MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile Style ArticleVolume 7 Week 47 November 22, 2012

Remember: only the last 4 weeks remain posted!

Thankful for a Style Rut

How did this happen to you? You’ve been wearing the same clothes and styles for quite awhile...but now they’re beginning to bore even you! You know you must step-up your style game, but when you go shopping you buy MORE of the same! Or perhaps you stand in front of a very full closet, yet can’t find anything to wear. You’ve got the style ‘blahs’ and you know it. It happens to the best of us. All women fall into style ruts from time to time. When I start to feel bored and uninspired with what I've been wearing lately...I tell myself it's a good thing. I am actually grateful for my style rut!I am grateful because by identifying that I'm getting stuck wearing the same 'ol thing; it's a first step towards changing my style. Style is constantly moving. It never stays put...it evolves over time. That's exactly how our style needs to be...always moving forward, always evolving.

When your closet (and daily style) lack excitement--it’s time to take serious action!

Use these 10 style ideas to refresh your style...

1. Make a statement. Get style instantly by adding a statement necklace to whatever you are wearing! The statement necklace is the “it” jewelry piece of the season.

Purchase (or really make one yourself like shown below) an inexpensive statement necklace. Your same clothes will look jazzier when add a statement necklace!

COPY THIS: Wear a necklace that has colors that match your eye and compliment your outfit (see below) The deep amber colors match her eye color and the warm rust

tones match her dress?

COPY THIS: Wear a statement necklace in a color that contrasts with your shirt/sweater color...

Do It Yourself Statement Necklace (This shows how to DIY)

COPY THIS: Cream-colored sweater, jeans, sassy handbag/shoes...now add a COLORFUL necklace to complete your look!

This pretty statement necklace is neutral in color...so it would match everything!

Coldwater Creek Pearl Medallion Necklace

This pretty statement necklace is a bright color so it would add fun color to just about anything you wear!

Haskell Necklace, Hematite-Tone Red Faceted Frontal Necklace

COPY THIS: Wear a button-down shirt, colored denims...now add a statement necklace!

Easy-peasy style that looks fabulous.

2. Cozy up in color! You already have the “safe” (and boring, I might add) black or beige winter coat. Now’s the time to wear something fun that will infuse energy into your bland wardrobe--wear a COLORFUL winter coat (or cold-weather jacket) this season!

Guess Envelope Collar Walking Coat (s-xl)

3. Jazzy up your jeans. Add more style to your basic wardrobe by adding a COLORED pair of twill pants to your wardrobe this season. Not only will it amp-up your style...it will bring more versatility to your wardrobe (more mix and match choices). If the idea of wearing a bright color on your bottom half sounds scary...then consider a DARKER color that works with your other wardrobe colors.

Liverpool Jeans Co. 'Sadie' Straight Leg Jeans (5 colors, sz. 2-16) at Dillards

4. Buy new shoes. Of course you’ve got the basic black ones covered, but those are boring. Look for something fabulous and a little out of your comfort zone (style-wise, of course you want comfortable shoes). This may take some time to find, but be on the lookout for fabulous shoes that will say to everyone around you... “I’ve got style, yes I do!”

Add style fast! Cute shoes instantly add sass to every outfit you wear!

Vince Camuto Ellen Ballet Flats (2 colors, 6-11M)

Ecco Jales Plain Leopard-Print Wedge

5. Contemplate your style. Take time to think about what what you want your clothes to say about you. Clothes give off powerful non-verbal messages.

What you wear each day is an expression of who you are! Are you a romantic, boho-chic, a unique, a classic or something else when it comes to describing your style? What types of clothes are you comfortable in? Are you willing to try new styles?

What a strange power there is in clothing. ~Isaac Bashevis Singer

People can tell a lot about you by the clothes you wear. What do you want to your clothes to say about you? Are you dressing accordingly?

Are you girly and feminine or more athletic with your style?

Are you boho-chic or a casual-classic in style?

6. Time for a new ‘do. Even though our hairstyle may flatter our face shape, perhaps it needs a little ‘tweaking’. Or perhaps you’ve worn the same hairstyle for a gazzillion years--a new hairstyle will change how you look and feel!!! Go for a new ‘do!

Been wearing your hair the same for YEARS? Looking a little dated are you???

What style rut? You can freshen up your style quickly with a new hairstyle!

Older, but as sassy and stylish as ever!

7. Why I love thee. It’s not just you, but most women wear the same things over and over...it’s the stylish ones that take the time to figure out WHY. Why do you wear a certain jacket or fitted shell so often? Is it the color, the fit or the way it feels?

Probably it’s a bit of all these. Figure out why you love wearing those few pieces, then working on getting MORE of these in your wardrobe!

8. Layer on a blazer! I’ve recently explained how a structured blazer helps balance every gal’s shape...the good news is, it’s a fabulous “completer” piece to any basic outfit.

Wear a simple dress, black tights and shoes...then LAYER ON a blazer...Kazaam! You are now stylin’

Have a mix of dark neutrals and colored blazers in your wardrobe...

Peter Nygard Button-Front Jacket (6-16)

For casual days...a colorful vest is a stylish way to keep warm...

Woolrich Andes Vest (4 colors, s-xl)

9. Play dress up! Set aside a couple of hours and not only declutter your closet...play dress up! By trying on new combinations and experimenting around you will find “new” outfits to wear.

Get playing in that closet! I promise you, you already have what you need in your closet to be stylish. P.S. Don’t forget to play dress up with your accessories too!

10. Plan your outfits. I know you know this. I’ve said it before (and so has FlyLady)...set your clothes out the night before. It makes the morning so much easier!

Challenge yourself, while you are at it! As you decide what you are going to wear the next day---make it a week of NO JEANS (or skirts and dresses only, or must include an accessory) or whatever gets you out of your style rut and looking more stylish!

Most nights I do set out what I’m going to wear the next day! I’m always glad in the morning!

Next time you feel you’re in a style rut...don’t begrudge it, be thankful for it! Now, you’re ready to let your style evolve once again!

Love, Leslie MSP

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