These are the New Year’s style resolutions you should be following
Forget dieting and Dry January — we've rounded up five fashion commandments to follow this year...
Words: Jonathan Wells
2021 hasn’t been a normal New Year — so your resolutions will likely be a little different, too. There’ll be no writing up wanderlust lists. You’ll find it difficult to put yourself out there on the dating scene. And, when it comes to professional aspirations, you can forget gunning for a promotion — most of us are just happy to still have a job.
So what can you do? Exercise, for one. Cut down on junk food — or give up drinking for January, for others. Some resolutions remain. And the one we’re focusing on this year? Style. With our personal fashions adapting for a brave, new and slightly more casual world, there’s much to be done within your wardrobe. Here are some things to think about…
Resolution #1: Upgrade your footwear
If you’re hoping to put your best foot forward into 2021, then you’d better make sure it’s laced into a bloody good pair of shoes. The firm-footed foundation of any good outfit, a pair of dependable, reliable shoes will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face.
And you shouldn’t skimp on shoes. That’ll only lead to blisters and wasted money. So, rather than buying three new pairs this year, whittle that down to one — and make sure they’re the soundest, sturdiest pair available. Look for versatility, quality of materials and comfort. Tick those three boxes — and you’ll be walking on air.
Resolution #2: Invest in tailoring
Tailoring can be tricky — even in a normal year. But 2021 has thrown up its own suiting challenges. We used to know what we wanted from formalwear: slim-cut, neatly-structured suits crafted from fine wool and fastened with two buttons. But now? With dress codes relaxing and offices shutting up shop, there’s everything to play for in the suiting game.
But that doesn’t mean you should step away from your suits altogether. Instead, with tailoring no longer a daily occurrence, this level of formal dressing will become a rare treat; an indulgence. That means, as with the shoes above, you should be investing. An appointment-only tailor will see you right — guiding you through the many cuts and fabrics to suit your exact suiting needs.
Resolution #3: Don’t skimp on pyjamas
But, while we’ve all got great suits hanging in our wardrobes — if you don’t, please see above — we’ve not all got great pyjamas stuffed under our pillows. And, with working-from-home now the new norm, we’re all spending more time in our pyjamas than we are buttoned, laced or buckled into anything else. (If you say you’re not, you’re lying).
So, for the first time in our style resolution history, we’re making the case for good pyjamas. Whether it’s an evening Zoom catch-up with a friend, or simply a day lounging around your locked-down home, nothing will make you feel as luxurious or lordlike as a pair of good pyjamas. And that goes for the full nocturnal outfit; slippers, dressing gown and all.
Resolution #4: Get the basics right
As with pyjamas above, your basics and essentials will take on a new importance in 2021. These are the simply-made, plainly-coloured pieces with which you build outfits — the trusty undershirts and layers that form the bulk of your wardrobe. So it pays to get them right.
That means throwing out any tatty old T-shirts and limp, lifeless sweatshirts. It means buying better socks, better polo necks, better vests. Because a good simple garment can work wonders if you wear it in the right way — so get investing, and get learning.
Resolution #5: Up your accessory game
And, finally, we come to accessories. True, there may not be much call for neckties and pocket squares for the foreseeable future — but it’s still best to own one good example of each. And accessories extend beyond the traditional. For winter, it may be a scarf or hat. Spring will see sunglasses emerge once more.
And, for each of these items, find a signature piece — invest, and wear only that. You don’t need more than one good belt. You shouldn’t find yourself juggling wallets, or phone cases or overnight bags. Accessorise accordingly, tastefully — and don’t end up with a drawer full of baseball caps this summer.
Looking for more warming options this winter? Here’s why you should invest in a brushed cotton shirt…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
