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Signature style, style rut, style refreshing and some goals

Katerina

Veteran

Dear Fabbers,
How is your wardrobe for colder seasons constructed?
My wardrobe consists mostly of many trousers in neutral colours, blazers in many colours, solid colored tops (mainly silk blouses, many black), Chelsea boots in different neutrals and a few structured cardigans. Very few skirts. No dresses. Very few sweaters, not worn much. Almost none of my clothes have patterns, only solids. I have many scarves, gloves, bags, brooches, statement necklaces and earrings. Also a collection of large sunglasses in various colours.

I always satisfied my need for outfit variety using different accessories. Didn’t need or craved variety of silhouettes. I use similar outfit formulas all the time and almost always with a scarf. My wardrobe is built around this concept. But lately, I started to doubt. I actually feel boring. I feel I need some outfit refreshing. Generally, I am quite happy with my style. But I would like to stretch it a bit. I have a couple of ideas:
* skip scarves a few times a week and use other accessories (I have many, so I could shop my closet),
* use more neutrals, make some outfits more minimal,
* try to vary my hair a bit more....
And that’s it, cannot come up with any more ways, which would not include extensive shopping. Any ideas?

I would love to know what you think. How is your wardrobe constructed? Has any of you a similar wardrobe structure? Do you feel stuck from time to time and how do you move your style forward? Do you have a clear signature style or a signature outfit formula? Are you satisfied with it? Do you crave variety? Please, help me with some ideas and inspiration.

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44 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

carter

Veteran

You certainly have a fabulous signature style, but I understand that sometimes you just need to shake things up a bit.

My Winter wardrobe is a bit different than yours, but I am a formula dresser as well. Currently in my closet: black pants, charcoal pants, and jeans in gray, black, white, cream, and all shades of blue. Also, I have way more sweaters than a southern girl needs, some tunic length, some hip length. I'm favoring the hip length ones these days. I also have a handful of blouses that I enjoy this time of year. I never wear blazers (or any other toppers) anymore, yet a few still remain in my closet. I have put my efforts into accessories lately, making sure that I have full complements from which to choose.

A week or two ago, I did a 10x10 challenge (10 wardrobe items/10 outfits over however many days that takes) that actually turned into a 10x7 when our version of the Polar Vortex turned into Spring. But, the challenge itself was great and energizing in terms of outfit creation. Now that our weather has become so erratic, I'm doing a 20x10 but choosing items as I go (and weather dictates). Effectively, this means a different top and bottom every single day for 10 days or so. I'm hoping to have a bit of a Spring wardrobe preview/evaluation so I can determine what I may want to add to/delete from my Spring wardrobe.

All that to say that maybe a challenge of some sort is what you need right now. Maybe it's 3 outfits/week without a scarf. Maybe it's two all neutral outfits/week. Maybe it's a capsule challenge. Have you tried any of these before?

The Cat

Veteran

Katerina, your signature style looks perfect for you. As many of us have commented, you look gorgeous in your elegant dramatic style, trouser suits, big scarves, glamorous sunglasses, interesting brooches and bold colours.

However, I do understand that you sometimes want variety. How about wearing a skirt with tall boots? And how about wearing a statement necklace instead of a scarf? Or a coatigan instead of a blazer?

My own winter wardrobe? Well, most days at work, I'll wear a skirt in grey, black or blue--solid or with a hint of colour in a subtle pattern. The materials range from wool to velvet, leather and thick jersey. (I wear jeans or trousers in my leisure time.) Most of my winter tops are turtleneck and round neck pullovers in a variety of colours, and a few of them are striped. My indoor toppers include several blazers and coatigans, a leather moto jacket, a thin puffer jacket, a poncho, and standard cardigans. Some toppers are neutral, others non-neutral.

I always like to wear a scarf, a necklace or a pair of medium-sized (never tiny) earrings. I use reading glasses and have quite a collection in neutral as well as fun colours. My winter footwear for the office include ballet pumps in various colours, loafers in silver and black, booties in blue, black and leopard print, black riding boots and tall black suede wedge boots. Most days, I'll wear 50 denier tights in grey, black, blue, purple or another colour I would like to match to another item in my outfit.

