Reset, refresh, or just refine: getting the New Year off to a stylish start
Happy New Year! I hope you’ve had a lovely holiday season, however you like to celebrate it. I’m more than ready to turn the page to a new year, and re-focus on what gives me purpose and joy. That includes style, of course! And the beginning of the year is a good time to review and (perhaps) refine your style direction.
How to refine your style in the New Year
I’ve also been revisiting my 3 style words, and at the moment, what I’m coming up with are “simple, modern, cool.” (With “quirky” as my modifier.) Not quite full-on 90’s minimalism, but a clean, edited look. More than ever, a no-fuss approach feels right: current and in tune with a more relaxed and confident attitude.
What I wore yesterday to run some errands. I’m wearing a 6 in the peacoat (had sleeves shortened), 28 P in the jeans.
Whether you feel your style could use a full reset, or just some refining around the edges, here are the 3 steps I’d suggest starting with, before you hit the shops.
1 – Assess what you have
If a wardrobe re-set or update is on your agenda, my suggestion is to start by assessing what you have and what you wear. You may not need to do a full-on closet purge, but if you need some guidance, my article “How to detox your wardrobe (& why you should…)” might be helpful.
I did a pretty thorough closet cleaning and re-organization in the early fall, but over the last week did a little more trimming around the edges. (And more thoroughly cleaned a few closet corners I’d missed before.) I’ve learned the hard way not to over-purge though, so moved a few things I like but haven’t worn much to a less accessible part of the closet until I’m sure they’ve had their run.
2 – Assess what you need
Are some of your favorite items looking a bit worse for wear? Are there certain gaps in your wardrobe (going out clothes, a good raincoat, layering tees)? Or is there a particular “completer” piece that would make your outfits come together? Make a list of these, and shop for them first.
When it comes time to replace some well-worn (and worn out?) pieces, think about possibly upgrading. When you buy the best quality you can afford (which doesn’t necessarily mean a Big Name), chances are you’ll spend less in the long run. It’s true that clothing quality has gone downhill across the board. So I suggest perusing some departments or brands that aren’t normally in your budget to get a sense of better fabrics and construction details. And if you have a good vintage seller nearby, it’s always worth checking out pre-fast-fashion-era clothing.
(A closer look at details…I LOVE these earrings! They have presence without weight.)
3 – Experiment, experiment, experiment
One of the joys of a cohesive wardrobe is that when everything works together, it’s much easier to wear what you have in different combinations. So you can do more with less. Spend some time trying out new mixes, and see what hits your Style Sweet Spot. Sometimes just changing one detail like the shoes or adding a belt can be the difference between an outfit that works and one that doesn’t.
See what common themes arise. Find a few formulas that you can recreate with different pieces. Maybe it’s a lady jacket with jeans, or a mix of athleisure and tailored pieces. Don’t forget accessories; they are the “icing on the cake” that will help make your outfits look finished and add personality.
More peacoat styles…
In the coming weeks, I’ll be writing more about each of the Style Personality Profiles. So be sure you’ve subscribed for updates. And one of the best tools for building a cohesive wardrobe that helps you look your best is a Personal Color Analysis. If you live near or will be visiting the Los Angeles area, I’m taking in-person appointments. Click HERE for more info and to contact me to schedule.
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Happy New Year Susan!
Thank you for another thought provoking post. This year I am determined to purge my wardrobe further and buy less and buy quality.
I have far too many clothes so I need to further streamline my favourites and experiment with combinations as you say. Your simple but polished look here is a perfect example and one I can replicate in the southern hemisphere autumn/winter as I love a bit of leopard print for interest!
Looking forward to your style personality tips.
Best wishes for 2024,
Julie xx
Happy New Year. Sounds like you have some interesting topics planned. I’m full on ‘90’s minimalism it’s been a style that has always resonated with me. Plus a little ‘70’s thrown in with bootcut/flare jeans. I’ve copied the CBK corduroy pants and black turtleneck outfit or some variation of it more times than I care to admit this fall. I just change the color of the cords and the type of jacket I’m wearing.
I’m looking forward to your series. I turned 60 this year and it caused me to think about how I wanted to present myself in this next phase. I’ve been doing a lot of purging and refining, working towards a smaller and more efficient wardrobe. I’ve made a lot of progress and it feels great! I know what you mean about regretting some things I’ve tossed in the past, so I don’t rush myself. Some items that are classic, but just colors I’m not into lately, might be better to store for awhile in case I get in that mood again. I don’t really enjoy the wrinkles that come with aging, but I do enjoy the wisdom and self-confidence I have now, and the time and money to put into my clothing.
Happy 2024! At 65 I’m pretty sure I was here for the 90s, but I have no recollection of said “minimalism”. I guess I just wasn’t paying attention… Or maybe it’s because I’ve always been a bit of a minimalist. At any rate, I’m due for yet another deep dive into my closet and drawers. So many stripes!!
All the best to you Susan.
I’m in a weird place in that I now have too FEW clothes. Packing for a holiday trip sent me into a panic as I realized, wow, I have no real pants anymore, having lived in athleisure clothing the past 3 (4?!) years. I appreciate your comment, which is exactly what I’ve done:
>>I’ve learned the hard way not to over-purge though, so moved a few things I like but haven’t worn much to a less accessible part of the closet until I’m sure they’ve had their run.
I look forward to forcing myself to go shopping for some real clothes in 2024.
Happy New Year! I love your approach to styling for the “ mature “ woman. I brought a capsule wardrobe for a 3 week trip and it has worked for 2 months due to an unexpected extended trip!My colors were black, gray and camel. Can’t wait to rethink my closet when I get home!
Hi Susan! Happy New Year! I’m thinking about ‘gaps’ in my current wardrobe–specifically a winter wool coat, a funnel neck or turtleneck sweater and more stylish jackets. I’m in Northern California so I still lean toward casual. I’m retired so I have to be smart about purchases. Do you have recommendations for brands that I might look into? Theory comes to mind. Maybe Vince. Any others? Thank you so much! All the best to you, Sally
Wow, your post is just what I needed to encourage and support my continuing wardrobe fine-tuning. The ripples from my color analysis with you has been profound, a word I did not expect to apply. I feel more centered in my choices and closet organization. And excited for new and better choices!!! It is invigorating to play with my winter palette. Thank you for your ongoing guidance:)
hi, can you wear a heavy winter scarf with your heavy winter coat OVER a fashion scarf accessory ??
thanks
nina
Hi nina, of course! Keeping warm is a top priority!