2014 is the year to wear your personality

It’s that time of year again. It’s time to reinvent yourself, shake things up a bit and try something new. After all, fashion should be fun and that is the one thing that never goes out of style. So gear up for a fun year of fashion with these style resolutions.         

•Spring clean your wardrobe. Before you even add anthing to your wardrobe, spring clean! Be ruthless. Weed out what you no longer need. If you have pieces with tags still attached to them, or pieces you have never even worn, take a pause and think. When is the right time to wear them? If it takes time for you to come up with an answer, then it’s time to let go. Rediscover the key pieces in your wardrobe and bring them back to life.

•Stock up on investment pieces. Spend less on trendy pieces and invest in timeless pieces to build your wardrobe. Honor the classics and make them the priority on your shopping list. Never buy something only because it is a good deal. Ask yourself first if you really need it. Remember, investment pieces do not necessarily mean expensive brands. Focus on quality and cut. Resolve to be a smart shopper. Troll different shopping sites, compare prices and styles before making any purchase.

•Buy local. Keep up with the young guns. Keep your style fresh and new. Resolve to wear more up-and-coming and local designers. Love your own. It’s a sure way to embrace individual style more than following trends.

•Keep it fun. Resolve to have fun — it will never go out of style. Put fun back into function. Resolve to add whimsy into your look. Make a statement with playful details — be it a bag, a pair of shoes, a belt or other adornments. Be happy with your style.

• Play with print. Resolve to play with pattern. Find new ways to play with prints in sharp cuts. Mix it up and mash them up. Take more risks and explore the world of print. Experiment and be not afraid.

•Add color to the mix. Resolve to inject color into your wardrobe. 2014 is a happy hue year. If you are afraid of color, take baby steps. Start with your embellishments. Add a pop of happiness by wearing a colored watch instead of the usual metal ones. Accent your neutral hues with a brightly colored bag. Afraid of bold brights? Then go for the softer and sweeter pastels.

•Embellish. Resolve to be on the look- out for statement details. Don’t be afraid to add sparkle to your wardrobe. Stack bracelets together. Layer necklaces. Wear striking earrings with intense hues. These adornments will certainly brighten your new look.

•Be bold in black. Head-to-toe black is not back to basics. Get noticed. Take your cue from Marc Jacob’s last collection for Louis Vuitton. Be bold yet timeless.

•The year of living dangerously.

This year is the year to live dangerously. Resolve to be playful and unique. Do not be afraid to experiment but don’t be a fashion victim. Be adventurous while maintaining your own personal style. This year is not for the fainthearted. Wear your personality. Wear things that give you pleasure. It’s character that counts. Celebrate individuality in 2014.

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Send queries and suggestions to jo@joyceo- rena.com. Follow Joyce on twitter @joyceorena or instagram @jo_joyceorena.