New Year Style Resolutions

With the New Year just around the corner it’s time to take a fresh look at your wardrobe and make some style resolutions. So forget about the celebrity diets and the extreme exercise regimes, and make some resolutions that are sure to help you look better and feel better in 2012.

Be Sale Savvy

With the January sales this year predicted to be bigger and better than ever, the temptation to snap up an armful of bargains may prove irresistible. But sales are the time when we are likely to make the biggest style mistakes, ending up with another sequin dress that will get worn once then shoved to the bottom of the wash basket, and a pair of must-have heels that are so painful they will never leave the house.

Preparation is the key to successful sale shopping, make a list of things you need or want before you head out and you’re less likely to end up with a pile of unworn purchases – if you wouldn’t wear something when it cost £100 are you any more likely to wear it now it’s £50? My top tip for sale shopping is to up-shop. So if you normally shop at Zara and Topshop why not try visiting Whistles and Cos during the sales, you’ll probably be spending a similar amount but should end up with better quality items that will look good for longer.

Size Matters

Not the size of your body, but the size of the clothes you buy. We’ve all picked up a dress in a size smaller than we really are in the hopes that we may either lose enough weight to squeeze in to it, or it may miraculously make us look smaller just by wearing it - but we all know that we won’t and it doesn’t!

In fact dressing in the wrong size clothing is the quickest way to make you look bigger than you are, so this year make the resolution to only buy clothes that fit and flatter your figure. Whether that’s a size 6 or a size 16 you will look instantly better wearing clothes that are the right size for you.

Find your Signature Style

If you make one style resolution this year it should be to work on finding your signature style. Whatever your age, shape or budget, everyone has a look that suits and defines them best, from sophisticated and ladylike to vampy and vintage, what you wear can be a fun and creative way to express who you are and what you love.

A signature style is not about dressing the same all year round or sticking slavishly to one particular look, it’s about experimenting with different colours, silhouettes and fabrics to find a style that enhances your assets and brings out your personality. If you’re struggling to find your signature style take inspiration from your favourite celebrities - do you admire the chic and feminine look of the Middleton sisters, or do you aspire to the sexy and fun style of popstars like Rihanna and Beyonce? Take elements from these celebrities and develop a look that is 100% you.

Be Braver with Fashion

Part of the key to finding your signature style is to be brave and try wearing things that you may not usually consider. It’s easy to get stuck in a bit of a fashion rut and keep buying the same items over and over, but you don’t have to make a radical style change in order to achieve  a fresh new look.

If you normally wear mini-skirts to elongate your legs, try a pair of tailored, high-waisted shorts with opaque tights instead, it will make your legs look endless whilst giving you a more sophisticated and modern edge. Or if you’re clinging to a uniform of skinny jeans and riding boots this winter, a more feminine and fashion-forward option would be a knitted maxi skirt and suede ankle boots.

Clear out the Clutter

Having a serious clear out is often top of people’s new year’s resolutions list, but this year make your wardrobe top priority for a thorough de-clutter. Anything that you haven’t worn in the past year (apart from vintage heirlooms or your wedding dress!) should go, as it’s unlikely you will wear it next year either. Unflattering items, or clothes that you no longer fit in should also be tossed, it will only make you feel bad to look at a rail full of clothes that you’ve outgrown.

By stripping your wardrobe back to just the items you really love and regularly wear, you will get a great idea of what pieces you need to buy, if any, and will probably find it easier to put together  your outfits in the morning. Some of the most stylish women in the world are big believers in the capsule wardrobe, so don’t be afraid to be ruthless with your clear out – just remember to take all your unwanted items to the local charity shop so someone else will benefit from your hard work.

Carrie Greene

Posted Sun, 12/30/2012 - 00:36 by Carrie Greene