My Style Goals for 2021

About the Author

Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

My Style Goals for 2021

— by Angie

on January 19, 2021

Style goals serve as a helpful frame of reference as you edit and review your closet, shop for new items, shop your closet, create outfits, and evolve your look. Anything that relates to your style can go on the list. Style goals can be general or specific, seasonal or annual, abstract or quantified, and simple or complicated. Remember that they can be changed at any time, so don’t overthink the process. You can set as few as one goal, and try to stick to it.

For some, setting style goals is an intuitive and incremental process of fine-tuning the sartorial fabness that they accomplished the previous year, which means that they are in a good place with their style. For others, it requires time, patience, some soul searching, and an in-depth analysis of the internal and external factors that affect their style because they are in a style rut, re-thinking their priories, or they’ve experienced dramatic changes in their life.

I make a point of revisiting my style goals every January. It crystalizes my thoughts and keeps me accountable to attaining the goals. It’s handy when I want to check in on my goals and assess progress throughout the year, make the necessary changes, and share them with others.

Despite the upheaval, 2020 was a satisfying year for my style. I managed to achieve all of my general goals, and a few of the specific ones too. I had planned to have even more fun with fashion because I was turning 50, and to be more adventurous and fearless with my style in some way. Those goals hit the wrong note during the pandemic, and we are still in the thick of things in the US. But I look forward to prioritizing them in the future when life returns to a new normal.

I’m keeping “Urban Polish” as my style moniker. Although I live in a grungy, outdoorsy, hipster and very casual city, it’s important to me to create daily outfits that are refined, pretty, bold, structured, polished, comfortable, somewhat dressy, and more colourful than the norm, because that feels authentic to my style. And when your style feels authentic to you, it’s easy to manage, maintain and enjoy.

My approach is working for me right now, so there’s no need to fix anything specific. I LOVE my wardrobe and I’m grateful for daily outfits that spark joy, energize, and keep me optimistic. So this year is about continuation, fine-tuning my style strategies, and focussing on some specific purchases.

General Goals

Be true to my style aspirations. I want to wear outfits that are Modern, Crisp, Retro, Playful and Dressy. Four of these adjectives have been the same for five years. I’ve changed one from Soft to Playful because it seems more accurate. These words describe my ideal style and serve as a benchmark for assessing outfits and purchases on this leg of my style journey. There is no need to achieve all five adjectives for every outfit. Three or four are close enough.

Modern, because I enjoy injecting a few carefully chosen hot-off-the-press trends into my seasonal look. That’s part of why fashion is fun, keeps things fresh, and it works well with my line of work.
Crisp, because I love wearing shades of white and clear brights, and have a strong need to create a polished, fresh, professional and tidy appearance.
Retro, because of my fondness for fashion from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, but remixing retro sensibilities with a good dose of current.
Playful, because it’s become important to me to wear outfits that are or have light-hearted, soft, amusing and fun elements. It also reminds me to not take the fashion and style world too seriously, and to do my own thing.
Dressy, because super casual does not make me happy.

Prioritize quality. My commitment to wearing beautifully constructed and finished items made of gorgeous fabrics that launder well is higher than ever. I am old school in this regard, and do not want to rent my wardrobe. I believe in buying fewer well-made things, wearing them frequently, and looking after them. That’s why I have thirteen-year-old wool coats and jackets that look new. I did a good job of achieving this last year and want to maintain the momentum.

Make manageable sustainable and ethical wardrobe decisions. I am committed to making the most sustainable and ethical wardrobe decisions that I can manage. There are compromises, but wardrobe items have to be right to work over time, which is a sustainability goal in itself. As far as possible, I will continue to refresh my style from designers and retailers that are committed to sustainable and ethical practices, and my intention is to keep wardrobe items for as long as I can.

