topic Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut in Fashion

Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

wilma — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 20:25:49 GMT

Do you have a " style uniform"?

Do you have a specific combination of pieces for an outfit that you love wearing? It might make you look great, feel good, or just make getting dressed easier and goof proof.

Do you think a "style uniform" can become a "style rut"?

Sometimes I think I might be in a style rut, because I love wearing similar outfits, but then I think, I like what I like. I think most of us feel that way about our clothes.

Without totally changing your style, how do you keep your style from getting stuck in a rut?

I am a classic dresser so I don't buy a lot of trends. In the fall and winter my style uniform would be jeans or trousers with a top and layering piece. I mix things up a few ways. I own pants in various leg shapes: straight, skinny, slim, & bootcut, and wear those with various types of shoes and boots. I wear various prints, colors, and styles of tops. I can add different layering pieces: hoodies, cardigans, knit jackets, leather jackets, blazers, etc. I can also add different jewelry to my outfits.

What's your style uniform? How do you mix things up to make different outfits?

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

Shanus — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 21:45:44 GMT

@wilma I tend to think of the way I dress as "a look" rather than a style or rut, but it's the usual suspects of jeans, tops (tees, sweaters, blouses) and all neutral colors. I spiff it up with accessories....red, different than norm shoes or leopard flats or in winter an unusual jacket, blazer, scarf and/or jewelry. I then add add ankle boots....yes, a few pr. have leopard trim.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

Sweetbay magnolia — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 22:06:06 GMT

I pretty much wear a button front blouse and a pair of trousers, or shorts, or capris, depending on the weather. I enjoy picking the blouse of the day, and sometimes I layer underneath.

I change up my hat, my shades, or add/subtract a scarf, and also wear different jewelry. Then handbag/wallet changes, too.

And, I have quite a collection of outerwear, all things designed to be comfortable over my "uniform" look. No muss, no fuss. I like it! I don't see this changing anytime soon. If i'm in a rut, then I'd rather call it a "well-worn groove", one I'm quite happy in.

I'll bet you look cute, @wilma ! You too, @Shanus !

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

Foxxee — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 08:01:56 GMT

For those who don't already know, my style is men's inspired, classic tailored clothing. Monochromatic pants, slacks, and tops (t-shirts, button shirts, pullover sweaters), in black, midnight navy, and gray, occasionally burgundy.

To breakup what can become boring, I'll wear blazers, cardigan sweaters in herringbone, plaid, windowpane plaid, tweed, stripe, pinstripe, or status print, but they must contain the same color as my outfit.

However, I do like the all one color look of the same color top, pants, blazer, long coat, and shoes. I might wear chunky sterling silver jewelry.

I think quality is a very important consideration when wearing monochromatic outfits. Often it speaks for itself and doesn't need anything. My ideal outfit is black leather blazer, cashmere sweater, wool slacks, belt, leather oxfords or loafers, flat, or a mid chunky heel.

I prefer and look best in the long lean look, so I choose tops, blazers, and jackets that fall below the bum. Coats that fall mid-calf. I like the heavier Fall shirt jackets that fall below the knees.

I don't wear jeans, but do wear denim pants and slacks, straight or slim leg for casual wear, along with denim blazers, jackets, and coats, in black, gray, and denim blues. I like Native American pattern sweaters, denim pants, with western style ankle boots.

I wear solid classic shoes, but also wear classic styles with an interesting pattern. Bi-color, tri-color, stripe, status print, plaid, herringbone, tweed, animal print, and denim. Again, they must have the color of my outfit. I don't wear anything brown.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

ECBG — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 23:05:27 GMT

I just LOVE color, always have. I love color put up against black or white, particularily because the color is enhanced. The color wheel is in my head so I have no issue mixing colors.

I have quite a number of scarves where I loved the mix of the colors. If it's "right" it's right!

My clients often want me to put my outfit together for them, sometimes I can't.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

GenXmuse — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 23:21:12 GMT

If you can call jeans and a tshirt a uniform then I guess I have one. I would love to have a few well put together outfits but I'm not good with putting separates together which seems to be all I have! I need a picture to follow.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

ECBG — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 23:26:52 GMT

According to the definition of a "style rut", you have to dislike or be tired of the way you dress.

Rut, defined by the trusty English Dictionary as: “A habit or pattern of behaviour that has become dull and unproductive, but is hard to change.” To yourself, then, a style rut will most likely go unnoticed. Others though, they notice it.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

phoenixbrd — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 23:53:29 GMT

@ECBG According to your definition, I guess I'm not in a style rut. I enjoy the clothes I wear, even though frequently they follow a particular style of dressing that is pleasing and comfortable for me. I would rather my character than my clothing be noted.

@ECBG wrote:
According to the definition of a "style rut", you have to dislike or be tired of the way you dress.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

ALRATIBA — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:02:40 GMT

Definitely a uniform for me .... I've worn it since 1963!

