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Trust me. Even editors at fashion magazines sometimes wake up, look at their closets and think “I have nothing to wear.” I know this because for many years I was the editor in chief of fashion magazines. Talk about wardrobe pressure. This is a job where being judged by what you wear is actually part of the job description, every day. And when you wake up and hate on your clothes, you better figure it out.
Being in the throes of a style rut is about as fun as your daily commute. In high rush hour. In a rainstorm. But breaking it is as easy as opening a bottle of wine (after work, obviously), and it doesn’t involve going shopping. In fact, when you are in a clothing rut, shopping is the last thing you should do. If you shop every time you get tired of your clothes, you are probably just buying more of the same pieces over and over again. Instead, call your most stylish friend, pour her a glass of wine and take her through your closet. Another set of eyes on your clothes will uncover the gems, the pieces you are overlooking, you are sick of, or that you bought on sale and never wear, but feel too guilty to get rid of.
To get you started, here are the three most common style ruts and how to get out of them.
And for a little visual inspiration, here’s a video of Leandra Medine, aka the Man Repeller, shopping my closet for fashion week.
1. Style Rut: The Off-Duty Jean Default
Jeans are an every day classic, but don’t take that too literally. You should have other casual go-tos.
Fix: Think about swapping them out for a leather (or pleather pant), a comfy cargo, or a simple straight wool mini. Wear these just as you would your denim, paired with an oversized sweater, a sweatshirt, a men’s button down and an oxford shoe or low-heeled boot and you’ll look effortlessly chic.
2. Style Rut: The Mostly Black Wardrobe
I’m a New Yorker, so I know this one all too well. It’s a hard habit to break.
Fix: Dip a toe into wearing color by starting with a colored accessory, colored shoe or bag. If you are feeling more daring, try a printed silk shirt with your black pants or jeans. If you want to go all the way, try a printed pant, which are everywhere right now. Wear them as you would wear jeans with a simple sweater.