Express my style through colour and my favourite patterns. My style was more colourful and pattern-rich than ever in 2020. I could barely wear a head-to-toe neutral outfit without adding back in the colour to boost my mood. I want to continue wearing my signature sour brights, blush pink, my shades of blue, and some earth tones. I also want to continue remixing the colours in my wardrobe in bold, new and tonal combinations. For patterns I’m sticking to the classics like stripes, dots, plaids, checks, and some florals because I don’t tire of them. I have said goodbye to animal print for now.

Continue exploring the world of fun and practical dressy pants. Dressier pants, and especially those in checks and plaids, have become signature to my style. I reach for them more than jeans and I’m enjoying the change.

Continue adding elegant-to-me touches to my style. My custom-made pearl jewellery makes me feel more elegant and polished, as does wearing midi dresses, midi skirts, dressy pants, structured handbags, structured silhouettes with ease and movement, refined footwear (even when they’re fashion sneakers!), pointy-toe ballet flats, well-groomed hands and feet, maintaining healthy skin, and doing my hair and make-up each day. Surprisingly, my current super short wavy COVID pixie makes me feel more elegant than its longer version. Being able to practice yoga after recovering from a back injury a year ago also makes me feel more elegant because it improves my posture, flexibility and agility. Sometimes, elegance is as much a state of mind as it is a visual appearance.

Sport my signature style, despite the trends. That means edgy short blonde hair, equal parts classic and trendy, an emphasis on the “soft and pretty”, tailored fluidity, statement eyewear and handbag, natural make-up, white pearls, white footwear, white jeans, lots of colour, classic patterns, hectic colour combinations, pattern mixing, light neutrals, dark blue, flat footwear, fashion sneakers, and no nail polish.

Specific Goals

Refresh my yoga capsule (already in progress)
Refresh my capsule of white tops for Spring and Summer
Refresh my white jeans capsule with wider silhouettes
Add more citron to my wardrobe, starting with a new dressy satchel
Add more flowing and fun skirts to my skirt capsule
Try a pair of G-Star jeans
Add a blush pink wool coat to my coat collection

Over to you. Have you thought about your style goals for 2021? Many of the YLF forum members have thought about theirs, and their posts have been a pleasure to read over the last few weeks. Please share your style goals in the comments section, even if you’ve already shared them on the forum. Begin with just two goals if that’s easier, and take it from there. Or simply jot down some rough thoughts about your current and aspirational style direction.

Individual Style

40 comments · Add a comment

Forum conversations about this post

2021 goals and January update — by nemosmom
2021 Style Goals (short & sweet!) — by Helena
Style goals 2021 — by Runcarla

Bijou

Veteran

My style description is staying the same as in 2020, Pretty, Playful and Powerful. I like pretty feminine clothing, but it needs to have some strength – urban, clean lines, tailored or toughened up with a denim jacket or boots… I find my style descriptor useful to avoid buying things that are too fussy.

#1 goal – only buy what I can wear on a daily basis. I have enough corporate and dressy clothes for formal events and corporate meetings, my 2021 purchases need to be ‘everyday wear’ items and low heeled shoes.

January 19, 2021 at 5:20 am

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Jinx! I just posted earlier today about where my style is going.

January 19, 2021 at 6:10 am

April

Veteran

Definitely prioritizing quality. Definitely prioritizing spending in places that care about things I care about. I’m also prioritizing comfort — no more tight clothing (sorry, Mr. April), no more shoes that are even slightly uncomfortable, no more freezing for style in a sleek coat when a hooded parka is available.

January 19, 2021 at 6:21 am

The Cat

Veteran

Interesting and inspirational reading, Angie. I love your colourful style and that you chose “Playful.”

My style is basically the same as before, but there are other changes in my life that might somehow affect it. I have quitted my office job and have had to move to my old parents’ place in order to give them necessary help. I am now looking for a separate apartment not far from their house. Most of my belongings, including most of my wardrobe, is still back in my old home. I look forward to receive it here and to get everything in order. And I know that I have to evaluate my wardrobe needs for my “new” life. In particular, I want to reassess my pants, tee, outerwear and footwear capsules.

