New Year, New The(me)

I’m not the first person to say a new year is a perfect time for a new beginning—I just think I tend to take that a little more literally than most.

Over the past five new years—and I do mean January 1st, or at least very close—I’ve: launched a new business, began co-habitating with a partner, stopped co-habitating with a partner, revamped and relaunched my business, and, now, I’m typing this on a plane to Paris where I’ll be kicking off a year living on an entirely new continent…and also revamping and relaunching my business. I’m not new to this, baby, I’m true to this.

One thing I rarely ever wait until the new year to do, though, is change up my style or wardrobe. While I may need an “excuse” to sign a new lease or buy a new domain name, I’ve never needed a reason to, say, get rid of all my crop tops or stop wearing pants, so, style-related New Year’s Resolutions are not really my ministry, though I’ve written about them before.

What I prefer to do when it comes to my wardrobe is ascribe myself a little theme for the year: something to keep in mind every time I get dressed that’s more of a vibe than a goal. I’m not looking to make some checklist to follow, I’m looking at my reflection (multiple times a day) and asking myself: Do I feel [insert theme here]?

This year, my theme is Polished. As I embark on this new journey, living the majority of my life out of a suitcase, what’s important to me beyond ease and versatility—which I already figured out before I even started packing—is not looking like I’m living out of a suitcase. For me, that means no (or low) wrinkles, keeping my clothes clean, making sure I’m always wearing jewelry (I’m wearing three necklaces currently on this flight), and not sacrificing my overall preferred aesthetic for something that, in theory, should be more practical (I tried sneakers and they just don’t work for me, sorry!).

I find my yearly themes work best when I know they’ll be tested. Will I be able to maintain my own standards in the hot and humid climate of Malaysia (which I’m planning to visit at the end of the year)? Will I have to suck it up and buy sneakers again? Will airport security flag my bag because of my jewelry case every single time I fly? I don’t know! And that’s the fun of it. The idea of being potentially thrown out of my comfort zone is what makes things worth doing for me. It’s what gives both my life and my wardrobe meaning. In coming up with your theme, think about how your outfits can make you feel fulfilled and like the best version of yourself. Write it down on a Post-It, stick it to your mirror and ask yourself: Do I Feel…

Elevated

Sometimes, you do just want to wear leggings, I get it. But leggings doesn’t have to mean lazy. How can you elevate your look so even your comfiest outfits still look and feel “nice?” Add accessories? Change your shoes? Get a nice coat? Put on a better bra? This is the kind of theme that may necessitate upgrading, replacing, or even adding certain things in/to your wardrobe.

Focused

There’s nothing wrong with having eclectic style that feels a bit “all over the place”, but, if it feels like you don’t really have a style that speaks to who you are at all, it may be time to hone in on what you want to look like. What characteristic do all your favorite outfits share and how can you apply that to every outfit? What’s your overall style mantra? What are you wearing that’s not actually really your vibe at all? This one may require getting rid of some stuff.

Excited

If I hadn’t gone with Polished for 2026, Excited would’ve been my choice. There’s something so great about wearing something that truly makes you feel happy. It could be a jacket you got an amazing deal on. It could be a dress you always get complimented on. Maybe even a ring you bought on your last trip abroad. Make it a point to wear those things you have that just make you smile. You might have to stop saving said smile-inducing items for a “special occasion.”

Sexy

It’s always heartbreaking for me when I get a new client who feels they’ve lost their sexy, but, my goodness, does it feel amazing to help them get it back. If you’re dealing with major body changes, a new (or old) illness, parent duties, or anything else that makes you feel like more of a plain loaf of bread than the hot tamale you are, it’s worth introducing a little sexiness day to day—and I don’t just mean showing skin (though that can help!). What about a pair of lacy underwear only you’ll see? Or a swipe of juicy lip gloss? Or a fresh set of sharp red nails? This one could lean more into beauty than style.

Confident

Confidence is one of those things we (meaning me, a stylist) talk about a lot but it can’t be taught, quantified, or even faked (‘cause if you really think about it, faking confidence requires the confidence you think you’re faking, you know?). I can tell you what feeling confident means for me: clothes that I don’t have to adjust or pull at or retuck throughout the day; supportive undergarments; clothes that serve as conversation starters; shoes that don’t make me walk weird. If confidence is your theme for the new year, there may be a wardrobe overhaul on the horizon for you.

Regardless of the theme you choose, it is, as always, imperative that you question everything: why does this make me feel the way it does? Why doesn’t it make me feel the way it doesn’t? Be honest with yourself, and with the reasons you chose the theme you did. I know I said it’s more of a vibe, not a goal, but there should be an end goal to stay consistent throughout 2026, to 2027, and beyond.

Oh yeah, and happy new year from Paris!