New Years Wardrobe Resolutions…Part One

New Year…new you?!  Ummm, how about New Year, slightly revamped, upgraded you?  That’s more like it, especially when it comes to what we wear.  No one has the time and/or money to go out and buy a totally new wardrobe (a girl can dream), so what’s the next best thing? How about taking a serious look at your closet and really figuring out how to rock that little black dress (LBD) differently or that skirt that you got for that holiday function and haven’t a clue what to do with it now.  Sounds like it’s time to make a few New Year wardrobe resolutions. I asked a few friends what their wardrobe resolutions would be, and they came up with a few pretty good ones, definitely some that I believe we can all agree upon.  But just like any other resolution, if you don’t have a game plan, that resolution quickly gets sidelined and totally forgotten about. The status quo is way easier, right?  Who has the time?  My wardrobe is the least of my worries!  What difference does it really make?  Well, just bare with me.  Here’s installment one in a three installment piece of wardrobe resolutions.  Hopefully, I’ll save you a little bit of time and money with these wardrobe remedies.

Wardrobe Resolution #1:  “I wear a lot of black…maybe I need more color!”

This concept of color may be one of the easiest resolutions to accomplish.  I know I’ve had trouble in the past with this one myself, especially in the winter when everyone is more concerned with warmth than standing out.  Walking from point A to point B in the city, you rarely see anything that goes beyond black, gray or brown.  BOOORRRIINNNGG!  Simple solutions…

1.  Outerwear:  When buying a coat or jacket, opt for a solid color or colorful pattern instead of the traditional black or gray.  For the past few fall/winters, I’ve rocked a cobalt blue wool moto jacket and deep purple swing wool coat, and both always get compliments.  Oh, and let’s not forget the red corduroy GAP peacoat I’ve had for over five years that’s still in the rotation.  Don’t want to buy a large piece?  Well, that’s when hats, scarves and gloves become your pops of color.  That black peacoat takes on a new life when you have a bright bold hot pink scarf poking up from the collar.

2. Layering:  Back to that LBD.  It’s a staple because it’s easy, right?  It looks good with anything, for any occasion.  Well, let’s get to layering!  Toss on almost anything over it, as long as it’s not black!  The colors and combinations are endless.  A blazer jazzes any outfit up.  Pop the collar and add a statement necklace (another pop of color) and you’re on your way.  And colored tights are still an excellent addition to any wardrobe.  Oh, and while wearing black leggings, tights and pants with black pumps or boots elongates your legs, if possible, I always opt for colored pumps or boots and nude legs. Sometimes you do have to freeze your butt off in the name of fashion and looking fab!

3.  Color-blocking:  I’d be remised if I didn’t mention this trend that I really don’t consider a trend at all.  It’s been around forever, but takes legs and runs every now and then.  Usually, color blocking starts with black, so you’re half way there.  So basically apply what I said above and there you go, you’re color blocking!

The duh solution to adding more color?  Stop buying black and gray clothing!  If that cute LBD comes in red, get it!  Red dresses are the new black!  That great, crisp collar button-up for the office?  Get it in yellow or green.  Start out slow with accessories and continue to build from there.  Taste the rainbow and just go for it!  No one’s telling you to look like the spokesperson for Crayola, so one or two additional colors together is fine. Before buying anything, inventory your wardrobe.  See what color you do have and how you can integrate it into your daily routine.  Still need to do a little shopping?  Hit the thrift stores and discounted designer spots like Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx and of course, Target!