January 19, 2021 at 6:27 am

nemosmom

Veteran

Oh, I am SO behind on setting goals this year…

January 19, 2021 at 6:37 am

nuancedream

Veteran

For the past several years, I have placed a greater emphasis on buying fewer items of impeccable quality. The sheath dresses, pencil skirts and skinny pants/ have been replaced by midi dresses, fluid skirts and wide leg pants/jeans that allow for ease of walking. That 60’s and 70’s retro look with some RATE elements really appeals to me now. I concur 100% with what April said. Mr. ND, much to his disappointment, will see me in a short dress or skirt only on the tennis court now.

January 19, 2021 at 6:56 am

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

What an inspiring post! Two of your general goals particularly resonated with me:
“Sport my signature style, despite the trends.” Although I love following trends to inform my thrifting and just for fun, I have decided to consider my asymmetrical hair style and heavy dose of vintage mixed with my more current pieces as signature rather than trend movable.

“Continue adding elegant-to-me touches to my style.” I love that you modified elegant with to-me, and concluded “elegance is as much a state of mind as it is a visual appearance.” I completely agree and am adopting elegant-to-me as a style goal.

I wrote last year that I wanted to limit my retail purchases, and I believe I have only made two this year, although it has been quite a year and I may be forgetting something. Anyway, I will continue to primarily shop and dress second hand this year and hope to be even bolder in incorporating vintage pieces into my style.

January 19, 2021 at 7:03 am

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m feeling my way around some style changes very slowly. Instead of the celebratory primary brights that were key to 2019 and going into 2020, I’m drawn to muted secondary and tertiary colours. As an emotional response to the drama of 2020, I’m seeing my style preferences through a romantic, nostalgic, sepia tinted filter. I want to wear outfits with soft or rounded edges that are tidy and a softly tailored or unconstructed silhouette without volume. I need to find ways to style my now shoulder length hair that meshes with my style and feels authentic. Tomboy is growing up, but isn’t a Gentlewoman yet. I may need a new style persona for 2021.

January 19, 2021 at 7:21 am

cat2

Veteran

I did quite a bit of bankruptcy shopping and am glad I did because now that we have visibility on a pandemic exit, the crazy bargain days are likely behind us. I will enjoy mixing these purchases in with the rest of my closet for inexpensive refreshes this Summer and next Fall. I will update our lists as the seasons advance to note any gaps, and will review where I am on color capsules, before doing much shopping for anything other than gear or essentials.

January 19, 2021 at 7:37 am

lisa p

I enjoyed reading your style goals, Angie, as I do each January. I find they help provide a starting point for my own. Having “retired” from my full-time sales career last year, my wardrobe needs are now very different. In 2021, I’d like to practice better cross-over use between my “good clothes”, my all-black/grey Reh-Fit work clothes”, and my everyday casual clothes. Right now, I tend to keep those three things VERY separate, which hasn’t allowed me to reduce the size of my wardrobe to where I’d like it to be. When social outings resume later this year – hopefully- I would like to refresh my denim collection to include some looser/more interesting silhouettes but really want to be able to shop in person for those pieces. I also am moving toward a ” less high-maintenance ” look by sticking to one fool-proof haircut, at home manicures in a sheer pale colour (supplemented by the odd professional pedicure for thorough care ) and less trendy jewellery and makeup. I spend a lot of money on all of those things, and it’s time to have that part of me reflect my new work and social reality .

January 19, 2021 at 7:48 am

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I will follow this blog post with much enthusiasm and the corresponding threads in the YLF page to follow. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this Blog post. Angie, you go into such nuanced detail and the thought process behind each subject mentioned. I can gather what you have said and apply it to my own wardrobe and choices in what stays with me and what will be donated.

I recently took a few days off of work to do just that. I needed the time alone (preschooler free) to process, mourn, asses, figure what stays and to say goodbye to and what I needed to fill the incomplete parts of my wardrobe and my life. It most certainly was a big task but As I have been thinking about it for the past year and 1/2 the process went relatively smoothly. I don’t think I’ve ever written down and inventoried what I have decided to keep. This helped tremendously the visual from the pictures is also a great help of what I have.

