How to get out of a style rut

There are so many ways to fall into a style rut. Motherhood. A change of jobs or towns. Break-ups. Weight gain or loss. A complete absence of time to spend on ourselves. Sometimes it’s just malaise and feeling bleurrgh.

We end up hating on everything in our over-flowing wardrobes with nothing to wear.

style rut

Here are 7 ideas on how to pull yourself out of a style rut.

  1. Add an extra something to every outfit. Just one extra little layer. Maybe a pair of earrings, or a necklace, a scarf or a jacket. Just one thing can add so much polish. You can check out some great ideas over at FlatBumMum here.
  2. Get to know your wardrobe. You bought the clothes in there. You must have loved them (a little bit at least) once. Put aside some time and just have a play with what you have. Are there corporate items that could be repurposed? It might also be a good time for a wardrobe cleanse so that you can easily access the things you really want to wear. At least put away what no longer fits (either your body or your life).
  3. Try a subtle change. If you are always in jeans, try pants or a denim skirt. If you are always in plain shorts, try a print. If you always wear a t-shirt, could you try one with a bit of embellishment? You don’t have to go for a complete style overhaul – small changes can make you feel good too.
  4. Wear your things in different ways. Your wardrobe might be housing a heap more outfits that you realise. There are lots of different ways to wear a dress, for instance. Try to think outside the box and see what you come up with.
  5. Add some lippie or change your hair. Sometimes it’s not even about our clothes. It’s just that awful frumpy feeling. Wearing some pretty lipstick or parting your hair on a different side can be enough to brighten your day.
  6. Change up your shoes. I think shoes make a huge difference to any outfit. If you are casual flats only girl, consider wearing a little heel. Or look for some glam flats. There are lots out there. If you’re always in heels or dressy flats, think about wearing something more casual — brogues and sneakers offer a cool style edge.
  7. Get some professional help. You might be reading this and thinking “Nope, none of that is going to work – I don’t need a shake up, I need a new start”  If that’s the case, it might be time to get some help. If you have a girlfriend whose style you have always admired, why not ask her? Or you can always turn to the experts. I think Nikki Parkinson’s book, Unlock your Style, is one of the best out there to give you the tools you need to create a look you love. There are also some great online courses, like Flat Bum Mum’s Style Reset. If you think you need in person, one-on-one help and you have the time and cash, invest in a styling session. If you are in Brisbane, I recommend Sally of Steele My Style.

style saturday

Do you feel like you fall into a style rut sometimes?
What do you to get out of it?

10 thoughts on “How to get out of a style rut

  1. Sandra Kelly says:

    I’ve been feeling bleurrgh and had to leave the house yesterday for some health checks – “Can’t be bothered” was ringing in my ears. So I thought “NO… pick out your favourite things, put them together and see how you feel. I ‘autmumned’ up my fav summer chambray sleevless dress with black long sleeve t-shirt underneath, black legging and my favourite tan boots. Looked at my jewelry and chose pieces that special people had given me that had special meaning to me. It didn’t take as much effort as I thought and I walked out of the house feeling better just from putting my fav things together.

    These are wonderful tips you’ve shared Robyna. They can make a difference. Thank you. 🙂
    Sandra Kelly recently posted…I’m Back… with no cancer in tow!My Profile

    • Robyna says:

      That so great to read. I am sure some people consider spending time on outfits frivolous and pointless but it really does make such a difference to the way we feel.

    • Robyna says:

      You are too kind as always my lovely friend. You have so much to give mums searching for their style – I couldn’t not mention it!

    • Robyna says:

      Thanks so much for popping by Nikki – I recommend your book to all of my friends or family that feel they need a style boost. I really think it’s the most practical one out there.

    • Robyna says:

      Thanks Kirsty – it really is a tough time for style but I think it really helps when you spend some time trying to find it again.

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