5 red flags you're in a style rut *(and might not realise that's what it is)

When I talk about being in a ‘rut’, you might glaze over and think that’s not about me.

But maybe that’s because you don’t resonate with the term style rut.

I’ve found with many clients is that it’s not words like ‘rut’ or ‘close cleanout’ that get to them.

It’s when I say - hey, are you getting distracted when you’re supposed to be working? Are you putting on your rubbish Primark pants you'd hate anyone else to see, when you’ve got important work to be doing? And how do you feel day-to-day?

Helping them make the connection between their self-talk, and how that could signal a style rut, produces lightbulb moments.

I've picked up a few people lately who've defiantly said ‘nah, I’m not in a style rut’ when *whispers* they actually are.

And the good news is - a style rut is simply an invitation. It's something calling you to take the next step in your evolution.

Do you think a Style Coach is set for always? No! Once a quarter I take myself through my Wardrobe Refresh process because every new level of business development requires the style to match.

And if you don't do the work of elevating your wardrobe to match your lifestyle, business and where you want to go... guess what? *waves big red flag* you can find yourself in a style rut.

You can also slip in to a style rut as a convenient way to self-sabotage your success.

So without further ado, here are 5 red flags, that you may not recognise as red flags.

Which of these is your lightbulb moment?

1. Your go-to excuse for the sweatpants is ‘I’m not seeing anyone today’

What you’re effectively saying here is, I dress for the approval of others and not because I believe myself worthy of wearing nice things.

2. Your wardrobe is full of clothes that you can’t remember the last time you wore

You’re likely completely disconnected from the clothes… and disconnected from the version of you’d wear them.

You’ve forgotten about the potential inside (yourself and the wardrobe). If this is you, consider this a massive sign that it’s time for a clear-out.

3. ‘Procrastination’ should be your middle name.

You sit down at your desk for a day of working…. but out the corner of your eye you see a pile of laundry that needs putting away. And now it’s all you can think about.

I’ll just put that laundry away before I start working, you think. Whilst I’m up, I may as well give the place a quick vacuum… PING! Oh, my phone just buzzed, let me check what that was… 30 minutes later you’re in a scroll hole, watching videos of your cousin’s neighbour’s aunty’s dog.

There is very much a time for vacuuming. And there’s very much a time for a guilt-free scroll. But this AIN’T IT.

And if you were wearing an outfit that made you get into #bossmode, you’d be less likely to want to do those things.

4. You’re not doing as well in business (or at work) as you’d like

Two questions for you to answer honestly:

1. A) how is business going…
2. B) Could you stand to step up your style?

And now answer this - what do you think could change if you elevated your style?

You might well be surprised at the possibilities.

5. No one remembers who you are (ouch, sorry)

A recent client came to work with me because she got passed over for a promotion. When giving feedback, her boss was full of praise for her - she’s great at her job and getting good results. But the promotion was a decision made with input from the CEO. And this higher role would require the person taking it to be a brand representative. It would mean going out to conferences, appearing on social media and panel talks etc. When my client’s name came up for consideration, her lack of personal brand meant the CEO was unsure she’d be the right fit for such a public-facing role.

If you’re running a business yourself, don’t think you can’t learn from this story. You have just a few short seconds to grab the attention of clients. And your refusal to step up your style is keeping them away.

You might well be the best in the world at what you do. But they can’t see that, because you’re tucked away hiding in your style rut, making excuses for why you can’t show your face - and ‘I’m not dressed for it’ is a VERY convenient one.?