My goal was simple to categorize what my real day to day life needs are from my wardrobe:
1)Mom/Casual/Outings
2) Lounge Wear
3)Walking/Workout/Therapy /Outdoor Gear
4) Work

My style descriptor:
Futuristic Afro Warrior & Mama which was the recently added.

I feel so much lighter knowing that I have given this gift to myself a Consolidated & Cohesive Clothing & Shoe Wardrobe.

At the end of each day for me I want to be content. I used to want a high happiness factor from everything in my wardrobe. Now i want a steady peaceful one that brings contentment . This for me brings about my joy & happiness.

January 19, 2021 at 7:56 am

Joy

Veteran

My Style Goals from last January:
“Angie, you present your goals so clearly. My biggest goal is to carve out a wardrobe that works with my new glucose meter. That means thinking more about my style. I will really try to keep my outfits a bit dressy. And proportions will be important. As Suntiger pointed out on my forum thread, distracting the eye will become a priority.”
*I did pretty well with this, with the help from this site. I may have a new meter challenge as I will be trying out one worn on the upper arm, with a whole new set of challenges. It could be that wearing sleeves might be a problem. The reason is purely financial that our new insurance does not support the system I have been using but a completely different one. This is not what we were told. For staying at home in 2020, keepIng outfits dressy was difficult.

“I plan to go season by season to clear out what does not work…fitted waists and tops with slim bottoms on me, also tops/toppers that are too short or ride up, and any dresses that look lumpy. Shape wear does not work at all.”
*I did this but need to make a second pass this year, especially with tops that are too short. I am still finding too many of them.
I had some success using toppers and scarves to distract the eye.

“I want to replace with quality pieces. I need to embrace elastic waists and figure out how to wear them in a modern way. I hope to play with some new-to-me colors or combinations like blues and red with brown.
If taupe or chocolate brown comes back, I will be all over it.“
* I did work on this. The problem is that I need to make myself wear the quality (more expensive) pieces. I have found that I do not hesitate to wear them if they are bought second hand, so will try to do more of that.
*. I have been experimenting with colors, especially neutrals. I have not added much blue as I had planned to do. I did get an EF denim dress in a medium blue denim color, but had no luck finding the pale blue pieces I wanted. I did buy some pale blue jeans but they are already history.

“Other than clothing, I am open to a new hairstyle. I need to replace makeup with something I am not sensitive to and is very neutral in color and not too dark. i would like to try eye makeup again since I no longer need to wear specs, at least not this year.”
*My hair grew long during the pandemic, when it is grow it or cut it yourself. I have still not decided if it will work out being long. I plan to wait until the weather turns hot to decide. I still must wash it with cream rinse so there are no split ends. It is in pretty good shape.

*New style goals for 2021 would mostly be taming and replacing in my current wardrobe. I keep items for a long time. I need to really consider what needs replacing. I would like to add some boho light tops to my summer wardrobe as in my climate I can and need to wear summer things with sleeves.
*I want to move away from polyester and blends even more, although my next change of life step maybe a nursing home where industrialized strength washers and dryers and not temperatures are used. I need to find clothing that will stand up to this treatment and make at least a small capsule. I do not want to dress in sweats, and need to find a dressier version in tough natural fabrics. I prefer woven fabrics to knits as dressier, but that may not work either.
* I think I am tired of most of my summer clothes. Last year I had hoped to do some replacing and rethink colors. That did not happen both because warm colors were not available in retail and the Pandemic. I think I want coral and peach and maybe turquoise or pale blue or apple green. Those colors are hard to find. Maybe this year.

*Makeup. This past year his be minimal for staying home. I need to get into an excercise regimen and also work on balance. Everything I joined last year got closed up. Going forward, I hope to conquer the itchy scaley parts and stay reasonably healthy.

