New Year, New Style Goals (Not Resolutions)

I’ve never been a big fan of New Year’s resolutions.

I prefer goals.

Goals feel more realistic, more flexible, and more aligned with real life. And of course, when I think about goals for a new year, style and wardrobe are always part of the conversation. What we wear impacts our routine, our confidence, and how we feel every single day.

So instead of resolutions, here are a few style goals I’m carrying into 2026, and maybe they’ll inspire you to think about yours, too.

1. Shop More Pre-Loved Pieces

One of my style goals for 2025, and one I’m definitely keeping for 2026, is to shop for more pre-loved clothing and accessories.

Each year, I find myself shopping more in secondhand and vintage stores, and I genuinely feel good about it. Not only because it’s more sustainable, but because it opens the door to pieces you don’t usually find in regular stores.

I often find:

  • Items I once regretted not buying

  • High-end designers at a much better price point

  • Unique pieces that make an outfit feel special

And let’s be honest, it’s also really fun.

2. Do a Closet Cleaning Every Quarter

Another important style goal for me is to clean and review my closet every three months.

That said, there’s no single “right” way to do this. It really depends on the person.

Some of my clients prefer to review their wardrobe at the beginning of the season, for example, looking at spring clothes before they actually need them.

Others feel better doing it at the end of the season, when it’s easier to see what they didn’t wear and why:

  • It didn’t fit

  • It wasn’t comfortable

  • It was a shopping mistake

  • They didn’t know how to style it

Personally? I think the best time for a bigger closet clean is now, during a cold Winter day or even a snow day. You will never see me doing a deep closet clean on a beautiful summer day.

3. Be Aware of Body Changes — and Accept Them

This is probably the most personal style goal.

My clothing size has changed over the past few years. At first, I thought it was just a temporary fluctuation, something that would “go back to normal.” So I kept quite a few pieces that were tight, especially pants.

At the same time, weight training also changed my body, and my top size went up as well.

Eventually, I accepted that my body had changed, and when I adjusted my wardrobe accordingly, everything started to fit better and look nicer.

This is an ongoing process of acceptance and gratitude. And it’s one I see many women navigating, especially over 40.

Style goals don’t need to be extreme or restrictive.

They can be gentle, practical, and supportive of the life you actually live.

I’d love to know: what are your style goals for 2026?

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Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. Once a month, I send newsletters featuring style tips, recommended brands, and a shopping guide. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.

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Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.

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A Look Back at 2025: Style, Work, and Life