11 Style Resolutions for 2011

Happy New Year's Eve, loves!! Hope in the midst of your busy party prep for tonight's countdown to 2011 that you take a minute to check out my 11 Style Resolutions for 2011. These are all practical points that I believe every woman (and man) should keep in mind as he/she endeavors to dress his/her best and live everyday with style.

 

1. Get organized. This is perhaps the penultimate point on my list. Organization is the key to a wearable wardrobe. We've already discussed the importance of proper clothing storage, and this remains true the entire year through. To see what's available in your wardrobe, and the exact contents of your closet, you've got to have clothing organized according to season, then sub-categorized according to the item of clothing (sweaters, blouses, camisoles; pants, skirts, tights; etc).
2. Vary clothing choices. Closet confession: Dressing with variety is one thing with which I struggle. I find three or four pieces of clothing I love and tend to rotate between them. One of my personal goals for the coming year is to more fully utilize the clothing in my closet. After six months, if an item hasn't been worn, it's going in the donation bin (Just yesterday I made a trip to the Salvation Army; I know the people thrifting there have a real appreciation for Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors, right).
3. Play with accessories. On my Christmas wish list this year were several enviable accessories, and in 2011, I attend to accoutre myself with all of them (but not necessarily at the same time). From earrings, rings, and necklaces to bangles and belts, 2011 is all about personalizing your style with accessories.
4. Don't be consumed with designer names. Trust me on this one. It will make parting with unworn clothing during seasonal inventory much easier, and it will make your trips to the Salvation Army a breeze. Just because clothing doesn't have a luxe label sown in it doesn't mean the quality is any less or the piece of clothing has less style.
5. Dress with function in mind. I tend to come home from work and change before heading out for after-hours fun. Make it a goal to wear pieces of clothing that style professional for work but that can easily transition for night. Try carrying some spunky shoes in your bag, and dressing in layers so after work all you have to do is lose the sweater or blazer and change your shoes to be ready for a night out on the town.
6. Think quality over quantity. This goes hand-in-hand with point four. Garments made in Europe or North America tend to be the best quality. You don't have to buy designer to buy quality. It's not necessarily about where you shop; it's about what you're buying. Once you get a few high quality, versatile items rather than a bunch of cheap clothing, you'll find getting dressed and keeping your closet organized are much easier tasks.
7. Try one trend. Trends come and go with each passing year, but that doesn't mean you should avoid them all together. In 2011, try one trend and mix it in with your classic pieces. It's a fun and budget-friendly way to keep your look current.
8. Step outside your comfort zone. Like I said in point number two, one of my biggest challenges is making use of every item in my closet. While it's easy to get comfortable, you'll find a feeling of accomplishment when you step outside your comfort zone and try to use variety when styling your wardrobe.
9. Don't be afraid of colour. Black is my favourite (non)colour. I wear it everyday. More than half of my closet contents are darker than night. And, part of that is probably because black is a colour that I wear well. That being said, one of my style resolutions for 2011 is to infuse a little more colour into my wardrobe, by pairing some of my black clothing with colour.
10. Keep your closet current. This means doing a seasonal inventory and getting rid of any items that you haven't worn in six months or more. Sound difficult? Doing it will give you great satisfaction, and more of a desire to dress with style. Donate clothing to your local thrift store, and keep in mind that even if it's brand new, if you haven't worn it in the last 6 months, you're not going to.
11. Be true to yourself. Don't wear things just because your favourite glossy tells you it's on trend, or because you see your friends wearing it. That's the worst reason ever for buying an item of clothing. Wear clothing you love and that makes you look your best. What looks good on one person — whether clothing or colour — may not look good on another person. Embrace your individuality and what makes you unique.