Post-Holiday Outfit Rut

Before I get into this topic, let me first define what I mean by "outfit rut": Getting stuck in a cycle of wearing the same basic thing over and over (for example, jeans and a t-shirt), with no drive to get creative and put together fun and/or interesting outfits. Now, you may be into the minimalist and normcore style, and that's totally fine (I am too), but I'm talking about getting to the point where you're actually unhappy with the clothes you're wearing, but still cannot seem to put together anything "better". While in this rut, you may also feel that you have no "interesting" pieces, and you've been looking at the same clothes in your closet for months now.

Now, there are three reasons I believe many of us get into an outfit rut after the holidays are over. The first being that you spend so much time during the holidays trying to make every outfit special and amazing (for parties, dinners, and whatnot) that by the time you get back to real life, you're all tapped out. The second reason, is that you spend so much money on new clothes during the holidays, in order to make these beautiful outfits, that even though you feel as if you need new clothes to feel fabulous again, you can't really afford to spend the money. And the last reason is that in December, we feel there is so much to look forward to in the near future (lots of celebrations, etc.), yet once January hits, the fun is over and we have to wait until about April for the weather to start getting warmer and to have Spring to look forward to. At this point, people usually think, "what's the point of trying to look good, I'm just stuck in a three-month cold, snowy, winter spiral?"

So why not wear these new and expensive clothes after the holidays are over? Well, I think many people believe that the rainbow sequin jumpsuit they bought for New Year's is a little too fancy for a day at the office. And that's probably true. But many of the pieces I used in my posts about New Year's and Holiday Outfits are actually not that over-the-top, and so I'm going to use those pieces to show you how to incorporate holiday garments into your post-holiday outfit repetoire. The items that I used previously in the holiday posts will be in a bigger font, so you know which pieces I'm reusing.

1. The great thing about a non-basic blazer and trouser combo (as used in this original outfit) is that you can wear each piece in a separate outfit, even with basic pieces, and still keep it interesting. I love the look of a structured blazer with distressed boyfriend jeans (as you can probably tell, I'm all about contrast in outfits). So if you're heading out for a dinner with friends to catch up on what you did over the holidays, throw this outfit together for a cool, casual look.

For a look incorporating the red trousers, because they are more on the fancier side, keep the rest of your outfit casual and laid-back. I like the monochromatic look, with the pants there to add a pop of colour. Throw this one on for a day of running errands.

Blazer: H&M

Top: Mango

Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch

Bag: Reed Krakoff

Flats: Sole Society

Trousers: Maison Martin Margiela

Top: Your Next Tshirt

Jacket: Balmain

Scarf: Glen Prince

Bag: New Look

Boots: Dolce Vita

2. This dress was originally used for an office party look, and while it's definitely formal enough to wear to another event, I decided to create a more casual look with it. You could wear this to the office or a meeting, since adding in nude accessories dresses it down. Top it off with a classic black blazer and you're all set!

Dress: Dolce & Gabbana

Blazer: Selected

Watch: Burberry

Belt: Mod Cloth

Bag: Tory Burch

Pumps: Gianvito Rossi

3. Pair this flirty and feminine skirt with a grunge outfit, creating lots of contrast (yes, again. I told you I love it). Chunky booties and a slouchy hat will complete this cute look. Another time to re-wear this beautiful skirt would be Valentine's Day! Try it with a white long sleeve T and red pumps!

Skirt: Alice + Olivia

Sweater: Chicnova

Scarf: Justin and Taylor

Bag: The Cambridge Satchel Company

Boots: H&M

4. Since this white top is so simple, it would be pretty easy to create a new outfit using it. So I decided to also include the red flats from the original outfit in the second look. Pair these two holiday items with navy denim, as well as this gorgeous bag that was also used in another of my Holiday Outfits for My City Gossip. Wear something like this for a lunch with friends in midtown or a day of shopping!

Top: Marni

Flats: Forever 21

Bag: Valentino

Jeans: Dr. Denim

Necklace: Chanel

Jacket: ONLY

5. Because this skirt is a bit more dressy on its own (because of the metallic colour), it's perfect for wearing for a nicer occasion, like a fancy brunch or friend's birthday dinner. I just love this lipstick paired with the metallic skirt (I used them together in both outfits), as well as the colour contrast between the bright blue blazer and red lipstick.

Skirt: Party Skirts by SKOT

Lipstick: Bite Beauty Rhone

Top: Chicwish

Blazer: Forever New

Necklace: Nocturne

Tights: HUE

Bag: Whistles

Boots: Dear Frances

6. Again, this sequin top is already pretty dressy, so for a new outfit, put something together than can be worn to a special event, like engagement party or anniversary dinner.

Top: Alice + Olivia

Pants: Carolina Herrera

Bracelet: Aldo

Coat: Mantu

Bag: Salvatore Ferragamo

Heels: Valentino

7. I love the business-esque style of these shimmery pants, and while they looked great for a special night out with the cropped, slim top, white blazer, and metallic heels, I also think they would be great for a more casual affair. So for the post-holiday outfit, I chose a monochromatic, office-chic look, say for a business meeting or conference, topped off with sleek black pumps and coat.

Pants: MSGM

Blouse: Uniqlo

Necklace: Shop Hers

Watch: Armani

Coat: Now And Then

Bag: Jimmy Choo

Pumps: Shoe Republic