Love the look - works perfectly for me. It's the perfect canvas for all my purchased and handmade accessories.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

Desertdi — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 04:31:06 GMT

I am extra-short, and I am aware of what works for me. So, I stick with it. If "other people" think it's a rut....well, that's just too bad!!!!

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

AngelPuppy1 — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 10:20:14 GMT

When I worked, I think I had no set way to dress. I wore dresses, skirts and tops, pantsets, sweaters and slacks --- everything! And I loved wearing color and shoes, jewelry and bags to match!

Being retired --- all this has for the most part gone away! I now say I have a sort of uniform. I rarely go any place. In the summer I mainly wear black knit crop pants with colorful cotton knit tops. In the winter it's either black knit pants or sweat pants if I'm walking with colorful sweaters or long sleeve tops. That's about it!

Never thought my clothing choices would consist of these limited items but that's where it is!

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

wagirl — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:27:37 GMT

I wear what I have ---am retired and don't need a uniform anymore---I add a few things each season to keep things fresh but don't really care much about fashion ---I do need a good pair of walking shoes tho--that will be my next pruchase---I don't go out much either but what I do wear is in good shape and fits--I do get rid of things that I don't wear after a year too---and try to do the --the---- for every thing that comes in, the same amount goes away routine----that helps

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

Snicks1 — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 15:37:59 GMT

Lol, I might be in a rut, but if I am, I'm ok with it. I wear what fits, is in good condition, fits my lifestyle, looks good on me, and let it go at that. I'm sure not a "slave to fashion", lol.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

shoptilyadropagain — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:45:08 GMT

Yes....my style uniform is in a rut. I rarely wear dresses anymore and my dress attire had normally been dress pants with a tunic. I tried to pick unique tunics that had some visual interest in them w/out being "out there". However, over the past year, I've started to buy a few jackets and vests to break this pattern I've been in. It's hard for me because I feel jackets are confining but felt I needed to add some. Yesterday, I wore black pants with an abstract small print tunic that was 3/4 sleeves with a black quilted vest. I got a lot of compliments on it.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

wilma — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:51:24 GMT

@Sweetbay magnolia wrote:
If i'm in a rut, then I'd rather call it a "well-worn groove", one I'm quite happy in.

I'll bet you look cute, @wilma ! You too, @Shanus !

@Sweetbay magnolia

Love the idea of calling it our "well worn groove". 👍😉

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

wilma — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:48:04 GMT

@ECBG wrote:
According to the definition of a "style rut", you have to dislike or be tired of the way you dress.

Rut, defined by the trusty English Dictionary as: “A habit or pattern of behaviour that has become dull and unproductive, but is hard to change.” To yourself, then, a style rut will most likely go unnoticed. Others though, they notice it.

@ECBG

Interesting.

I don't dislike nor I am tired of the way I dress so I guess I'm not in a "style rut" according to that definition.

As far as the definition for "rut", I can't control how others perceive my outfits. If they think they're dull, that's their opinion. I'm at the age where I don't need the approval of others on my clothing choices.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

wilma — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:50:13 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
I am extra-short, and I am aware of what works for me. So, I stick with it. If "other people" think it's a rut....well, that's just too bad!!!!

@Desertdi

Agree. We can't control what others think about our outfits. I dress for myself, not for others.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

ECBG — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:54:28 GMT

@wilma wrote:
@ECBG wrote:
According to the definition of a "style rut", you have to dislike or be tired of the way you dress.

Rut, defined by the trusty English Dictionary as: “A habit or pattern of behaviour that has become dull and unproductive, but is hard to change.” To yourself, then, a style rut will most likely go unnoticed. Others though, they notice it.

@ECBG
Interesting.
I don't dislike nor I am tired of the way I dress so I guess I'm not in a "style rut" according to that definition.

As far as the definition for "rut", I can't control how others perceive my outfits. If they think they're dull, that's their opinion. I'm at the age where I don't need the approval of others on my clothing choices.

@wilma

Everyone has a chosen style type, not a "rut". You may see clothing and think "That piece looks like Rachel!".

You choices become you and apparently work for you or you would change them.

If you're happy, that's all that matters. Style should be fun!

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

NYCLatinaMe — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 20:41:16 GMT

My eye craves new things, so I don't see myself as being on the verge of wearing a uniform or being in a rut. I do try to wear clothes that are flattering, but I don't think that means I have to wear the same all the time. I don't think I have worn a skirt in years, and I wear mostly tops and pants and jackets, but there is great variety within that. I do have a preference for certain necklines and sleeves, but, again, most of my things don't look the same, and I break my "rules" all the time.

Re: Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

Deree — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 22:29:49 GMT

When I was young, it was important to me to wear many different styles and colors. I don't think I ever repeated an outfit in a month -- always shopping for clothes.

I cringe when I think of how I used to be and wonder why it was so important. Insecurity? Wanting to be noticed? Thank goodness I grew up because that took an awful lot of time and energy, really a waste of it. Today, I stick to casual, simple lines and neutrals. Nothing fussy. Accessories pretty nonexistent. I don't want to walk into a room and draw attention to myself with my clothes.