How many days a week do you look into your closet and say to yourself, "I've got absolutely nothing to wear". When this starts to happen to me more than twice a week, and I can honestly admit that I'm not just being a drama queen about it, it's time to take stock of my wardrobe and life. 

Hello, my name is Alexandra, and I'm in a style rut. 

Admitting it is the first step. 

Style ruts are surprisingly easy to fall into. They can happen when seasons change, when you get bored, when your body changes. Sometimes, and this is the worst kind, they just appear out of nowhere. 

Fortunately though, style ruts are just as easy to get out of! Here are a few of my favourite tips and tricks to shake it up when your style is down!

Tip #1: Cleanse


(images via weheartit.com) 
 
First things first, you need to detox and get rid of all that bad clothing karma. Toss, donate, sell or give away any items that you haven't worn in the past year. Being a vintage clothes hoarder, I accumulate tons of clothing that needs mending that I promise myself I'll fix up. I never do. Eventually, all this clothing ends up on my floor. That means it's time to clean up. Your old clothes that don't work for you (for whatever reason) only serve to remind you of this fact, get rid of them and start fresh! 

Tip #2: Inspiration


Whenever I'm in a rut, I spend some time finding some inspiration for a brand new look. I look to movies, television, my favourite celebrities, magazines or my favourite blog (yay ChickAdvisor!). One of my very favourite things to do is to pop in any old movie from the 50's or 60's, I suggest trying an Audrey Hepburn film. If something modern is more your style, try Sex and The City or Gossip Girl.

Tip #3: Accessorize


1. Forever 21 Oval Stone Ring (C$4.80)
2. Forever 21 Faux Diamond Ring (C$5.80)
3. Aldo Beaded Necklace (on sale, C$15.98)
4. H & M Cuff (C$11.00)
5. Aldo Necklace (on sale, C$11.98)
6. Asos Platform Lace Court Shoes (C$73.10)

It isn't necessary to buy an entire new wardrobe when getting out of a rut. I find that adding a few fun, big statement pieces to an older outfit completely changes the way it looks and also, how I feel. Take a basic black tee and a pair of great skinnies for instance, by adding a great necklace, a few cocktail rings and of course, a fabulous heel, you take an outfit from drab to fab! Stock up on less expensive and uber trendy costume jewellery at stores like H & M or Forever 21. They may not last long, but they'll last you a few trendy seasons and you'll be able to make some great outfits!

Tip #4: Experiment


1. Hugo Blazer (C$464.00)
2. Brian Atwood Pumps (C$795.00)
3. Ted Baker Skinny Jeans (UK$79.00)

Now is the perfect time to experiment and play around! Always been nervous about trying a bright colour? Go for it! Try a skinny jean or flare if you're used to bootcut and vice versa! Bring a BFF whose style you've always admired with you shopping for these new additions and ask their honest opinion. If they suggest that you try something on, do it! What's the worse that can happen? Going outside of your comfort zone will give you a new found confidence and might introduce you to some wonderful fashion items you've never even considered before.

Tip #5: DIY 


(images via weheartit.com, honestlywtf.com) 
 
Adding to or altering an old item to make it new again is a great way to save money and revamp a once loved item! Have a maxi skirt from last summer that you've grown bored up? Take it to a tailor to be hem into a mini or a knee length skirt (or DIY it if you're brave enough). Try tie dying a tee or pulling an ombre number on a tee or a pair of denim. Look to sites like P.S. I Made This or Pinterest for inspiration. One tip a friend gave me was to simply replace the buttons on an old blazer. You can find funky vintage buttons at thrift shops, flea markets or sewing stores, they are easily replaced add a little sumthin' sumthin' to a basic!

What do you do when you're in a style rut? Leave me your tips and tricks!
 
(other images via weheartit.com)