Style Uniform vs. Style Rut

wilma · ‎03-13-2010

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?

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@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.

Sweetbay magnolia · ‎04-14-2013

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 !

Cogito ergo sum

Foxxee · ‎10-03-2014

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.

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

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.

GenXmuse · ‎05-15-2016

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.

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

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.

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@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.