Image Courtesy: ©ThinkstockThis is somewhere that I sometimes find myself in, partly due to being tired, partly because I am severely lacking in time and also because of the practicalities of being a mum. It is easy to fall into a pattern of not paying much attention to what you are wearing. Every one has their own reasons for falling into a style rut ranging from lack of money to poor body image and just feeling a bit fed up with life.
I am a strong believer in the power of getting dressed up in clothes that make you feel good as a way to feel happier, more self confident and motivated. So here are just a few of my ideas on how to jump right out of a style rut (although I am sure there are plenty more ways too).
Impose a clothes shopping ban
It might seem like a strange thing to do when you are bored of fed up of the clothes that you have but I actually found that a shopping ban forced me to look very differently at the clothes that I already have.I found lots of different ways of wearing my clothes and saved money. Part of being in a style rut can be the repetitive buying of clothes that you don't need or that you don't feel great in. Whilst on a shopping ban, I started to get a really clear idea of where the gaps in the my wardrobe were and when I did start shopping again I put so much more thought into what I bought. You could also use the money saved to buy something amazing that you wouldn't usually be able to afford.
Start a style blog
Showing off your daily outfits on a blog is guaranteed to make you think about what you are wearing a little more creatively. Well it worked for me ! I'll admit not every outfit works and sometimes I look a state but at least I don't wear jeans and t shirts every day and I really enjoy picking out what to wear.
Swap some clothes
Swapping the clothes that you don't feel great in is a fun and risk free way of trying out a new look. Holding a clothes swap party with friends is a good opportunity to try on clothes that you might never normally consider buying. If you want a bit more choice in terms of styles or sizes try a clothes swap website like Posh-swaps.com (sorry I am a bit biased about this).
Try shopping with someone different
Friends and family can have a string influence over what we buy if they come shopping with us. If you always shop with the same person, try shopping with someone else or even on your own for a change. You will probably find you come home with some really different stuff.
Edit your Wardrobe
This is an old favourite of the stylists but it really does work. I try and have a clear out regularly of anything that doesn't fit properly, looks awful etc. This eliminates the temptation to wear those old comfy clothes that just don't do me any favours. Even if I am just sitting around the house working, I try and make an effort. I swap, sell and donate some of it. I also store some clothes that I am bored with as find that a season or two later I suddenly want to wear them again. Going through and editing your wardrobe also helps you to remember what you have actually got and think about how you might wear it.
Do a SWOT analysis of your wardrobe
This probably sounds a bit technical but looking at what works well, what doesn't work well and what potentially would suit your body shape, colouring, lifestyle and budget is a good way to move forward with your style. Just write a list of strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. You could also think of a few words that you would like your style to project, then search for clothes that fit in with these words.
Take a few risks
Go into a shop that you would never usually go in and pick up five pieces of clothing that you wouldn't even consider buying and try them on. You don't have to buy them but you may find they give you a few ideas on new looks that you could try.
So that's it for today, I hope you find these ideas useful. Do you ever find yourself in a style rut and if so how do you jump right out? I would love to hear your ideas.
Ceri X
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