Do you find yourself wearing the same things over and over again, not because you’re feeling lazy but more because you have grown inclined to the same styles? This is completely natural, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with it. You may actually be defining your true personal style.
However, do you sometimes want to deviate from the usual to spice up your fashion, especially for certain occasions? Restoring jazz and sass to your style shouldn’t be too hard. But, if you feel like you’re in a style rut, livening up your outfits can be quite a challenge. So, to help you snap out of this rut, here are seven easy styling tips to consider:
1. Wear socks and invest in new fashionable legwear
There’s nothing like a good pair of socks to make your feet feel more comfortable in stylish high heels, sandals or pumps. But apart from providing warmth and additional cushioning, socks can also create a funkier overall impression.
A lot of people think socks are a tad juvenile, but they are now some of the best accessories to refresh the signature looks instantly. Fortunately, fashionable legwear is all the rage these days. There are so many designs and materials to choose from – ditto with hosiery. You can have fun with these, and they are just one change that can really turn a style around.
Some of the most popular designs for legwear are stockings with rhinestones, sheer leg warmers with sequins and embroidery, and buttoned socks with snap-on embellishments such as bows, ruffles, and pompoms.
2. Wear a long, layering piece
One of the easiest ways to add drama, improve the silhouette of your outfits, make your style more comfortable, and even modest is by wearing a long, layering piece such as an open kimono maxi dress, a trench coat, or a maxi cardigan.
You can pair these layering pieces with everything – from short and tight dresses to vintage floral maxi dresses, a jeans and shirt ensemble, a blouse and skirt combo for work, and so much more.
3. Wear color pumps
Another easy way to add a pop of color to your outfits or make them less monochromatic is by wearing color pumps. These shoes are easy standouts and look particularly elegant when worn with a single-color outfit and black tights.
But, if you wish to make these shoes flashier, famous Japanese stylist, Asako Takano suggests wearing same-colored socks with these color pumps. The shoes and socks together look like ankle boots.
4. Borrow men’s pieces
Shop your dad’s, husband’s, or brother’s stash. For sure, you will find comfortable pieces that can go exceptionally well with many of your wardrobe staples. The beauty of this styling trick is men’s clothing always fits women’s bodies differently. Therefore, you can achieve a unique silhouette wearing them.
Some of the best pieces to borrow are their boxy jackets and dress shirts. Push or roll up their sleeves for a Miami Vice, 80s-inspired look. Or belt these pieces to show off your feminine curves.
5. Throw on a jacket over your most trusted outfits
If you tend to wear similar outfits most of the time, such as a T-shirt or sweater dress, spice it up by throwing a cool denim jacket over a trusty outfit. Remember the operative word “throw” – this means you don’t put your arms through the sleeves of the jacket, you just rest it on your shoulders.
This styling trick is a fantastic yet easy way to turn any casual getup into a street-chic attire.
6. Wear fancy, traditional, or ethnic clothing casually
If you have pieces that represent your culture, or fancy clothing from weddings and other formal events, explore how you can wear tribal cloths casually.
For example, if you have a tulle skirt from a bridesmaid dress, pair it with a simple tee and sneakers. Or, if you have a traditional outfit that you usually only wear for the holidays, perhaps you can match the top with jeans or cover the top of the dress with a loose shirt or a jacket to make it less costume-y.
7. Deck out with accessories
Accessories can do so much in energizing your personal style. The possibilities are endless with these. You can use accessories to alter the shape of your clothes, make rugged pieces look more formal, and make favorite pieces look like new clothes.
For example, if you have a lot of button-down shirts you find too plain most of the time, glam these up by wearing a statement necklace right at the collar. You can also double the necklaces for extra sparkle. Or, create an asymmetrical neckline with a brooch or pin. Another thing that you can do is wear a bow around the neck.
See, getting out of a style rut is not that difficult or expensive. A single change can make a huge difference. So, approach dressing up with a fresh perspective; hopefully, the ideas shared above are enough inspiration to help you rethink your style.