14 Style Resolutions You Might Actually Keep in 2016

If your wardrobe is full of safe options in black, white, grey, and navy, make 2016 the year you branch out into more powerful, statement-making hues. We're not saying you have to go in at the deep end, but try adding a pop of colour by way of a bag, belt, or necklace to begin with, then branch out into separates in bright hues that make you smile. Before you know it, you'll be stepping out in a fluorescent yellow coat without a second thought.

If you've got half a dozen (or more) pairs of heels sitting unloved at the back of the wardrobe, saved for special occasions that never come, now is the time to put them into your daily rotation. If you can't bear the pain, you have two options: you either choose days when you won't be on your feet too much (and keep emergency flats in your bag) or resign yourself to the fact that those heels will never get worn, and get rid of them. There's nothing wrong with keeping a couple of pairs of heels for big events, but if you're hoarding loads of shoes you'll never wear "just in case," it's time to face facts and clear them out.

If you love something, there's no point in only wearing it once a year. And while full-length gowns and sequins might not be appropriate daywear in most circumstances, a lot of party/cocktail dresses and evening separates can be worn more often than you think if you're clever. Layer up, swap heels for flats, team an embellished piece with denim, throw a denim jacket over a party dress, and own those chic pieces! Your friends and colleagues will soon tire of asking you if you're "going somewhere special tonight?"

There is a time and place for a Primark haul. Everyone loves a good bargain or being able to try a tricky trend without spending a fortune. But if you have a wardrobe full of stuff that you picked up on a whim and never took the labels off, things need to change. By all means keep shopping for bargains, but stop and think whether you will really wear things more than once or twice before you go to the checkouts. It's only a bargain if you use it. And that £70 spree could have gone in a piggy bank to be saved towards something more long-lasting . . .

Is any handbag worth upwards of £1,000? Possibly not, but if you've set your heart on something and saved up and worked hard to be able to afford it, don't feel bad about wanting that bit of luxury in your life. Pick a well-made piece, and the joy you'll get out of carrying that piece over and over again will be worth the time it took to save up for it. If you can't pay your rent because you splashed out on Chanel, that's another story. Only buy luxury if you can afford to. Otherwise, there are any number of beautiful alternatives to most items at more affordable price points. That label can wait.

You'll live in your coat for the majority of Winter, so if you only have a boring but practical number you throw over your outfit without a moment's thought, you're missing a trick. Think of your coat as your most important Winter fashion statement, and buy something special that you will love putting on every time temperatures drop. When it's zero degrees outside, you need to get your kicks somehow!

A cape, a crop top, culottes, dungarees . . . whatever that piece is that you keep looking at but have never had the guts to try, make 2016 the time you finally do! We're not suggesting you wear things that make you feel uncomfortable for the sake of fashion, but next time you're shopping, grab that wildcard item and force yourself into the fitting rooms. You might surprise yourself!

"Mixing prints" (and/or textures) is something fashion people talk about all the time, but how often do we actually do it in the real world? Now is the time! It's the ultimate street style trick, combining two contrasting pieces without looking like you didn't look in the mirror before leaving the house. The key is to keep your colours simple, balance with block colours, and make sure one print or texture is quite small and neutral (like leopard or Breton stripes or small sequins). Start with contrasting shoes and a top, allowing you to wear denim or black in between for balance. Steer clear of combining a dress and coat, or top and skirt, until you're a bit more confident!

Your outfit's never going to look its best if you're wearing an ill-fitting, greying bra and old knickers underneath. So stop putting it off and go to a reputable store to be measured (even if you think you're wearing the right size) and treat yourself to new undies. You don't have to spend a fortune; just focus on what fits and feels good, and make sure you have some seamless options to wear under tight-fitting clothes. As for colour, skin tones are the best option if you're on a budget: you can wear a flesh-toned bra under black, but you can't wear a black bra under white!

"Vintage" doesn't have to mean poofy '50s prom dresses or '80s shoulder pads. While proper vintage shopping requires time and effort, it's always worth keeping an eye out for accessories, coats, and hardwearing fabrics like suede and leather, even if you can't bring yourself to wear old nylon dresses or used jeans. You can snap up amazing bargains from charity shops, vintage stores, eBay, and online sellers if you remember to check frequently. It's also worth taking a sneaky look in the back of your mum and nan's wardrobe. With the '70s back in style this season, there's never been a better time to try a stylish hand-me-down!

If you spend ages planning your outfits and shopping for new clothes, then shove everything into an overstuffed wardrobe or stuff them into drawers that are bursting at the seams, you're not giving your clothes the respect they deserve. Organise your wardrobe so you can actually see what you have. Be ruthless when you get rid of things that don't fit to make space for other items. Resist the urge to hoard things "just in case" unless you truly have the space to do so.



If you can't be bothered to list unwanted items on eBay or Depop or take them to a charity shop, bag them up and give Traid a ring. They will collect bags of unwanted clothes from some areas for free and make sure they are recycled or reused!



Once your wardrobe is tidy, make sure you're cleaning your clothes correctly. Follow the directions on the label, split by colour, and make things last as long as possible. While a lot of handwash-only items are safe in the machine at low temperatures, don't risk it with investment purchases or favourite items. Oh, and find a dry cleaner you really trust before you hand over your favourite coat!

As much as it's fun to experiment with trends, colour, texture, prints, and fun accessories, some days you just want to pare things down. A classic black-and-white outfit of smart, tailored items can make just as much of a statement as a printed coat or a pair of Sophia Webster heels. Don't be afraid to go back to basics when you're feeling overwhelmed by trends. It's also a perfect look for interviews and important meetings. Sometimes, you just want to leave the polka dots at home.

There are a million reasons to skip the gym, but don't let lack of appropriate clothing be one of them. Sports luxe has never been cooler, and there is definitely no shortage of great (and affordable) options out there to fire you up for some serious calorie burning. Treat yourself to workout clothes that you're excited to wear, and throw out those threadbare leggings and stretched-out sports bra!

We all have our favourite brands and go-to shops, but next time you're on the lookout for a new outfit, try stepping into a shop (or browsing a website) you've never bought from before. Often the best finds come in the most unexpected places, and widening your shopping horizons is the easiest way to inject some freshness into your wardrobe. Think about this when you go on holiday too. There's a Zara on every high street . . . but what about that random Spanish brand you've never seen before? It's got to be worth a look, right?