This is a new year and a fashion resolution should be in your notes. Clothes are as integral as your career and also deserve intentionality and reflection seeing that it serves a variety of purposes, both practical and symbolic. Clothes protect us, provide a barrier against harm, help us maintain personal hygiene and can be used to show belonging to a particular group, such as a sports team, school, or social club.

Most importantly, Clothes are a powerful form of self-expression, allowing us to communicate our individuality, personality, and mood to the world. Whether we consciously choose our outfits or not, they influence how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us. A power suit might boost your confidence for a presentation, while cozy clothes can create a relaxed atmosphere at home. Think about how you feel when you wear your favourite outfit. Beautiful? Powerful? Charismatic?. When we wear clothes we love we tend to feel out of the world. And this is why your attitude towards your wardrobe plays a crucial role in shaping your year. 

While many people create vision boards and set goals, only a small percentage follow through. According to Dr. Michelle Rozen’s 2023 study, only 6% of people kept their resolutions past the first month. These 17 fashion resolutions, paired with actionable steps, will help you stay on track and elevate your style while contributing to a more sustainable world.

Say yes to thrifting

Thrifting supports the circular economy by giving pre-owned items a second life and reducing textile waste. Forkeeps makes it easy to refresh your wardrobe sustainably. Explore the diversity, affordability, and charm of preloved items while selling those you no longer use.

Do a closet audit

Starting the new year with a closet audit is a great way to take stock of what you already own and bring old pieces back into circulation. Making a note of what’s hidden in your closet can help you shop more consciously, ensuring new pieces pair with existing items and avoiding duplicates. If you do decide to dispose of any items, there are better options like; thrifting, donating and allowing your pre loved clothes to be loved by another. 

Ditch and donate

Clear out clothes that no longer fit your style or purpose. Gather items in good condition and use the Forkeeps app to donate or sell them, ensuring they find a new home instead of adding to landfill waste.

Learn to sew

Sewing is a life skill that helps you up-cycle, repair, and appreciate your clothes more. Start small with mending and gradually learn pattern-making and machine sewing. This skill also enhances your thrifting experience by making it easier to alter garments. 

Ditch and gain

This is a new year and money moves. It's always at the top of everybody’s goal and it can become part of your fashion resolution as well. Go through your closet if there may be clothes in our closet you don’t want to wear anymore however, they are too good to just donate then you can sell them for a good price on Forkeeps. Go to your app store and make the new year a money minded one. 

Be budget friendly

Since 2020, almost all countries have suffered inflation and its jarring consequences, this bolsters the need for fashion lovers to remain budget friendly in their endeavour. With thrifting and websites like Forkeeps everyone including you can build a stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank, and find high-quality clothing, shoes, and accessories at a fraction of their original cost.

Care for your clothes

Just like humans, clothes have feelings. Always make a conscious effort this year to learn how to care for your clothes properly. When you buy a dress, study the care label even before putting it on. Also take note of the fabric used to make the dress and follow all the recommendations given. Your clothes will love you and live long in great shape.

Talk to family and friends about sustainable fashion

Change starts with a conversation. One of the simplest ways we can begin to transform the fashion system is by talking to our friends and family members about sustainable fashion. Advise them to thrift more, to donate more, to earn more by selling second hand clothing and most importantly, how crucial sustainable fashion is to the environment. Tell them they can do all these at Forkeeps. Remember, talking about the issues you care about can help raise awareness and inspire the people in your life to take action with you.

Explore Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are treasure troves of unique and one-of-a-kind items. You can discover vintage pieces, designer brands, and hidden gems that you won't find anywhere else. This allows you to express your individuality and develop a distinctive style without breaking the bank, your journey starts Here

Embrace tailoring

If you do not have the time to learn sewing then embracing tailoring will be a good fashion resolution. Keep a casual tailor friend who can help you save money, and reduce waste by altering existing garments instead of buying new ones. Tailoring is the key to thrifting because you will come across dresses that are too valuable but they are not your size. A tailor will help with the adjustment. 

Educate yourself on sustainability

Learn about the environmental impact of fashion. Read books like Loved Clothes Last by Orsola de Castro, To Die For by Lucy Siegle, watch documentaries, take online courses, and attend workshops. Knowledge empowers conscious choices.

Learn to curate your outfits before the events

A hack that is highly encouraged by most fashion enthusiasts is curating your outfit on Sunday for a whole week. The act of planning ahead allows you to experiment with different outfit combinations and discover new looks you might not have considered otherwise. It will also help eliminate the time spent searching for clothes and coordinating outfits in the morning

Abandon myopic shopping

A lot of people shop for a moment and they forget that there are other places they need to wear the clothes, while I can’t fault that, When you are shopping or tailoring new dress or pre loved outfits it is crucial you see yourself wearing the cloth outside the event and help have a more expansive wardrobe.

Ignore outfit rememberers

You cannot let people decide how you wear your clothes you bought with the money that belongs to you! Your clothes deserve to be worn more than once, Banish the stigma gaining ground online, and become a proud outfit repeater. Repeating clothes can actually enhance your personal style. It allows you to develop a signature look and express your individuality through creative styling and accessorising.

Prioritise longevity and invest in timeless pieces

When you absolutely have to buy a dress then it is important you prioritise longevity and invest in timeless pieces that will last a lifetime. Before clicking checkout, be honest and ask yourself if the item you’re buying aligns with your personal style or if it’s just a micro-trend, this is where Forkeeps comes in as it an avenue of diverse products and alternatives that suits your style.

Find your aesthetic

While it is understandable that there are times you will desire to follow the trends, never lose yourself to it. Find out through trail, error or ease that works for you. This can be an expensive journey made better by engaging in thrift shops, Log into Forkeeps now and let your journey with finding your personal aesthetic be easier as it is easily navigable and diverse enough to suit your interests and adventures. It is important you make it worthwhile.

Hold brands accountable

By holding fashion brands accountable for their environmental and social impacts, you can help create a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. Problems like design theft, unethical sourcing, exploitation of workers, and pollution plague the fashion industry. You can play your part by engaging in online activism and encouraging your social media community to patronise sustainable fashion businesses.

Final Thoughts

By committing to these resolutions, you’ll not only elevate your personal style but also contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. Let this year be the one where you embrace intentionality, creativity, and responsibility in your wardrobe choices.