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New year, new style? After 10 months of shuffling about indoors, having put our high heels and party dresses on ice, and saying goodbye to tight pants, possibly forever, many of us are struggling with how to keep our personal style alive and well. Even Vogue editors, some of the most plugged-in fashion lovers in the world, were feeling a bit bummed out at the end of 2020. But we’ve resolved to change up our style.
Virginia Smith, Vogue’s fashion director, said that she’s determined to give up shearling Birkenstocks for a new pair of elegant Proenza Schouler boots. Nicole Phelps, the global director of Vogue Runway, is saying goodbye to athleisure: “I’m thinking jeans rather than sweats or leggings.” Market editor Alexandra Gurvitch, who has more posh black items than anyone else I know, vows to add more color—“Does gray count?” she asked me with a laugh—while commerce writer Alexis Bennett has a resolution everyone should stick to: “I’m making a conscious effort to focus on quality over quantity. I’m excited to get rid of all the not-so-great items I’ve accumulated over the years and invest in superior items that truly make me feel happy.”
We also asked our 6 million Vogue Runway Instagram followers for their style resolutions. An overwhelming majority of the responses we received had to do with buying local, supporting independent brands, shopping secondhand or vintage, and putting sustainability on par with style. We’re highlighting some of our reader’s responses below.
Buy With the Earth in Mind
Many of our followers, @felicia_a_k included, wrote in asking about “[how to build] an eco-friendly wardrobe.” There’s no one way to think about buying more sustainably. Some brands like Bode utilize upcycling; others like Calle del Mar employ local makers and factories in order to control their supply chain. Before buying anything ask yourself: Do I know what this is made out of, who made it, and where it was produced?
Give Up Sweats for Good
This new year will be a one of “more dresses and skirts,” says @slanapotam. That might sound easier said than done, but with loose, away-from-the-body midis and casual pleated skirts, you might be willing to say goodbye to sweatpants. Well, maybe.
Make Exciting Investments
Essentials don’t have to be meh. Let @tahairy—a.k.a. Teen Vogue fashion and beauty director Tahirah Hairston—explain: “A black dress can be Molly Goddard.” Maybe your trousers have a ruffle or your suit is in a shocking new color? Here, two ways to spice up your life.
Add Some Color
Getting away from neutral tones was a popular response—and one that Vogue editors are also experimenting with. “Replace dark wardrobe [items] with bright classic pieces,” says @moskasif. Start with buttery pastel yellows and petal pinks before experimenting with neons and other brights.
Have Fun and Think Small
As one among hundreds of users, @bexters007 put shopping small as a key resolution for the new year, emphasizing “having fun with getting dressed!” With that in mind, we recommend an at-home (or going-out) dress from Hill House Home and a seashell necklace from SNVR that will evoke beachy freedoms even indoors.
Waist It
With a waisted resolution for 2021, @hik.mast wrote in for “more cinched / hourglass blazers.” Luckily, Daniel Lee has made that his mission at Bottega Veneta, building soft curves into the brand’s many suit jackets. Other brands are also incorporating belts or buckles for a nipped-in look.
Try Something Wild
Many of us use a new year to change up our style. “Being self-conscious I’ve worn baggy, dark clothes,” says @akhalif88. “This year I’m excited to go sexy and bold!” It’s certainly a trend echoed in the recent collections; sheer, mesh, and body-con pieces are dominating look books and digital experiences. Start with a sexier sandal and work your way up to a bold-shouldered dress.
Wear a Mask
The most important resolution of the year comes from @resteici__: “Wearing a mask with everything.” Amen!
