Fashion Resolutions for a New Year

By: Sharon Mosley

Most of us make resolutions and then break them. But instead of promising that you’re going to lose 20 pounds or walk 10 miles every day, give yourself a style makeover. It’s much easier, and you’ll still feel good about looking even better … then maybe you’ll go for the gym workout.

Here are my top 10 fashion resolutions for the coming year:

— Forget dressing age appropriate. At one of my family’s holiday dinners, a 74-year-old friend burst into the room wearing black leather leggings and boots. She looked fantastic. I vowed then and there to rethink the “age appropriate” thing and try some new things. I invested in a pair of “liquid” satin leggings, stuffed them into my scrunchy suede boots, and wore them to the next holiday party. They were a hit. Of course, I had on a long, knee-length coat over them. No need to get too carried away here.

— Shop for the unique. This is another way to put some new life into a weary wardrobe. When you shop, seek out truly distinctive clothes and accessories. That jacket with the embroidered peacock on the back, the clutch studded with colorful rhinestones or the knee-high tapestry boots. Give yourself some style personality with statement pieces, whether you find them on a department-store sale rack or on a shelf in the back of a vintage store.

— Add more color. Yes, I do say this every year when my daughter comments that I always look the same in our family Christmas photographs … dressed in head-to-toe black. But I did put the black back this season and tried the teal-green velvet thing. It did feel more festive, but I sort of blended into the Christmas tree. Oh, well. Next year, maybe I’ll wear an orange sweater!

— Spike up my hair. Years go by, and I find myself with the same “do” that really needs a little updating. The helmet head has got to go. Time to switch to a new hair plan. I think a few highlights and a few spiky pieces here and there might be in order. Hey, hair does grow back.

— Nail it. This year I plan to have more regular manicures and pedicures. I feel much more “put together” after a professional works their magic on my hands and feet. I’d do them myself, but it never looks quite the same if you know what I mean. While I can’t go with the “green” polish trend, I do think I’ll branch out a little more … maybe that popular new taupey Chanel color — “Particuliere” … hmmm.

— Forget the long skirts. They’re hanging in my closet, dozens of them from years and years ago. Now that I have abandoned them in favor of opaque tights and shorter skirts, it’s time to let go of the frumpy ones (I’ll always keep my long, black velvet fishtail one for formal occasions) and get a leg up on a new look.

— Focus on my skin. This is probably the best time of year to find the perfect skin-care program. Winter is tough on anybody’s face, and I am now in search of a major moisturizer — preferably one with wrinkle reducers and plenty of antioxidants in it. Then there are those neck exercises I’ve been meaning to do.

— Go for the big stuff. With all the eye-catching bling bling out there these days, it’s easy to add a few big baubles to your accessory wardrobe. I’ve always been a sucker for those “little” extras that stack up to a big bang for your buck. I’ve always worn one or two rings all my life. Time for a new flash on the old fingers. This is going to be the decade that I’m going to start collecting huge cocktail rings.

— Buy new lingerie and underwear. I love the old flannel nightgown, but it’s time for a change — and by Valentine’s Day, maybe I will have discovered another option in a bright, sexy red. I think I will finally get myself “measured” by an expert for a new bra this year … the girls just keep heading south, and I don’t think I want to travel that direction with them too much longer.

— Discover some new designers. As a fashion writer, I’m always on the lookout for the next “big” thing. Publicists are great about touting their clients, but it’s even more fun to scout out a new line on my own. My daughter keeps me posted on her favorites; however, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt even more when I stumble across a new name and a new look. Trying new things is always one of the best resolutions you can make — no matter the name on the label.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
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