Everyone loves a good outfit update post, so I went digging through my archives and pulled a few looks from 2015 to show how I would wear the same basic formulas today.
As we go through each example, I’ll point out what dates the original look and why the updated version feels more current.
What struck me most is that the outfit formulas themselves have largely stood the test of time. The biggest changes are in the proportions and silhouettes, along with the shoes, accessories, and styling details.
And just to be clear, I’m not saying these outfits were bad. They made sense at the time, but style evolves, so these are the changes I would make to give them a more current feel.
Outfit #1: White Tee + Jeans
Let’s start with a combination that has probably appeared on this blog hundreds of times over the years: a white tee and jeans. It doesn’t get much more classic than that.
The first thing I noticed here was the rise of the jeans… ooof. What was that, like an 8-inch rise? Then there’s the skinny silhouette, the wide brown belt, and the cuffed hems.
The problem is that everything happening with those jeans works against the goal of creating a long leg line. The low rise shortens the leg line from the top, and the ankle-length inseam shortens it from the bottom. Then the wide belt and cuffed hems break up what little leg line is left. The end result is that my vertical proportions are cut right in half.
Now, that white tee, I would probably still wear. I actually like the rounded v-neckline because it opens up the chest area and shows the collarbones, which is always flattering.
A more modern version might be a boxy crewneck tee like the MOTHER Little Goodie Goodie or a boxy v-neck like the Splendid Lila, but I don’t mind this one at all. It would probably just be a little too long for my higher-rise jeans today.
The jewelry, on the other hand, would definitely get an update. The long station necklace layered with the short coin pendant and that orange leather wrap bracelet all feel very of their era.
The other thing I might still wear today are those sandals. I actually don’t hate those. I think they were Vionics, as I was recovering from a foot injury at the time.
Okay, so here’s the modern update. I actually shared this outfit just last week, so you may remember it.
The 2026 Update
In the updated version, I kept the same basic formula—a white v-neck tee and blue jeans—but made a few key changes.
Splendid Lila V-Neck (also at Nordstrom) (M) // Madewell Jules Slim Straight Ankle Jeans (29) // Steve Madden Tracie Jelly (8) // Parissa Wang Gabrielle East-West Shoudler Bag // Madewell Semiprecious Paracord Charm Necklace (also at Nordstrom)
The higher rise of these jeans creates a longer leg line, and the slim straight silhouette feels much more current than the legging-tight skinny fit from 2016. There’s also no cuff or wide belt breaking up the line of the jeans. The lighter wash denim feels more modern as well, although the darker wash from the original outfit would work just fine today if you prefer a higher-contrast look.
The v-neck tee has a boxier shape and shorter length, and while I didn’t mind the sandals in the original outfit, these kitten-heel jelly thong sandals feel more polished and trend-forward.
I also traded the layered necklaces for a cord necklace with a fish charm that fills the neckline perfectly. And instead of the orange leather wrap bracelet, I’m wearing a mixed-stone stretch bracelet in neutral brown tones that coordinates with the rest of the outfit. Both pieces feel more current and a little playful, which keeps the outfit from feeling too basic.
Finally, the handbag is larger and more proportional to my frame, and the east-west silhouette feels much more modern than the smaller crossbody bag I carried in the original outfit.
One quick note: I actually think this outfit would look great with a belt, such as the Madewell Open Weave Wide Belt in Espresso to coordinate with the sandals and necklace.
This is a similar outfit I wore recently (with a different white tee and brown sandals) that shows what I mean. Because the jeans have a higher rise and aren’t cuffed, a belt doesn’t shorten the leg line nearly as much as it did in the original outfit. Instead, it adds some definition and visual interest.
Outfit #2: Green Tee + White Jeans
This next one is interesting because, unlike the first outfit, the clothing itself isn’t really the issue.
What immediately jumps out at me here is that necklace—and the fact that I paired it with those long teardrop earrings. That’s a lot. Not only that, but it instantly dates the outfit.
And I’m not sure what that green band is on my arm. Maybe a Fitbit? Whatever it is, it definitely needs to go.
The leopard wedge slide sandals also date this outfit, especially when paired with the white skinny jeans. If the jeans were a more relaxed fit, I don’t think the shoes would feel quite so out of place, but together they are very 2015.
The tee, on the other hand, is completely fine. In fact, I wish I still had it! I love the pretty jade green color, the scoop neckline, the way the sleeves skim the arms, and the slub texture of the fabric. Even the length works. I’d probably front-tuck it today depending on the rise of the jeans, but I think it still looks good worn untucked as shown here.
Unlike the first outfit, the proportions here actually hold up pretty well. The longer jeans and heeled sandals create a longer leg line, so the outfit doesn’t feel nearly as dated.
Okay, so here’s the modern update I chose.
