7 Style Changes To Make For The New Year
As 2024 is finally coming to a close, many guys will look to next year as a turning point for change—from outfit choices to hitting the gym and even lifestyle transformations. In my latest article, I will look at seven ways to upgrade your style for the new year.
The end of a year can be used as a motivational period to force a powerful evolution in your appearance (and thus your confidence). I know the classic ‘New Year’s Resolution’ aspect is often ridiculed, as these ‘changes’ frequently fail within weeks. However, if you stand firm and keep to your goals, you can reinvigorate your look, enhancing your confidence and promoting self-discovery. In the following sections, I will share the top seven ways you can switch up your appearance for the better.
Improve Your Body Shape
Hitting the gym is one of the most well-known changes people make at the start of a new year. Yet, many will quit soon after starting (long before any physical changes appear).
However, many guys turn to bodybuilding after a failed relationship, too, which is universal across the globe. From a breakup in London, England, an amicable split across the continent in Paris, France or if you need advice during a marriage breakup in a southern state of the US (where https://quickdivorcetexas.com/ can help with a huge bank of advice).
I have had friends in the past who hit the plates hard straight after a split and changed their body shape for the better.
The best way to start is to determine whether you want to go to the gym for your workouts, or if time is an issue, achieve your fitness goals at home (which can be made easier with home equipment such as adjustable dumbbells).
Many people say that heading to an actual gym is the best process, as you have a massive amount of advanced kit to use—weight machines, a stack of different plate sizes, and cardio equipment.
Nevertheless, sometimes there is not enough time to travel to and from a gym several days a week (especially if you run your own business, for example).
If you do decide to visit your local gym, rather than go it alone, you could consult with a personal trainer who can craft a unique training regime based on your physical condition, goals, and any potential limitations (such as damaged bones or injuries).
Always aim to focus on all main muscle groups so the changes you will see incorporate your whole shape (remember not to forget leg day!), and make time for cardio sessions as well—walking, jogging, and stretching exercises.
Remember that the changes will not be instant (unlike a wardrobe overhaul), yet perseveration will pay off; just stick with it! Soon, you will have a body to be proud of and want to show it off to the world.
Wardrobe Change
One of the most important areas for total transformation is a closet overhaul. Begin by taking account of all of your existing pieces (formal and casual clothing, accessories, and even hats and watches) and evaluating if they need to be thrown out (especially if faded, lost their shape, or are no longer trending).
Next, you need to consider what style type you want to achieve—will you opt for super-smart attire (such as a tailored three-piece suit) or street-style cool (sleek jackets, skinny jeans, and the latest high-tops)?
As you are in the process of changing up your whole collection, you could even consider a capsule-style wardrobe—choosing a narrow selection of pieces that are interchangeable with each other yet allow you to create a larger number of different outfits.
Formal Wear
Choose a handful of smart pieces in neutral colours and a tailored fit (forgo overly baggy cuts) to display a striking silhouette. Navy, charcoal, and tan are excellent choices for suits, and they will provide you with enough choices throughout the year for both work and play.
For shirts, always aim to spend a little more in order to get quality (ensuring they will last a long time). Grab the classic white (which will pair with pretty much anything), but also throw in a variety of pastel colours for the occasional vibrant pop—think pale pink and baby blue. Remember not to forget the formal wear accessories—ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks (which can complete your look and take it to the next level).
Casual Wear
For your casual wardrobe additions, aim to add timelessly cool items (so little worry of them falling out of fashion) – denim and leather jackets, slim-fit T-shirts and hoodies.
Also include denim in this category (I have always been a fan of skinny-fit, but that is a personal preference – just avoid super baggy styles!) in several washes – black, grey and stone-washed blue (maybe even distressed). Again, accessories are essential – jewellery (rings, cuffs and necklaces) and a sports watch.
New Shoe Collection
Regular readers will know that I am a huge fan of footwear, and a quality pair is one of the most important elements of your wardrobe. The correct shoes can instantly make or break your outfit – however, you need to outlay a substantial amount of cash in order to craft that perfect collection.
As we are discussing an appearance upgrade, first, it is time to (finally) throw out those destroyed sneakers you have been rocking around in for far too long. Similarly, if your formal shoes or boots have seen better days, it is time to replace them.
Now, the fun part, buying new pairs!
