The Everyday Style School: Episode Summary - "Stop Looking Dated, Part 2"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Everyday Style School
- Host/Author: Jennifer Mackey Mary
- Episode: Stop Looking Dated, Part 2
- Release Date: April 17, 2025
- Description: Welcome to the show that teaches you everything your mom never did about getting dressed! The Everyday Style School inspires you to love the way you look every day and gives you the tools to make it easy. From understanding your body shape to decluttering your wardrobe, we provide real style advice for women with real lives, real bodies, and real budgets.
Introduction
In the second installment of the "Stop Looking Dated" series, wardrobe stylist Jennifer Mackey Mary dives deep into identifying and eliminating ten specific fashion pieces that may be hindering your contemporary style. Tailored for women striving to maintain a current and polished wardrobe, this episode offers practical advice, insightful observations, and actionable steps to refresh your look.
Host Introduction and Episode Background
Jennifer Mackey Mary opens the episode by reconnecting with her audience, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between wearing what you love and maintaining a current style. As a seasoned wardrobe stylist with over 25 years of experience, Jennifer sets the stage for a candid discussion on outdated fashion pieces.
Quotes:
- “Stop Looking Dated is about wearing dated things.” [00:00]
- “Wear what you love… you can't keep wearing them and thinking they or you look current.” [02:15]
Disclaimers and General Advice
Jennifer begins with essential disclaimers to ensure listeners understand the context of her advice:
- Personal Preference: “Wear what you love. If you love these 10 items, keep wearing them, but recognize they may make you look dated.” [02:15]
- Temporal Relevance: The advice is accurate as of April 2025, acknowledging that fashion trends are ever-evolving. “If you're listening years from now, please verify if this advice still applies.” [03:10]
- Non-Exhaustive List: The ten items discussed are not exhaustive but represent common pitfalls in maintaining a current wardrobe.
Jennifer also highlights a special coaching session for Style Circle members, offering personalized feedback on wardrobe items.
Quotes:
- “This is not personal. It's not meant to offend you… I am just the messenger.” [05:30]
- “When we start looking for the trends we want to incorporate, we don't check to see what Coldwater Creek is up to.” [04:45]
The 10 Dated Items
1. Classic Denim Jacket
Timestamp: [06:00]
Jennifer identifies the classic denim jacket as a major offender in making a wardrobe look dated. Specifically, styles that are fitted, hit below the waist or at the hip, and feature excessive seams are out of fashion.
Key Points:
- Current Availability vs. Trend Relevance: Despite being widely available, these jackets have lost their contemporary appeal.
- Retail Analysis: Jennifer explains how even trusted retailers like Gap predominantly offer updated versions, with the classic style barely represented.
Quotes:
- “Classic denim jacket… you are making me look dated.” [09:20]
- “If it's just one or two out of many, you have your answer.” [08:50]
2. Big Earrings
Timestamp: [10:15]
Oversized earrings, especially teardrop, chandelier, and heavily detailed metal styles, are no longer in vogue. Current trends favor smoother, more refined jewelry.
Key Points:
- What's In: Understated large hoops and long linear earrings remain stylish.
- What's Out: Earthy boho styles with excessive detailing.
Quotes:
- “Big earrings… a lot more refined and polished.” [11:05]
3. Low Shaft and Overly Stylized Booties
Timestamp: [14:00]
Booties with low shafts (ankle or below) and elaborate designs appear outdated. Modern booties feature higher shafts and simpler designs.
Key Points:
- Optimal Shaft Height: Aim for booties around 6 inches.
- Styling Tips: Avoid V cutouts, perforations, and strappy designs. Opt for leather or suede with minimalistic heels.
Quotes:
- “We want the boot to go fully under the pants.” [15:30]
4. Long Necklaces
Timestamp: [18:45]
Long, beaded, and multi-functional necklaces reminiscent of the early 2010s are now considered dated. Current trends are shifting towards shorter, more statement metal pieces.
Key Points:
- What’s Out: Beaded station necklaces with multiple styling options.
- What’s In: Shorter necklaces with single strands, subdued colors, and minimalistic designs.
Quotes:
- “Long, simple pendants aren't as dated.” [20:10]
5. Mid-Thigh Cardigans
Timestamp: [22:30]
While not as severely dated as other items, mid-thigh cardigans can still appear outdated, especially those with chunky textures and oversized fits.
Key Points:
- Style Recommendations: Opt for hip-length or higher cardigans with refined buttons.
- Avoid: Chunky, oversized cable knits that contribute to a dated look.
