by M C Kiggins

Created on: April 25, 2010   Last Updated: April 26, 2010

We all find ourselves in a rut once in awhile and we manage to pull ourselves out of it.  But if it seems like your rut is lasting too long, it might help to reinvent your look. Begin by making an honest assessment of yourself; take stock of your assets and focus on them.

Hair:
The quickest way to alter your appearance is to update or change your hairstyle. You can ask your hair stylist for suggestions. Be open-minded; try something new.

Hair color is a fun way to change your appearance. You can easily find non-permanent hair color in drugstores or supermarkets. It is fun to experiment without committing to a certain color.
If you are ready to make a color commitment and are prepared for the cost and maintenance, then a trip to the salon will produce the best results. You can change your color entirely, or add highlights for a brighter look.

Make-up:
If you aren't currently wearing make-up, then you can easily reinvent your look by investing in some make-up and wearing it. If you have a make-up routine that you do every day, then you must change something. Change the color of your eye shadow or lipstick. With make-up, small changes can have a big impact. Need help? Many upscale department stores offer free make-overs at their make-up counters for you to take advantage of.

Accessories:
Don't be afraid to wear bold or noisy accessories. You have changed your hairstyle and make-up and you want people to notice; they have to look at you to see you, so throw on several bangles, a collection of long chains, or pearls, or a large pendant, and bold earrings. This is not an invitation to be a clown, so choose tasteful accessories, and keep in mind that the size of your accessories should equate to the size of you.
A colorful silk scarf tied loosely around your neck can add a tasteful bit of flair as well. Scarves can also be worn in your hair or tied onto your purse. Adding small colorful details to your usual appearance can reinvent your look without much fuss.

Clothing:
You can effect the most change by making changes in what you choose to wear. Many of us do not even have to go shopping because we already have fabulous clothes in our closets that we have purchased at some point but then for whatever reasons, never wore. It is time to take all of the everyday comfort clothes and get rid of them or hide them if giving them away is too harsh. Force yourself to wear what you haven't worn. If you honestly find that there is nothing left to wear, then it is time to go shopping. Shop everywhere except the stores you are comfortable shopping in. Try local thrift stores to find unusual items so you can try new looks without fully investing in new clothes. Go to upscale stores and let the salespeople help you find outfits that make you look fabulous; you can splurge on yourself or, armed with new fashion knowledge, try to find the look for less.

New Activities:
Reinventing your look is a step towards reinventing yourself. Just changing a few things regarding your appearance is helpful in the short run, but it may not be sustainable. Continually finding ways to improve or recreate yourself overcomes stagnation and increases self esteem. You can learn something new or add an activity to your life that inspires you. Take a cooking class, practice yoga, study a foreign language, write poetry, take ballroom dance classes, train for a 3k race, take up tennis, learn to paint; the list is endless. The self-assurance that you radiate as a result will do more in reinventing your look than you can imagine. Ultimately you may discover that being content with who you are is the most attractive asset that you have.

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