The fresh start of the new year always inspires me to give a fresh look at my wardrobe and fashion choices. I must admit: I haven't been very adventurous in my choices lately. While there is something to be said for choosing your old favorites again and again, it also isn't very thrilling or inspiring. I'm making more of an effort to mix things up and break out of my fashion rut this month. Do you find yourself in the same position? Care for some tips? Below is a handy-dandy list I created with 15 different ways to get your fashion juices flowing. Some are free, some require a small investment. Pick and choose what works for you and start having fun with your wardrobe again!
1. Wear a color you don't usually go for.
I've been heavy on the black and gray the past few months. I recently forced myself to wear some color (see that experiment in mint here) and it felt good. It put a little pep in my step that day. Try wearing a color that you haven't worn in awhile and see how it makes you feel.
2. Switch up your shoes.
Ypu don't have to buy new ones, but if you find you've been wearing nothing but riding boots, bust out your ankle booties for a change. Never wear heels? Dust those bad boys off and take them for a spin.
3. Recreate a look from Pinterest
I'm sure most all of us have Pinterest accounts that we save fashion inspiration to. (Check mine out here). If not-drop everything and get on that. Take one of the recent outfits you have pinned and recreate the look with items in your closet. It doesn't have to be spot on of course, just let it be a jumping point for using what you have. For tips on how to use Pinterest to organize your fashion inspiration, check out an article I wrote over on My Life Scoop!
4. Wear two items from your closet that you have never worn together before.
This is pretty self-explanatory, super simple and might just produce some fun results!
5. Rock a hat.
Even if you feel silly. Just try it out for a day. Even if you have before. Even if you do all the time. Hats can be transformational my friend.
6. Try a new nail polish.
Treat yourself to a new nail polish color. Then create a whole outfit around it using the color as inspiration.
7. Channel your favorite celebrity.
Pick a favorite style icon and then recreate one of your favorite looks they have worn.
8. Have a friend pick out your outfit.
Sometimes all it takes is a fresh set of eyes to create something fun and new from your closet. Invite a girlfriend or two over one weekend and have a styling party! Even better: host a clothing swap with your friends while you are at it!
9. Create an inspiration board full of favorite outfits and hang it in your closet.
Sure, Pinterest is great, but there is still nothing like a good old fashioned inspiration board. Put one up right in your closet to inspire you when you are getting dressed.
10. Dye your hair a new color.
I'm famous for this. I go lighter in the summer and darker in the fall. It changes my entire look as well as what I pick to wear. If you are really in fashion slump, this will definitely get you out of it!
11. Wear a skirt.
Or, if you always wear skirts, wear pants. Change up what you wear on bottom and your whole look will feel fresh.
12. Get your makeup done professionally.
Makeup and fashion go hand in hand. I can get in a rut makeup wise just as easy as I can style wise. Have your makeup done professionally and see what ideas you get. You might feel like a whole new gal!
13. Buy a new purse.
Just in case you need an excuse.
14. Plan a capsule wardrobe.
Pretend you are packing for a vacation and pick out your favorite pieces from your closet to mix and match. See what gaps you have and pick up a few things to complete the looks. Boom! Instant wardrobe refresh. Check out my monthly capsule wardrobes for inspiration!
15. Remember: fashion is FUN!
Don't let yourself get bored. Always have fun with it. I go back to one of my favorite fashion related quotes: "Style is a simple way of saying complicated things." -Jean Cocteau. Make sure what you wear is a reflection of who you are. Make sure it makes you feel good. But above all, have fun!