We’ve all been there. The alarm clock goes off, we hit snooze a few more times, and then finally bolt out of bed, delirious, running late, and stressed. Amid this frantic rush, we realize something terrifying: we’ve got nothing to wear. Or perhaps it strikes in the afternoon as you aimlessly pace around the living room checking Instagram for the umpteenth time, a date or a night out with friends looming in the evening. It can be nerve-wracking to look into your closet full of clothes and feel simply uninspired.

What we’ve come to realize is this: those moments we feel we have nothing to wear are exactly the moments when we ought to fall back on our uniforms. Those go-to outfits that, for years, have worked perfectly for our bodies. For each of us the uniform will be different, in some cases radically so. Are you a jeans and t-shirt girl? Or maybe you’re drawn to a more ladylike look: a floral summer dress and a pair of strappy sandals. Then, of course, some of us feel best dressed for work, channeling poise, purpose, and ambition in a white blouse and black trousers. Whenever we talk about discovering your true style, this is what we’re talking about.

Now, a little encouragement by way of an admission of guilt: we struggle too.That’s right. We work in fashion, and we still find ourselves staring into the abyss from time to time. And yes, this universal truth even extends as far as our Chief Design Officer, Kat Woodside, and our Fashion Director, Becky Jantzen—two women who you would think always have something to wear. But despite being just like the rest of us, they do have an edge, which is a keen sense of exactly how to style their way out of this dilemma.

KAT:

When all else fails, I turn to my uniform.

“I call this my uniform because it’s so comfortable that as soon as I put all the pieces together, the doubt just disappears from my mind. The vibe is both classic and timeless, which is perfect for those days when you just can’t make up your mind. Oh, and a trick that helps reduce the number of mornings you feel that way? Pick one item that you know you want to wear the night before—no more scrambling in the morning, trying on a million things.”

Featured Items: Bell Jacket, Bralette, Coast Tank, High Straight

BECKY:

Put all the trends out of your mind, stay true to your personal style, and leverage never-fail pairings that work for you.

“For me, that means a dress with jeans underneath—I’m not only super comfortable in this look, but it also makes me feel kind of funky, that is, like myself! It’s feminine, but not too sweet, and the denim adds just enough edge. Plus, I am so tall that I never feel like a dress is long enough without something underneath. When all else fails and even your uniform seems to let you down, simply make it fresh with accessories: switch up your shoes, bag, and jewelry and turn your go-to look into something totally new!”

Featured Products: Dakota Jacket, Fiesta Dress, High Straight

There’s no better way to solve the nothing-to-wear dilemma than by gathering inspiration from others. Post a pic of you in your uniform and tag us @cabiclothing #nothingtowear. Don’t have a uniform yet? Even better! Browse the latest looks from our Spring 2018 Collection, and piece together your new go-to, then post your look in the comments below.