HOW TO ADD SOME FLAVOR TO YOUR STYLE FOR THE NEW YEAR

So you've started the new year and, if you're anything like me, you're already behind on your so-called resolutions. Everyone talks about it. Losing weight, working out more, being a better person blah blah blah. Yeah, those are all great, albeit common, resolutions for the new year. But since you came here to read about style, I'll give you 7 style resolutions that can help you ring in the new year. And you can still work on being a better person!

1. Time to let some things go: rummage through your wardrobe and collect all the shirts, pants, undergarments, socks, suits (yes, even suits), and outerwear you don't see yourself wearing anymore. Part of revamping your wardrobe is addition by subtraction. No one wants to see your holey shirts or socks anymore. If things don't fit well, either tailor them or get rid of them. For the more expensive stuff, you can always eBay to make a nice budget for your new wardrobe. That's what I do. And you'd be surprised who wants your stuff. One man's trash is another man's treasure, so donate whatever you can. Maybe not your doo doo stained underwear... throw that away. Some things are trash for everyone. Except mine, which are selling on eBay right now. Just kidding...

2. Now that you've cleared up some room in your closet, let's fill it back up again. But this time, remember that quality>quantity (even for underwear and socks) and that awesome things aren't built in a day, so shop for particular pieces throughout the year rather than going on a shopping spree to buy unnecessary things you will question after a few months. I can help you with the curation (all you need to do is ask here). Generally speaking, though, I'd first invest in a nice topcoat, timepiece or a new suit. After the holidays are a great time to find even better deals on investment pieces like a topcoat. Generally speaking... shopping less + spending more = shopping more + spending less. I'd go with the former if I were you. 

3. People often tell me "I can't pull that off" or "That won't look right on me." Hogwash, I say. Motherlovin' hogwash. I'm a firm believer that (almost) anyone can rock (almost) anything. First, you have to like it, or in this case, probably love it. Then all you need is the courage to get it and rock it. In the past year, I've gotten a jacket with a tiger on it and silver shoes with stars on it. These aren't for everyone, but that's the beauty of personal style. You should find what yours is. Is there something you've seen on others or at the store that you love, but are just scared to wear it? Don't be afraid. Easier said than done, I know. So this year, try getting one piece of clothing or accessory that your past self would hesitate to purchase. It doesn't have to be a skirt [been there, done that... apparently (not really though, please keep reading)] or shoes that remind you of July 4th. It can be a new color that you don't have in your wardrobe. Be bold. Be undeniable. Be yourself. 

4. Find a tailor that you are comfortable with. Don't take your clothes to the dry-cleaning lady whose English is a 6th language, and ask her to tailor your clothes. I understand, it's cheap... I get it. And you don't even care much about that shirt anyway, right? In that case, refer to #1 on this list. But for things you care about, take care of them. My tailor Neil can help you if you're a local. If not, then google 'best tailors near me' and find the one that suits your needs. They don't have to be expensive, but they should have great reviews. Anyway, you won't really understand the impact of tailoring unless you feel it on yourself and look at your awesome self in the mirror. 94.3% of clothes won't fit perfectly off of the rack, so start with a shirt you like a lot (but don't love) and go to the best tailor around that you can afford. Then have them tailor that to your needs. Remember that you should tell the tailor how you like it rather than them telling you how they'll tailor it. If tailoring is a success + services is impeccable + price is affordable for repeat offenders = you've found your new tailor! Now take the pieces you love and take your style game to the next level. 

5. A new look should come with a new smell! No, not that smell. I mean the smell of awesome cologne. Even if you can care less about how you look, you should always care about how you smell. If you already have 6 colognes in heavy rotation, then you're all set. But most likely it doesn't hurt to add one to the collection. Check out my suggestions on smelling well. I've recently added a new one to my set: Burberry Rhythm (for men, duh). You don't have to get that one, especially if I see you around a lot, but it's okay if you do because we both know we'll both smell awesome. 

6. Have you had the same look for too long? Clothes aren't the only way to change that up. And some of us can't grow a James Harden beard for various reasons. But we can get a James Harden haircut... just don't get an actual James Harden haircut. For the new year, why don't you try doing something a bit different with your hairstyle? It doesn't have to be outlandish, but be the new you. Grow it out, fade it, flip it up, swap sides, buzz it down... you get the idea. Ask your stylist for recommendations or google some images of your favorite styles and show it to your hair stylist next time you go! Worst case, you make a bad decision that most likely will last just a few months. Best case, you look even more awesome, the compliments will overflow, your confidence gets a turbo boost, you'll go on more dates, you can finally learn what your superpower is, etc.

7. Style is everywhere and in every form. You won't get to truly expand on your personal style without first expanding on your personal experiences. That means getting out and seeing the world. Sure, you can't go everywhere you want this year, but you can pick one place you haven't been and go! It doesn't have to be a 2-week vacation. Take a long weekend and check out a city you've never been to. There are plenty within a few flight hours of wherever you may be. Thanks to my traveling wifey, I've been blessed to see beautiful cities from all over, and I hope to see more. Regardless, the experiences I've had from previous trips just adds to what I consider style. The world is beautiful. Go and discover it. 

Here's a bonus for those who only do well visually: