So many people want to "grow their hair out" but also want "something different" at the same time. The best suggestion...bangs. There are so many options and it completely transforms a hairstyle. Thick, thin, straight across, side-swept, clean, jagged.
I recently cut my bangs because I wanted to keep my hair long for a bit, but I am a hairstylist and I have to change my hair or I go crazy. The picture on the bottom was 2 months ago before I cut my bangs and the picture on top was a few weeks ago after I cut my bangs.
Also, your regular stylist will generally trim your bangs for free or give you bangs for just a few bucks. Get some bangs for your buck.