I am satisfied with my winter wardrobe, in particular after having purchased a few more non-neutral toppers to brighten the dark winter days. I do crave some variety, perhaps not in my basic formula (skirt + pullover), but rather in styles of toppers, footwear and accessories, and definitely in colour combos. At present, I feel I have plenty of options, and am happy about it.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

You've piqued my curiosity about your other accessories--tell us more!

As far as being bored--is it that point in winter yet, when you're just sick of it and sick of winter dressing & want it all to be over?

gryffin

Veteran

Katerina - you are one of the most interesting and stylish people I've ever seen and I do think you are perfect just as you are. That being said the fact that you feel "boring...." When I feel like that the first thing I ask myself is if I am reacting to my style or something else in my life. For me stress can be displaced into safer areas of dissatisfaction. That being said I bought the Madewell high rise jeggings because I wanted to able to wear something else with knee high boots and regular jeans are too thick and bag at the knee. Much to my suprise, after buying returning and buying again, I love them and they reinvigorated my weekend wardrobe. That and major boot tweak. Refined cowboy boots/booties. If you are indeed really in the midst of a little style shift, I would scan threads, sites, the usual "mood board" kind of exercise, what is it that calls to you. Also I get fussy like that when I'm ready to tweak my haircut. It's evolved over the years, nothing drastic but little tweaks which make me very happy. It's soul searching time. Where does the dissatisfaction come from and only you know what can reinvigorate it! I'll be interested to see what you come up with!!

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SarahD8

Veteran

Katerina, I echo others in thinking that your signature style really works for you -- it does not come off as boring or in a rut to me. I always enjoy your WIWs.

That said, it's all about how YOU feel!

Like you I have a pretty standard cold-weather formula (skinny pants, tall boots, woven popover, cardigan), and have felt the need to switch it up a bit lately. I spent several years avoiding pullover knitwear because I thought they were unflattering for my body type. Now I am realizing that I can wear them if they have specific qualities -- I do not like the way I look in standard fitted hip-length pullovers, but I can do fluid-fit tunic-length pullovers or shorter boxy/swingy/fluid ones. I am building a small capsule of these items and enjoying the simplicity of wearing pullover based outfits without visible layering.

I think there are a lot of things you could do to switch things up without extensive shopping. You could do mini-challenges like:
-What's the oldest item and the newest item you own that you can make work together in the same outfit?
-Wear a color combination you haven't worn before
-An outfit with only a single accessory
-An outfit with maximal accessories
-Your most recently worn item with your least recently worn item
-Etc....

There should be a book of style prompts like there is for writing prompts!

Joy

Veteran

Katerina, I also think your style is enviable and perfect for you but I understand about the winter wardrobe. A few years ago I decided on 6 seasons for my wardrobe to help build interest in late summer and late winter. I have now closer to 7 "seasons", most of them during cold weather.
To summer I added " Hot Fall", and collected some summer ( hot weather clothing items and accessories in fall colors and motifs. September may be the hottest month, but I have some rust/ bittersweet and olive to play with. I also use browns, light and dark, as my main neutrals. The motif is leaf prints and shapes. I also like plaids and tweeds best this time of year This takes me from Sept1 or so to Thanksgiving. Then I go to my next winter capsule: Holiday until New Years. It has most of my winter reds, metallics and Holiday motifs. Including snowflakes. I may continue to pull in some fall colors like burgundy and greens, but only if I want to. Neutrals are white and black.
In January I go to Deep Winter, which is more like your winter capsule. I use very few prints( mostly stripes) but try to up the texture. This year I spent the month experimenting with all neutral outfits and found that I was not bored by these outfits. Color blocked items in neutrals were pleasing as were leather, woolies, faux fur and lace. Someone one winter named her capsule Ski Apris. I like this idea but it is not me. Calm neutral outfits felt peaceful after the hectic holiday ones. Neutrals were mostly black with white/ cream, greys, and some navy
My next capsule was added because of winter wardrobe boredom. It is Cold Spring. I collected some pieces in warm fabrics but spring colors. My neutrals are mostly bone or dove grey for light neutrals. Taupe and navy are the dark neutrals I use most with this capsule. My pTterns and motifs are mostly floral.
Summer is full of midtones and brights and lots of pattern. I like a motif that is ocean related like shells and coral, palm and tropical plants. Watery prints, stripes I also like a bit of boho with ethnic jewelry and fabric patterns. My neutrals are white and navy.
This is long but has been a great help to me. I try to be strict with myself to save an item for the " season" it was intended for. Wearing my pink cashmere hoodie or ice blue is tempting in January but I force myself to wait. In recent years I have started the Cold Spring capsule sooner in order to enjoy it longer, but Feb 1st seems too early. Maybe Feb 15.
This works well for me. I look forward to the next capsule but allow items from the one before to be worn too if desired. Maybe you could divide up your scarves and jewelery by seasons and rotate them

