unless there’s something new hanging in your closet, how do you get excited about getting dressed? have you ever experienced a style rut? have you opened your closet and thought, ‘i have nothing to wear,’ or seemingly wanted to toss out everything? this girl can relate.
symptoms of a style rut: standing in front of your closet for more than 15 minute without finding something to wear; trying on five+ outfits, only to toss all five on the floor; and/or feeling underwhelmed upon getting dressed.
a style rut is a struggle (okay, #firstworldproblems), but when i feel stylish, i find it can greatly improve my attitude. there’s something to be said about looking and feeling put together! purchasing a new wardrobe weekly (or seasonally) isn’t realistic. instead, it’s all about re-purposing items already in your closet.
pair items you wouldn’t typically wear together. sneakers with a dress? denim on denim? big + small prints? try different combinations. mixing items you haven’t previously worn together can give new life to your outfit.
dress it up. if your outfit feels ‘blah,’ try dressing up your favorite skirt, dress, or accessory. tulle, metallic, and sequins are just a few of my favorites. i love adding a sequin jacket over a little black dress (lbd) or jeans and casual t-shirt. wearing a ‘wow’ item makes you stand out.
swap closets. this may or may not work, depending on your comfort level and overall accessibility, but i enjoy swapping items with girlfriends. of course, there are times i have regretted doing this, but in general, i enjoy sharing. trade jackets, jewelry, and denim—swapping clothes with friends is a great way to extend the life of your wardrobe (and make you feel as though you have more to work with in your closet).
accessorize. nothing can reinvent an old outfit like adding a statement necklace! not a necklace person? incorporate a hat or scarf. don’t be afraid to include one of these fun accessories into your outfit.
find inspiration. browse instagram and pinterest. what are other people wearing? is there a different way to style your cropped denim or blouse? i find it helpful to see what and how other people are wearing spring (or seasonally relevant) items to gain inspiration.
shop second hand. if you decide you need to shop, try finding second-hand pieces. look online for a nearby thrift or consignment shop. this can be a great way to add a few pieces to your wardrobe without depleting your budget. i recently purchased a khaki jacket and yellow wedges at my local goodwill (for less than $20 total). thrift shopping is my favorite!
photos by karya schanilec photography
jeans and t-shirt: brandy melville (via pacsun), jacket: c/o members only (exact here), rings: free people, shoes: converse, purse: thrifted (via goodwill)
change up your hair and/or makeup. try curling or straightening your hair (different from your typical hairstyle). if you usually wear your hair down, pinterest has helpful braid or half-up hair tutorials. a bold lip always helps make my look feel polished. try a new color to change things up!
how do you get out of a style rut? let me know in the comments, as i fear i am experiencing a major style rut. (why do i always want something new?)
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