Blast from the Past: Would You Wear It?

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I was thinking, how I'm always amused to stumble on older pieces that we've featured here on Corporette® … sometimes they still look good, or I remember liking them. Other times, the styling or the featured piece of clothing is just… fug.

Anyway, I started thinking… it might be fun to share some previously featured pictures with you guys, and discuss — would you wear these items today? If so, how would you style them in 2024? If you've replaced items like this in your closet, what are you wearing instead of them?

First up, some of the things we featured on September 24 over the years…

2019: Fit & Flare Dress by M.M.LaFleur

I can't quite put my finger on why, but something about this dress feels dated. Fit and flare is obviously still in (we have some great recent favorites, below), a V-neck is classic, and the pockets look great.

This is the Jaycie dress from M.M.LaFleur — current versions of the dress have a lower hemline, which I think does make it look more current; some of them also have a fabric belt.

Some of Our Latest Favorite Fit & Flare Dresses

2018: Silk Peplum Blazer by Ronald van der Kemp

I can't say this was ever really IN — but would I still wear it if I wanted a dramatic blazer today? I think the peplum flare is just a bit too out there… I can't really picture it with separates like black pants, a black dress, or even dark jeans. It was $3126 from Ronald van der Kemp.

Some of Our Latest Favorite Dramatic Blazers

As of 2024, our latest favorite unusual, dramatic blazers for women include options from three Etsy sellers; also check out this Cuyana blazer and this unusual merino wool suit from Wolf & Badger. If you're OK with Very Dramatic Blazers, check out this Etsy seller.

2015: Pleated Blouse by Loft

We featured this sheer blouse from Loft back in 2015, discussing different ways you could layer tank tops or camisoles beneath it. I'm curious what you guys think — would you still wear this? Would you wear it as styled?

For my $.02, I think this kind of blouse is kind of timeless, especially if the color looks good on you. For sheer blouses, though, it might be fun to try some of the trends from today with it — for example, layering the sheer blouse beneath a waistcoat/vest. If you're in a creative field, you could also try it with a matte black bra or cropped tank beneath.

Today, you can find similar popover blouses with pleated neck details at Banana Republic Factory, J.Crew, and Ann Taylor.

2014: Open-Front Blazer by BCBG

Ooh. Yikes. No. This whole waterfall-blazer/cardigan thing just feels incredibly dated, including this black and white one from BCBG. I also think it would look horrible with a lot of silhouettes that are “in” right now, including wide leg jeans, midi skirts, and so forth. No no no.

What is the trade for this in 2024? I've spent far too long thinking about this, and I'm going to say it's the lady jacket. I think it's got the same “definitely a separate” feeling, as well as the “polished but casual” vibe. A lot of them are also open at the front, or at least can be worn that way.

Our Latest Favorite Lady Jackets

Some of our latest favorite Chanel-style jackets for work in 2024 include these, but in general check brands like Chanel, St. John, IRO, L'Agence, Sandro, ba&sh, and J.Crew. On the budget side of things, check out Mango and White House Black Market.

2013: Military Dress by Karen Millen

Another fit and flare dress, this time in a military style, from Karen Millen. Compared to the best-selling military dress they've had for a while now (in regular and plus sizes) I think I prefer the more modern version… but I don't think this 2013 dress is that outdated. I think it could be really cute with one of the lady jackets we've featured above, actually.

We've featured our latest favorite fit and flare dresses above — here's a look at one of the best-selling military dresses Karen Millen features now. This longer version is also cool.

2012: Scarf Collar Top by Rachel Zoe

This is a question that's going to come up often, I think, when we're looking back: when is a pattern dated? I actually think because this red zebra print is such a wild one for work, I think it's fine. I think the same woman who would have bought this top in 2012 would probably buy it again in 2024 if she found it in a thrift store.

The bigger question here may be the scarf collar — is it a classic or is it a trend? I do think they've been scarce in recent years… but I also feel like I've seen a lot of instances of them coming back recently. (In fact, here's an August 2024 Business Insider article showing Kamala Harris in a scarf top, but knotted at her neck.)

Our Latest Favorite Scarf Blouses

2008: Paisley Cardigan from Lord & Taylor

Here's another pattern that begs the question: is it out of date? Again, I don't think it is — if you hate paisley you will always hate paisley, and if you like it you'll always like it.

This was a $52 merino wool sweater from Lord & Taylor, which the readers at the time loved for their cashmere and merino sweaters… alas.

COULD you wear this today? I think yes — the brown is on trend. Instead of wearing it as pictured, though, I might try a Sézane-type styling trick and button the cardigan up fully, then turn it backwards and wear it like a pullover, tucked into wide-leg pants.

Some of Our Latest Favorite Cardigans…

If you're looking for cardigans in fun prints, definitely check out Talbots' Charming Cardigan… otherwise, here are some of our latest favorite cardigans…