January 19, 2021 at 8:07 am

Liesbeth

Veteran

Rough thoughts: enjoy my current wardrobe and refresh with items that I love (essentials are covered). Explore new-to-me color combinations I’m drawn to , like tonal greens and purples and thosecolors combined.
I just realized that despite my constantly evolving wishlist I’m feeling a bit adrift. I can usually expand my wardrobe based on what works / what’s missing for my real life – but at the moment I don’t feel much connected to the daily realities of office life anymore. Wether an outfit will work when I return to the office has become quite the abstract exercise. I’m thinking of pulling the brakes on shopping for a while for this reason (and also because brick and mortar shopping is still not a fun option). Might do me good ;).

January 19, 2021 at 8:30 am

slim cat

Veteran

Wonderful post and very timely! As the hope of being more out and about in 2021 swells up – so do the challenges to look more joyful and optimistic in everyday outfits. I’m still working on adding more dressy fun pieces to my mostly casual wardrobe and intend to wear everything
( even special pieces ) regularly mixing simple things with very noticeable ones to feel the best I can.
I’m still searching for more shoes options ( metallics, white, yellow..) and fun new pants/jeans in new shape ( wider but with structure ). Fun toppers/jackets for spring and summer are on the list as well.
I need to figure out some new make up additions and update my skincare products.
I’m staying true to my pixie cut but came back to coloring my hair for fun ( semipermanent colors in shades of blue or purple ).
I want to refine the idea of my signature “rock and roll” style and blend it with my everyday one ( it’s still lucking the oomph..).

January 19, 2021 at 8:39 am

kkards

Veteran

Right now my goals are pretty small and pretty limited, and very specific to the time we are in…my major goal, keep my head up and don’t swing to hard into this WFH/not going anywhere, but at the same time, don’t shop to far into the back to “normal” …as I’m not sure on the true timing of when/if WFG will end and I’m not sure what the new normal will be, i want to be flexible to change and move and flow with whatever next.

January 19, 2021 at 9:31 am

Kelly P

I have had a lot of change in the last 18 months: from full time office work to early retirement, a move from the desert to a rainy/colder climate and a significant decrease in my available budget (which was planned but still impacts my ability to shop). Right now my focus is on to maintaining my small wardrobe of neutrals (mostly black) with pops of jewel tones and lots of stripes. I am very casual except when I occasionally dress up and I really have everything I need, so will only be replacing things as and when they wear out. My main goal is not to be tempted by trends and things I want. I truly need nothing.

January 19, 2021 at 9:59 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

How great that you had a satisfying style year! I love your commitment to quality and the way you continue to hone your style — such as changing the word “soft” to “playful.”

I’m a bit at loose ends with my style goals. 2020 landed me in a new place, a new climate, a new lifestyle and a new identity in general! My last style moniker was Eclectic Princess (I think? Don’t quote me on that). I feel like I need a new moniker so I can build my style goals around it. Eclectic Desert Queen? LOL.

January 19, 2021 at 10:32 am

Synne

Veteran

Ooh, nice breakdown as always! My loose goals for the year is to dress more in line with the “flamboyant natural” style-ID. I think this is the missing piece for me, I already feel I have figured out my colour palette and classic/trendy preference. That will mean I will try to style my outfits with emphasis on my vertical and horizontal lines. This is new territory for me. I am excited!

January 19, 2021 at 10:34 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am coming back to this in a few hours. I love your thoughtful and considered approach and also your insistence that we must stay true to ourselves in this process or it just won’t work! I have yet to formulate my own goals for the year but will be doing so in the next few days. Thank you for the jumpstart!

January 19, 2021 at 10:42 am

Erin

My goal is to figure out what I need/want for full-time working from home.

I had previously organized my clothes into home wardrobe and work wardrobe. I have small children and prefer to wear comfortable, easy-to clean clothes when I’m at home, and I preferred to keep my work clothes separate (and safe, lol).

Now I’m working from home indefinitely (my employer has made big changes), and I’m not sure what I want that to mean for my outfits. I have been wearing my home clothes, but do I want to incorporate my work sweaters and blouses? Should I filter out what I don’t wear or pack them up for a ‘someday I’ll be in an office again’?

