WIW: Breaking out of the rut - YouLookFab Forum

Confession: I've worn jeans and a gray tee shirt more times this summer than I care to count. And not in a stylish way. In a lazy, I don't want to think about clothes way. Blue tights, gray performance tee to work out. Blue jeans, gray tank top to do field work. Clean(er) jeans and gray tee for errands. It has to stop!

Here are three three hot weather looks to push me away from the uniform.

1. Blue shorts, gray tee. Wait, does this count? There is print and color. Baby steps.

2. This was a breezy, cool outfit but ended up feeling way too polished for what I had planned for the day. I had seen an inspirational pic on Stella McCartney's Instagram and wanted to wear polka dots. I tried some light pattern mixing to liven things up.

3. Went to Target for something other than clothes. Came home without the other thing but with flared jeans. You know the drill. But I am in love with these flares! They are long enough for me! The pants are high waisted do I can wear my Zara crop top. Feeling whimsical, so I'm carrying a bag my college roommate gave me after working for an NGO in Cambodia. The aviators seemed like an obvious choice.

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Nordstrom

Isolá 'Phoenix' Wedge Sandal (Women)

$99.95 $74.95

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Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Ruched Midi Tube Skirt

$69.00 $41.40

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Eddie Bauer

Slightly Curvy Denim Bermuda Shorts

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Nordstrom

Vans Metallic Slip-On Sneaker (Women)

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8 years ago

Joyce B

Veteran

You definitely broke out of your routine, those are great outfits! I particularly love how the flares fit you and that hand-embroidered purse is lovely.
The polka dots look fun too.

Suz

(website)

Beautiful, Meredith. I actually like every one of these outfits. Polka dot top is fantastic on you. And what are those silver sandals you are wearing?

The flares are amazing on you. Wow.

CocoLion

I can see why you have a shorts uniform because you have seriously gorgeous legs! Just try different tops from gray, woven tops will freshen things up even more.

Anonymous

Hmmm, I think I've been in a bit of a rut for two or three weeks and reading your post has given me the nudge I needed....

You are looking great Meredith! I particularly love the flares outfit. Your legs look soooo long. You have some great bags and footwear too.

Summer

Consider your rut well and truly broken, Meredith! These are all lovely, and very varied, looks. I love the gorgeous embroidered bag - so unusual.

I hear you. Guess what I'm wearing right now? A grey tee and black cropped leggings. Ugh. I particularly love the fit of those flares and that cute cropped white top. Now that's a chic look. Love the bag too...

Angie

Fashion Stylist

#1 and #5 are Killer, and your shorts outfit is adorable, Meredith.

Fun to see the items that we bought together in action, like the white Zara blouse and Nordstrom sandals. LOVE the flares.

BrieN

You look great in those flares--excellent purchase. And I really like those sandals, too. Love how they pick up the hardware on the purse. Really nice. In fact, I love the whole polka-dots and subtle stripe outfit. I guess it was too polished for the day you wore it, but it could be a great choice for a slightly dressier day. Can't see how long the skirt is

Jane

Great flares, and it is pretty bag. I like polka dots too, and it is sweet blouse.

amiable

I looked at those jeans at Target yesterday! Now I'm kicking myself for not trying them on. They're fabulous on you.

marianna

Oooh great set of outfits here! Love your style.

Meredith

Joyce: Thank you! It was good to refresh the gray with some print and interesting design details.

Suz: The sandals are Isola. I added them to the finds. Thanks so much for the compliments.

CocoLion: You are too kind about my legs. I've run lots of miles on those babies, but I can second guess myself in shorts as much as anyone! I think you are spot on when you suggest incorporating woven tops. I think that's one reason the flare outfit felt fresh to me.

Diane: Nothing wrong with a summer rut, but if you're craving something different I hope this nudges you in that direction.

Summer: Thanks! It does feel good to have some variety!

Lisa: "Chic" is hard to pull off in the summer, so I'll consider that outfit a success. I really do love my gray and denim, though. The fact that I can wear that combo so frequently does make me stop and reflect on how much diversity in need in my closet.

Angie: Thank you, and that shopping trip was the BEST time. I wear my things quite frequently but am so inconsistent in photographing them.

BrieN: I will absolutely wear the polka dot outfit again. The skirt hits just below the knees, so once school is back in session this will make a comeback.

Jane, Marianna: Thank you!

Amiable: Go back and try them on! You are tall, right? I was so pleased these were the right length with my little wedge heel.

Eliza

The jeans are a super find- look great and your polka dot pattern mixing works beautifully. I feel a rut receding!

Ornella

I love them all, but the first outfit takes the cake. Those jeans are divine: the style, the hems, PPL. Fabulous take on white top+jeans. You make me regret returning my white flares last year badly now

RobinF

I like all of these, especially the jeans and shorts. I can't do high waisted jeans but they sure look great on you!

Brooklyn

I like all your outfits but especially the shorts and flares. Your violet cross body bag looks great with the shorts, really lifts the outfit. The flares are a find.

chirico (Chiara)

I like all of them. They are all different, so you can have many differenti occasions covered.
The outfit with flares is my fav. And the bag is the kind of unique piece I love.

Jaime

Love the polka dot top especially and all the outfits look terrific!

Eliza: I always like the idea of pattern mixing in theory but get nervous to IRL. Glad to know this works.

Ornella: It is very unusual for me to find pants with PPL off the rack, so I was thrilled.

RobinF: Thanks! I have to be careful with the high waisted pants because I have a short torso, but I think these particular proportions work.

Brooklyn: A bright color makes the gray and denim so much more interesting.

Chiara: I've had the bag for ages and rarely carry it but I hold onto it because of the color, detail, and sentimental value.

Shevia: Thank you!

Lisa

Great outfits, I especially like the flare jeans paired with a solid top and a fun printed bag. I've been sporting a printed bag all summer myself to jazz up my looks.

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