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Wonderful advice above. Although we all appreciate your style immensely as is, if you feel bored some tweaking is in order. I would start with my hair - a haircut always make me feel renewed. I love the idea of your letting some of your other accessories take over some of the work of your scarves as well. Finally, spring will put a bounce in your step - whenever that comes round. (My winter style involves trying to wear as many of my boots and coats as possible before time runs out on our short winter.)

Runcarla

Veteran

I LOVE your style, Katerina! February is a blah month, so a good time for a fashion challenge and playing in the closet. I'll try to interpret Angie's featured blog outfits, or other fabber's WIW from items in my closet, when I need some inspo.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Katerina, I echo the others -- your style is unique, dramatic, authentic, and absolutely amazing! I love your WIWs and would say you have a signature look vs. a "rut."

But as others have also said, it's all about how you feel. And I completely understand how winter can wear a woman down!

I think that Gryffin (as usual) offers a wise perspective -- sometimes if we are craving a style change, it's really about something else in our lives. So it is always worth considering that.

At the same time, style does evolve along with us, and if you are wanting something new, well, why not try it? I like Shevia's idea of a slight change up in hair. A change in hairstyle can influence other factors. Having said that, I happen to love your hair as it is, so I almost want to take it back!

Another option is to ask yourself what feels more satisfying to you -- a change in colour or silhouette? Changing up colour is fairly straightforward and you seem to do it often and intuitively. Changing up silhouettes can be a more expensive proposition because you need the support act, but for some it provides a deeper feeling of change and variety. I like a change in silhouette even more than I like a change in colour, which is one reason I prefer summer dressing -- in my climate it's simply easier to switch up the silhouette in temperate weather.

Gigi

Veteran

A lot of us get the winter blahs, I think! I find it helpful at times like this to go to Google and search images of street style and find examples of outfits I like. That helps me gather more information: Is it a specific type of color I'm craving? Or a new silhouette? Or a texture? Sometimes you will get inspiration to combine items that you already have in a new way, and you won't even have to shop.

Another option would be to change up your makeup. Maybe wear a different color of lipstick or blush. Or paint your nails a different color. These can be quite inexpensive ways to add a little something new.

I like Joy's idea of a separate wardrobe capsule for deep winter. I've been meaning to try that. Winter in my neck of the woods lasts for about five months, and that's a long time. It makes it really easy to get bored.

rachylou

Veteran

It’s a good question. I’m definitely a uniform dresser, doing the same silhouette seven days a week. But that’s now. Working in an office, I really mixed it up all the time.

Anyways, with my current uniform I rely on colour and pattern and architecture... a ruffle here, a mutton sleeve there... to keep it interesting. I also like to stage personal mini fads. This year I’m going for a little Wild West. I got some cowboy boots and a belt...

Of course now it’s deep winter. We actually got snow. The Wild West has fallen by the wayside. It’s all Black Puffy... puffy coat and puffy boots!

Sisi

Veteran

You have impeccable style but I understand that at a certain point one can be tired of her own style. Angie wrote a post about getting out of a style rut time ago.

