Get Out of Your Style Rut Pt. 3
Get Out of Your Style Rut
Pt. 3: Get Inspired and Find Your Style
By Alina Masri
The final of our three part Get Out of Your Style Rut series is dedicated to getting Inspired and finding your style. With the influx of fashion inspiration via social media and ad campaigns, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your preferences. We assure you that while it takes a bit of effort, it’s not as daunting as it seems. Finding your own style is simply about keeping both an open mind and the confidence that you, too, can have great style. Here are 3 ways to get inspired and find your style.
Subscribe to Fashion Magazines
This one seems like a given, and it is. For years, the fashion industry has communicated everything you need to know about trends, brands, and looks through the form of fashion magazines. I recommend subscribing to online magazine articles and/or style bloggers to get you into the right frame of mind. This is a great way to stay updated, and while it is not necessary to jump on every trend, it will at the very least give you ideas on how to stay current. Fashion articles also lend insight on how to actually put outfits together. This takes the guesswork out of what goes with what to ensure you are pairing your clothing like a pro. This avenue also helps get your creativity flowing. The visual reference of people making interesting and appealing style choices is a great way to give you the confidence to do the same.
Visit Stores
I recommend physically visiting stores to check things out in person. Certain fabrics and styles seen in print might look different up close so this is great way to find what actually works for you. The inventory in store also informs you of the styles that are current considering the season and your local weather. Further, being in the store allows you to try things on to see what brands and styles are best suited for your lifestyle and physique. Trying items on is the only way to decipher what is most flattering on you and what you feel most comfortable and confident in.
Work with a Stylist
This is our favorite, for obvious reasons. Working with a stylist is a surefire way to gain personalized recommendations and tips for getting inspired and finding your style. We know that finding your style is not a one-size fits all approach (no pun intended). Because of that, our method is to assess each client individually to determine the areas in which their style is lacking. In doing so, we are able to get them on the right track towards their goals. This is different for everyone, so whether it’s a matter of simply filling in gaps of your closet to create a cohesive wardrobe, styling for an event, or a complete overhaul, a stylist will happily help you wherever you are in your style journey.
Getting inspired and finding your style doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a bit of effort and intention, but you’ll thank yourself later when the result is feeling more confident and well-dressed.
Get Out of Your Style Rut Pt. 2
Get Out of Your Style Rut
Pt. 2: Assess Your Lifestyle Needs
By Alina Masri
The second of our three-part Get Out of Your Style Rut series is dedicated to the importance of assessing your lifestyle needs.
One of the most common reasons we find ourselves in a style rut is because we feel completely uninspired by the clothes hanging in our closets. This can be due to a variety of factors such as ill-fitting clothing, outdated styles, or simply because the items we have don’t match our lifestyle needs. This quick guide will help you assess what’s hanging in your closet and see if it actually matches your lifestyle needs or if it’s time for a complete overhaul.
It’s All About the Fit
Let’s face it, we’re human. Our lives change and our bodies along with it. A wardrobe that is filled with items that don’t flatter us or make us feel our best is one of the top reasons for finding ourselves in a style rut. Perhaps you’ve gained a bit of weight or your gym sessions have bulked you up. Either way, you’ll benefit greatly from assessing the fit of each item individually. Try each item on and ask yourself the following: How do I feel in this? Can I move comfortably in this? Does it feel too tight or too loose?
Investing in the Right Pieces
It’s important to remember that the majority of the items in your closet should be long-lasting and versatile in order to get good use out of them. Frequently purchasing items that are lower quality due to their price point might be tempting, but ultimately, the style and fit of these items quickly fade. This is one of the top contributors of a closet full of nothing to wear. The turnover of cheaper clothes is often faster than you realize, which means spending more money, more often. I highly recommend investing a bit more on items that will last and are suited to your needs. For example, if you know you will be wearing shirts more days of the week than not, look into ones of higher quality and versatility, rather than trendier, cheaper shirts that can only be worn a handful of times before losing their appeal.
The 70/30 Rule
I believe in something called the 70/30 rule. That is, 70% of your closet is dedicated to functional, every day staples while the rest is reserved for pieces a bit more formal or fun. With that, you’ll need to determine what the majority of your time looks like. Do you spend most days of the week at work and if so, what does that environment call for? This is not a one-size fits all since work settings can vary greatly. If you work in an office, you’ll be sure to need plenty of proper slacks and shirts, while if you work as, say, a personal trainer you’ll need a good amount of high-quality exercise wear.
Remember that it takes time to build a functional wardrobe. In the end, looking and feeling your best will always be worth it.
Get Out of Your Style Rut Pt. 1
Get Out of Your Style Rut
Pt. 1 Purging Your Closet & How to Do It
By Alina Masri
With Spring just around the corner, the inspiration of renewal is still very much alive. That renewal can include our health, work-life balance, and for many of us, our sense of style. However, the in-between weather and new seasonal styles might mean finding yourself in a bit of a style rut and wanting to get out of it. If that’s the case, we’ve got you covered! The first of our three part Get Out of Your Style Rut series is on purging your closet and how to do it…but for real this time.
Purging your closet has endless benefits and I highly recommend doing this whenever you find yourself in a style rut. The ultimate goal for your wardrobe should be to feel excited and inspired about getting dressed every single day. So what does purging your closet actually entail? Just some time set aside and a bit of commitment to honesty. With these two in hand, you’re sure to make your closet purge as seamless as ever.
Step 1. Take everything out
There is something inspiring about a blank slate from which to work from. This starting point is the only way to ensure you end up knowing exactly what is in your closet. This first step involves taking everything out. Yes, we mean everything. Every single item of clothing, shoes, and accessories needs to come out. By doing this you will avoid overlooking any items sneakily hidden between hangers or folded piles.
Step 2. Get rid of the no’s
Once all items are out, there will be those you can instantly identify as “no’s.” Grab these items and place them out of sight. At this point, you don’t need to worry about how you’ll ultimately discard of them (sell v. donate). This is the moment to simply remove them so you can focus on everything else.
Step 3. Assess the rest
Grab every remaining item and truly assess the value it holds in your closet and how it contributes to your style. Ask yourself the following: Have I worn this in the last year? Do I like how I feel in this item? Does this item represent the style I want to convey?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, it’s got to go. While we sometimes feel the need to hold on to items for sentimental reasons or simply because we spent a lot of money on them, keeping items out of guilt won’t do you or your style any favors. Trust me. I can tell you from experience that replacing mediocre items for ones you actually like and feel amazing in, will be well worth the sacrifice of the temporary guilt that comes with foregoing them.
If the answer to the above are yes, you are free to place the item back in your closet! The point of this exercise is to create a wardrobe that is fully functional and only equipped with items that make you feel and look incredible.
Step 4: Discard the no’s
Alas, the purge part! Here is where you can finally get rid of everything in the “no” pile. I suggest creating two separate discard piles: one for selling and one for donating. Items that are sellable are typically those that are of higher value which include high-end designer or high-quality pieces. They also must be in good condition, be it brand new with tags or worn just a handful of times. Check your area for local consignment stores that might accept your clothes to sell for a split fee. I also recommend the online consignment platform, The Real Real. Other apps which offer smaller selling fees but require a bit more work from the seller include Vestiare Collective and Poshmark.
Ready to get started on your closet purge but not where to start? MB Styles works with clients regularly to help them purge their closet and create a functional wardrobe. Reach out to us for a quick consult to get started on your style journey.