Style Resolutions for 2017 and Beyond

I just completed my first 10x10 challenge and am currently in the midst of a shopping freeze. With that comes a lot of thinking, especially regarding my feelings on my clothes as well as the direction of my personal style. One of the biggest things I reaffirmed this month was that I'm really happy with the size of my wardrobe. Sure, I could pare it down if I really wanted to (and the fact that I listed ten new things on my Poshmark in the last week suggests that I can), but I'm really happy with the way things are. Now, I'm focused on shopping more consciously and filling my closet with things that make me truly happy, whether or not it fits into the "box" of what I think my style is (I know that everyone says this but I felt like I needed to say it concretely, too).

While I didn't make any formal new year's resolutions, I thought of some resolutions to directly apply to my closet and my shopping habits for the year (and ideally for the years to come).

Buy fewer items overall

I started keeping track of my purchases on Pinterest in 2015, and I did it again last year. I added 73 new items to my wardrobe in 2015 and 70 in 2016. If I were to continue the same habits this year, I'd guess that I'd end up with around the same amount. I'm proud of the fact that I added fewer items in 2016 than in 2015, but I want to do better this year and reduce that number by more than three. I think it'll be difficult especially because I feel like I'm suddenly in this weird transitional phase in my personal style that makes me want all of the things (plus, I love shopping...and blogging/following other style bloggers doesn't help me reduce my wish list any), but I'm going to do my best to keep going and buy less every year.

Buy ethical/sustainable when I can

If I had a bigger budget, I'd buy way more ethically and/or sustainably made products than I do now. It's a dream of mine to invest in more products from American companies that focus on being both friendly to their employees and friendly to the environment. But, unfortunately, I'm on a limited grad student budget for the time being. If I do put something specific on my wish list, I'm going to try to find something suitable that is made ethically/sustainably (and that doesn't blow the budget). It will probably help me buy fewer items overall since these items tend to be more expensive, but I think it's worth it. Another related thing I'm going to try? Shopping more secondhand. While I can't visit local thrift stores often, I'm going to be perusing Poshmark more. There are some things I probably don't need to buy new.

Maintain the size of my wardrobe

I mentioned at the start of this post that doing the 10x10 challenge made me realize that I am happy with the size of my wardrobe right now. I'm at right around 200 pieces (not including jewelry/ accessories, loungewear, workout clothes, pjs, etc.), and it feels like the right amount for me. I live in a place that experiences all four seasons (everything from around 0°F in the winter to over 100°F in the summer), so having a small-ish wardrobe is not realistic. Plus, I like having options. I get bored with my closet in the winter and summer because those seasons last so much longer than spring and fall, so I need variety to combat that boredom. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to have a "larger" wardrobe as long as everything works for you and it doesn't feel excessive. That said, when I add new pieces, I want to thoughtfully discard older pieces that maybe don't work as well as I thought they did or just aren't worn enough to warrant keeping.

Have more fun!

I know what fits I like and I know what colors I like, but sometimes there are pieces that make my heart flutter that wouldn't normally fit into what I consider my style "box" to be. I'm allowing myself to buy the more "fun" items (you know, as long as they fit into the budget) in order to keep my wardrobe from feeling too dull and predictable. I want to play around a bit more with my outfits. :)

—

Here's to a stylish 2017, friends! Did you make any style-related resolutions for the new year? I'd love to hear them!