New Year’s resolutions: Fake it till you make it
Did you make New Year’s resolutions this year? I bet you did, and so did I. And I bet they involved changing certain habits — maybe like one of these:
- Lose weight
- Make more money
- Get healthier
- Be nicer
- Be less impulsive
- Count my blessings
Wouldn’t it be great if we could accomplish all those things? Yes! What’s even better is that making some style changes means we can implement them more easily than we thought.
Here’s how:
“Lose weight.” Instead of focusing on losing pounds and inches this year, instead consider making it a priority to wear clothes that fit and flatter your shape and shines a light on the parts of your body you like the best. You’ll look like you’ve lost a few pounds while you’re working toward your fitness goals.
“Save more money.” Instead of rationing your Starbucks, how about focusing on getting more value from your current wardrobe investments? Make this the year you create more outfits using the beautiful pieces already hanging in your closet. By remixing your wardrobe, you’ll get more satisfaction (and automatically find yourself spending less on stuff you might never use).
“Get healthier.” Sure, most of us can improve our eating habits, but in the meantime, did you know you could look healthier, younger, even refreshed by wearing your most flattering colors? You can!
“Be nicer.” Being nice to others is an admirable goal. Let’s all start by being nice to ourselves! One approach: Give yourself enough time to get ready for the day each morning (or the night before). And commit to going easy on yourself. While you’re at it, see if you can also compliment a few other people every day, too. Before you know it, it’ll become a habit.
“Get organized.” Are you impulsive when it comes to shopping? Are you quick to buy sale items even when they’re not quite right? Do you buy clothes without trying them on first? These impulsive behaviors will disappear if you replace them with a new habit. Resolve this year to buy only what you love — and only those items that stay true to your style. If you’re shopping online or shopping without time to try things on, make sure to take the time once you’re back home to see if everything fits and looks great. And if they don’t, send them back.
“Be grateful.” You don’t need longer legs, a thinner waist, or more money in the bank, you just need to appreciate and work with what you have. Be the best version of you, and your inner light will shine.
You can reach these goals. But if they feel too daunting to tackle on your own, I’d love to help. Working together, we can fine-tune how you shop, approach fit and styling; and accept the compliments that will start coming your way on a daily basis.
(Ketura Persellin is a stylist and wardrobe consultant in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs. Please contact her for a complimentary get-acquainted session.)