You’re standing in front of your closet and gazing hopelessly at your clothes. The love affair you once had is over.
It’s time to face facts: you’re stuck in a fashion rut. Before you find yourself starring in an episode of What Not to Wear, try these simple steps — you may even find that escaping a fashion rut is a little exciting.
Tip 1) Make a date with your clothes.
When was the last time you assessed every piece of clothing and decided what stays and what goes? This is probably the most difficult step of the process for most people because a lot of us have a hard time letting go. We wear 20 percent of our wardrobe 80 percent of the time, so hanging on to something because you think I might wear it again isn’t very smart. Instead, sell your unworn clothes to a second-hand store, or donate to a local charity. That shirt you’ve only worn once might be a new staple item for someone else.
Tip 2) Take advantage of your friends.
Instead of scouring the racks at the mall, scour your friends’ closet. Organizing a clothing swap is not only less expensive than buying new stuff, but you’ll also be able to bond with your BFFs. They may encourage you to try things you’d never normally wear — and this way, you won’t cope with buyers remorse.
Tip 3) Flip some pages.
Magazines are a great source of inspiration. This isn’t to suggest that spending $1,200 on a belt is the way to climb out of a rut, but gazing at what’s new and trendy can help you define which styles you like (and the ones you don’t care for). This way, you’ll know what you’re after when you spot the cheaper equivalent.
Shopping aimlessly may be how you ended up in a rut in the first place. Cut out pictures and tape them to your closet door to remind you to experiment and have fun with your clothes again.
Tell us what you think! What are your tips for breaking out of a fashion rut? Let us know in the comments!
