Fashion

5 Creative Ways to Break Out of a Style Rut

It’s time for a tune up.

By Kaki Gaines

The beginning of a new season is my favorite time to do a wardrobe refresh. Getting dressed feels so much more exciting when I change it up from my usual go-to’s and inject my look with a dash of newness. Even with something as simple as a new accessory or shoe, updating your wardrobe sparks new outfit ideas and style combinations you might not have thought of before.

If you’re feeling a bit blah about everything in your closet these days, chances are you’re stuck in the depths of a style rut.

spring fashion

image by who what wear

The good news? These 5 stylist tricks will help you get out of your comfort zone and into feeling excited about your wardrobe. You’ll be amazed at the difference you’ll feel getting ready, and the confidence you’ll have throughout the day just by wearing an outfit you love. Read on for some easy and affordable ideas that will infuse variety into your outfits without having to completely overhaul your closet this spring.

hair pin, hair clip, spring hair, beach waves

image by madewell

1. If you always wear earrings, accessorize with a headband or hair pin instead.

Both headbands and hair pins were everywhere on the Spring 2019 runways. Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Givenchy, and many more all had their own take on hair accessories this season. My suggestion is to invest in a versatile style that can easily match back to several outfits you already own. You don’t want to feel like you have to create a new outfit to incorporate your new purchase! Jennifer Behr makes some of my most coveted hair accessories this season.

Our favorites:


wide leg pants, high waisted jeans, spring fashion

image by popsugar

2. If you always wear skinny jeans, switch it up with some vintage-inspired styles. 

High rise, straight cut denim with less of a stretch is definitely the it-style of the season. This cut is universally flattering and can be dressed up with a heeled mule or worn casually with a sneaker for daytime. Basically every denim brand has its own version of this style, so my tip is to search your personal favorite brand and try a few pairs on until you find the best fit. My personal favorites are by Re/Done, a brand who creates new styles exclusively out of vintage Levi material.

Our favorites: 

bracelets, shell bracelet, arm candy

image by fige

3. If you always have an arm full of jewelry, refresh it with some shell bracelets.

Ocean-inspired gems that bring back memories of childhood beach vacations have taken on a more elevated twist this season. My current favorites are by jewelry designer Tohum and can be found on Netaporter. I added the gold plated Puka shell bracelet to my daily stack of gold bangles and get compliments regularly!

Our favorites: 

sculpted heels, jeans, spring wardrobe, spring outfit

image by net-a-porter

4. If you always wear heels, add a sculptural heel style.

Cult Gaia has beautiful pairs for Spring- their pieces are always artful and pay close attention to detail. This heel has been making a splash on the street style scene lately, and is set to be a big trend. I recommend swapping your spiky heel aside this Spring for this more interesting style!

Our favorites:

crochet dress, spring fashion, spring outfit, fun style

image by ally noriega

5. If you always wear lace or patterns, experiment with this season’s latest take – crochet.

Everything from bathing suits to maxi dresses to bags–designers can’t get enough of crochet lately. Ulla Johnson’s Spring 2019 collection included several beautifully crafted crochet pieces. It is the perfect material for Spring as it is breathable and light. Because of its artisanal feel, pair it with some minimalist metallic gladiator sandals to balance the look.

Our favorites:

spring style, white dress, nyc street styleimage by with love from kat

My daily go-to’s for outfit inspiration: 

1. Pinterest – I can get lost for hours on Pinterest searching specific topics, scrolling through “similar” suggestions, and creating inspiration boards.

2. Vogue.com runway coverage – I really enjoy pouring over runway shows every season to get a feel for what is coming up in fashion, as well as outfit ideas for styling clients and myself.

3. @who.wear.what – I love the curated outfit inspiration accounts on Instagram that have been popping up lately. They remind me more of Pinterest and include more of a variety of looks.

4. Brands – I love seeing how brands style their own pieces for inspiration. A few of my current favorites are @CultGaia, @StineGoya, and  @BrotherVellies

5. Olsen Twins – I have always been a shameless Olsen junkie, so I still love to follow accounts like @OlsensAnonymous & @OlsenOracle 

Kaki Gaines is a fashion stylist based in Austin, Texas. You can follow her work and daily outfits via her instagram @kaki_pants.