Quotes:
- “Cardigans that end hip length or even higher and throw in some buttons.” [24:15]
6. Slip-On Sneakers
Timestamp: [27:10]
Slip-on sneakers akin to Vans styles, especially those with high vamps or decorative zippers, are no longer stylish. Modern footwear favors thinner soles and more streamlined designs.
Key Points:
- What’s Out: High vamp and multi-zipper slip-ons.
- What’s In: Lace-up sneakers with thin soles, boat shoes, and driving moccasins.
Quotes:
- “Slip-ons with like the higher vamp or mid-top styles with zippers… dated.” [29:05]
7. Bold High Contrast Geometric Prints
Timestamp: [30:45]
Excessively bold and high-contrast geometric patterns, such as chevrons in bright colors, are out of fashion. Current trends favor lower contrast, organic, and subtle patterns.
Key Points:
- What’s Out: High contrast, bright-filled geometric prints.
- What’s In: Smaller scale, organically placed, and subdued geometric designs.
Quotes:
- “Almost seven years ago I was telling people that your look wasn't so fresh.” [34:00]
8. Ballet Flats with Over-Styled Toes
Timestamp: [36:20]
Ballet flats featuring elaborate details like excessive folds, ruching, or large buckles are outdated. Sleeker designs with squarer or pointier toes are preferred.
Key Points:
- What’s Out: Overly detailed flats with ornate decorations.
- What’s In: Minimalistic flats, mesh styles, woven designs, and Mary Janes.
Quotes:
- “Ballet flats in general are that classic timeless look… but these specifics are not.” [39:10]
9. Distressed Jeans
Timestamp: [41:50]
Overly distressed jeans with multiple slashes and holes, especially beyond the knees, are no longer fashionable. Simplistic distressing remains acceptable.
Key Points:
- What’s Out: Stringy holes on thighs and excessive distressing.
- What’s In: Minimal distressing, like simple knee slashes.
Quotes:
- “Distressed jeans… no longer are they an easy way to look current.” [44:30]
10. Oversized Scarves
Timestamp: [47:25]
Large, bulky scarves with numerous tying options are outdated. Current preferences lean towards silkier, square scarves with simpler tying methods.
Key Points:
- What’s Out: Heavy scarves with multiple tying styles.
- What’s In: Silk square scarves tied bandana-style or folded into skinny rectangles.
Quotes:
- “Heavier, bulkier, bigger scarves… dated no matter how you're tying them.” [50:05]
Final Takeaways
Timestamp: [53:00]
Jennifer wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of distinguishing between personal style and dated fashion. She emphasizes that while trends change, the foundational principles of developing a versatile and flattering wardrobe remain constant.
Key Points:
- Understanding Trends: Recognize that all fashion pieces will eventually become dated.
- Style Principles: Focus on creating a personal style that adapts to changing trends.
- Polished Look: Shift from over-accessorizing to a more refined and relaxed aesthetic.
Quotes:
- “The only thing that will serve you forever is the principles and skills of creating your own style.” [54:40]
- “Getting this current styling right involves investing a little bit more care and thought into each piece.” [55:10]
Style Circle Membership
Jennifer invites listeners to join the Style Circle, a membership program offering exclusive resources such as seasonal capsule wardrobe guides, master classes, and a private Facebook community for additional support and inspiration.
Key Features:
- Special Coaching Session: Scheduled for April 29th at 7 PM Central, where members can receive personalized style advice.
- Access to Replays: Available for those who cannot attend live.
- Community Support: Engage with like-minded individuals for ongoing style guidance.
Quotes:
- “It's just $19 a month less than the cost of a clearance shirt you're never going to wear.” [57:50]
- “Don't forget this special coaching session we’ve added on April 29, 7 PM Central.” [56:30]
Conclusion
Jennifer concludes the episode with a heartfelt message, reminding listeners that the advice provided is intended to empower them to make informed style choices without feeling criticized. She reiterates the importance of loving one's appearance while staying current and offers reassurance that her guidance aims to enhance, not diminish, their personal style journey.
Final Quote:
- “Remember that your everyday matters. So get dressed for it.” [58:45]
Summary by The Everyday Style School Podcast
Jennifer Mackey Mary's "Stop Looking Dated, Part 2" serves as a comprehensive guide for women aiming to update their wardrobes by identifying and phasing out ten specific fashion items that have lost their contemporary appeal. Through insightful analysis and practical tips, Jennifer empowers listeners to navigate evolving fashion trends while maintaining personal style integrity. Whether you're part of the Style Circle or tuning in independently, this episode offers valuable strategies to ensure your wardrobe remains fresh, polished, and reflective of current aesthetics.