January 19, 2021 at 10:46 am

hbeaver

Active Member

Very inspirational post and helpful guidelines for those of us beginning to establish style goals. I love bright colors and have been searching for a citron handbag for several months. If you locate one, I hope you will share the source with others!

January 19, 2021 at 11:03 am

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I always enjoy reading everyone’s goals so much!-)

My main goal for this year is further figuring out my wardrobe needs for my current location. I moved to the seaside in November, so it will be my first Spring, Summer etc. here.
The casual (doggy) walking lifestyle is the same, but beach walking and being more exposed to the elements (it can often be very windy here;-) is new, and dressing appropriately for that is new as well.

A few things I’ll be looking at:
– A lighter weight Spring/Summer raincoat (that is breathable and has a good hood) in a fun colour or pattern.
– One or 2 pairs of chinos. I got my first-ever pair of chinos last Spring:-) and loved them as an alternative to jeans. They were H&M and they didn’t hold up terribly well, so I retired them at the end of the season.
– Warm-weather sleeved tops. If we get similar weather to last year (quite hot for our standards into late September, even beginning of October), I really need more of those than I have right now.

January 19, 2021 at 11:29 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the thoughts, ladies. My yoga capsule is almost complete!

Bijou, you are bang on the money. Good job!

April and Nuancedream, YES to all of that.

The Cat, thank you for the compliment. That’s quite the lifestyle change, and bless you for looking after your parents full time now. I hope they are not far away, and good luck.

Shevia, high five to your style goals! Agree on what you consider your signature style, and that elegance can very much be a state of mind.

RunCarla, that’s beautiful soul searching, and keep on listening to your feelings.

Lisa P, that’s nice to hear, and great goals for 2021. FWIW, it sounds bang on the money, and well done! (We have the same hair goals at the moment). Very interesting that you’ve kept your three lifestyle capsules separate since you like to wear Athleisure and Sporty Luxe looks that cross-pollinate between lifestyles. If it works – milk it. Is at home loungewear a separate capsule?

Ledonna, that is high praise, thank you. And you are going like a Boeing! Much impressed with what you have already accomplished this year.

Joy, you have done sooooo well, and I’m proud of you. WELL DONE.

Liesbeth, pulling the breaks for a while is just what you need. Your wardrobe looks AMAZING.

Slim Cat, a sensible and fun evolution is on your style horizon. Let me know if I can help you with jeans.

kkards and Kelly P, I like your level headed approach. Good wardrobe plans.

Laura, thanks my friend. FWIW, you don’t look or sound like you lost your way at all. Have you packed away your Minnesota Winter stuff? That will help, now that you live in Arizona. Since Prince is a big part of your life, how about Playful Desert Princess?

Synne, nice! Your evolved colour palettes are perfect for your complexion.

Suz,

Erin, yes, pop those items into a holding zone, but keep the office sweaters and blouses in your closet.

January 19, 2021 at 11:47 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

hbeaver, will do.

Inge, that’s great going, my friend. Fab goals! I seem to remember a new striped lightweight raincoat, though? Maybe you need two! And what are you wearing to the beach on your feet at the moment to keep out the sand? Too bad about the H&M chinos – did they get too big? You’ve lost weight too. Onward to pants that fit!

January 19, 2021 at 11:53 am

rachylou

Veteran

This is the most fun time of year! I might like thinking about fashion more than fashion itself.

Last year my goal was Wear It! I also have an evergreen stretch goal of trying to spend a ton on a single item – lol – which I always cheapskate out on. I think I did pretty well on the Wear It! I didn’t just buy… as much as in the past in any case, lol… and while I didn’t drop ‘a ton’, I did go for some finer pieces and wasn’t so cheap.

This year my goal is Clear It! Ok. To be realistic, I’ll just try to purge some sweaters. I have a lot of unworn office-wear and while I love it, it’s dead weight.

Ok! 2021!

January 19, 2021 at 12:23 pm

Eliza

Veteran

Love reading this blog post and the responses annually. So many ways to evaluate fashion preferences and manage wardrobes; very informative.

