November hits differently. The novelty and warmth of fall has faded, the holidays haven't quite kicked off, and suddenly, those dark, chilly mornings make pulling on anything besides sweats feel like an insurmountable task.

The truth is, getting dressed is an act of intention. It’s about signaling to your brain (and the world) that you are ready for the day.  But on gloomy days, that effort needs to be functional, accessible, and high-reward. 

Here are a few quick, effortless ways to revive the art of getting dressed, even when you really, really don't want to.

The Gloom-Busting Pop of Color

When the skies are gray, we tend to gravitate towards darker neutrals. While those are classic, they can inadvertently deepen the moodiness. The fix isn't a head-to-toe rainbow; it's a strategically deployed pop of color to bring joy and energy. 

• Near the Face: This is the highest-impact placement. A bright scarf, a vibrant turtleneck under a neutral jacket, or even a bold lipstick shade injects energy where you and others look the most. Choose colors that feel happy to you. 

• The Shoe: You can wear all neutrals and instantly transform the look with a pair of unexpected colorful shoes (red loafers, green boots). It’s an effortless anchor point that shows intentionality without requiring complex layering.

• Knitwear: Grab a cheerful cardigan or a bright sweater and simply drape it over your shoulders as you walk out the door. It adds warmth and a welcome dose of visual interest.

My sweater collection: 

Plan Tonight, Conquer Tomorrow

Decision fatigue is the enemy of a successful morning routine. The moment you start staring blankly into your closet in the morning, you've already lost the battle to the path of least resistance (a hoodie).

The single most effortless way to guarantee a chic, creative outfit tomorrow is to plan it tonight. Take five or ten minutes before bed to save you an hour the next morning. Planning outfits gives you time to consider the small details. Will that top look better with a belt? Should you wear a silver or gold necklace? These tiny choices make the outfit feel pulled together and intentional, demanding virtually no morning effort. If you really don't feel like getting dressed in the morning, having a planned outfit eliminates the mental energy needed. 

Getting dressed, especially when you don't feel like it, is a small but powerful act of self-care. It’s about creating a personal, colorful spark to push back against the November gloom. By deploying a little color and dedicating five minutes tonight to tomorrow's outfit, you are setting yourself up for a day that feels more confident and more intentional. Don't let the gray skies dictate your personal style.

x Jamie Humes