It happened fairly recently. I was just minding my own business, choosing an outfit for the day, when the realisation hit me… for the past few weeks, I’d worn pretty much the same outfit. Every. Single. Day.
Skinny jeans.
Long-sleeved tee.
Sweatshirt.
Trainers.
As far as outfits go, it’s not a bad one. But once I’d realised that I was in the depths of a style rut, I made the decision to crawl out of it. So I’ve been on a mission to look for alternatives. The trouble is, when you’re in this kind of rut, all you can see, everywhere, are more sweatshirts, long-sleeved-tees, skinny jeans and trainers. You can’t imagine wearing anything else.
Despite this, I’ve found a few outfits, which I think tick all the boxes: comfortable, easy to wear, versatile and can be dressed up if needed. Here’s outfit number one! The dress…
Navy Pinafore Dress – 2 piece set, £34, c/o Next
Long-sleeved Breton – £26.50, Boden
Navy 100 denier tights – £24.50, c/o Falke
Black Chelsea Boots – past season, c/o Clarks (similar here)
This navy dress from Next is stretchy cotton (a bit like wearing a dress made of jogging bottoms – I mean, can you get anything more comfortable?). It comes with a cute striped tee underneath, which I swapped for this Boden Breton top – the brilliant thing about the dress is that you can put pretty much anything underneath it – a bright tee, a shirt – or wear it on its own in the summer.
This outfit would be perfect with a black leather jacket on cooler Spring days (I’ve got my eye on this one from River Island) and I’m adding a bright pop of colour with a neon orange cross-body bag from Joules.
Netta cross body bag – £39.95, c/0 Joules
So what do you think? I think this definitely qualifies as a leap out of my style rut, even if I am still wearing a long-sleeved tee! I’ve got a few more outfits which I’ll share with you soon – and do me a favour, will you? If you see me wearing skinny jeans and a sweatshirt, give me a stern talking to!
Thanks to Katrina from Cool Bananas for taking these photos for me!
THAT WALL! Heart eye emoji! The dress is just glorious, too. A+ outfit Ms Perry x
Ugh. This is something I’ve been depressed about for the last week too. I have no idea, no umph and no energy to even care about what I’m wearing these days and I hate it. I used to love clothes shopping too…I really need a kick up the butt to get fit again and a whole new wardrobe! Loving the dress- it’s gorgeous! x
A dress made of jogging bottoms – SIGN ME UP! I hear you with the style rut. Pregnancy has killed my style in a big way – I can’t wait to be able to enjoy clothes again! x
I love that backdrop! I don’t think you can beat a pinafore dress and breton top. Great classic combo x
OMG, that wall!! What an amazing backdrop!
You look gorgeous Alison – and I’m loving the new hair. We can be hair twins! That dress is so lovely. I’m definitely in the market for a new pinafore so will have to check that one out. Also – THAT WALL!!
Do you think it’s a winter thing? I’m so bored of winter clothes! I feel like I’m a much more creative dresser when it’s warmer. LOVE this outfit, that dress would be so good for breastfeeding too x
I am really loving this dress and bag Alison and I totally know what you mean about being stuck in a style rut – thats pretty much me at the moment but hoping spring is going to snap me out of that
Laura x
Love it! You look way cuter in the dress than the model on the site. Do you think it’s suitable for breastfeeding in? It looks like it could be pulled to one side to feed. I can’t really talk about style ruts, having worn stripes every day for a month (almost) but this would be a good addition to my BF wardrobe. Cheers! Still loving the fringe btw
I live in long sleeved tees and skinny jeans! Good idea to try something different, you’ve inspired me to do the same!
Lovely outfit! And excellent choice of tight – Falke are just the best, aren’t they?
I read this post on FB the other day but had to rush so didn’t comment…I loved this post and yay well done for getting to the holy grail of walls! Lovng the outfit and I’ve been feeling the same recently so treating myself to some new clothes tomorrow and hopefully i’ll actually get my hair sorted out too! x