Chic but simple style resolutions that you can actually stick to in 2024

The start of a new year marks a time for resolutions, whether they’re pledging to hit the gym five times a week or joining a book club.

All too often these plans are not realized. And the same goes when it comes to our wardrobes.

Even though you swear this is the year you give yourself a complete style overhaul, come February you’ll find yourself wearing the same outfits again, all too aware that trends are passing you by.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. By making a few simple choices, you can freshen up your look without putting your finances in the red, or pushing yourself so far out of your comfort zone that you’re doomed to failure.

Here are the six resolutions that will ensure you start – and continue – 2024 in style…

1. INVEST IN LEATHER

If you’re going to make one big purchase this year, make it a leather handbag. I guarantee that if you added up all the pennies you’ve spent on poorly made faux leather bags over the years, it would be enough to cover the cost of a designer bag.

Mulberry makes bags that will last, with prices starting from £350 on sale. Don’t panic about wear and tear: Mulberry’s repair team renews more than 10,000 bags per year.

And if you want to change the style later, it also offers an exchange program so you can trade in your existing bag for credit towards a new one.

2. SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING

Most clothing brands claim to be doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint, but some are much greener than others. British brand Baukjen is one of the highest grossing B Corp fashion brands in Great Britain.

The company is committed to disrupting fast fashion, recycling fabrics and using more ethical supply chains. It also has all the important items you need at reasonable prices.

3. SLEEVE NEUTRAL

In 2023, the ‘quiet luxury’ trend, which advocated luxurious basics in a sober palette, prevailed. But with a new year comes change, so instead of putting away the more colorful clothes you wore during the holidays, use them to add some vibrancy to your wardrobe.

Pops of color were seen on the spring/summer 24 catwalks, from lush lilac at Tom Ford to cherry red at Burberry.

I don’t recommend wearing a Christmas sweater all year round, but don’t let yourself leave the house in just black, gray or beige.

For example, combine black pants with a cheerful knit.

4. WANT YOUR HEELS FOR PUMPING

When it comes to shoes, nothing beats the style cues of a simple pair of pumps. A breed apart from the flabby, shapeless ballerinas beloved by teenage girls in the 1990s. The current version offers form, function and fashion and becomes the new wearable alternative to heels.

In fact, this winter they’ve beaten the boots in terms of style – and will continue to hold sway when we reach white trainer territory in the spring.

Whether you wear them with jeans, tights or a nice dress, the right style suits you, from day to evening, from week to weekend.

Penelope Chilvers, a brand favored by the Princess of Wales, offers everything from metallic pumps to low-heeled Mary Janes.

5. NOW MAKE A CAPSULE DRESS

Building a capsule wardrobe should be one of your fashion goals this year. If you don’t know where to start, take every item you own and turn the hangers so they are facing the opposite direction. Then when you wear a piece of clothing, turn the hanger back.

At the end of the month, take stock of the hangers you left untouched and the items you wore regularly: these form the basis of your capsule wardrobe.

Good quality T-shirts and knits are essential.

6. CHANGE DENIM STYLES

It can be easy to get stuck in a style rut when it comes to jeans and find yourself returning to the same style from the same brand. Break this cycle by choosing a different cut.

If you’re wary of wide legs, opt for a straight style. But I promise not all flares look like they’re from the 1970s; there are plenty of slim-fit, kickflare and bootcut styles you’ll feel comfortable in.

If you want to invest in stylish, high-quality jeans, turn to LA brand Paige.

Or, if you’re on a tighter budget, Marks & Spencer has added more trendy fits to its collection.