How to Break Out of Your Fall Fashion Rut
How to (just slightly) change up your go-tos. | Images via J Brand, Forever 21, Shutterstock, Nine West and Banana Republic.
Fashion uniforms are great. They’re the secret of some of the most stylish women ever, and they make dressing a cinch. But it’s easy to mistake a uniform or signature look for, well, a fashion rut. There’s no shame in this; we all often reach for the easiest things in our closet, the ones that don’t take any thought, the pieces we’ve worn a thousand times, the head-to-toe outfits we know work well and still fit. But after you’ve thrown on that chambray button-up for the fiftieth time, it’s easy to feel lazy, stagnant and, well, downright bored.
Switching things up doesn’t have to mean a complete style turnaround, though. It just calls for subtle tweaks to what you already own. To make your rut-busting process easier, I’ve rounded up seven wardrobe staples — easy, go-with-anything items that tend to get the most wear – and their just slightly elevated counterparts. Think of it as Your Personal Style, Version 2.0.
Images via Nine West.
The comfort level is still the same, but adding an ankle wrap – either full gladiator, as shown above, or one simple strap – makes the flat feel more polished. Signmeup gladiator flats, $89 at Nine West.
Images via Banana Republic and Intermix.
Keep the fitted silhouette the same but take the length down just a few inches. You’ll still get the same work-appropriate coverage, but in a more modern, fashion-forward silhouette. The knit texture is on-trend this season, and the slight slit gives it added interest. Joseph wool wrap skirt, $245 (with 40% off!) at Intermix.
Images via J Brand and Marissa Webb Instagram.
Free the ankles! A zipper detail at the ankle toughens up a basic pair of skinny jeans, but still lets you keep the tight fit you’re used to. Opt for ones that are a slightly cropped and open the zipper so that it flares just a bit over your shoes, revealing a slice of ankle. Designer Marissa Webb, above right, is the queen of this. Marissa Webb Karin cropped jeans, $99 at Marissa-webb.com.
Layer one over a thin sweater for a cooler riff on the basic blazer. Drape-front vest, $425 at Vince.
Images via Shutterstock and Nordstrom.
Swap the ubiquitous knee-high boots (in whatever iteration you have: suede, tan, light brown, dark brown, flat, high-heeled, wedge) for a far more fashion-forward pair of OTK boots. A rich wine color goes with everything. Topshop suede ‘Count’ boots, $190 at Nordstrom.
Images via Forever 21.
Forgo your colorful costume bling statement necklace. (It’s time to give these a break.) The modern interpretation is a sleek choker. Choker necklace, $5.90 at Forever 21.
Image via Shopbop.
A white button-down is a classic, but this season, add a bow at the neck to update it. If you don’t want to fork over money for a tie-neck style, loop a ribbon under the collar to get the same look. Alice + Olivia Janis tie-neck blouse, $275 at Shopbop.
