We know that the New Year simply marks the start of a new calendar year, however, these first weeks are always filled with optimism and intentions to modify different aspects of our personal or professional lives with the goal of carrying them out in the months ahead.
Learning new languages, landing a new job, changing your self-care routine – the possibilities are endless. One New Year’s goal that can help you improve not only how you look, but also how you feel is changing your wardrobe and updating your style.
You might feel that your current clothes no longer represent you, or maybe it’s just time for a change. Whatever the reason, we believe this is a fantastic goal to start with. It’s relatively easy to achieve and can be the first step toward tackling your other New Year’s aspirations.
Start the year off on the right foot and take the plunge to refresh your style. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the power of a polished look, the scientific reasons why a wardrobe update can boost your mental wellness, and practical tips to help you achieve this goal well beyond January.
New Year, New You: The Power of a Polished Look
As we mentioned, a new look can be the starting point, primarily because it’s an easy task to manage. We know that other New Year’s goals can be long-term, require a significant investment of money or time, or might not depend entirely on you.
Fortunately, dressing well is something that can be easily within reach, and there are numerous ways to achieve it, tailored to your budget or the new style you’re aiming for.
This advantage is key, as accomplishing one of your goals in the first month of the year will give you the fuel to keep working on the ones that follow. Of course, changing your style isn’t something that happens overnight, but if you dedicate a month to it, it’s more than achievable.
Later in this article, we’ll share tips on how to dress well and stay consistent with it, but it’s important to understand that this change isn’t just about looking good, it’s about embracing a shift that boosts your confidence, enhances your mental wellness, and sets the tone for the year ahead.
The Psychology Behind a New Look: What Science Has to Say About it
The fact that dressing well is a great first goal for the start of the year isn’t just because it’s relatively easy to achieve. There are also numerous scientific studies that prove the way we dress has the power to transform how we feel.
A paper published in the prestigious Journal of Experimental Psychology by Hajo Adam (Rice University and Northwestern University) and Adam D. Galinsky (Harvard University and Princeton University) demonstrated through extensive research that clothing influences the psychological processes of the person wearing it.
Through their social experiment, Adam and Galinsky discovered that clothing not only changes how people feel about themselves, but also how they behave. When individuals feel comfortable and confident in their looks, they tend to act more assertively and even with greater optimism.
Other studies, such as the work of Canadian researchers Neil Hester and Eric Hehman, show that the shift isn’t just about how individuals feel, but also how they are perceived by others. When people see you dressed well, they are more likely to view you as competent, confident, and even trustworthy.Â
This perception can open doors in both personal and professional interactions, making dressing well not just a style choice but a strategic one.
Get Ready For a New Look
Now that you know dressing well is important for your self-esteem and also influences how others perceive and treat you, you’re ready to take the next step: achieving a style transformation.
A good strategy is to start by looking for photos of actresses, models, influencers, or friends whose style you admire. Up next, we’ll share more tips and recommend wardrobe pieces that could work for you.
We always suggest starting with the basics, like blouses and shirts that you can pair with items you already own. For example, check out the MALU Plain Frill-Neck Luxury Blouse for a fresh touch to your look, or the LISA Blouse with Removable Bow to stand out with elegance.
You could also explore the world of embroidered clothing (read this article to learn more about its comeback!). Got the basics checked? Then get ready to include other pieces like jackets or scarves that complement your outfits and help you stand out.
For outerwear, you might love our KATRINA Black Velvet Quilted Gilet, which keeps you warm without sacrificing style, or the JUNE Wax Jacket that adds a youthful touch to your wardrobe.
When it comes to scarves, a fan favorite is the SABRINA 100% Italian Silk Scarf in Turquoise, as it can easily be incorporated into winter or summer outfits. If you’re looking to update your wardrobe with vibrant colors, the SABRINA Italian Silk Scarf in Gold is the perfect choice for you.
Conclusion: Living and Dressing Well for a Fulfilling Year
Consistency will be the key to maintaining your new style throughout the year. Remember, 2025 doesn’t end in January, you have the rest of the months to achieve your goal, and you can even start later if needed.
With Hartwell, you won’t just dress well; you’ll be choosing garments crafted with high-quality fabrics and meticulous attention to detail. On top of that, we’re committed to sustainability, ensuring that our production processes are eco-friendly and contribute to a better future.
We take pride in what we do, which is why our New Year’s resolution is to continue upholding the highest standards of quality, so you can complete your wardrobe with clothing that makes you look and feel amazing.
We look forward to having you with us this new year and hope you enjoy the garments we create to the fullest, knowing that the pieces you get from Hartwell will accompany you well beyond 2025.
Let this be the year you embrace confidence, style, and well-being, with every outfit reflecting the best version of yourself.
Live well, Dress well. Hartwell.
