Each of these easily achievable pledges offer vast upshots.
Spend wisely
The first rule of 2016 — less is more, in every sense. Restrain the urge to drop a few grand here and there on unnecessary, impulse buys. Instead, put that hard-earned money toward a slightly more expensive, well-made classic you know you’ll own and wear for years to come. Think crisp blazer, a leather jacket and a pair of jet dress pants — all so versatile. While dropping more on one article may feel counterintuitive at first, it’s sure to be something that won’t end up being given away to a friend or be downgraded to that pile of shoes that are too agonising to wear. An investment piece is certainly not a decision to make flippantly so raise your sophistication level for 2016 by avoiding thoughtless fashion purchases.
A talk down the fashion lane
Get your closet in shape
This month, pick a day and prepare a full closet clean-out. The downfall of many a resolution, from fitness goals to philanthropic pursuits, is unsuitable organisation, so start your year with a well-planned space for your wardrobe. Once there is a designated place for everything and all things are in their places, you’ll know at a glance what you have to work with and what you’re missing. You can shape your closet nattily by separating your clothes according to work and casual wear. Set up all your work garb on one side so you’re not frazzled and late in the morning.
Take a risk
Step out of your 2015 comfort zone and try a bold trend this year. At least once, everyone falls into a style furrow at some point. If your winter wardrobe consists of more oversized cardigans, pullovers and tights than you’d realised, now is the time to try something a little outside of your relaxation zone. Take a stab at a tempting trend like extreme flared pants or play with a silhouette you don’t usually wear, like a cinched waist. Even if you don’t stick with the new style, thinking outside of the box will get your creative juices flowing. Appreciate the essentials. It may be the year to try new things, but infuse them into your look one at a time, taking care to build your 2016 wardrobe of essentials first, head-turning trends second.
Find your personal style
When you know what you like and what suits your body type, getting dressed in the morning is a subtle breeze instead of a tornado that rips through your wardrobe and spews the contents all over your bedroom floor. Take stock of the items you find yourself wearing most often, noting shape, colour, pattern, and style to see if there is a common thread. Having a good grip on your signature style will not only make shopping and getting dressed more fun, it will also ease the pain of cleaning out and organising your closet. For instance, if voluminous lehengas tend to swamp your frame, then you’ll know to avoid them this year during the shaadi season and instead look for something a little more form fitting.
Festoon with jewellery more often
To get the most impact for your effort, go for a pair of statement earrings for your casual girls lunch. Whether sculptural and gilded or shoulder-grazing and glitzy, they’re sure to brighten up your face —and your day. If you have limited feelings for ear jewels, stock up on bangles, they’re the ultimate bling that could mount the edgy appeal of any outfit, whilst reviving trends. Not just that, but a bold pendant alone, could make a simple black tee and jeans, a going-out ensemble.
Break your neutrals-only habit
Vivid colours will be all the rage in 2016 — on the runway and off of it. So it’s time you bid farewell to that nude-toned kurta basking in your closet and trade that for a teal blue or burnt orange one. “Fashion’s new crop of left-of-centre shades — think pistachio green or over-the-top Barbie pink — provides a dash of intrigue and irony with their vibrance,” state fashion editors for InStyle. Make it a custom this year to indulge in an assortment of brighter hues and an insouciant attitude for an attention-grabbing statement that doesn’t appear inordinately enthusiastic.
Get fit
Okay, relax, this does not involve charting any hours at the gym. Many women wear shoes that are too big, kurtas that are too short, and other clothing that just isn’t the right size for your shape and body. Take advantage of your mum or a trusted friend for honest feedback while trying on new clothes and shopping. Most stores will happily do a fitting for you and your friends can analyse your gait to pick out shoes that give you customised support, while looking dapper. Once you’ve found a local brand and size that’s just right, become a loyalist, and you’ll always have a fail-proof shopping strategy.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2016.
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