Everybody has their own personal style. You know what you like, what looks good on you, and what makes you feel the best. But there's a difference between sticking to your style and falling into a fashion and beauty rut. And that doesn't go for only women, either! Men fall into style ruts just as easily as women do.
No matter your gender or how old you are, updating your look is an important part of looking and feeling your best-- and making the best impression on the people around you. Sure, you love that acid wash jacket with huge shoulder pads. But isn't it time to try something new and see what else you might like?
Worried you may have fallen into a rut? Read of for nine warning signs that it's time for you to get a make-over. Or at least go shopping for a new outfit.
1. You still think Joan Collins represents the height of fashion.
Or insert your own generation's has-been fashion icon here. If the people you look to for new fashion ideas haven't changed in decades, chances are your style hasn't either. There are tons of fashionable people in the world! Maybe it's time to start looking elsewhere for inspiration.
2. When you run into somebody you went to high school with, they say you look exactly the same.
An all-too-common scenario: on the hunt for the perfect photo for your internet dating profile, you spent hours scouring all of your photos for the most flattering ones. In the process, you realize that you look the same now as you did in photos taken 10 or 20 years ago. This is a huge warning sign that you need to update your look. If people you went to high school with don't say "wow, you've really changed," when they see you again, something is amiss with your style.
3. Your mother knows more about current trends than you do.
Now, I'm not suggesting that you be a trend whore. Being an individual is an important part of being stylish! But if somebody twice your age questions the current-ness of your look, maybe you should listen.
4. People don't compliment your look anymore.
Did you used to get lots of compliments about your overall style or what you were wearing, and noticed lately that all those compliments have dried up? Then it probably means you need to make a change. Look over your wardrobe and hairstyle, and think about how long it's been since you've made an adjustment.
5. Your go-to hairstyle is a ponytail or bun.
There's nothing wrong with being comfortable. Especially when you're simply running errands or hanging out around the house. But if you can't think of anything better to do with your hair for, say, a date with some hot guy you met at internet dating site than pulling it back into a ponytail, it's time to opt for a more workable hairstyle. The nicer your cut looks and the easier it is to manage, the more likely you'll be to wear it down.
6. You've gotten the same haircut for the last 10 years. Or 20.
If you've gone to your stylist more than a dozen or so times and said "the usual" or "just a trim," it's time for a change. Seek out a new stylist with a pair of fresh eyes. They may just help you figure out what's missing.
7. Your friends have volunteered you for a makeover TV show.
If people you're close to think you need a boost, then you probably do. Don't wait for the producers of some show to call you up. Get started updating your look yourself!
8. You've been buying the same shade of lipstick since you were a teenager.
Sure, you know what looks good on you. But part of the fun of wearing make-up is experimenting with new looks and new styles. Try new shades and new formulas, and remember what it's like to have fun with your look again.
9. Your beauty routine is on auto-pilot.
If you've been using the exact same products and sticking to the exact same beauty routine for years, then you're probably missing out on some great new products and methods you've never tried. Get out there, see what's available, and try something new. You never know what kind of difference it might make in your look.