The 2026 Update
For the updated version, I looked through my photos from this season and was surprised to find one that is actually very similar to the 2015 outfit. In fact, when I put these side by side, I realized this is clearly a formula I’ve loved for a long time.
Wit & Wisdom Crochet Cap Sleeve Tee (S) // KUT from the Kloth Kelsey High Waist Raw Hem Ankle Flare Leg Jeans (10) // Dolce Vita Laurie Wedge Sandal (8) // Clare V. Stripe Flat Clutch // Baublebar Maui Charm Necklace
The top is a different color, but it is otherwise remarkably similar. Instead of a jade green tee, I’m wearing a cobalt blue one, but both are simple slub-knit tees with a relaxed fit and abbreviated sleeves. I even wore this one untucked, just like the original. It also has some subtle crochet detailing, which is very much of-the-moment.
The biggest update is in the denim. The white jeans have a more relaxed ankle-flare silhouette, which feels much more current than the skinny jeans I was wearing with the green top.
I also thought it was interesting that I’m wearing platform wedge sandals in both outfits. Platform wedges aren’t exactly at the height of fashion right now, but the raffia texture and clean double-strap design make this pair feel much more current than the leopard-print version.
And while I’m still wearing a statement necklace, it’s a completely different kind of statement.
Instead of a large beaded multi-layered necklace and teardrop earrings competing for attention, this colorful beaded necklace with ocean-inspired charms feels more playful and modern. It’s also supported by simple gold hoops and a gold beaded bracelet, rather than more competing statement pieces.
The funniest coincidence might be the clutch. Somehow I’m carrying a flat clutch in both outfits, eleven years apart.
I rarely carry one, so that definitely wasn’t intentional. I already had this outfit photo and didn’t notice the similarity until I started putting this post together! That said, the blue-and-red striped canvas clutch feels much more current and casual than the black quilted version from 2015.
Outfit #3 Black Top + Olive Pants
Unlike the first two outfits, this one didn’t make me cringe when I found it in the archives. While there are definitely details that date it, overall I think it still works, and it’s actually pretty flattering—and not just because I was 20 pounds thinner! The proportions are pretty spot on.
And black and olive has always been one of my favorite color combinations. In fact, next to a white tee and blue jeans, it’s probably the outfit formula I’ve worn most often over the years. But even though I still like this outfit, there are definitely a few details that place it firmly in 2015.
Let’s start with the black top. I remember it fondly because I had it for years. It had such a flattering neckline and sleeve shape, and the subtle texture detail around the neckline elevated it just a bit.
The olive cargo pants hold up surprisingly well, too. Yes, they’re skinny pants, but they’re not quite as skin-tight as some of the styles we were wearing back then, and the longer ankle length still works today.
The gold espadrilles are a classic style. While I’ve passed most of mine on, I wouldn’t say they look dated as much as they feel a little less like my personal style these days. I tend to prefer footwear with a more modern feel.
As for the coral satchel, that silhouette is actually starting to come back around, and it’s still a beautiful bag, although I mostly carry neutrals these days.
Even some of the accessories hold up. I would probably swap the thin gold hoops for something slightly chunkier today, but I’d happily wear that black-and-ivory bangle again.
Now, for the update.
The 2026 Update
When I went looking for a current version of the same idea, I landed on this black tank and olive wide-leg drawstring pants. The overall formula is remarkably similar, which just goes to show that some outfit combinations really do stand the test of time.
Free People Neria Rib Tank (L) // PAIGE Ari Wide Leg Pants (also at Nordstrom) (30) // Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandal (8) // Clare V. Grande Fanny // YSL sunnies
The wide-leg silhouette creates a very different effect than the skinny pants from the original outfit. It’s not as sleek or leg-lengthening, but this newer outfit feels more relaxed and current. And the fitted tank helps balance the volume of the pants, which keeps the overall silhouette from feeling overwhelming.
Like the original outfit, this outfit has a handbag serving as the statement piece, but this time it’s a modern woven leather belt bag in shades of brown, black, and ivory. Instead of making a statement with a bold pop of color, it stands out through texture and pattern, which feels more current.
And I still wore a neutral shoe, but a beige toe-loop sandal instead of the gold espadrilles. The overall look feels much more relaxed and casual.
This outfit is probably the best example of the main takeaway from this post: the outfit formulas themselves tend to stick around. It’s the silhouettes, accessories, and styling details that change.
So that’s all I’ve got for today! I found a bunch of other photos it would be fun to reinvent, but I felt like three was enough for one post.
If nothing else, this exercise was a good reminder that outfit formulas tend to stand the test of time. The biggest changes weren’t the color combinations or even the basic pieces—they were the silhouettes, shoes, accessories, and styling details.
