3 Ways to Freshen Up Your Look

June 15, 2016

Full dressThere’s always so many fun and exciting pieces I want to purchase, even in the midst of a season. There are numerous exciting trends happening at the moment, including off-the-shoulder, mules, colourful pom-fringe accessories, bomber jackets, embroideries and well, the list goes on and on.  While I love to indulge in many new trends, I still gravitate towards pieces that I buy purely out of habit.  I’m a lover of things that constantly change, but I still have a habit of picking up blazers and lace every time I step into a boutique. 

I recently started purging items from my closet to donate what I don’t use anymore. I have a habit of gravitating towards pieces that I love.  For as long as I could remember, I have been a honing device for nice lace. While I am obsessed with so many of the different lace and crochet options that are available for purchase, I wanted to add some pieces that felt really refreshing and different to me.  I mean, let’s not get crazy and drunk with madness here – I certainly won’t be getting rid of all of my lace pieces, but I really wanted to re-invent myself a little, if you will.  Personalized style is valuable and is so much fun when you embrace it and step out of your comfort zone.  So, I thought I’d try changing it up a bit myself.

Here are a few tips to avoid getting into a style rut.Chloe PurseZara Red Dress3 Easy Way to Freshen Up Your Look

1) Beauty Routine Update

If you’re not ready to spend money on all the new colors and trends, the easiest and quickest way to update your look is with a fresh cut or a new lipstick.  If you love long hair, you don’t have to cut it short.  You can color, perm, or try a few new hairdos.  Braids are great for those who don’t want to chop off some of that length. I actually cut off about 10 inches about 6 months ago.  While I used to cut my hair into a bob every couple of years, I actually prefer to keep it long because of its thickness and texture.  My hair is actually much easier to manage and control when it’s long, so I can’t wait for it to be long enough to braid and walk around with beachy waves again!

It can be so refreshing to change up a beauty routine.  I often go for new eye shadows and lipsticks.  I really respect and love the beauty bloggers out there who really treat the face like a canvas and show others how to create something new and fresh.

Dress2) Buy Pieces You Don’t Initially Gravitate Towards & Try Some Fun Trends of the Season

Whether you love t-shirts, blazers, jeans, cardigans, you might find yourself gravitating towards the same kind of thing over and over again. When you’re ready to freshen up your look, try reaching for pieces that you don’t initially gravitate to.  Sure, it can be nice to own 8 cardigans or 10 coats, but there really isn’t any point in buying more than 1 or 2 unless it’s a completely different cut, pattern or color.  There are so many pretty trends to try this season, including off the shoulder, pom pom accessories that you can add to your shoes or bag and embroideries.  The great thing about the pom fringe is you don’t have to commit.  You can just buy a bag chain and attach it to any of your bags, and some embroideries are done so beautifully, that they really add a special bit of detail to a monochromatic or simple outfit.

3) Add Some Uncommon Colors and Patterns to Your Wardrobe.

Most of us own a ton of neutrals in our closet, so adding some color goes a long way.  If you’re not ready to adopt any new trends or cuts, bright colors or bold patterns are great additions to make and can be paired with a neutral that’s already in your closet.  A piece can feel really special if it fits well and is a color you rarely wear, but compliments your skin tone.

Zara DressShoesThe last time I wore this much red was at my wedding.  I think I might own a total of 2 red pieces, yet I almost never wear them.  I have been craving to add a few pieces to my closet, so I was happy to find this red dress. I was a little apprehensive, but the color worked out better than I thought. I like that it’s a couple of inches above the knees, so there’s some feminine appeal.  I also wanted to find a flattering length that wasn’t too revealing. It’s the first new red item that will lead to a few others that I’m excited to add to my wardrobe.

What are some of your own ways to freshen up your look?  I’d love to hear!

If you enjoyed this post, please comment below.

You can also follow me on Bloglovin♥, find me on Twitter or Instagram or Snapchat at mikialamode.

Xo,

Miki

Outfit: Dress by ZARA. Can’t seem to find it online anymore, but I saw them in a few stores this week. Other red dresses here and here. Shoes by Galliano, available on steep sale now here. Bracelet by Shop for Jayu. Vintage purse by Chloé.

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ

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  • Rina June 15, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    Love the three easy tips to freshening up your wardrobe! The first tip is simple but spot on! I never really thought about how much a lip color, especially one that you don’t usually wear, could really change up your overall look!

    Thanks for sharing <3

    xoxo
    Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 1:46 pm

      Thanks Rina! I love adding new lip colours, don’t you? It’s such an affordable way to update to any look! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Karen June 15, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    These are lovely tips! Thanks for sharing.

