It occurred to me as I was editing yet another picture of me wearing a midi skirt and graphic sweatshirt that I might be in a sort of rut.
Rut is defined on dictionary dot com as a “fixed or established mode of procedure or course of life, usually dull or unpromising. Urban Dictionary, of course, pulls even fewer punches: “a low point in ones life. It can be boring, sad or frustrating.”
I mean yes, my summer look has definitely become somewhat of a “fixed or established mode,” but I am not really that bored, sad or frustrated.
Should I branch out? Possibly.
I did recently buy a mini skirt which, thankfully, looks great with a graphic sweatshirt. So while I am marginally growing as a person, I am generally quite happy down here in my rut.
I originally turned to the midi skirt/graphic sweat combo, because I felt like I was falling back on jeans and a tee too often and I looked sloppy. Now that felt like a rut. But this doesn’t.
I would argue that this combo works together to create the perfect outfit, which pulls it out of rut territory. Essentially it is the same as wearing jeans and a tee, but it’s sneaky about it. All it is is a comfy top and some bottoms. I’m hardly black-tie-ready over here, but I never feel like I’ve thrown in the towel.
When does a go-to look become rut? And can a rut only be self-defined or can it come from the outside? Is it possible to be in rut and not know it?
I mean it might be, but I’d say it is definitely one of those ignorance is bliss situations.
So if I am in a rut, I’m choosing not to see it that way. I believe that I simply have a clear and well defined look. And I do branch out. For instance as I sit here writing this I am wearing a midi dress. Totally different. And I have definitely not, never even thought about, wouldn’t ever wear it with a graphic sweat. Never.
There is nothing wrong with “having a look,” and until it starts feeling like a chore, or making you unhappy it’s not really a rut.
Flip through the links below to see some midi skirts and graphic sweats I would totally buy if, you know, I didn’t already have enough.
This Ganni animal print number is amazing. Wear now with sandals, and with tights and boots come fall. 
Go ahead, just get the full on Ganni set! Never too much. 
If you don’t already have one of these bias cut midi skirts, here’s your chance. This basic black from Topshop will serve you well. 
One of my fave graphic sweats is from Maison Kitsuné, just the right side of preppy and with plenty of Parisian chic. 
I love this purple and red option from & Other Stories. Its a girly style, but the unusual colour combo keeps it fresh. 
Ok, I already own this Glossier sweatshirt, but it’s so good that I would feel bad if I didn’t recommend it to you! 
Another girly option, this time from Whistles. I’d wear it with boots to tough it up a bit. 
Vardagan is a great California brand, and this Venice sweatshirt stays cool instead of touristy. 
As the saying goes, kill two trends with one skirt! This Arket option ticks both the midi skirt and lime boxes. 
Alright, this isn’t a graphic sweatshirt, but it’s still worth investing in. Colorful Standard make the best basics around, and this pink is surprisingly versatile. I have the hooded version myself.
