen z” mindset that you should wear what you like if you like it, not because it’s “flattering.”[/quote

This 100%. People who go on and on about finding things that are flattering are aging themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:90s are in. Im older than you (genx) and also struggling, but grateful that looks from my heyday are back in.

Same!! I love it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree the more updated trends are lug boots, slackets, loose fit jeans often with rips in them, chunky sweaters, cropped tops. But I also think that for the majority of women, these trends are less attractive for the figure than the older skinnier jeans with longer tunic tops, which is unfortunate. I’ve seen the videos updating the millenials and almost always feel like they look trendier after the makeover. But worse.

I think the skinny jean/long top look is good for apple shape, but wide leg or boot cut with a shorter top really works better for pear shaped.

You're either just used to the look of the skinny jean/long top silhouette or you're an apple.

Considering my waist is my best feature, I'm thrilled that the shapes I never stopped wearing are back in!

A pear is fat on the bottom half. So they especially need a shirt covering that lower section! Seriously, these trends are so unflattering. Everyone's just turning a blind eye to all the social norms of what is flattering, for the sake of what's "in."

Being on trend doesn’t equal wearing what’s flattering. That’s actually a big part of the younger “gen z” mindset that you should wear what you like if you like it, not because it’s “flattering.”

I just don’t get how you can like it if it’s NOT flattering. I feel great when I look great. Something that accentuates my worst features doesn’t have me feeling good.

Looking awkward or even a bit ugly is actually part of the aesthetic, kind of like how looking dirty was part of grunge and looking trashy was part of the early 2000s Guy Harvey/Von Dutch/exposed thong trend.

The whole point is to look kind of awkward.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are all women in mid 30s really wearing crop tops?! Like exposed stomach?

If you wear higher waisted jeans or pants there’s no midriff…unless you have to reach up in the grocery store, which is why I don’t wear them for that

I wear a tucked in tank top in cases where i might show some belly.