Style Rut? Life’s Too Short For Boring Outfits
Updated: 5 days ago
As a personal stylist, I'm a true believer that style should not be be rigid, serious or full of stressful rules. Let’s be honest, sometimes getting dressed can feel like an ordeal. We’ve all been told there are strict rules to follow, body shapes to flatter and "looks" that we should all be striving to achieve. We save our favourite clothes for hypothetical future events that rarely happen and we treat fashion like something we can get wrong. What a load of nonsense!
Style shouldn't feel like homework
It’s self-expression, play and above all it’s supposed to be fun! Permission is a word I've heard a few of my clients using recently. For example, during a wardrobe edit when they've felt they now have permission to let go of certain pieces they just weren't wearing anymore. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a style rut or taking your wardrobe a little too seriously, here are five permissions you need to give yourself today.
1. Fashion "Rules" Are Completely Made Up (So Break Them All)
"Don't mix silver and gold"; "Blue and green should never be seen"; "Never wear horizontal stripes".
Who made these rules, anyway?
Don't get me wrong: having a colour analysis is a fantastic tool for finding a palette that makes your features pop. But if your analysis says you're an 'autumn' and you love electric hot pink? Wear the hot pink! Guidelines should empower you, not restrict you.
Most fashion "rules" were invented decades ago when, let's face it, women were discouraged from standing out. Following them blindly removes the exact thing that makes style interesting: individuality. The minute you stop worrying about whether your outfit is "correct" according to some arbitrary rulebook is the exact moment real personal style begins. Mix patterns. Clash colours. Wear silver and gold together on the same hand (Trinny Woodall is a great example of this, she often mixes her jewellery). Breaking the rules is where the fun actually lives and is a great way to break out of that style rut.
2. Wear Your "Special Occasion" Pieces on a Random Tuesday
We all have that piece in our wardrobe. The sequined blazer, the dress you bought for your friend's wedding or the ridiculous vintage coat you were drawn to for some reason. And where are they sitting right now? Gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe (taking up valuable space), waiting for an invitation that never comes.
Whenever I do a wardrobe edit with a client, we aren't just clearing out old clothes - we’re also hunting for hidden gems. You'd be amazed at how many fun, statement pieces are hiding at the back of the wardrobe, just waiting for an ordinary Tuesday outing.
So this is your challenge: Stop saving your best clothes for a "someday" that might never come. Wear the sequined blazer when you're going to meet a friend for coffee. Wear the bold silk scarf to the supermarket. Wear that "nice" dress just to sit at your desk on a quiet Tuesday. Elevating an average day with your favourite, most dramatic clothes is one of the easiest ways to inject instant joy into your week.
3. Shake Off the Style Rut With Unexpected Accessories
This is one of my favourite tips - I really don't think we wear our accessories enough. You don't need an entirely new wardrobe of wild statement pieces to have fun with your style. In fact, your simplest, most basic clothes are often the best canvas for playfulness.
Take a plain white T-shirt and classic jeans. On their own? Clean, practical - it looks fine. But add statement socks (yes they're a thing - check out Glassworks London), a few necklaces or fun earrings and suddenly you've built an outfit with personality and joy. Basics don't have to be boring - they're just waiting for you to bring the party with your accessories.
4. Go Shopping in the "Wrong" Sections
I must admit, I forget about this one myself sometimes. But, if we only ever shop in the usual department or size category, we can be missing out on some great finds.
For instance, the men's section can be a great place for knitwear - I especially rate the men's section in M&S and often go there on personal shopping sessions. Related to this, ignore sizing labels and shop in sections outside of your usual size. We all know that sizes vary wildly between brands so don't rule out a section based on the size tags. I know many of us still struggle not to be influenced by what a size label says - but you can always cut it off. What's far more important is the fit of an item, the silhouette and how it makes you feel.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Take Risks
Here’s the thing: if you think back to outfits you've worn over the last five years and don't cringe at least a little bit, you probably aren't taking enough risks. Sorry! Understanding your true personal style requires experiment, trial and the occasional glorious miss. When you stop playing it safe, you start discovering outfit combinations you never would have dreamed up inside your comfort zone.
Was that all green outfit on the school run a bit much (talking to myself here!)? Maybe... But fashion "mistakes" aren't failures - they’re proof that you’re trying new things, finding what works for you and allowing your style to evolve. Remember your past gambles with pride, take photos of your wilder choices today (you never know!) and celebrate the fact that you're brave enough to treat your wardrobe like an ongoing canvas rather than a strict uniform.
At the end of the day, clothes are just tools meant to make you feel comfortable, confident and joyful in your own skin. So tomorrow morning, step up to your wardrobe, ignore the rules, wear the fancy shirt and have a little fun with it. Why not challenge yourself to try one of the permissions from above this week? I'd love to hear how you get on!
These "rules" can also work when on holiday, so why not try and have fun if you're lucky enough to be going away. Here's a previous piece I wrote on how to pack a Holiday Capsule Wardrobe. Create some fun outfits and see what resonates with you!
Ready to make getting dressed fun again? Whether you need a fresh wardrobe edit, a bespoke colour analysis or a guided personal shopping experience to find your signature look, get in touch and let's chat. Simply click here to arrange a call.
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