Eva

Following up on what Sisi said, I found some of Angie's blog posts on these topics.
https://youlookfab.com/2015/12.....style-rut/
https://youlookfab.com/2011/03.....style-rut/
https://youlookfab.com/2014/05.....ure-style/
https://youlookfab.com/2017/03.....ure-style/
https://youlookfab.com/2015/11.....e-renewal/

Katerina

Veteran

Thank you very much, dear friends, for taking your time reading and for all the help. You are truly awesome. I will be back with proper answers later after work.

Christina F.

Veteran

I understand how you feel. The temperatures have been all over the place wheee I love so I’ve felt this less this year. It’s very understandable though. I usually want to burn all my boots by April, even though I love them all.

The advice you’ve gotten above is excellent. One other thing I’ve done that helps (though this isn’t why I did it), is to make my casual and weekend wardrobe more distinct from my work wardrobe. They’re definitely both two halves of the same coin and use a lot of the same pieces. But I combine items differently, like a cropped knit top and trendy jeans. I’d wear just one or the other to work, not both at the same time.

Your style is killer, so I’m sure however you refresh it will be fabulous.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Another voice in the chorus of loving your signature style, but totally understanding why you may be feeling like changing things up a bit.

One of the best challenges I did for myself when in this kind of a mood, was a few years ago. (Not quite sure why I haven't done it again!) What I did, was came up with 5-7 different things I needed to do/wear during the week. I could do more than one in one outfit. I can't remember exactly what my criteria was, but for example, one day I had to wear a skirt or dress. One day I had to wear colour. One day I had to wear patterned pants. One day I had to wear long over lean. One day my neutral was black, one navy, etc... pick whatever criteria works for you. One example you've already listed might be to NOT wear a scarf.

This forced me to play in my own closet (so wasn't out looking for new things to try), to be creative, to think ahead, and stopped me getting bored with the same silhouette over and over again.

I also divide my clothes up into seasons, loosely. I have late fall/early winter (when the boots come out, with darker colors, heavier sweaters) then festive (reds, sparkles, velvet, as well as just plain comfy as I hang out at home over the holidays), then deep winter (with the cozy, heavier knits, and a lot of navy/black) then late winter/early spring (when the lighter colours start to come out). So I look forward to each grouping, and none get worn for excessive amounts of time.

Helena

Veteran

Hi Katerina, well you know I love your style too! Scanning the responses, you've got tons of wise advice. I can only echo that winter dressing can really be a drag, and often I feel like I am fed up with my clothes, but in fact, I am fed up with winter!

I have observed that the depth of winter (for myself) is a wonderful time to embrace a more clean and minimalistic vibe. Although you wear all your beautiful scarves and colours gorgeously, if anyone could also rock a column of black punctuated with a bold lip or necklace and little else, it is you! Why not try it out if you're feeling that vibe? Sometimes I think the minimal winter vibe is almost a palette cleanser, so that we can enjoy all our details again come spring

As Angie says too - sometimes a refreshed hairdo can be the thing. Manicures and pedicures are also a great way to perk up the doldrums.

xx

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm nodding along with Suz and Shevia. There is also nothing like a long Winter to make you question and get bored with your style.

Katerina, your current style is KILLER SENSATIONAL, unique, personal, and gorgeous eye candy for your audience . It's also formulaic, which might be why you're feeling like a bit of a change.

You might find this post helpful:

https://youlookfab.com/2015/12.....style-rut/

Tweaking your hair is usually a good way to go. It took me a year to grow my hair into it's current style, which has helped. Next up, try some pattern mixing, and maybe wearing your dresses and skirts in a different way. Add a pair of culottes. I like your idea of using your other accessories. Maybe add some essentials in different colours?

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Boring?!!There s no help for the rest of us if you have boring style.l don’t think you could look boring even if you tried but I do understand how you feel.Lots of great advice already given above and I do think that the time of year has something to do with it as well.A long cold dark winter,but the first stirrings of spring imminent often causes feelings of mild wardrobe dissatisfaction.l agree with those that said minor tweaking of hair can help .l don’t know how tolerant your workplace is but how about a stripe of bright colour in your hair,you can get great semi permanent colours these days and it would give an unexpected twist to your classic looks?