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 1:49 pm

      Thanks Karen!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Britt+Whit June 15, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    love this red dress on you! so cute!

    love from San Francisco,
    Britt+Whit

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      Thanks Britt + Whit!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Mai June 15, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    I love this! Thanks for sharing and keep up the fantastic posts!

    xx Ohiamiht Blog

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      So glad you stopped by! Thanks Mai!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Evelyn Linder June 16, 2016 at 12:23 am

    I love this dress so much, amazing color!

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 1:53 pm

      Aw, thanks Evelyn!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Kate June 16, 2016 at 3:42 am

    Absolutely love this dress – so simple, yet the oversized frill makes it really eye catching. x

    Kate Louise Blogs

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks! I didn’t know what to think when it was on the rack, but I ended up really the large frill it when I saw it on. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Rach June 16, 2016 at 3:45 am

    These are great tips and agree they do an awesome job freshening up your look! That dress is gorgeous on you!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Thanks Rach! 🙂 It felt so nice to add red back into my wardrobe.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Amy Arnold June 16, 2016 at 6:15 am

    Great tips and great dress. You look so lovely!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Thanks Amy!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Camila June 16, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    I totally agree with adding colors, I am used to using a lot of gray but need to add some color once in a while. Loving the dress, it is so chic!

    Have a nice day!

    My Vogue Style | http://www.myvoguestyle.com

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:00 pm

      I know what you mean! I used to wear a lot of black, then I got into color and moved towards blush and whites, but it’s so nice to change it up every now and then and put in a splash of colour right? 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Adi June 16, 2016 at 7:38 pm

    Flawless look babe!! And a complete YES to your tips! I completely agree!!

    Adi xx
    http://www.fancycorrectitude.com

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:02 pm

      Great minds think alike! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • ~ carmen ~ June 16, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    These are great tips. One of my favorite ways to freshen up an outfit is to try pairing two items I never worn together before. :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:05 pm

      Love mixing it up. Great tip! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Carmen June 17, 2016 at 12:20 am

    I love your tips girl – trying out some colors and pieces you are usually not wearing is such a great way to freshen up your look 🙂
    xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:12 pm

      Thanks Carmen!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Deasy Noel June 17, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    Great tips – I’m definitely guilty of gravitating towards certain pieces, haha. But I will say that if I want to spice things up, I do change my lipstick from my usual sheer coral lipstick to a more dramatic color. There are some nice trends going on right now that I do want to partake in though, like the off-the-shoulder look :3

    http://www.deasynoel.com

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:13 pm

      I think I literally hone in on lace and anything shiny lol. There are so many off the shoulder options and am sure you’ll find one that you really love. 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Dee June 17, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    These are all such great tips, I always try to change up my beauty routine to freshen up my look. A fun lip color can do so much! Adding color to your wardrobe is also a great idea, that red dress looks amazing on you!!

    Dee
    http://www.urbanchicblvd.com/

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:17 pm

      Thanks Dee! I love adding new colored pieces and can’t wait to indulge in a few new lipsticks! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Dominique June 18, 2016 at 1:57 am

    Totally agree with your three tips, especially trying clothes and trends you don’t usually gravitate towards. It’s amazing what how moving out of your comfort zone can sometimes give you a little confidence boost! xx

    http://www.thatnewdress.com

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:24 pm

      Thanks so much Dominique. 🙂 Gotta love pushing the style boundaries and trying something new, right? 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Filipa Jackson June 18, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    You look so stunning in red. Perfection. Also thanks for sharing your tips.

    Filipa xxx
    PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:23 pm

      Thanks Filipa!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • The Ocean's Dock June 19, 2016 at 2:02 am

    Great tips! I love this dress!
    XX
    http://theoceansdock.com

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:37 pm

      Thanks!
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Briana June 19, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    I loved reading this!

    Briana
    http://beyoutifulbrunette.blogspot.com/

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      So glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for the comment Briana! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Luci 's Morsels June 20, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    What a beautiful dress! It’s picture perfect!

    • miki June 20, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      Thanks Luci! 🙂
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Leonie June 21, 2016 at 7:58 am

    Your post was accurate to the T.
    It has become somewhat of a habit for me to buy darker colours.
    However, as soon as anyone sees me wearing bright colours, it is as if I have become alive .

    • miki June 28, 2016 at 12:36 am

      That’s so awesome. I used to wear black a lot. I still love black and white, but colour is so refreshing.
      Xo,
      Miki

  • Sharon Wu June 28, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    I love these tips, Miki! Thanks for sharing <3 Red is a beautiful color on you babe 🙂 xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com