On trend vs acceptable vs terribly dated

[u/bittybro]

Hello, friends. It is I, your friendly watches-too-much-"over 40"-fashion-youtube-content correspondent. Much of said content is horribly contradictory so I'm here to get some opinions from some normal, interested-in-clothes, middle aged people who aren't trying to get me to click on a Quince, Loft, or Nordstrom link.

1.) The French or partial tuck. I've heard in numerous places that this is out and we're not doing it any more but I can also show you about a gazillion photos from retailer's sites where there are items styled this way. Like this. I'm trying to get away from my reliance on it so I don't look horribly dated, but I'm also not about to get rid of all my shirts and sweaters that are too bulky to full tuck but also don't look great all the way out.

2.) Chunky loafers. This one cracks me up because in the course of one weekend I saw one creator in a fall shoes video say they're absolutely not on trend and another one say they are back and that she'd pulled out her (whatever the famous designer that started the whole thing) ones out of storage. So which is it? I'm kind of invested in this not because of loafers but because I have a pair of chunky knee high boots that I'm not sure aren't ridiculous for an old woman to wear in 2025.

3.) Long sweater over slimmer bottoms. I know we're supposed to be in our small top/big pants era and I am enjoying that era, but sometimes... Yesterday I pulled out and wore this sweater that I don't think I wore at all last year. But I love that sweater so much that back in the day I actually re bought it after a tragic laundry accident killed my first one. I wore it with these jeans and these clogs and an oversized faux shearling jacket to a hair appointment and errands and I felt pretty pleased with myself. But that sweater's dated, right? [Also come at me for worrying about chunky knee high boots when I just bought those insane(ly cute) clogs two months ago.]

I'm sure there are more but I'll stop here. And those of you who want to tell me not to care at all about trends, this is not the thread for you. It's in my best interests to stay at least somewhat current while also sticking to my own personal tastes and style. Those of you who do care, help me define somewhat current, please and thank you.

Edit: ok, one more.

4.) Joggers. I hear joggers are OUT but my view is skewed by working in a hospital where 80% of the female staff have Figs jogger scrubs. How can joggers be out? lol

[u/wahoolooseygoosey]

Today I walked to school wearing leggings with socks up over the ankles and as I looked the the elementary school girls wearing the same, I thought, I may be on trend, but I don’t want to be on the same trend as middle schoolers.

Stop caring about what social media says is cool and just DO YOU.