RESOLUTION 1: I will choose to be comfortable at all times, without sacrificing style
There's nothing less chic than having to pull your bandage skirt back down to an appropriate level with every second step. Or hobbling up Queen Street in stilettos that just won't stop rubbing the back of your heel.
This year, when getting dressed each day, how about asking yourself "Am I comfortable?"
If you have to think twice about it, get changed. Your choice of footwear can make or break an outfit, and when getting dressed up, shoes are always the cherry on top.
But remember, heels aren't the only form of fancy footwear. This season, it's all about the slide, so embrace this on-trend style that, while low to the ground, can look incredibly smart with the right outfit. Comfy? Tick. Stylish? But of course.
Georgia II Slide in Ebony Giraffe Pony. Photo / Supplied
• Senso Georgia II Slide in Ebony Giraffe Pony, AUD$199
RESOLUTION 2: I will begin to formulate the perfect capsule wardrobe
Sick of always agonising over what to wear? We have the solution - a well-curated capsule wardrobe. That's right, this year, we're all about investing in key pieces to make up the foundation of our wardrobe.
A well-tailored black or navy blazer, a black below-the-knee pencil skirt, a white linen or cotton shirt, black straight leg pants, a long-sleeved striped tee, a pair of white Converse and some simple elegant heels.
Every single one of these pieces can be pared with those bright, patterned, more trend-driven items in your wardrobe with ease - meaning each day you really just need to choose one key piece of clothing, working the rest of your ensemble around it using your capsule wardrobe.
Clockwise from left:
• Ruby Percy Blazer, $299
• Kathryn Wilson Silvana Heel, $299
• Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lo Leather, $90
• Bec & Bridge Midnight Rambler Skirt, AUD$200
• Country Road Straight Leg Sateen Pant, $109
• Witchery Angled Stripe Top, $79.90
• Moochi Lead Shirt Cotton, $219.99
RESOLUTION 3: I will not become a slave to fashion trends
We're all guilty of it. Buying crop tops because we're seeing them in every store, only to realise we don't own any high-waisted pants (or flat abs for that matter) to go along with them. We spend big bucks to be on trend every season, only to untag ourselves in Facebook photos just six months later out of sheer embarrassment for being seen in public wearing head to toe neoprene.
So how about forgetting about what's 'en vogue' and start wearing things that make you feel like a million bucks instead. Not only will you save money because you'll get more than one season of wear out of it, you'll probably also minimise the likelihood of turning up to a party / wedding / dinner wearing the exact same thing as the person next to you.
Lorde wearing a crop top at the Warner Bros. and InStyle Golden Globes afterparty. Photo / Getty Images
RESOLUTION 4: I will resist the urge to impulse buy
Before you shop, do your research. Scour online stores before you hit the mall, save screenshots of patterns, colours and styles to your phone, or create a moodboard of items you love to get you inspired. By consciously choosing the pieces you want to purchase before heading to the shops with your credit card in tow, you'll find you're far less likely to buy things on a whim.
Resist the urge to impulse buy when out shopping. Photo / Thinkstock
RESOLUTION 5: I will always remember to remove my makeup
Perhaps the most boring of all resolutions, but you're not going to feel amazing in your new threads if your face is resembling a pepperoni pizza. Whether you're arriving home at 3am or having an early night, taking the time to actually remove your mascara is something your future self will thank you for.
Do you work in the city? Think about all the grime from pollution, air-conditioning and running-late-for-a-meeting-sweat that will have accumulated on your skin by 5pm. Do you really want that all over your pillow?
Before hitting the hay, it does pay to double-cleanse - once to remove the aforementioned grime, makeup and anything else sitting on the surface of your skin, and twice to really get down into the pores to make sure your skin is thoroughly clean.
If you're feeling really lazy, keep a packet of facial cleansing wipes on your bedside table.
It's not something you should be doing every night as wipes never work as well as a cleanser, but it's okay from time-to-time.
Get into the habit of removing your makeup and cleansing your face before bed every night. Photo / Thinkstock
RESOLUTION 6: I will prolong the life of my clothes by following washing instructions
Cool hand wash only? Pfft. Do not tumbledry? Oops.
How many silk shirts or cotton dresses have you destroyed because you didn't take time to pour some detergent into a bucket and get your hands wet, or pop down to the drycleaners on the corner?
If you're paying good money for your clothing then the least you can do is pay attention to the washing instructions.
If drycleaning is low on your list of priorities, why not team up with a friend and put in a bunch of items together. You might even get a discount!
At the very least, just start separating your whites and colours so you don't have to begin the search for the perfect white shirt again - now that your favourite one is a sweet new shade of salmon. And remember, a little time set aside each weekend for some hand washing is time well spent - in the end, anyway.
A little time set aside each weekend for some hand washing is time well spent. Photo / Thinkstock
- nzherald.co.nz