Gretchen

Veteran

@SarahD8 - I want that book of style prompts. How much fun would that be for a weekly challenge?!?

@Katerina - I think you have a fantastic style, and there's some great feedback here. Thanks for starting the conversation! If you want to make a minor change, how about adding just 1 item (like a dress or skirt) and see how it opens up your formula? I added this skirt in January and it's becoming a workhorse as it adds pattern, changes my silhouette and works with almost all the neutrals in my closet. Maybe worth exploring?

Also +1 on exploring the hairstyle change. I went in last month with "it's time for a change" and came out with a different shape. Still long, still same color, but different enough that it felt fresh to me.

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Alicewonderland

Veteran

Katerina,
Truly your signature style is awesome and I hope you don’t ever change too much of it.
I’m not a uniform dresser, a lot because I do tend to get bored with things quickly as my mood changes, so I can understand the need for change.
I think the easiest for you would be to keep your core and “signature” look items intact, like the blazers, pants, and Chelsea boots, and you can experiment with less costly things like makeup, hair, and accessories. If you buy anything it should be a few shirts and tops in a different style than what you already have because it’s inexpensive and can really change the look of your blazers, thus expanding their potential.

Anonymous

This sounds interesting! I'm sure you will come up with some great ideas that'll integrate well into your already-amazing wardrobe.
I do love the idea of varying your hair a bit. That seems easy, but high-impact.
There is also makeup you could play with.
There is a lot of skincare 'stuff' out there you could experiment with.
You could go to a second-hand shop for fun (if you don't usually go).
Cheers

Anonymous

You're definitely not boring, but I'm sure style ruts happen to everyone from time to time-and agreeing that winter is not a fun season to dress for!
I like the idea of short term small capsules to add variety, and also what about remixing colors into different combinations?

Katerina

Veteran

Thank you ALL so very much for all the help, all the encouragement and all the wonderful ideas. I am so impressed by all the knowledge and experience, and also by your kindness and great generosity.

Carter, your challenges sound great. I did a January 30x30 challenge here on YLF last year, which Sterling so kindly organised. It was right after I joined YLF. It was a fantastic experience and I still use outfits I put together then and photographed. Truly grateful for being able to do this. Now, maybe it is a time for me to do a challenge again. Three outfits/ week without a scarf and two neutral outfits would be very useful (and challenging :-)). How do you document the results of your challenges? Are they just for yourself or do you do them together with others? Do you share your challenge outfits?

The Cat, good ideas! I am thinking about some challenge for myself involving the new goals. Your wardrobe sounds like such a great mixture of items, especially toppers. A lot of variation within the framework of your work style - ideal in fact, no wonder you are happy with it.

Fashintern, you are right. I am sure a part of it is being tired of winter. I enjobooy winter dressing - it is my favourite season, but I am sick of the dark, grey, gloomy winter days at the moment and it affects my dressing joy, or rather the lack of it. Re accessories - I have many large necklaces. They are presents, travel souvenirs, charity shop and flea market finds etc. collected during the years. I also have some fun collars (lace, faux fur), large earrings, mini bags, handbag accessories, gloves and hair clips. I don´t use these accessories so often, but I enjoy them anyway.

Gryffin, you are so wise. It is sometimes stress in other areas of life that pose as style boredom. It is important to reflect on that. I love your refined cowboy boots and jeggings. What a clever way to tweak your style while being true to your style persona.

SarahD8, book of style prompts! brilliant. I love the idea of mini challenges.

Joy, great idea to divide a wardrobe into 6 or 7 "seasons". I admire your system and order. I have not done anything like it. In fact, for me it is only 3 seasons - winter, summer and everything in between. More seasons or seasonal capsules should also make it easier to spread wear of items more evenly during the year. What a wonderful idea to divide scarves and jewelry by more seasons and rotate them. I will start with deciding on scarves for cold spring this weekend.

