Now that the year is ending, it’s time to give your closet a good look to see if there’s anything that might need a bit of an upgrade. Maybe you’ve been wearing the same shades and styles for years and want to try something different. Or perhaps you’ve experienced a major life change and would like to dress in a way that best reflects those changes. Whatever your reason may be, there’s no better time to start a wardrobe revamp than the new year—a period of transformation and new beginnings.

If you’re about to embark on this journey and don’t know where to start, here are a few expert tips on how to give your closet a makeover ahead of the coming year.

Take Note of What You Need

This may be a no-brainer, but you must first consider which pieces need to be replaced. For instance, you may notice your blouses and shirts getting old and faded. With this, it might be a good idea to retire these pieces as your lazy-day clothes. 

As mentioned earlier, a wardrobe refresh may benefit those experiencing major life changes. If you just started a new office-based job, you might need a new set of corporate clothes that abide by your office’s dress code. It’s the perfect reason to shop for new button-downs, pencil skirts, slacks, and blazers. You don’t have to skip on getting the dream work wardrobe that you deserve even if you’re on a tight budget, either. For one, a good loan app Philippines-based banks recognize can provide you with some financial leeway to upgrade your looks—be it for the office or otherwise.

Stock Up on the Basics

Basics are an absolute must-have in any wardrobe. Over time, however, your plain white shirts and tanks will get thinner or become one size too small. When going for a full wardrobe overhaul, consider establishing a core of basic tops in solid colors such as white, black, and gray. If you want to spice things up, you can always have your pick from the color wheel. Aside from tops, you may want to stock up on long-lasting and versatile “foundational” bottoms such as leggings and tights.

Work Around Your Silhouette and Fashion Preferences

Our bodies change a lot, so it’s important to have a clear idea of your body type and silhouette before getting your “new year, new me” clothes. Do you have an athletic build or are you more of a pear shape? Basing your fashion choices around your body type is a great way to ensure that the clothes you will be wearing in the coming months look and feel great.

On a related note, nothing makes you feel the most “you” than wearing clothes in your signature style. To make your wardrobe overhaul easier, veer towards the styles that you are already comfortable with. Still, you can add a twist to your looks by going for patterns or colors that you don’t usually wear.

Explore Your Colors

Speaking of colors, this coming year could be your time to let the colors shine. Instead of your usual monochromes, blues, and browns, consider mixing it up by including pieces in shades of lime, burgundy, turquoise, hot pink, and yellow.

That said, neutrals are a trend that’s unlikely to die soon. Aside from being pleasing to the eye, neutrals go with pretty much everything. If you want to broaden your palette of neutrals, include more unexpected tones such as olive green or huckleberry.

Invest in Good Denim and Outerwear

No matter how resistant they seem to wear and tear, denim can still be vulnerable to fraying and fading. If you feel as though your jeans are getting a bit too worse for wear, it’s time to ditch your trusty pair and opt for a replacement or two. When shopping around for denim, consider buying jeans in different styles: skinny, cropped, straight-leg, ripped, high-waist, and more.

In addition to denim jeans, it’s also important to invest in quality outerwear pieces. Most areas in the Philippines are not cold enough to necessitate wearing jackets and sweaters every day, but outerwear can still come in handy when you need to stay for hours in an ice-cold office or a bus with the AC turned all the way up. When doing your new year clothes shopping, consider sifting through your choices for denim jackets, bomber jackets, and blazers. Apart from serving their purpose of protecting your body, these outer garments look great with simple tops, ankle boots, and denim jeans or trousers.

Add Some Oomph to Your Accessories

Cheap jewelry tends to tarnish and get rusty over time, so for this coming year, you may need to let your “fancy” stuff go and invest in more long-lasting accessories. If you’re feeling a bit daring, you can buy a statement piece such as a Cleopatra necklace or gold hoop earrings to elevate some of your looks. Generally, it would be a good idea to invest in pieces you are likely to wear most of the time such as pearl earrings, white gold or rose gold necklaces, and sterling silver studs.

Focus on Longevity and Comfort 

All in all, clothes fit for the new year must revolve around two things: how they make you feel and how long they will last. No one’s stopping you from buying inexpensive garments, but investing in long-lasting clothes is often the more sustainable and practical option. After all, you wouldn’t want to get stuck with a skirt that easily unravels or a too-flashy tank that you’ll only wear on one occasion.

On top of longevity, your clothes also need to deliver a level of comfort that makes them the best fit for your body and personality. At the end of the day, comfort trumps trends. There’s no point in rushing to buy clothes just to blend in with what everybody’s wearing. If it makes you feel awkward, it’s best to leave it on the rack.

It’s All About Essentials, Comfort, and Style

Hitting the reset button on your wardrobe signals a new chapter filled with endless possibilities. This coming year, don’t be afraid to explore what you can do with your wardrobe and your already unique fashion personality. At the same time, don’t forget to focus on yourself and what makes you comfortable—both in terms of size and style. Runway-ready outfits are one thing, but it takes clothes that evoke self-love to make you truly shine.

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