What to do When You’re Stuck in a Style Rut

I’ve begun 2018 with a firm mission in mind: To take a picture of my outfit every day even if it means sans makeup, yoga pants (all day every day- moms ya know what I’m talking about), greasy hair. Well, I’m working my way through week two or six- thanks a lot stomach flu- and I’ve already learned some things and they’re inspiring change already.

I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. Seriously. Part of this has to do with the fact that we’ve spent most of 2018 sick. But, the other part is that I hang on to clothes too long after I’ve decided they don’t work for me.

In the past I’ve shopped price over functionality or style. I have a lot of pieces I snagged from the clearance rack and wore a few times and am now over. I haven’t always stuck to the classic, clean style and neutral colors I gravitate to in the everyday. I love buying and wearing dresses but does that fit my day to day life? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Right now, in the middle of 30 degree weather, dresses are not practical for errands and real life.

I shop too young. My husband would disagree as he likes to tell me I look 12 but as a grown up perhaps leggings all day everyday with a ruffle covering my bum is just not working for me. Don’t get me wrong, I can pull off sophistication if I try but I’m drawn to vibes that might tend to be just a little bit young for my *cough*30something*cough* age. I mean that crop top seemed like such a good idea on the rack (okay let’s not go crazy- I still like crop tops in some situations).

What’s the solution? I don’t know. You’d think after a year I’d be more in touch with my fashion style. In some ways I am. I know what fits me and what looks good. But, striking the balance between cozy and elegant? I don’t think I’ve quite figured it out but this is the first step: Clean out my closet and choose a set of pieces to wear for a month(I’m not sticking to a number a la capsule wardrobes but rather what pieces I love and think I’ll wear on the daily). I’m not going to be afraid to pull from my closet if I need to and I’m not including sick day momwear in this. My hope is that this exercise will show me where I still have gaps in my closet (already noticing a need for a cognac cardi) and where I need to clean out the excess.

If you haven’t already, head over to Instagram to check out my #fashion365 updates and stay tuned to see if I make it 30 days (well 28- yay for short February) with a capsule wardrobe. Come back Friday to hear my tips on creating your own capsule and why the traditional capsule is not meant for moms.