It’s time for some new year style resolutions

I’M not a big new year’s resolutions person.

My father always used to say “rules are meant to be broken!” So unless I feel so strongly about something, I generally just resolve to live a better life and just make more of an effort. Or at least try to!

But one thing I do every year, is attempt to look and be the best I can. I live by the motto: Do the best you can with what you’ve got in the time you’ve got. I apply it to everything! Work, cooking, cleaning … everything! You should try it too. And it’s no different when it comes to fashion and style.

Looking my best is what helps me stand up a little straighter, exude self-confidence and feel better about myself. In short, it helps me get noticed!

So with that said, here are my top five style resolutions for what every woman needs for a more stylish life.

NEW YEAR STYLE RESOLUTIONS

1: EVALUATE YOUR CLOSET

This is my ultimate number one. Traditionally, most of us edit our wardrobes at spring. But there’s no better time to overhaul your wardrobe than at the start of a new year. Read here how you can effectively go through this process.

Once you’ve evaluated your closet, check that you have the right classic basics (those essential wardrobe pieces). If you don’t, make a list of what you need. Carry that list with you always, because you never know when the inspiration or opportunity to go shopping will hit you!

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2: INVEST IN YOUR WARDROBE

Every woman needs to have a collection of good quality classic basics that underpins her wardrobe.

Generally speaking, quality means expensive. And a stylish woman will always choose quality over quantity. But quality also means that the clothes should last for several seasons thus giving you a great return on your initial investment, or a cost-per-wear ratio.

Trust me, these wardrobe essentials are worth the investment. After all, the aim to having a well-edited wardrobe is to have less but better quality.

The 10 wardrobe essentials every woman needs

3: TAKE MORE RISKS

I once read somewhere that “a lot of people have taste but they don’t have the daring to be creative”.

So this year, why don’t you dare to be different and experiment with new accessories, a new hair style or a new colour. The trick is to know your signature style and, most importantly, know who you are — then express that to the world.

Don’t let your clothes wear you, be confident and wear them!

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4: FIND YOU LOCAL CONSIGNMENT STORES

Being the eldest of eight children, most of my clothes while growing up were secondhand, came from op shops, or were made or refashioned by myself. And my younger siblings received my hand-me-downs!

I still love to browse a good op-shop or vintage shop, but now we have the consignment shop.  You’d be amazed at the bargains I’ve found over the years. Pieces that have hardly been worn, some with swing tags still attached!

There are a couple of consignment shops I visit regularly and I’m yet to be disappointed. Sure, you have to sort through the racks and racks of clothes, but I always find something that will work back with my style and wardrobe needs.

So before hitting the department stores and high street shops, know what’s on-trend then pay a visit to your local consignment shop first.

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5: SHOP REGULARLY, BUT NOT ON DEMAND

It’s important at the start of any new season to browse the magazines or your favourite websites to get a grip of what’s hot. But it’s also just as important to visit the stores regularly throughout the season.

Don’t just hit the shops and buy randomly; have a plan. The secret is to know your signature style, have a budget and do some forward planning.

We’ve all made those fashion blunders and end up buying something that most likely will never be worn again when we’re in a hurry and not organised! Learn from your past shopping mistakes, and how not to make the same again.

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