Let’s face it, 2020 needs a do-over. Badly. For all sorts of reasons, most of us are over and done with this year. And it’s far from finished.
But just because we can’t take a mulligan on 2020 or fast forward to 2021 doesn’t mean you can’t inject a bit of newness in your own life. Revamping your style and renewing your beauty regimen might just be the boost you need to help you make a fresh start for brighter days ahead.
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Best of all, you don’t have to gut your closet or break the bank starting from scratch. Instead, take this time to create a sort of “capsule” wardrobe of your favorite, timeless classics. Once you have the essentials in place, jazz things up with a dash of the latest trends here and there. Play around with fun accessories and experiment with hair and makeup to add a bit of flare and keep things interesting.
Get Rid of the Junk
If you’re looking to reboot your style and build a timeless foundation that’s both playful and classic, a great place to start is by raiding your closet. Get rid of anything that no longer works for you. Be merciless and be honest. Purge trendy pieces that went out of style along with compact discs and jeggings. Nix anything that no longer fits or simply doesn’t ring your fashion bell.
Whatever is left is going to be a good indicator of what your style looks like now. This can be the basis of your classic capsule wardrobe. Remember that the goal isn’t to recapture former glory or to costume yourself in a fantasy of who you aspire to be.
It’s to construct a style that reflects the best image of who you are now, a style that speaks to and celebrates you.
And that includes dressing for the size and body type you are at the moment. Vanity sizing can lead not only to physical issues like rashes and chafing, it can cause mental harm.
Build a Foundation
Now that you’ve purged the “nots,” it’s time to start thinking about the “gots” and the “hots.” Look at what remains in your wardrobe and figure out what gaps you need to fill to have the perfect style foundation.
Focus on the must-haves your wardrobe needs to crush every occasion, from a night out with friends to a romantic afternoon at home with your love to a killer day at the office and everything in between. At the very least, you’re going to need a good blazer, which pairs perfectly with the most drool-worthy blue denim jeans or the ritziest of dress pants.
From there, keep building up the essentials, investing in high-quality pieces for the classic staples, and pinching pennies on the trend pieces that will be out of style before the first thread frays. Remember: fads are for fun, but Fendi is forever.
Best of all, once you have those essential pieces, you can dress them up or down with the perfect choice of trendy accessories, a great new ‘do, to-die-for shoes, or the perfect makeup palette. That’s the thing about the classics: they work with everything and, with the right touches, you’ll never get bored and your look will never grow stale!
Trick the Tresses
Once you’ve got your fashion game back on point, it’s time to turn those tresses from tired to terrific. The good news is you’ve got a lot of options for transforming your look by updating your hairstyle — and you don’t have to lose length to do it.
The wavy or tousled look is ideal for adding a sexy softness, while a messy bun or loose braid can be ideal both for a busy day at the office or a quiet night at home.
And if you’re needing something a bit more sophisticated for a special occasion, consider a slicked back, wet look teamed with the perfect earring and dramatic (without being clownish) makeup. Go for subtle hues and iridescent finishes for a dewy look or add a highlighting bronzer for a breathtaking effect.
Morning Marvels
Once you’ve tricked out your hair and wardrobe, it’s time to think about your morning routine. Chances are, there’s always more to do in the morning than there is time to do it.
But that doesn’t mean your style needs to suffer or your self-care fall by the wayside. It just means meeting your mornings with a bit of strategy. With a few style hacks, you can get out the door looking and feeling great–and you won’t have to lose sleep to do it
Instead, make “quick and effective” your morning mantra. That might include replacing the morning hair wash and style with a good dry shampoo. Or keeping your perfect shade of multipurpose beauty balm on hand when your cheeks need a quick dash of color, your lips the sweetest hint of shimmer.
The Takeaway
The year might be dragging on, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a do-over all your own. Taking the time for a fashion reset can be just what you need to revive your spirits and make you feel like yourself again — but even better. Give your tired closet a complete overhaul and stock it only with pieces that you love, pieces that showcase your best self. Then team those gorgeous duds with a hair and makeup update to match. And while you’re at it, remember to give your morning routine a refresh that works for you. After all, times are hard, and you deserve to look and feel your best.