And while I definitely prefer some of the updates, there are a few things in those old photos that I still like. Maybe that’s the real takeaway: style evolves, but not everything needs to be reinvented.
I’d love to know what you think. Which update was your favorite?
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47 Responses
I love this post! What a great idea to show old outfits and how to update them. More please!
I have a leather wrap bracelet like your orange one. It’s cognac in color. I love it! I’ve been holding onto it…;)
I have a red leather wrap bracelet that I love and refuse to part with! Mainly, I bring it out to wear with my July 4th week outfits. However, with “Americana” going strong this summer I have already worn it a couple times.
It’s a “ wear what you love” piece for me every summer!
Well that was a fun post! I pray the really skinny jeans never make a big comeback. They never worked for my body type. I loved when bootcut came around, maybe the early to mid 2000s, very flattering for me. When they went out of style again, I saved them, knowing they would make a comeback. When they did come into style again, I was so excited to pull mine out, until I realized they were all very low rise! Well, that did not work anymore! Besides the change in denim silhouette, it’s really amazing how the jewelry is what dates most of the original outfits. The ever-evolving changes in women’s fashion, while sometimes fun and refreshing, can be exhausting and costly. It’s little wonder why men can wear the same clothes year after year, and can pack for a trip in under an hour!
Oh my gosh, yes! It’s so true that women’s fashion is constantly evolving, while men are over here wearing the same clothing til the end of time. It’s usually a woman’s outfit in a photo that helps me place it in time, not the man’s!
I actually think men’s fashion changes more than people realize. The shifts may be more subtle than they are in women’s fashion, but they’re still happening. The trend cycles tend to move more slowly, and the changes are often less dramatic, but men who pay attention to style do make adjustments to fit, proportion, silhouette, shoe styles, and styling details over time.
Yes, I can see my husband’s fashion evolving, especially in the pants. Remember when they all wore baggy, pleated Docker style? That evolved into flat front Docker style, then the skinny style. Now my husband loves the golf-tech pants that he can dress up or down.
So fun to re-visit the outfits of yesteryear. Thanks for sharing what clothing formulas still work today with a little tweaking!
I like all the modern versions better. I never liked skinny jeans so I will always like wider jeans. The old tops weren’t bad. I like the green one. I had my share of those long necklaces and beaded ones.
Thank you for doing this! I loved jumping in a Time Machine with you this morning. Such a good reminder that formulas stand the test of time and the little adjustments make all the difference. Fingers crossed you do more of these – they are helpful and fun.
I always love these blasts from the past!
It also makes me wonder, in ten years what we will be wearing, look back at 2026 photos, and how we’d make them “current” 😊
I wonder that too!
Love this post! I do hope you do more of these 🙂
Fun to look back at what was in style in 2015. In about 10 years (or even sooner) we’ll think today’s fashion are outdated because of the way fashion changes so quickly. Even then I think it will always work to wear what flatters MY body. Now that I know that skinny jeans were not a good look for me as a pear shape, I can’t unsee. That influences my purchases going forward.
Liked the post but I still like my skinnies – the women that never liked them or didn’t think they were for their body type seem like they hate them the most. I have wide leg jeans too but with my straighter hips, there is usually just way too much material and it folds over and gives me even less of a shape. I am surrounded by women old and young wearing skinny jeans/jeggings – they are not low rise, sometimes are cuffed sometimes not, shirts are a little longer, shoes and jewelry updated. Think it’s like any style, if it flatters you, you wear it.
I really enjoyed this post!
I think the blue and white outfit is my favorite, but I also love the olive and black one, too. I hope you will do more of these kinds of posts, they are really eye-opening!
I love these types of posts! One thing that stood out to me is that your face has not aged at all! And I didn’t realize that your hair has pretty much been the same all this time as well; it’s longer now but still parted in the same place, same color and all one length with no layers. Did you ever do the extreme side part during the 2010s? I think I started following you in 2018…around the same time you were getting ready to move into your current house.
I have always loved the look of a long station and pendant necklace and I’m so excited to see designers/retailers bringing them back again (not sure if you’re noticing this too). Can’t wait to add one or two back in my jewelry box.
Well… I don’t really remember doing the extreme side part thing, although I do remember moving it a bit more toward center a few years ago. I just dove back into 2010 on the blog to see, and I came across this post: https://jolynneshane.com/cute-and-comfy.html
Ohmyword, the memories! Also, that is one darn good sponsored post, if I do say so myself, lol. My 2026 self didn’t even see it coming until I got half-way through. Funny to see how my writing style has changed through the years. Being a longtime follower, I thought you might enjoy it.
This was very fun to read. And I stand by my claim that you are aging so well! Your youngest daughter was (and still is) adorable. Thanks for sharing…..love looking into the archives! I noticed you wearing knee-length shorts which looked cute on you btw.
