Fashion Resolutions for 2006

Ever wonder why most new year’s resolutions never work? Because they feel more like 'to-do' lists and 'have to's' than they do an exciting year ahead. Using resolutions as a means to reprimand yourself is the quickest way to have them backfire. Use them instead to set goals for ways in which you want to improve and in ways you know are achievable as well.

If your New Year's fashion resolutions feel unmotivating, uninspiring and like something you 'should' do vs. something you really 'want' to do, drop them right now and decide you are going to learn a whole new way of creating and experiencing the kind of wardrobe you really want.

To get you started, I’m sharing a few of my personal resolutions.

Here goes:

OUT WITH THE OLD - IN WITH THE NEW

Resolution 1: I will lay to rest my well-worn favourites.

Know when to lay your clothes to rest! Yes, you love that denim jacket that is way out of date, and those pointed toe pumps that you wore in the 9^th grade, but time moves on and so must you. I know the attachment one can develop for a favourite piece of clothing or accessory.

It surely is most delightful, to have a few such items and wear them as often as you can and feel utterly at ease. But, there comes a time when that cherished items shows signs of grave wear and just ends up looking frumpy and tacky.

That’s an opportune time to make changes that match the change in you! I know, it can be tough, but allow yourself to hang onto the past for a month or two post retiring it and then give it away. Even clothes have a life span.

Resolution 2: I will junk the clothes that do no fit and those I never wear.

Yep, it sure is amazing. You hang something in your closet long enough and it shrinks two sizes! Try on your sport jacket, blazer or suit jacket and fasten the middle button. If a vent pulls, a pocket tugs or the jacket appears to grow love handles before your eyes, give the jacket away to someone less fortunate.

Let the excess baggage go. Not only does it bog down your fashion flight, it severely takes up cupboard space! Ditch any clothes, accessories, make-up and beauty products that you don’t use, will never use, should never have bought, are old, faded, are not flattering and are taking up precious space.

Sort through your accessories. See what works with the clothes you wear now, and make note of what you need to buy to complement the rest of your wardrobe. More often than not, it’s the little things that can pull together an outfit.

Try a new eye shadow, blush or lip colour each season. As for the boys, try a new colour or pattern, fabric or colour combination. It’s one thing to have a signature color; it’s another to get stuck in a rut.

Resolution 3: I resolve to not be lazy when it comes to developing my own style.

Most of us have definitely added “travel more” in capital letters to our resolutions. To make that work for your wardrobe, resolve that when traveling to a new city, part of the city, or new country, you visit the local bazaar or flea market and try out the traditional gear!

Be critical as to what suits your figure and pick up accessories that co-ordinate with the outfit and would fit in with the rest of your wardrobe.

You needn’t get down to wearing saris or waistcoats if you never have! But a touch of ingenuity can turn a sari into a beautiful chudidar-kurta set or a stole into a beautiful wrap. Guys can additionally work with handcrafted accessories like leather shoes, bags, ties and stoles.

A girl friend of mine wears an Omani men’s head dress, as a stole. It looks awesome due to its sheer exotic colour and stripe story. Work that mind’s eye!

Resolution 4: I will play that dream role today!

So you've always secretly admired artists, writers and sculptors for their creative style? Or have always wanted to dress like an Indian demi-god or goddess, elegant in earthy printed kurtas and draped stoles? Ask yourself what stops you. And then go out and live it.

Check out the 'mix and match' sections of departmental stores or visit the likes of Fabindia, People Tree, OMO, and Anokhi to get yourself some ethnic togs. Enlist friends, family, sales people or stylists to help you achieve your goals.

The start of a brand new year is the perfect time for reinvention. That touch of innovation at the start of the year can infuse freshness and a new perspective into all aspects of life.

Resolution 5: I will only buy clothes that I love and that make me feel good.

They say the best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes! Some guys who want baggy jeans simply buy them two sizes too big, then hitch them up in gathers on a wide belt (sounds familiar?). But fashion maths doesn't add up like that. Instead, buy jeans in your size that are cut in a 'comfort fit'. That's the only way to assure the correct proportions.

Promise yourself you will be kind to your body and sole(s) this year, and choose only those pieces of that fit well, don’t pull, tug, oddly gather or itch. Imagine the amount of time you save from fussing, frowning, tugging and limpingover ill-fitting shoes and clothes.

Comfortable clothes give you more time and energy to be yourself. Not to mention a huge boost in confidence.

Resolution 6: I will find ways to enjoy building my personal style.

Sophisticated doesn’t mean boring. For example a tie can be both stylish and flamboyant, if chosen in subtle but fresh colours and textures.

Mix it up. College blokes can put a favourite hooded sweatshirt under a corduroy jacket. Ladies, pair a knee length colourfully patterned kurta with your jeans and throwon a jacket!

I have this lovely military style beige twill jacket I sometimes wear over a vibrant green kurta and deep
blue jeans. Tres chic, if I may say so myself! Over new years, I donned said jacket over a flapper style strappy sequined top (see pic) and black trousers. I was thankful not to be swept away amid the prevailing sea of black.

Resolution 7: I resolve to always attempt to shop smartly.

No matter what your budget, whether you’re more likely to hit the sales and export surplus stores or are sure to be seen at the hippest boutiques, make sure you shop responsibly. After all what’s the point in stuffing one’s wardrobe with clothes that are badly cut, finished or sewn?

Resolve to not be a sucker for the razzle-dazzle. Develop a critical eye for quality and tuck your wallet away when faced with something pricy you desire but won’t get much wear out of.

Direct the urge to splurging mainly onto necessities like lingerie (yes, don’t be miserly there), comfortable shoes and a few pieces of precious jewellery.

Try not to overspend on fashion and accessories when shopping with friends! It’s easy to get caught up with what they’re checking out and transition quickly from window/budget shopping to the real thing.

Have yourself a wonderful year ahead!