How To Get Out Of A Style Rut And Rediscover Your Style

We’ve all had those days where nothing in our wardrobe seems right, and getting dressed feels like a chore. But if you’re feeling this way every day, it’s a sign that it’s time to learn how to get out of a style rut. Because that’s not where you want to be. Your wardrobe should be a reflection of who you are, not a sign that says, “I’m bored, and I can’t be bothered.” So let’s rediscover your personal style.

Life is hectic. Between work, family, and the endless to-do list, it’s easy to forget to take time for yourself. But if you’re constantly on the go, you deserve a moment to focus on you. So, carve out a couple of hours, put on some music, pour a glass of wine, and let’s transform your wardrobe from a source of frustration into a place of pleasure and fun.

Step 1: Gather Your Style Inspiration

If you find yourself wearing the same outfits on repeat, it’s time to hit the reset button. Start by gathering some information to understand what your wardrobe is saying about you—and what you’d like it to say instead.

1. Reflect on Your Style Identity: Open your wardrobe and imagine it belongs to someone else. What story does it tell? Make two lists: one for the positive attributes and another for the negatives. This will help you identify the current state of your style.
2. Create a Visual Mood Board: Get a pile of magazines or browse online platforms like Pinterest. Pull out or save any images that resonate with you—whether they’re fashion, lifestyle, interiors, or travel-related. This will give you a broader sense of the aesthetic you’re drawn to.
3. Sort Your Wardrobe: Take everything out of your wardrobe and create three piles:
   • Love it: Items that make you feel fantastic.
   • Not for me: Pieces you don’t like.
   • Meh: Items you feel indifferent about.
   Which pile is the largest? This will give you a clue about where your wardrobe stands.

Step 2: Analyze and Define Your Style

Now that you’ve gathered the raw materials, it’s time to do a bit of analysis to refine your style vision.

1. Review Your Lists: Look at the two lists of words describing your wardrobe. Is there a common theme? Now, think about what you’d like your wardrobe to say about you in the future. Create a new list of words that reflect your ideal style—this will be your guide moving forward.
2. Identify Themes in Your Visuals: Look at the images you collected. Do certain colors, textures, or silhouettes keep popping up? Are there recurring themes, like clean, minimalistic lines or bold, dramatic shapes? This will help you understand the visual elements that attract you.
3. Curate Your Wardrobe: Go through your piles of clothes and start curating your wardrobe based on the words and themes you’ve identified. Decide which pieces align with your new style vision and which ones don’t.

Step 3: Take Action and Revitalize Your Wardrobe

Now that you have a clearer idea of your style, it’s time to take action.

1. Phase Out What Doesn’t Work: You don’t have to throw everything away immediately. Move the items that don’t fit your new style to one end of your wardrobe. Over time, phase them out and replace them with pieces that align with your style goals.
2. Get Creative with What You Have: Start wearing the items you love more often, and experiment with new combinations. Sometimes, a fresh take on your existing pieces can make all the difference. Don’t underestimate the power of accessories—they can completely transform an outfit.
3. Plan Your Future Wardrobe: Make a list of items you’d like to add to your wardrobe based on your new style keywords. Maybe you want to add more drama with bold colors or unique silhouettes. Perhaps you’re aiming for a quirky vibe with a statement hat or unusual jewelry. Whatever it is, take your time and think about how these pieces will fit into your lifestyle.
4. Be Mindful with Purchases: Don’t rush out and buy new items immediately. Give yourself time to mull over your list and consider what will work best for your daily life. It’s no use having a wardrobe full of delicate items that require special care if you’re not going to maintain them. Remember, even hand-wash items can often be cared for with modern washing machines—I use the hand wash program.

Embrace Your New Style

As you begin to fill your wardrobe with items that truly speak to you, getting dressed will start to feel like a joy rather than a chore. You’ll find yourself experimenting more and feeling more confident in your outfits. Trends will come and go, but if your wardrobe reflects who you are, you’ll always feel comfortable and stylish.

So, take that first steps to discovering how to get out of a style rut and enjoy the journey of rediscovering your personal style. Your wardrobe should be an expression of your true self—make it a reflection you love.

If you want more help in creating a wardrobe you love check out my brand new Capsule wardrobe Workshop.

Check out this post for my step by step guide to decluttering your wardrobe.