New Years Resolutions

Out with the old and in with the new.

Such a powerful statement, one that, for some, brings a rush of excitement for new possibilities and an excuse to shop.  However, for others it is a paralyzing realization that things need to change.  That the things we’ve become attached to or accustomed to will no longer be a part of our lives.  You need to cut the ties and move on.

I am here to help. 

When the seasons change, transition is natural.  The leaves fall, the weather shifts, even our menus start to reflect the chillier weather with hearty stews and seasonal favorites.  These changes mean it is only natural for us to venture into the depths of our closets and remove what needn’t be there anymore.

I am not talking your basics.  There are going to be items that you will want to hold on to and we will get to those, but in any chaotic or overwhelming situation, we just need to take a deep breath and start somewhere.  So let us start with the winter wardrobe you already have.

For some of us, your current winter selection is still hanging in your closet.  Maybe it’s in the very back, deep behind all of your summer and fall dresses, light cardigans and capris.  Maybe it’s mixed in with various seasonal pieces, or maybe, like me, they are in labeled winter bins in a hall closet.  Let us open those, shall we?  There are pieces that will work from year to year.  Basic denim, vintage coats and black leggings are all pieces that can be kept and worn year after year.  However, prints that are no longer in style, old tattered pieces that don’t hold any specific sentimental value, anything that looks like it’s been worn for decades, or should have been worn decades ago, needs to go.  

For your spring, summer and fall pieces the same rules apply.  If they are styles you believe will still work in the following year, are vintage collection pieces, are simple pieces that mix well with new trends or can be layered upon, those you will want to hang on to.  The rest, you guessed it, needs to go.  I promise it gets better from here.  I can see you hesitating, clutching an old favorite, raggedy tee with a tear in your eye.  Take a deep breath and put it in the bag.  Like ripping off a band-aid.

Back to the basics.  As I touched on earlier, you will want to keep your denim, your basic solid tee’s, your leggings and other separates that can be layered upon when ushering in your new winter pieces.  It allows you to mix and match, create various outfits and stretch what you buy, so that you don’t end up maxing out your credit card on clothes, leaving you with no funds to go anywhere exciting to show them off.

Once your closet is organized and the old pieces have been donated or thrown away, it’s time to shop for the new.  I told you it gets better.  Just like the process of sorting through the old, you want to be mindful of what you are bringing home.  Impulse shopping, rushed mall trips or not taking the time to try on the clothing is not the way to mindfully grow your wardrobe.  To avoid having to throw away clothes every season, keep your eyes open for pieces that will work year-round, or at the very least, two seasons.  If your purging left you without a decent winter coat, this is where you will want to splurge.  A quality coat that presents both style and comfort is an important staple.  Another tip when choosing your winter coat: make sure it compliments your winter holiday event cocktail attire.  Scarves are a fun accessory item, but do look for basic prints or solids that will work with various outfits.  If you scored a great pair of boots for fall those can work in winter as well, so shoe purchases can be limited so that you can focus more on sweaters, jumpers, coats and pants to fill out your own personal winter collection.

Change doesn’t have to be a negative experience.  Just as you gave life to last year’s wardrobe, you can do so once again for 2015. Changing up your look can build confidence and allow you to utilize your creativity.  Two very important contributors to health and happiness.

And isn’t that what New Year’s Resolutions are all about?