“A rut is a grave with the ends kicked out.” Vance Havner
Let’s be honest: a style rut isn’t just about clothes. It’s about identity, confidence, and self-perception. If your wardrobe feels stuck, tired, or out of sync with the woman you are today, you’re not alone. But the good news? You can get unstuck.
Inspired by Dan Rockwell’s leadership wisdom, here are seven powerful style reframes to reignite your style journey and escape your style rut.
Law #1: Stop Spinning Your Style Wheels
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” – Henry Ford
Still reaching for black because it feels safe? Still wearing the same styles from ten years ago? This is the loop that keeps you in a style rut.
Style Shift: Start with a style audit. What are you still wearing out of habit, not love? Let go of what no longer serves the woman you are now. Each night for a week, list one style habit or garment that isn’t working. Awareness is the first step to change.
Law #2: Tell Yourself the (Stylish) Truth
Excuses like “I’m not stylish” or “It doesn’t matter how I look” are just shields we use to stay small. But style isn’t superficial – it’s how we show up in the world. Your style communicates your personality, your values and your beliefs.
Style Shift: Swap self-criticism for self-honesty. You are worth the effort of feeling great in your clothes. Notice your self-talk while getting dressed. Replace one disempowering phrase with a compassionate truth.
Law #3: Expose the Patterns That Keep You in a Style Rut
Keep buying more clothes, yet still have “nothing to wear” as you keep dressing in the same few outfits? That’s an education problem. Expecting a new garment to be the magical fix for your wardrobe is the fashion industry’s way of deluding you into spending more money.
Style Shift: Start style journaling. Document what you wear and how you feel. Track what works – and what doesn’t.
Law #4: Seek the Style Truth
Your friends may mean well, but they’re not trained to decode body proportions or colour contrast. Kind honesty beats empty flattery.
Style Shift: Seek expert, science-based support – not trends or opinions. When you’re ready to tune into your voice, my 7 Steps to Style program is here to guide you.
Law #5: Dress for the Woman You’re Becoming
Style isn’t about who you were – it’s about who you’re becoming. You don’t need to ‘arrive’ to start dressing the part.
Style Shift: Let your wardrobe reflect your next chapter, not your last one. Finish this sentence: “The kind of woman I want to be is…” Now identify one outfit or detail that expresses her.
Law #6: Use Style to Contribute
When you feel confident and congruent in your clothing, you show up more fully. That radiance ripples outward.
Style Shift: Style isn’t selfish – it’s a resource. Your confidence makes a difference. Wear something today that makes you feel amazing — even if there’s no “occasion.” Notice how it impacts those around you.
Law #7: Try Stuff
You won’t think your way out of a style rut. But you can dress your way out.
Style Shift: Action creates clarity. Style evolves through experimentation. Try one new outfit formula this week – new colour combo, new silhouette, or a different accessory style. Want structure and support while you try new things? My Evolve Your Style Challenge is the perfect 31-day experiment to shift your style from autopilot to awesome.
Style ruts happen to everyone, especially smart, capable women who’ve focused more on others than themselves. But you don’t have to stay there. These 7 style laws are your ladder out.
And remember, you’re not just getting dressed – you’re becoming.
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