Guest Author - Vicky Talbot

If you’re bored of banning chocolate, binning the cookies and dread joining the gym in January, why not choose some New Year fashion resolutions that won’t only help you look great, they’ll also be incredibly easy to keep all year long.

1. Be a Chico Warrior

If you only follow one fashion rule this year, make it the green fashion rule. Ethical fashion isn’t only a guilt free way to wear clothes, it’s also a fantastic way to protect our planet and it doesn’t need to cost the earth. Be more curious in your shopping – check labels, look for quality and choose garments that are made locally if possible. Check out ethical clothing brands that guarantee fair trade and organic production methods such as People Tree or Adili or simply recycle clothes you no longer need and hunt in thrift/charity shops for some real vintage, eco-friendly bargains. Also remember to take a shopping bag with you on your shopping sprees and really try to cut down your plastic bag consumption when hitting the shops recycling them whenever you can.

2. Wear Red Shoes

If like me your shoe collection is brimming with black styles, it’s time to change. Look for a brazen pair of scarlet court shoes and wear with both evening outfits and day wear to add serious sass to your look. Wear with dark denim, pencil skirts and jet black tights, little black dresses and straight leg trousers to update your look. A bright pair of shoes will add colour and confidence to any outfit so be brave, banish black and embrace beautiful ruby footwear this year.

3. Create and maintain a capsule wardrobe

This is the year to tame your penchant for all things “trendy.” That doesn’t mean you have to neglect your inner fashionista completely. If you’re looking forward to donning your new jewel-coloured stockings or can’t wait to take out your oversize metallic tote, then just be sure you balance your look with some timeless classics taken from your all-important capsule wardrobe. Every wise girl’s closet should consist of a few neutral basics which can easily be teamed with your trend-setting pieces – think a creamy cardigan to wear over the top of your cobalt maxi dress, a pair of black tailored cigarette pants to wear with your lace-up shoe boots or a classic charcoal cashmere sweater to throw on top of your skinny jeans. Invest in a few timeless pieces and you’ll never be short of anything to wear.

4. Accessorize to the Max!

Don’t leave the house without adding a few subtle accessories this year. The secret is to alternate a few pieces, don’t overdo it – choose a great pair of drop earrings and a neck scarf or a chunky cuff and pair of striking beads to add life to your current wardrobe pieces. Accessorizing is a great style trick that instantly updates your wardrobe – you’ll be surprised what a great necklace can do to an old black shirt, or what a sparkly pair of studs can do to an otherwise bland skirt suit. Alternatively, keep your accessories to a minimum during the day and pile on some sparkly jewellery by night finishing off with a statement clutch bag to effortlessly convert an office outfit into a glamorous evening look that takes mere minutes to achieve.

5. Be yourself, feel fabulous

The most important fashion resolution of all is to be yourself. Don’t follow fashion for the sake of it; wear whatever feels comfortable, whether that’s a cosy jumper dress or a confidence-boosting pair of sky high heels. It may sometimes feel like trends are there to be worn but if skinny jeans and voluminous blouses aren’t your thing, stick to your own personal style and leave them to the likes of Kate Moss! Own and invest in clothes and accessories that make you feel fantastic (see the above red shoes!) and wear with confidence.