Shevia, changing hair is tempting, but I don't have the courage to cut it much shorter, actually. I am thinking maybe changing the fringe or tweaking the color a bit. Also, thinking about getting a curling iron or something like that to switch a bit sometimes.

Runcarla, February is indeed a blah month. A fashion challenge would be great. Or some mini challenges, as SarahD8 suggested.

Suz, I don´t have the courage to change my hair much, although sometimes the idea of cutting it into a short bob is tempting. I am not ready for short hair yet, so it will be tweaking my fringe and maybe the colour slightly. You have such a fabulous style and wardrobe Suz, all seasons. Interesting you like change in silhouette even more than change in colour. I am the other way around. I crave many different colours and I constantly search for new combinations. I am normally quite happy with the same silhouettes (except now.. lol).

Gigi, exactly. Like you, I also like to search different street style images and also colour combinations - it is fun and good help. Make up too.

Katerina

Veteran

Rachylou, love the idea of personal mini fads! The Wild West sounds awesome for you. Hope you will share some outfits when the weather allows.

Sisi and Eva, thank you for the references.

Christina, interesting how you make your casual wardrobe more distinct from your work wardrobe. My work wardrobe and weekend wardrobe are also quite distinct, although many items are used in both.

Elizabeth P, I really love your challenge idea, excellent. I would really need such weekly challenges. These would include wearing a statement necklace, large earrings, tonal neutral outfit, skirt, sweater/knitted top and no blazer, a printed top or bottoms, not wearing a scarf as you suggest etc...

Torontogirl, minimal winter vibe - sounds great and therapeutical. I am fed up with winter... I love your idea of a column of black with only a tiny pop of colour - it has been ages since I have worn that and I am excited about your idea - YAY!

Katerina

Veteran

Angie, thank you for the incredibly kind compliments on my style, you are so sweet. Your post on style rut is very, very helpful. A pair of culottes - that would give some new silhouettes - great idea!

Cardiff girl, a stripe of colour in my hair - why not? Dark purple would be fun.

Gretchen, that is a lovely skirt. thank you for the tip. Which colour have you bought? The pink would work nicely in my wardrobe. Exciting with new hairstyle. I wish I had the courage to try.

Alicewonderland, really good point about the shirts and tops in different style.

Smittie, I love going to second-hand shops for fun, although now I have not been for a while. Do you like it too?

Suntiger, do you create short term small capsules in your wardrobe? If so, how long is the "term" of each capsule?

Thank you ALL again for all the fantastic responses, I have got so much invaluable advice and great ideas. I can´t wait implementing your tips into my wardrobe and dressing. You are so sweet and generous and I am very grateful to be a part of this community.

Joy

Veteran

Thank you for the kind words. Today my neutrals are taupe and tan.a taupe sweater dress with over-the-knee tan suede boots. Of course I had to include a scarf. It has mostly browns and taupe with some dark blue. You could easily make yourself a challenge like Elizabeth P suggests by using a calendar and fill each day with a styling challenge like combine 3 patterns in one outfit, or wear brown and black or wear your tallest boots with a dress.
I also love to use this site's Random Outfit Generator in Finds. Often the outfits will not work for the season, but you can easily use the inspiration and sub in something more appropriate. Last week I liked an outfit except ROG suggested my silver house slippers. I have other silver shoes. Because it was snowy I used pewter metallic booties instead.

Katerina

Veteran

Thank you, Joy, for the good challenge ideas.
Taupe and tan - what a sophisticated colour combination. You look fab in taupe. Is it a start of your cool spring already or still within deep winter?
I love taupe, but I wear it often with black or very dark navy to create some contrast, otherwise I look washed out. Last week, I wore a taupe suit with a grey/taupe/light brown/peachy scarf. I thought the outfit was elegant when I dressed in the morning, but when I saw myself again in the mirror at work I saw clearly that these colours do not suit me without adding black or some strong jewel tones or such.

Anonymous

Joy and maybe others suggested it, but I havent tried it yet. I do tend to wear my dark green especially in December and my lighter colors (tans, cognac, blush) more in late March-April.

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