Have you ever been in a style rut? (I think we all have!) But here’s the thing – you might be in a style rut and not even know it. If you’re feeling totally blah about your wardrobe – you may be in a rut. If you keep grabbing the same things over and over – you may be in a rut. If you suddenly realize you’re only wearing 5% of what’s in your closet – you may be in a rut. So, here’s what you can do about it.
But first, a quick story.
I was shopping with a client recently. During my first (and sometimes second) shopping trip with new clients, I typically take the lead in determining priorities. But this was our third shopping trip (about a year and a half after our first one) - so, I asked her what she was looking for. She said she needed new jeans. And some layering t’s. And new tennies. But I didn’t just put jeans and t’s and tennies on my list. Instead, I thought about the function these items serve in her wardrobe. And I created a list from there.
So, if you’ve been stuck in t-shirts and shorts all summer. Or you always throw a denim jacket over your dresses. Or you’re anticipating a fall filled with blue jeans and neutral sweater outfits. Here’s how you can shake it up.
IF YOU’RE IN A BLUE JEANS RUT
The most common rut that I encounter with new clients is the blue jeans rut. You have lots of different tops. And a dependable range of third pieces. But you always pair them with blue jeans (sometimes even the same shade of blue!). And you wonder why all your outfits look the same.
So, it’s time to think more about the function these items serve in your wardrobe. For the recent client I mentioned, she asked for new jeans. But (based on my knowledge of her lifestyle), I knew that blue jeans functioned as a versatile casual pant. One that she could dress up for her business casual office. Or throw on to run weekend errands. Or wear to a casual night out. So yes, we got two new pairs of blue jeans (one simple straight leg, one wide leg). But we also got her a pair of cargo joggers. And a pair of cropped khakis. Because the joggers and khakis serve a similar function to her blue jeans, but they add interesting variety. So, she could wear the same top and jacket that she’d normally wear with blue jeans - but the outfit would look totally different.
If you’re thinking, “Yes, I am in a blue jeans rut. But what can I wear instead?” Read this article for five different options.
Colored jeans are the easiest, no-brainer update if you’re always in blue jeans. You’ll usually be able to find white in the summer, grey in the fall and black all year round. And (depending on what’s trending), you can often find other colors (like olive, tan and even burgundy).
IF YOU’RE IN A T-SHIRT RUT
I work with many clients who have a very casual lifestyle. You may mostly work from home (so you just need to be Zoom-ready). Or your office is super casual. And on the weekends, you’re heading to Target and taking your kids to sporting events. And when you finally get some alone time with your partner and friends, it’s a low-key pizza night. And yes, while a simple white (or black or grey) t-shirt works for a lot of your outfits – it’s not the only thing that works. But when you head into your closet, you see plain t-shirts. And then a bunch of dressy blouses. And nothing in between.
But guess what? There’s a whole world of tops that live between simple t-shirts and silky blouses. So, if you’re in a t-shirt rut, think about the function of your t-shirts. Most likely, it’s a top that feels good against your skin, that works with different bottoms, and that you can layer (depending on the time of year).
If you prefer knit tops, try some elevated t-shirts (click here if you have no idea what I mean by an ‘elevated t-shirt’). If you want to crank it up a notch, go for lightweight sweater tops (thin sweaters can basically be the t-shirts of your fall wardrobe). And if you want more detail and interest, look at casual cotton blouses.
Knit tops (that aren’t t-shirts) add interest to even your most casual outfits. And they’re just as easy to wear!
IF YOU’RE IN A DENIM JACKET RUT
Sometimes I can’t believe that it’s 2024 and I’m still introducing clients to the virtues of a denim jacket. And I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with a denim jacket (here’s why I will always love denim jackets). But if you wear a blue denim jacket over every casual dress. And with all your non-blue jeans outfits. And you can’t think of anything else that works just as well. Maybe you’re in a blue denim jacket rut.
So, again – it’s time to look at the function of a blue denim jacket. For most of my clients, it’s basically the blue jeans of the jacket world. It’s a third piece that works over many different outfits and transcends different occasions and styles. Luckily, there are other jackets that serve the same function too – read this for 3 alternatives.
Just like with blue jeans - non-blue denim jackets are a great alternative to traditional denim jackets. You have the fit you love, but you get to play with different colors.
IF YOU’RE IN ANY OTHER KIND OF RUT
If you realize that you’re constantly grabbing the same clothes over and over. Or all your outfits are looking the same. I think you know what I’m going to say – look at the function that these items serve in your wardrobe. Basically, you need to figure out why you keep going for these styles – and then you can look at other options that fulfill the same need. And believe me, a simple switch of even one piece of your go-to outfits can make things feel completely fresh and new.
One more quick story. Like I mentioned before, I often encounter clients who are in a blue jeans rut. And these are often the same clients who are in a black pants rut – one or two pairs of black pants are the only other bottoms they have (not counting leggings). And it’s the only thing they turn to when they have to dress up. But the simple act of giving them casual options to blue jeans (and dressy options to black pants) opens up so many more outfit possibilities than they ever imagined.
Are you in a style rut? Do you need some help getting out of it?
I’m currently accepting clients for my early 2025 waitlist. So, if you’re looking for a partner in the process of elevating, upgrading or evolving your style, click here to get more information on my framework, pricing and availability. And if you’re curious about how my clients feel after going through my framework, click here to read a bunch of their stories.