I find myself of late disliking the outfits I’ve concocted in the past and even on occasion, the ones I put together day-to-day. So I’ve been pondering why exactly that is and I conclude that I am stuck in a rut. Simply, my problem is boredom.

credit: bygone fashion

I find myself feeling a bit “blah” rather than fabulous because I end up throwing on the same things over and over again. I keep looking at other people and thinking, “how the hell do they manage to be so content in their style and look good in their own unique way?!” (I’m talking bloggers mostly, but in real life too) And I’ve found I end up looking at my possessions and thinking that the only way out of this small predicament is by buying a whole new wardrobe.

For most of us though, buying a whole new wardrobe is simply not an option. And when looked at from a sensible frame of mind, it’s not a solution to the problem (especially if, like me, you have items which are unique or dear to you in some way). Style after all, has nothing to do with what you are wearing; it is how you are wearing it that matters. Yet, no matter how developed your sense of personal style is, I’m fairly sure we all suffer from style boredom from time to time…

So, what can you do when you find yourself suffering from an aesthetic meltdown?

Here are a few of the things I like to do to get back my mojo!

• Inspiration – a lack of inspiration or lack of fresh/different inspiration is often one of the main causes style boredom I find. Sometimes, I do have to be in the frame of mind to be inspired, but when I’m feeling a bit low with regards to my fashion sense, manufacturing an inspired frame of mind can help! Why not try looking somewhere you normally would never think to look? If you’re an avid blog fan, why not take a break and read a magazine instead? Or why not randomly browse the fashion blog world and discover a brand new blog which inspires you? Or why not venture out of fashion completely and look at some art, read a good book, watch a film, listen to some different music, marvel at the wonders of nature or take a walk in a city and just people watch. You know yourself best, so you’ll be the one who knows what will make you tick!
• Take a break – After all my wittering about re-inspiring yourself, this is somewhat of a contradiction. Sometimes though, the problem is that you can become overwhelmed with life, ideas etc. that you have no clue where to start! I find that it’s wonderful just taking a little break from thinking, so you can just live instead. Things come together in the end and there is no point worrying about your style to the point that it seems to be a burden rather than an enjoyment!

credit: flickr

• Outfit challenges – sometimes I find I like to set myself a challenge. For example, I may challenge myself to wear something stripey everyday. Or maybe I’ll find an “icon” and be inspired by their style to create something of my own (note I said be inspired not copy…). It’s all about experimenting and going outside your normal comfort zone can open your eyes up to a whole new way of thinking.
• Small additions to your wardrobe – whilst buying a brand new set of clothes isn’t going to work, small additions could help revive your faith in your wonderful taste (you know you have it!). Think tights, socks, jewellery… why not get that wacky hat just because you love it?! I’m not saying steer away from clothes completely, because by all means, if you find a fabby dress, treat yourself; but for those of us who are maybe lacking in excessive funds (or have an inability to spend money!), don’t forget that smaller things can make a big impact too! And often, accessories such as tights can be incorporated more easily with what you already have. Just some food for thought…
• Read some mood-lifting articles – you find these especially abundant on some blogs, the first one that springs to mind is iCiNG of course, but I’m sure there are plenty of other about too. It doesn’t just have to be in the niche of blogs, it’s just that I happen to find the personal touch of blogs easier to relate to than those women’s magazine type articles. Maybe that’s just me though.
• Change your sources – if you’re an avid thrifter, why not try hand-making something? Or if you’re a high street nut, why not go to a vintage shop? Your great aunt’s dressing up box, that small boutique on the corner that creeps you out a bit… keep an open mind and anywhere/anything can be a style haven.
• Swap parties – so I’ve never actually tried one of these, but I really want to! The basic idea is that you collect together your wardrobe cast-offs and then gather with your friends who’ve done the same and just swap clothes with each other. The result is that you’ve purged those clothes that you don’t like (and are getting you down?) and get a whole new bunch of stuff in the process! As they say, one (wo)man’s rubbish is another (wo)man’s treasure.

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Okay, I feel a bit foolish doing how-tos because I don’t feel much like a wise old agony aunt! Nonetheless, I’m sure it’s not just me who goes through periods of feeling totally stumped by clothes. You’ve heard some of the things I try, but what do you do to get yourself out of a style slump? The wackier the better!

Side note: For anyone who liked the idea of the style challenge, I’m planning on setting up a flickr group to do with style challenges. Not in the way that it’s a competition, more in the way I’ve just tried to describe so that it pushes someone to think more creatively in terms of their everyday style. Currently thinking of names, so if anyone has any suggestions (other than “Style Challenge” which is all I can think of atm, but it just seems to be lacking in that certain something to me) for a name (or if you fancy being a 2nd moderator) please do shout out!