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