7 fashion resolutions that you should make (and keep!) for 2016

Photography by Peter Stigter

It may not seem like it because it’s so miserably cold out, but January is the best time of the year to work on your style. Some people may scoff at New Year’s resolutions, but even if you make zero others, you should still come up with a few as far as your wardrobe is concerned. This is the perfect opportunity to look back at the items you purchased in the past year and the trends that you loved (or regretted), while thinking about the changes you’d like to make in your closet in the upcoming year.

It’s not really about shopping more, but more about being thoughtful about all the little choices that go into crafting personal style. We have yet to see which trends will emerge in 2016 and which will fade away, but we rounded up some of our favourite (and least favourite) trends of the past year to help guide you in your future choices. Read on for the top seven fashion resolutions that you should make for 2016.

Get out of your fashion comfort zone

Resolve to have some fun with fashion in 2016. Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you can’t still incorporate some sparkle into your everyday wardrobe: check out our picks for 31 glittery items that will give a huge boost to your mood this year. Or if you really want to have some fun with fashion this year, get inspired by the huge ‘80s trend that’s been popping up on the runway and the red carpet lately.

Stop falling for every trend

Every year has its moment, big or small, that we collectively look back on with shame and embarrassment. Like, what was up with our obsession with flash tattoos? Don’t let that happen to you in 2016. If you’ve been guilty of mindlessly following trends just because everyone else is doing it, be more thoughtful this year and only embrace styles that you really love.

Invest in a really good coat

Here’s a good motto to have: new year, new coat. After all, you’ll be wearing it many months out of the year and, during those months, it’s the first part of your outfit that people see. You need it to make a good first impression (and also to keep you warm, of course). Consider getting a fabulous faux fur coat, or if that’s not your style, check out this street style round-up of statement coats for inspiration.

Shop more ethically

One of the most important resolutions you can make for the new year is to shop more ethically. The way we shop has an impact on the environment and our fellow human beings, but it can be easy to forget about that when lured in by cheap prices at fast fashion stores. If you want to improve this year but you’re a little unsure of where to start, check out this guide to shopping ethically.

Stop sacrificing comfort

We’ve all done it: worn a thin jean jacket in place of a real winter coat, or went out in painfully high heels and a tiny dress that left you cold and unable to sit properly. Sacrificing comfort in the name of fashion used to be widely accepted, even expected. Now, however, normcore has been surging in popularity (for better or for worse). Take advantage of the trend now and revel in wearing comfortable joggers and sneakers before it suddenly becomes uncool again.

Learn how to tie a scarf properly

This is one skill that everyone should have, so if you’ve been putting it off there’s no time like the present. No need to go down a rabbit hole of complicated how-to guides: just keep things simple with this quick, basic scarf-tying tutorial. For advanced gals, try the Paris-approved version—your chic levels will be off the charts.

Make sure your clothes actually fit

If there’s one thing that’s sure to derail an otherwise stylish outfit, it’s poor fit. If your clothes are too small or too baggy, they’re sure to look cheap and unflattering. Take some time at the start of the new year to go through your closet and try everything on with a critical eye towards the fit. Then make sure to either take offending items to the tailor or do it yourself at home. Be sure to check out this guide to knowing if your coat fits properly and this tutorial for hemming jeans without sewing.

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