fashion

Some days I feel like I am stuck in a big fashion rut.

But then I realize maybe it’s not a rut…maybe it’s just my fashion sweet spot.

I wear neutrals, as in always. Lots of black (classic…not gothic), whites, browns, a few dark blues, shades of grey…and, uh, that’s about it. I shy away from prints, and when I do attempt to wear them occasionally, I tend to put it right back in the closet because it just doesn’t feel like myself. You’ll see me in solids almost always, with the occasionally striped top or sweater, and with the very occasionally floral or otherwise patterned top or sweater.

Sometimes when I go shopping, I try to force myself to buy something different…something bright, colorful, and fun…something outside my usual solid neutrals. Sometimes I do buy something outside my normal style, and almost always I never wear it once it’s back home in my closet. I’ll put said item on, determined to make it work this time…but I usually make a last minute wardrobe change right before I go out the door just because I feel “off.”

Like I said, I used to feel like I was in a rut. I used to feel like I had to force myself to do something different, something outside of what felt like me. Now I know something different: I know that solid neutrals are my fashion sweet spot, and to force myself to jump in a style box that belongs to someone else isn’t going to make me feel comfortable in my own skin and in my own outfit.

I have friends that put together the darling-est of outfits full of fun colors and patterns, even mixing patterns. I love this! And I wish I could do it myself, but I’ve learned that it’s.just.not.me. And thankfully, I’ve finally come to terms with that and learned to embrace my wardrobe and style in all it’s neutral-solidness. It might be a bit dull and unexciting, but it’s comfortable and easy and, well…neutral.

What about you: what would you define your style as? Do you ever struggle feeling like you have to try to fit into another style box?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I don’t know about you, but I get so wore out trying to be creative and clever with my clothing sometimes. I’m addicted to variety in pretty much every area of life, so that means it’s hard for me to feel excited about wearing the same outfit twice, although of course I do have my oldie-goldie favorites that will never be worn out.

Sometimes when I’m getting ready for a day out or church or date night, the easiest thing for me to do is pick one piece that I do want to wear (and it’s better if that piece is something distinct, such as a striped shirt, floral skirt, etc. not just a black top) and then hit up the Internet for some inspiration for that particular piece. Pull up your trusty search engine and type in whatever piece you have (i.e. striped shirt outfit), and then browse the images section for the search. Or you can get really specific and search for something like “striped shirt with floral skirt” if you have a more specific look you’re after. Sometimes when I have a new outfit that I think I like, it helps to see a picture of someone else wearing a similar look to realize that I really do like it.

More often than not, I can find something that I like online and am able to put it together with what I already have in my closet. Of course, the other thing you have to look out for is seeing a really cute outfit with something you don’t have and then you just want that one particular piece so you can put together that certain look. That’s where a handy-dandy thrift store wish list comes in. If there is a certain thing I would like to have, I put it in a list on my phone, so when I’m out shopping I can narrow down what I want easily. Thrift stores are awesome, in my opinion, and if you’re willing to look and search and wait, you can usually eventually find that dress or skirt or top that you’re looking for. eBay is another great place to look for a specific piece, and if you hunt long enough, you can usually find it for a pretty good price.

One word on fashion…I don’t believe in allowing someone else to dictate what is and is not fashion for me. Just because peplum is in and the “fashionable” people wear this style, doesn’t mean that it’s good for me. It might be fashion for someone else, and I love that…for them. We should all make our own fashion. If you love to wear colors and patterns, rock it. If you love to wear neutrals and solids, rock it. Whatever your style is, make it your own. Wear what is you and that, my friends, is fashion at it’s best.

What about you: what would you describe your style as, and where do you get outfit inspiration?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!