20 Fashion and Beauty New Year’s Resolutions Every Woman Should Make

By Erin Donnelly

Bring it on, 2009! This is the year – you’re certain of it – that you reach your personal best. For real this time. You’ll become more organized, you’ll finally shed those last 10 pounds, you’ll find Mr. Right in time for Valentine’s Day, and you’ll stop having evil thoughts about stapling your boss’s face. And while those resolutions are all well and good – great, even – let’s not let your style fall by the wayside. Thankfully, these fashion and beauty resolutions don’t require a major lifestyle overhaul – just a few simple changes to keep you looking and feeling your absolute best. It’s going to be one heck of a year, gals.

1. Clear out your closet. Before you start the New Year with a new wardrobe, unload your old one. Go through your closet and dressers and put aside anything that doesn’t fit, has stains or irreparable tears, or hasn’t been worn in the past year. Then bag it and haul it off to Goodwill (or a consignment shop if you think it will sell). You’ll clear out lots of space and feel instantly refreshed.

2. Bounce back from holiday binging. Are those holiday cookies and roast beef dinners still lingering on your waistline? Get back on track by eating sensibly – cutting back on fatty, fried foods and sodas – and trying out a new exercise class. Bikram yoga, anyone?

3. Sweeten your smile. The beginning of the year is a great time to take care of your annual doctor appointments, starting with your dentist. Freshen your smile with a cleaning and a whitening treatment. No money for a professional treatment? Treat your almost-pearly whites to an in-home whitening treatment.

4. Buy local. Are you a prisoner to the mall? Why not take this opportunity to support local designers and boutiques? You’ll be amazed at the fabulous one-of-a-kind wares you discover. The retail giants will understand.

5. Update your makeup bag. If your cosmetics case is jam-packed with expired beauty products and coated with icky grime and makeup residue, it’s definitely time for a change. Treat yourself to a new makeup bag, throw out your old lipsticks and dried-out mascaras, and wipe off the stuff you plan to keep with an antibacterial cloth. It’s almost as good as going on a beauty shopping spree.

6. Freshen your hairstyle. Book a style consultation to revamp your ‘do, or simply go in for a trim and fresh highlights to warm up your complexion.

7. Break your bad style habits. We all have those secret garments that we know look hideous and unflattering, but inexplicably wear anyway. If you love them, keep them. But if you’re sick of wandering around the house in baggy sweats or that fleece pullover that’s seen better millenniums, toss them out. You might feel a tiny twinge of regret, but you’ll feel better once you replace them with clothes that you know you look great in.

8. Get tailored. To maximize the value of the clothes you wear, embrace the art of tailoring. Take a pair of jeans, trousers, or blazer to be altered, and you’ll be amazed at how great the sharper, curve-accentuating fit makes you look.

9. Purse patrol. If you need GPS just to find your wallet or keys within the crammed mess that is your handbag, it’s time to clear the clutter. Dump everything out, file away any important receipts, throw out any trash, and stash duplicate mints, lip glosses, and such in another place – one is enough!

10. Check your color. You know how beige always washes you out but red makes you look like a knockout? The colors you wear can make a bag impact on your appearance, so why not investigate it a little further? Book a color consultation with an image expert, or go the cheap route by using paint swatches or different colored pieces of fabric. Hold each color up to yoru face and note how it affects your complexion – do you look more radiant, or sallow? Once you’ve determined your most flattering hues, go through your closet to make sure you’ve got the clothes to match.

11. Boost your beauty. Looking for a new look for the New Year? Many department store beauty counters host in-store beauty events or free makeovers to help you revamp your look. Sephora also offers complimentary makeovers. It’s a fabulous way to test-drive new trends, sample the latest products, and find a style that works for you. There’s no commitment to buy – but you should, if you love the look!

12. Put your best face forward. A monthly facial may not be in your budget, but it’s worth investing on at least one skincare treatment to kick-start the year. Winter weather can leave skin dry and flaky, and a facial can help you restore the glow.

13. Invest in your career. In this economy, your appearance can really count. Invest in a new suit for interviews (Club Monaco and Lord & Taylor have some terrific reasonably priced options), or treat yourself to a polished sheath dress. Remember: You should always dress for the job you want!

14. Trends to try. Feel like shaking up your wardrobe? Fashion Week’s spring collections were ripe with new trends, including exposed zipper details, cut-outs, and candy-colored hues.

15. Scrub a dub dub. If you haven’t had a spa body scrub treatment, you haven’t lived. Treat yourself to a brown sugar or similarly tempting scrub to slough away winter-ravaged skin. You’ll emerge with silky smooth skin that would make a baby jealous.

16. Go yellow. Trend forecasters have predicted that marigold yellow will be the “it” color of 2009. Try adding a scarf, tee, or clutch in the cheery color.

17. And then go green. Organic beauty products aren’t going anywhere, and neither is eco-friendly fashion. Stay eco-conscious by supporting brands and fashion designers that create sustainable, socially responsible goods.

18. Get designer on the cheap. Money may be tight, but you can still score some fab designer finds. Check out Target’s new fast-fashion collection from Thakoon, or head to Urban Outfitters for their edgy designer collaborations.

19. Get bold. Intense color is a big makeup trend this year, so don’t shy away from a little hue glory. Play around with pastel eye shadows, a bold new lipstick, or a vibrant nail polish.

20. Upgrade your undies. Kiss those granny panties goodbye and toss any stretched-out, worn-out undies for good. Then pop into the nearest Victoria’s Secret and stock up on something frilly, lacy, and just plain gorgeous. It’s going to be that kind of year.