Start with formal pieces—classic genuine leather Oxfords in black, tan, or burgundy are ideal for completing formal looks (especially your newly acquired three-piece suit).
Follow this with a sleek pair of boots—Chelsea styles are my all-time favourites in either black leather or brown / tan / beige suede, the perfect choice for smart casual outfits.
Finally, you will need a timeless pair of neutral-toned (think white, grey or beige) low-profile sneakers with a basic design (no overly bright colours, prints or patterns here!).
New Hair Cut
A brand-new haircut can significantly alter your appearance and how others perceive you. Either look online for inspiration (perhaps your favourite singer, actor, or influencer) or get advice from your local barber, who can suggest the best options for your hair type and face structure.
For the modern man, there is a huge amount of options to choose from – the classic undercut (with its masculine appearance), textured bangs (for that youthful charm) or even a buzzcut if you don’t want to spend hours fixing your barnet in the mirror.
Personally, I enjoy a ‘curly’ style, as it is simple to work with and can mostly just leave the house ready (just a quick ruffle with fingers, and that’s it!).
Once you have chosen your new cut, it is vital to invest in quality products to keep it looking tip-top. Select professional items from respected brands that include wax, clay, or pomade. What you purchase will largely depend on your hair type and the desired result. I have reviewed several brands in the past; check out my article on Gents Of London’s extensive range as a great starting point.
Additionally, check out quality hair accessories, such as a quality comb and top-of-the-range hairdryer (maybe even a diffuser if you want salon-looking curls).
Take Care Of Your Appearance
Thanks to the shift in our contemporary society, the modern man is now free to incorporate skincare into his grooming regime – from facial cleansing, moisturising and even scrubs to remove any unwanted dead skin and debris. Along with making your skin look extra fresh, it will help to combat the ageing process (especially if you keep on top of this activity, morning and night).
Always invest in quality products, as you want only the very best for your face. If you often have problem skin, you can even consult with a qualified technician in men’s skincare, who will be able to suggest what topical products to use to help achieve a sleeker and smoother texture.
If you rock a beard, always aim to keep it in check with regular trims (rather than it becoming out of control!). Additionally, if your beard hair starts to show signs of ageing (grey or white flecks), consider a quality beard dye (my personal recommendation is Just For Men) to keep it looking darker and thus more youthful – just remember to wash it off after 15 minutes maximum, as any longer runs the risk of looking too dark (and quite unnatural!).
Perfume Choices
With a new year and a new you, consider levelling up your perfume collection. Even though you may have stuck to your favourite fragrance for many years (therefore, your signature scent), it is time for a change.
Even though we are continually bombarded with endless perfume adverts in magazines, on TV, and online, unless you actually experience the flavours in ‘real life’, you will be buying blind. Instead, head to your local perfume shop or request some samples. Then, you can apply them to your skin and see how they adapt to your body (as perfumes typically have a unique smell on different people).
Aim for a fragrance that will enhance your appearance, leave a long-lasting impression on others, and is not too overwhelming (especially when in a professional setting). When worn, apply it to pulse points around the body—wrists, neck, and behind the ear, as this will also help the scent achieve its full bloom.
With so many choices available when it comes to perfume, it can be challenging to find the perfect fragrance that calls to you. However, variety is the spice of life, so feel free to add numerous different options to your collection (ensuring everything is fresh and new on a daily basis).
Lifestyle Changes
As a final point, use the birth of a new year to transform your lifestyle choices. Make it a point of normalising your sleep routine (no more staying up until the early morning!), as this will help with your well-being and appearance (eliminating that tired look). Drink plenty of clean water, which will improve the tone of your body and make your skin look much more healthy and vibrant.
If you partake in regular drinking and smoking, aim to reduce this or stop it entirely – this will dramatically improve how you look and feel, further boosting your confidence.
Additionally, why not opt for intellectual and cultural growth, such as courses in style and etiquette, which can improve your overall style and image tenfold? This will showcase that you have a broader outlook on the world and a highly compelling presence.
Final Thoughts
The transformation process will require a lot of time and patience, so focus on moving forward at a slower yet more confident pace. Use the beginning of the new year as a catalyst in creating a new and improved version of yourself—stylishly dressed, with a sleek new haircut, defined body shape, well-groomed, a splash of new perfume, and a totally overhauled lifestyle change.
What do you think of my newest article? I’d love to hear your thoughts—please use the comments section or direct email to get in touch.
