My uniform - rut or signature style?

Helena

Hi there, first of all, thanks for putting up with all my questions; I'm new here and expect I'll be able to give more advice than I'm looking for as I learn in time!

Despite various experiments, I find myself coming back to the same uniform time and again for my MOTG lifestyle - fitted v-neck or scoop neck (or tank with v-neck cardi over), jeans, flats. I usually stick with neutrals and add either layered delicate chains, or a stack of bracelets, or very occasionally big earrings (usually if I'm going out in the evening - I'll switch out the flats for heels in this case, too.) This look overall works for me and I'm no longer seeking drastic change. I could fill my closet with variations of this and live happily every after.

However, I don't want it to turn into a rut. What do you think - rut or signature style? What do I need to do to keep it fresh? And do others have this dilemma?

Thanks for your wisdom and suggestions!

12 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Carole

Veteran

Signature style sounds like the right description. I think most of us follow a similar daily plan for ourselves especially as a MOTG. Updating with a fun trending color, shoe or bag can help switch things up so as not to get to bored with the formula.

12 years ago

hedgiehog

Veteran

I think signature style is how I feel. I realised the same of myself....I tend to prefer something similar. Either a tank or top with a cardigan of some sort and either jeans or a skirt. If I vary the patterns/colours enough it keeps it from feeling like a uniform. I just go with what works and makes me feel good.

12 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

To me, it's a rut if you're not happy with it and signature style if you are.

To avoid it becoming a rut, I'd go with Carole's suggestions. Look at tops in different patterns, colors or fabrics. You can also change up shoes and purses. Or what about pants in a few different colors and patterns?

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's a rut if you're bored. It's a signature style if you are happy!

It might also be a rut if you fail to update cuts and fabrications. If you are wearing the same style jeans you wore 10 years ago or the very same fit of shirt.

12 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Hi and welcome, TorontoGirl --

Ditto all of the above opinions, but especially this from Suz:

"It might also be a rut if you fail to update cuts and fabrications. If you are wearing the same style jeans you wore 10 years ago or the very same fit of shirt."

I have a lot of what I prefer to call "variations on a theme" cough near-duplicate looks cough in my closet. I also tend to wear what I love (bootcut jeans and dress trousers) even when the tides shift to other silhouettes.

Because I do enjoy clothing-as-expression, I just try to incorporate some updated style/color/detail into my basic look to keep from boring myself.

12 years ago

Anonymous

I think as long as you keep an open mind each season, and at least try on some new things you won't fall into a rut. You never know when a new favorite will present itself. I'd love to see some pictures of you in your 'uniform'!

12 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Ah, thanks all - I love that philosophy, that a rut is more how I feel about it rather than the look. I definitely feel fine about it; it more about "should" (should I be more daring?) than "want to". And definitely, keeping shapes up-to-date is key.

Claire, perhaps I will set that as a challenge - take some photos to share; might give some insight into how it's looking on me I'll work on that!

12 years ago

Cindy

Active Member

Sounds like a great uniform to me! I just came across this article this morning with several examples of basic MOTG looks jazzed up for "off duty" with different accessories: http://www.babble.com/style/8-.....-to-night/

12 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

I think many of us will be nodding our head in agreement with your uniform of fitted T's, jeans, and flats; it's a fail-safe formula that works for a surprising number of ages, shapes, occupations, and locations with bonus of letting each of us individualize and update this uniform through our choice of accessories.

That said, I speak from experience when I also think that an over reliance on just one uniform can lead to a style rut. I'm slowly coming around to the idea that, to maintain one's sense of style, it's as important to occasionally break out of the uniform as it is to update fabrications and cuts within the uniform.

Calling a uniform a "signature style" also gives me pause. I can think of any number of women on this forum who have an enviable "signature style", but I'd venture to say that most of them have evolved their personal sense of style by constantly individualizing, experimenting, and playing around with fashion rather than just sticking to a single uniform. The term "signature style" doesn't mean much by itself. After all, wearing a uniform of elastic-waisted polyester pants and matching tops in pastel colors could be called a "signature style", but I think most of us use the term to signify something more--as a descriptor for finding and defining a personal sense of style that allows us express our ourselves through fashion to the rest of the world.

12 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Such good suggestions! Especially, try on things! Comparing what you're wearing with what's out there can help because you'll either go, nope, mine are better, or whoa, this is an improvement.

I've been in more of a rut because I had a kind of signature style, cough, but did not update enough and also stuck to boring. Black shoes with black pants.
But still there are general silhouettes that look best on my frame and so I also want to feel secure enough to choose those over ones that are not as good just to be trendy. Finding the happy medium is the goal--things that are me, but me 2013, 2014 and not 1999.

You sound like you're in a better place but just want to keep things fresh.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Ditto to signature style and making sure cuts and fabrications are not stuck in a past decade.

12 years ago

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