5 signs you’re in a style rut – and how to get out of it
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. Style is subjective, yes, but these are the crucial signs that you’re stagnating – and how you can breathe a new lease of life into your wardrobe, with the help from one of The Chapar’s senior stylists, Laura Haynes.
You can’t let go of the pieces you’ve had for a decade
If you’re still holding onto piece because of their ‘sentimental value’, but you haven’t worn them in the last 10 years, you need to let them go. There’s literally no point in keeping clothes at the back of your cupboard if you never so much as even look at them. It’s time for a clean out, gents…
“Detoxing your wardrobe is the best thing you will do. Keep your wardrobe simple, with clean neutral tones so you can mix and match. This will make dressing so much easier. I always think, ‘If I was shopping right now, would I buy that item again?’ Probably not!”
People have started to comment on your style
If someone, be it a friend or a colleague, starts to make comments about the state of your wardrobe or how they remember you wearing that t-shirt two days ago, you know it’s time to mix things up. Subtle pokes these may be, but they’re worth heeding nonetheless.
“The best thing about having your own personal stylist is that they are a fresh pair of eyes. I always have an idea of what pieces my clients currently own and what they have kept from my previous trunks. In this way you can make sure that your style always stays interesting without straying into ‘try-too-hard’ territory.”
You haven’t been shopping in years
(Photo: Clive Gee/PA Wire)
Historically, most men hate shopping. Trawling Oxford Street, no matter which day of the week you decide to brave it, is mind-numbing, so we don’t blame you. The issue with not going shopping though is that you’re going to be wearing far too many clothes from yesteryear:
“Nine out of ten of the clients I speak to say they hate shopping. We’re all acutely aware of the pains involved in shuffling down the high street with a horde of others on a Saturday afternoon. Equally, online shopping can be hit-and-miss when it comes to sizing and returns. So why subject yourself to it? By developing a personal relationship with one stylist, you can spend your weekend doing what you want to do and still come away with a fresh wardrobe.”
When you do finally go shopping, you come away with nothing
Inspiration is a crucial piece of the puzzle and if you’re missing that, you’re more than likely going to come away with nothing if (and when) you do decide to take to the high street.
“It’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed given the mountain of clothes that comes out every season. The best place to start is with your wardrobe staples: a navy blazer, a white shirt or slim fitting indigo jeans are all great anchors from which you can begin to experiment (plus they make a great go-to outfit when combined). Everything we put together is designed to mix and match with pieces you already own so you’re never left adrift in a sea of ever-changing trends.”
You wear the same thing day in, day out
If you’ve been wearing the same worn t-shirts or faded jeans for the best part of the last few years, it’s time to start mixing things up. The beauty of personal style is that it’s varied. What you wear should never become a redundant pattern:
“It’s easy to get complacent with your wardrobe: after all, you feel comfortable in that old band t-shirt so you should look good in it, right? One of the easiest ways to up your look is to focus on quality and to up each garment a step in formality. Normally wear a graphic t-shirt? Try a Sunspel Riviera Polo (if it’s good enough for Bond…). Always pulling on the same pair of jeans in the morning? A pair of slim fitting chinos will instantly elevate your look. Don’t worry, they’re about as far from your grandad’s trousers as you can think of!
This article was written in collaboration with The Chapar.
Main and featured image by Joe Quigg, styled by Holly Macnaghten.
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