We all reinvent ourselves in various ways throughout life and a new year inspires us to ‘renew’ ourselves. It might be changing a small part of our weekly routine, getting more exercise, trying something new or giving our home or personal look a bit of an update.
One of the easiest new year pick-me-ups is a style update but where do you start? The best place to begin is your wardrobe; so, before you go out and make the most of the high street discounts, see what’s on trend and assess the old before you start buying the new.
Shapes and Styles
Midi and maxi skirt lengths are sticking around, as are feminine fabrics such as chiffon and silk. There is a still a vintage forties/fifties influence with looks that flatter the female figure such as full skirts, cinched waists and curve-flattering shift dresses. Dresses are everywhere so pull out all your dresses and work them with different separates, colours and accessories to make them feel renewed.
Patterns
Unusual graphics, banding and floral patterns appear with a new twist. Mix up your patterns for a more current look. Unless you are very creative or fashion-forward, go with as much as you feel comfortable with; it should suit your personality and overall look. Texture is as almost as popular as pattern including embellishments and overlays such as lace, devore, metals and sequins. If you don’t own any, you might want to make that a new little purchase.
Colours
If you do one thing with colour in 2012, make sure you invest in your best red shades, it’s the colour of the year. With colour still being a big story you can keep all the good colours you already have and, if necessary, tweak them for a more current look. Key shades for next season (apart from red) are pink, green, blue and orange, so hold on to these. Wear an entire block of colour or mix two strong colours if you can carry it off. Alternatively, mix a colour with a neutral such as cream, grey or camel.