Overcoming Style Block

Written By Alyssa Arielle

Overcoming a style block can feel challenging, but it’s a great opportunity to reset and get creative with your wardrobe. Here are some tips to help you move past a style rut and rediscover your personal fashion flair:

1. Reorganize Your Wardrobe

  • Declutter and Refresh: Go through your wardrobe and get rid of pieces that no longer serve you. This helps you see what you actually love wearing.

  • Reorganize by Category: Hang items in a new order—by color, season, or type (e.g., blazers, jeans, dresses)—to make it easier to visualize new combinations.

  • Rediscover Forgotten Pieces: Dig out items you haven’t worn in a while and find ways to style them differently.

2. Start with One Statement Piece

  • If you’re unsure where to begin, choose one standout item (like a bold jacket, fun shoes, or a statement necklace) and build your outfit around it.

  • This helps to center your look on something you love while keeping the rest simple and effortless.

3. Experiment with Accessories

  • Sometimes, the easiest way to break out of a style block is to switch up your accessories. Add a scarf, bold earrings, or a new handbag to your usual outfit to freshen it up.

  • Layer necklaces, belts, or hats can completely change the vibe of a basic look.

4. Look for Inspiration

  • Fashion Blogs, Pinterest, and Instagram: Search for inspiration by following influencers or browsing style boards on platforms like Pinterest. Seeing how others put together outfits can spark new ideas.

  • Magazines and Lookbooks: Check out magazines or online lookbooks for seasonal trends and outfit ideas. Focus on finding styles that resonate with your personal taste.

5. Play Dress-Up

  • Set aside time to experiment with different outfits in your wardrobe. Try combining pieces you normally wouldn’t wear together to discover new ways to style them.

  • This trial-and-error process can often lead to surprising outfit combinations and help you regain confidence in your creativity.

6. Recreate an Outfit You Love

  • Think about an outfit you’ve worn in the past that made you feel amazing. Try recreating it with different pieces or update it with a modern twist.

  • If there’s a celebrity or style icon whose look you admire, try adapting their style to suit your own wardrobe.

7. Shop Your Own Closet

  • Challenge yourself to remix items you already own in new ways. For example, wear a summer dress in the fall by layering a sweater over it or pair a fancy top with casual jeans for a different vibe.

  • Look at your clothes from different angles: Can a long skirt be styled as a dress with a belt? Can a button-up shirt be worn open over a dress?

8. Set a Fashion Challenge

  • Week-long challenge: Set a personal style challenge like wearing something new every day for a week or trying a different color palette.

  • Limit your options: Try creating a capsule wardrobe for a week with just 10 pieces. This forces you to get creative with mixing and matching.

9. Invest in a New Wardrobe Staple

  • Sometimes, a small addition can reignite your love for fashion. Consider buying one new item that excites you—a unique jacket, fun shoes, or a piece in a color you don’t usually wear.

  • Even a minor wardrobe update can inspire you to experiment with the rest of your clothes.

10. Think About Your Lifestyle

  • Reflect on how your life may have changed since you last felt inspired by your wardrobe. Has your job, daily routine, or activities shifted? This might call for a slight tweak in your wardrobe to better reflect your current lifestyle.

  • Sometimes we fall into style blocks when our wardrobe no longer fits who we are now.

11. Get Outside Your Comfort Zone

  • Try wearing something outside your usual style, whether it’s a bold color, pattern, or silhouette you don’t normally reach for. Sometimes shaking things up can break the block and lead to new style ideas.

  • Borrow a friend’s clothes or try a rental service to experiment with pieces without a long-term commitment.

12. Consult a Friend or Stylist

  • Sometimes a fresh perspective helps. Ask a friend whose style you admire to help you put together outfits or suggest new ways to wear what you have.

  • If possible, consider a session with a personal stylist for professional guidance on how to refresh your look.

13. Embrace Your Mood

  • Dress according to how you feel or how you want to feel. Letting your mood guide your outfit can be freeing and spark creativity. If you’re feeling powerful, go for bold pieces; if you’re in a laid-back mood, try a relaxed, minimal outfit.

14. Get Back to the Basics

  • When in doubt, go back to simple, classic pieces that you know work for your body type and style. A white tee and jeans, a little black dress, or a well-fitted blazer can be the foundation to build upon.

  • From here, gradually introduce more personality through accessories or layers.

15. Take a Break and Re-Evaluate

  • Sometimes stepping away from the pressure of styling can help reset your creativity. Give yourself a little break from overthinking fashion, and come back to it with fresh eyes.

  • Reflect on what aspects of your style truly make you feel good, and focus on those elements going forward.

Overcoming a style block takes patience, but by trying new approaches, reworking what you already have, and finding fresh sources of inspiration, you’ll get back to feeling confident in your wardrobe.

Thank you for reading. XOXOX S & S

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the copyrights to these photos.

Alyssa Arielle
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