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How to Break Out of a Fashion Rut

In a Fashion Rut?

Many would like to have a personal relationship with their wardrobe. A personal relationship is one that’s relevant to lifestyle, personality, and just downright representative to your current modus operandi.

However, to obtain this type of wardrobe and self-harmony, a person may need to break out of a fashion rut. We’ve just entered into a new year, and now is the perfect time to dismantle past-tense sartorial views, and come up to speed with current and modern thoughts about getting dressed.

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Fashion Used to Be Easier

In past decades it was quite easy to look modern and put together. There were always clear and defining moments in fashion history. One could easily thumb through a manual on fashions in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s and pinpoint which fashions belonged in which decade. Fewer designers meant stricter confines of style.

Therefore we had fewer fashion options. With the 2000s, life has most certainly changed. Gone are the days of clearly marked fashion decades. In order to look contemporary, you need to dust the cobwebs off the way you think.

Here are five suggestions that will put a sledgehammer to that cumbersome fashion barrier:

Mundane = Mundane

Let’s face it, a mundane lifestyle often equates to a mundane wardrobe. If a more engaging life and wardrobe is what you seek, do this: add engagements onto your social calendar, and stay clear of clothing you just throw on.

Even if you begin with lunch outings or trips to the local coffee shop, add some fun pieces into your closet that bring finesse and joy into your day. You’ll be surprised how taking the time to select a special outfit enhances your mood and attitude about clothing. Allow your wardrobe to express the diversity in your life.

The Rule Stickler

Remember those antiquated fashion rules our mothers and grandmothers use to warn us about? No white after Labor Day; match your shoes to your handbag; only a suit can be business attire; yadda, yadda, yadda. Take a look around… THE RULES ARE DEAD! Holding on to these old-school thoughts will definitely keep someone in a rut.

The Age Shackler

If you’re a person who subscribes to ‘what to wear at certain age’ rules, then this suggestion isn’t for you. Yes, I’m fully aware of my age, however, I don’t shop in stores that have clothing divided by age rather than size; nor does anyone check my identification when I walk into a store – Excuse me ma’am, your i.d. says you’re too old to shop here. Please exit the premises. That scenario doesn’t happen.

So since it doesn’t, why not venture into stores and search for items that resonate with you. Always loved the magpie/bohemian/world traveler look? Then take a spin through stores like Anthropologie. If you have a bit of uptown badass in you, why aren’t you shopping in All Saints? If you’ve got a thing for interesting shoes – I bet you’ll get a kick out of Zara and Urban Outfitters.

Same Silhouette Sue

You tried on a silhouette and shape decades ago and you fell in love with it; now the darn thing is stuck to you like glue. Yes, we all love certain styles, shapes, colors, etc. I happen to love peplums, slim jeans and yellow, but I’ll be damned if I wear a yellow peplum and slim jeans every day. That would make me look as if I’m…well… in a fashion rut!

If you’re a Same Silhouette Sue, ask yourself this question, what has you in a silhouette stronghold? If you say anything remotely close to, “I’m comfortable with it!” Well, then, you know what to do.

Glory Days Gloria

During the 80s you graduated from high school, took some time off from college and decided to spend a year traveling internationally. You cut your hair into the popular style of the decade, and you embraced Madonna’s Like a Virgin Tour like it was your own coming out party. You lived in sheer tops with your lacy bra on display, rubber band bracelets, a penciled in mole, and permed hair. All of your happy thoughts are tied up in this carefree and adventurous time of your life.

Now, thirty years later, you still look as if you’re waaayyyy back there. I don’t want to take those incredible years from you. Trust me, I understand great times, but please, unless you want to look as if you stepped out of a time machine, fast-forward your fashion to today, and remember those outstanding times when you thumb through your memory book.

I hope you found these suggestions useful to break out of a fashion rut. To discover more about my insight on style and fashion, please subscribe to my blog, So What to Twenty, or join my So What to Twenty Facebook Group. Keep an eye out for my new book, True Style: A Look Beyond the Surface – available winter 2017.

Stay True,

Glenda

Glenda K. Harrison

From the runway to your personal closet, be it advice on the proper attire, or suggestions on how to live life to the fullest, readers throughout the world are being inspired by connecting to “So What to Twenty”, a style blog by creator, author, and freelance style contributor, Glenda K. Harrison, graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising with a degree in Marketing and Merchandising. Although fashion and style are important to her, Harrison's real passion is reminding others of the importance of self-love and using one's God-given gifts and talents. Her blog inspires readers to view fashion as an all-encompassing vehicle and encourages women to explore their personal gifts, style, power, and, most importantly, inner beauty. Harrison has been quoted saying, "I view my clothing as the cast of characters in my life, and together we tell the story of Glenda." The death of her mother spurred Harrison to launch A Daughter's Heart in 2008, a cancer support service that partnered with hospitals to provide love and support to women undergoing cancer treatment. She put aside that work to focus on her lifelong dream of touching lives through her writing and her passionate point of view on the subject of style. Harrison has authored an inspirational memoir titled, A Place Called Peace, and, True Style: A Look Beyond the Surface. Both available on CreateSpace eStore and Amazon.

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Sonia Fuentes

Monday 6th of February 2017

I'm so glad I came across your blog! Finally, someone I can look to for fashion advice. I look forward to coming back to your site. Well done, and I love your style!

Glenda Harrison

Tuesday 7th of February 2017

Hi Sonia! Thank you for your lovely comment :)

Sue Gardner

Monday 23rd of January 2017

Thank you, Glenda, for your inspiration. I'm 69 1/2!!!! And I still can't figure out what to wear that's appropriate. I grew up in the swinging 60's and wore the wild stuff, but becoming a wife, mother then grandmother can throw you for a loop. I don't want to embarrass anyone, but I am determined to not dress in a "matronly" manner. I am so grateful for your input and updates. Best Wishes, Sue

Glenda Harrison

Monday 23rd of January 2017

You're so welcome, Sue. Just remember, comfortable clothing doesn't have to equal to frumpy clothing. There are great stores that have great athleisure garments. Have you heard of Lou and Grey? The garments are sold at Loft, but they also have they're own locations. The clothing is soft and casual but is still very attractive and fun!

elle the elle diairies

Friday 20th of January 2017

Love this post Glenda, both the meat of it, and the great metallic skirt ( like mine!) I will be breaking rules , again, soon, Life is too short for silly barriers! xx, Elle http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

Glenda Harrison

Monday 23rd of January 2017

You are indeed a rule breaker, Elle, and for this you deserve much praise!

Haralee

Friday 20th of January 2017

Great tips! This past summer I went to an outdoor wedding and I was shocked at the ultra casual dress of some of my neighbors. I asked one and she is retired and her wardrobe is limited and she just threw on something. I took my conversation with her as a wise idea to keep my wardrobe updated and add some snazzy pieces.

Glenda Harrison

Monday 23rd of January 2017

Good for you, Haralee! I'm glad you took noticed and decided this way of dress isn't for you. Mundane = Mundane. Even when I making a small neighborhood visit into a store, I still put on something cute. I do it for me and no one else. As should you :)

Antionette Blake

Wednesday 18th of January 2017

I love changing up my look but my goal this year is to finally clear my closets of items that I haven't worn in years. Hope all is going well on your side of the world with fashion and the family.

Glenda Harrison

Wednesday 18th of January 2017

The closet clean-out is a excellent practice to uphold on a seasonal basis. At least for myself. I like giving my closet a fresh start, and I like giving my goods to Dress for Success.

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