Oh yeah, I loved those shorts! Maybe I do need to try the “jorts”.
I’m loving this post! It’s fun to see the 2016 outfits and the updated versions.
And yes, the outfit formulas do work!!
The 2016 outfits also brought back great memories of my past!! And I love how you’ve shown how we can all keep a bit of our past selves, but make our outfits current with a few tweaks!
Part of me misses those outfits, and that time, but I’m still happy to be current today!
Same, I can totally relate. I did like those silhouettes, but I like to keep things fresh and current, so I’m happy to embrace more relaxed styles now.
This post was really helpful. It gave me some new ideas. Thanks again.
I love this article! So fun to compare what we were wearing 10 years ago. You look great in all of the before and afters! Outifit #1 really made me giggle – those low-rise cuffed crop skinny jeans…haha! What were we thinking?! The updated olive pants outfit is my fav current style.
I’m not surprised that I actually like the 2015 outfits better! I always start to like trends right around when they’re “going out” and then I probably stick with them too long. I just know what I like on my body and the wide legs make me feel frumpy.
🤷♀️
Hey that’s fair. We should all wear what makes us feel confident! 🙂
Fun post! Olive and black or blue and white, can’t decide. I love the sandals from the first “old” outfit, and if my memory serves me, you have similar ones this year from Talbots. It is funny how our formulas don’t change, it’s just how they’re fleshed out that changes. I have almost no outfit pictures from 10 years ago, but I looked at some older random photographs. Same basic style, but the jeans silhouette and frequency of wear is the biggest change for me. I was more bootcut back then. Never really did the skinny for very long because they just were not comfortable. Today, trouser cut and seldomly worn at that. I am actually less casual now than I was a decade ago, favoring nice trousers over jeans.
What a wonderful post! Quite a step back in time. Love to see the formulas still work to some degree with jewelry, shoe and other style tweeks. Thank you for you inspiration. You make my life easier!
Thanks, that is nice to hear!
Jo-Lynne
I decided to take your advice and dress in better proportion today! So I wore a shorter knit top in taupe (Michael stars from Evereve ) the same black trousers I wear all the time and a leopard belt. I got no less than four compliments on how great I look today. I think it was because the outfit was modern due to the shorter top and that proportion flatters me more than a longer blouse that I have to half tuck or let hang out. I’m really going to have to watch this from now on !
That’s awesome! Proportion really is key to looking put together, I think.
This was such a creative, fun idea for a post. I enjoyed it so much, I’d love to see a part 2!
This was such a creative, fun idea for a post. I enjoyed it so much, I’d like to see a Part 2!
What a great post!
This post was really relevant and we are all faced with these exact situations!!! Great hints on minor updates and reinforcement of what worked then works now.
How about a similar post with a dressy evening comparison? We all have that little black dress that takes us through the years, but how to update it would be great help!!!
Thanks for all the help and choices!
Great post, I always enjoy your analysis of what works and what doesn’t. I agree about the outfit formulas standing the test of time. However, I also think that while the old outfits are definitely dated trend-wise, they were and still are figure flattering (with the possible exception of the jean issues you mentioned in the first one). This is a great example of why it’s so crucial to tweak proportions on whatever the current trend is to make it work for our body type.
Yes, absolutely!
Love this post! Are cuffed jeans out of style? I got a pair this year with a wide leg.
No, not at all. I think they can be really cute (and modern) on a wide leg.
This is such a great idea for a post! You look amazing in both decades!! I am one who keeps my clothes for many many years, so I love the ideas of how to modernize an outfit. My favorite jeans are the cuffed low-rise from 2015!!! And I also have a coral/orange bag from J. Crew that is similar to your “old” one that I wear a lot! My most modern jeans now are a wider leg and higher rise.
Seems like Olive & Black are as classic as a white tee and jeans–I don’t think the combo will ever go out of style. On your retro denim–I still like a rolled cuff(:
Rolled cuffs can be super cute – as long as they work with the proportions of the rest of the outfit. In this case they were working against it.
I have a question about shoes and handbags. To match or not to match-in color, etc. I need guidelines! Or are there any?
I have a question about shoes/sandals and handbags. To match or not to match-that is the question! I notice your updates don’t look matchy matchy and wonder what the current rule of thumb is.
Yeah, it seems to go back and forth. I tend to match these days (or coordinate, not match exactly) because I like the look, but it is definitely not necessary. I do think it’s a bit more fashion-forward to not match, but these days it isn’t as dramatic as the 2015 photos looked, if that makes sense. It’s more of a lower contrast mis-matching that looks modern. It goes, but not like you are trying so hard.
Oh my goodness, I still have the multicolor twist beads in outfit #2; what to do with them? I did pull out the pink single strand but I never even wear it!