THE ANNUAL SUMMER STYLE RUT

It seems to happen like clock work, each year in May.
I find myself falling into the dreaded style rut!

And whilst I adore summer, especially this summer as the UK has shocked and is continuing to shock us with it's endless supply of sun filled days, honestly I'm quite concerned, three whole weeks of sunshine, YOUOKAYHUN!?

I've been loving each and every moment of it... For the most part.
And when I say for the most part, please know that this isn't me complaining about the weather in that oh-so British fashion. I'm merely referring to how my styling expertise tends to dry up around this time of year.

I have to admit that I prefer the weather, the vibes, the beauty and the possibilities that come with the summer months, but when it comes to styling myself every day, I am deffo a winter kinda gal.
I love layers, I love outerwear, knitwear, hats and I really bloody love jeans!
And whilst I call this the annual style rut, as it takes place each and every summer, I feel that this years rut has come a little bit sooner than usual, perhaps because summer has come around that little bit earlier than usual, I don't know!?
But I have to say that I am really struggling to find my summer style jam.
I don't know what I want to wear for the most part and nothing is inspiring me when it comes to what's out there on the high street, I mean you know it's bad when not even your favourite bloggers, Instagrammers or Pinterest accounts are offering up a helping of summer style-spo. The style rut is in full force that is for sure!

As I've mentioned in this post before my life has shifted somewhat in the last 6-7 months and I've had a bit of a change in priorities which means I'm often gravitating towards comfy clothing such as jeans and a tee or even just activewear (yeah I can't believe I've just typed that either!?)
I'm a suburban dweller nowadays, I don't need to dress sharp every day the way I did when I was based in the middle of the city centre, but I do feel that the process of getting styled up each and every day is something I really do miss, purely for the inspiration that it brings along with it.

So anyway, now that the rather long intro is over with, yes, your gal is going through a bit of a style rut, do forgive me.

But the biggest pain in my style rut's ass is how I'm becoming more and more obsessed with jeans, having really focused on what suits me, what washes work best with my wardrobe and what styles and fits work best for my shape. I feel I've finally found my jeans jam, my go-to stores for the jeans I love (all of which I'll be sharing in Sunday's video, so stay tuned for that) and for that reason I am finding myself wanting to wear them on most occasions. But I appreciate that, that isn't all that inspiring for neither you lot or for me so I've been trying to experiment in small ways that give me my jeans fix but also pull me out from under this almighty style rut!

First up, I've been experimenting with the washes of my jeans and also little design features that make a pair of jeans feel a little less stale and I guess  "jeans like", features that allow them to be more of a design piece altogether such as these from Topshop, that admittedly I've been wearing an awful lot already this summer.
The super wide and straight fit of the jeans really work to elongate my 5ft4 body whilst also offering that oh-so on trend "shapeless" shape, if you catch my drift? The frayed waistline, contrast stitching and vertical buttons all work to add a 2018 trend spin to perfectly update the humble pair of jeans, whilst also giving this jeans-a-holic her fix. The wash of the jean is something I've been seeing a lot of lately and is something I'd urge you all to get on board with. Neutral, natural, oatmeal, ivory, however you like to call it, this shade of jeans is a much more modern way to wear light coloured jeans this summer, update your white denim with more natural shades for a really subtle nod to this seasons trends.

I've also been experimenting with the cut and shape of the tops that I'm styling my jeans with, in the desperate hope that it will release me from the chains of a jeans & tee uniform.
Since I've been working out every week I've been a lot less scared of rocking a midriff baring top or two (always with something super high waisted though... I'm not that confident!)
This little lemon gingham number is the perfect example of just that. It's quite the teeny-tiny piece when worn alone, however, is transformed when paired with something super, high waisted with just a touch of skin on show to break it up a little.
The deep V, wrap design with the ice cream lemon shade and billowing sleeves make this the perfect SS18 top for nailing a multitude of trends in one and rumour has it, it's rather on the affordable side of life too so do hop aboard!

And finally the accessories!
It really is all in the accessories this season kids.
The high street is awash with the most amazing handbags which means there really is no need to splurge on something fancier.
I've actually struggled to treat myself in the past 6 months or so when it comes to bags as there is nothing that is tickling my pickle in the luxury market, result for my bank balance hey!?
But thankfully the high street is absolutely nailing it so why go anywhere else? Take this lil cutie for example, with it's retro shape and canary yellow shade combined with the oh-so SS18 beading! It's the cutest bag in town and in my opinion the perfect holiday accessory that can totally be rocked with your trusty jeans once you're home like this!

So yes, style ruts happen to all of us, even those who have made a career out of styling themselves... Go figure!
I'm hoping that this rut will leave just as fast as the other ones and I'll soon find my summer styling jam... Anytime today Megan!

But until then, I'll be utilising these little styling tips to hopefully find some all new and interesting looks that still involve my trusty jeans. If it ain't broke and all that 😉
Please let me know what you're go-to styling tips are for breaking out from a style rut, I would REALLY love to hear about them.

x M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSIE BUTCHER