Blog: 8 Style Resolutions We’re Trying in 2019

A new year brings the chance to throw out everything you hated about the previous year and start with a freshly found energy. Often times this is related to your diet, sometimes your self-care regimen, almost always money—but it’s also a great time to consider personal style. I asked my fellow ELLE staffers to share how they’re tweaking theirs for 2019.

Focus on building an accessories collection

“I have more than enough clothes (and a Rent the Runway unlimited subscription) to come up with an infinite number of outfits. But I’ve recently learned just how much the right accessories can make a look, so lately all I’ve been shopping for are necklaces, earrings, bags, belts, and shoes. Even hats! I used to go for the jewelry section of fast fashion stores for a quick fix (that would inevitably lose its quality in mere months) but now, I’m looking for jewelry and accessories that will last me years even as my personal taste changes. — Kristina Rodulfo, Senior Beauty Editor

Make sure my looks match my 2019 energy

“When asked what sort of energy I’d be giving for 2019, I’ve often responded with the words rich and spicy. Sure, everyone wants to make more money but I also want to be rich with meaningful relationships and experiences I’ll remember for life. And my looks must match! Pieces that are well made, well-cared for, ironed, dry-cleaned, and ready to be seen. All factors that contribute to rich style. As for spicy, well, that’s all about 2019 being the year of no BS. Oftentimes I save my special pieces out of fear of people looking and commenting on my outfits (I general prefer to blend in) but this year I’m going all out. More color, interesting textures and gold jewelry. Lots of a gold jewelry!” — Nikki Ogunnaike, Style Director

Start experimenting with the clothes I already own

“I’m super lazy. Like, wear the same jeans twice in a row to a corporate office, lazy. I fall back on the same outfits every week (bless my coworkers for never pointing it out), and it’s finally time I stop. I’m a fashion editor too, so there’s no excuse for a lack of sartorial creativity. I only use about 30 percent of my closet, so 2019 is the year I start experimenting with the clothes I already own. That means I finally get to wear gems from my closet that rarely see the light, like tie dye hoodies and a pair of faux rattlesnake pants that belong on a Coyote Ugly waitress. It’s all ripe for regret, but 2019 is also the year of not allowing anything stop me from trying new things.” — Justine Carreon, Market Editor

Get better about cleaning out my closet and donating old clothes

“Since my apartment has limited closet space, I want to work on letting go of some pieces that meant a lot to me in the past and reconfiguring my style for who I am now in my late twenties versus who I was when I first graduated college.” — Alyssa Bailey, News Editor

Stop playing it so safe

“A friend recently showed me clips from Produce 101, a reality show about creating a K-Pop girl group. Looking at all the diverse, highly specific outfits, I immediately said, “I’ve made a huge mistake with my wardrobe.” What I mean is, I keep things fairly same-same and safe. But these young women are all so committed to a look—whether it’s gothy streetwear, prim pastel lounging attire, or schoolgirl plaid with a tough Off-White-ish twist. I want to stop playing it so safe. I might not be auditioning for a pop group, but I could stand to step it the hell up. No more little black dresses in 2019!” — Estelle Tang, Culture Editor

Let my freak flag fly

One of my general new year’s resolutions is to let my freak flag fly, but especially when it comes to my fashion choices. I’ve by no means “played it safe” up until 2019 but I’m really leaning into dressing like an extra on the set of Coyote Ugly. Wearing more rings than a mob boss, and cutting my hair in a drastic way. I think 2018 really did a number on me because I’m headed into 2019 with guns blazing, dressing like I have nothing to lose. My moodboard is full of inspo from Cher, Slick Woods, Erika Jayne, and our market editor Justine Carreon. — Chloe Hall, Writer/Producer

Only buy things that fit on my style mood board

As someone who loves to shop and works in fashion, my problem is that it’s easy to get swept up in microtrends or of-the-moment pieces. Nine times out of 10, that sort of purchase results in something I only wear a few times or never feels quite right for me and the truest part of my personal style. In 2019, I’m going to avoid those moments by thinking about any would-be buy through the lens of an informal style mood board. Because images work better than catchwords or vague ideas about what constitutes your personal style, I’m going to up my Pinterest game and check back regularly on a few Instagram accounts that really speak to me (@amandacbrooks is topping the list right now). — Leah Clinton, Director of Branded Editorial Strategy

Dry clean and tailor my clothes

It’s always the item on my to-do list that I push aside. I’ll get to this growing pile of dry cleaning and tailoring later! I tell myself. And by later I mean…never. But I love getting dressed and I have invested in pieces that make me look and feel good. I’d like to treat those things with more care. — Leah Chernikoff, Executive Director