My descriptors for last year were current, refined and deliberate. This year, my focus will be on refined and deliberate. I will be pursuing my 2020 goals this year, as many of them were not practical to implement while avoiding the pandemic. Finding some special jeans, for example. Some goals were met this year; my purchases were well considered , carefully vetted and more limited. I have further edited my closet and will do more of that as time goes on and some needs are clearer. Looking forward to shopping in person as needed.

January 19, 2021 at 12:36 pm

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Thanks Angie! And you really do have the memory of an elephant:-) I do have that striped raincoat. It’s a pack-a-way style and is unlined, which means it’s not warm enough for cooler days. And unfortunately it’s not as breathable as I would have liked:-(

Currently I’m alternating between my pewter Mephisto booties and my cognag Ugg mid-calf boots for the daily beach walks, and they’ve been working out great. No sand issues at all.

The H&M chinos actually shrank quite a bit, so by the end of the Summer they were much too short and also a little too tight on the waist. Shame.

January 19, 2021 at 12:43 pm

suntiger

I always love seeing everyone’s style goals
I’m sticking with my usual style adjectives: streamlined, feminine, exotic, harmonious.
Streamlined: in the sense of all round simplicity. More classic silouettes, “basics” (except gear) on autopilot, clutterfree closet and outfits, low maintenance beauty/skin/hair.
Feminine: softness, curvy shapes, long hair, skirts/dresses.
Exotic (loaded word but it’s the best I got…): deep and spicy colors, Eastern inspired prints and jewelry (when I start wearing it again).
Harmonious: with my shape and coloring, unity in outfits not juxtaposition, avoiding extremes in trends, low medium value contrast.

Continuing to expand my non black neutrals- brown, cinnamon, burgundy, camel and/or warm beige. Focus on my Zyla colors, more texture, prints without sharp edges.

“Use it up” and alterations goals- in progress.

Shopping- will depend on work status, budget, activities, size, what needs replacing- but I have a wishlist

January 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Angie – interesting to see how your goals are mostly the same but evolving. My style words remain bold elegant and relaxed and I stil want to be a Grown Up Charlies Angel. Last year I wanted more and less of several things, and this worked for me (I don’t respond to absolutes very well). So this year I want more second hand and more fun in my winter closet. I want less black. No major changes for me right now – there are a few changes going on outside style and fashion that mean having a loved functioning closet is a pleasure for me.

January 19, 2021 at 2:16 pm

Nikki

Styling seasoned items with new. Adding artistic element to outfits.

January 19, 2021 at 2:47 pm

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

My style will be more casual than ever this year, now that I will no longer be working. I want to continue wearing only what I love; “good enough” is not good enough. Maybe this year I will actually edit my wardrobe to that end.

January 19, 2021 at 3:08 pm

Style Fan

Veteran

This is such a helpful post. I have been making notes and collecting pictures for a couple of months to describe my style goals. I am not making some small refinements.

My style descriptors are Classic, Casual, Soft, Natural and Creative.

1/ I will continue to prioritize quality in my wardrobe. This is important to me for many reasons, but buying good quality pieces helps me achieve my other goals.

2/ Work towards a sustainable and ethical wardrobe.

3/ Continue with the earth tone colour palette. I feel my best in these colours. I will keep adding olive, chocolate, cognac, cream and denim to my wardrobe.

4/ Keep to a silhouette that is tailored. I don’t plan to add more wide-legged pants to my wardrobe at this time. I am enjoying high rise straight-legged bottoms these days.

5/ Move from Utilitarian Chic to English Country Style (think Duchess of Cambridge). These are similar looks, but the English Country Style is more refined than Utilitarian Chic, which is how I feel these days.

6/ Continue adding unique touches to my outfits with jewellery made by artisans, vintage scarves or unusual belts.

7/ Continue with skincare and makeup routine. If I can ever get to a hairstylist, I am interested in trying out a collarbone cut. Until then, I will keep my same routine.

Specific Goals:

1/ Refresh my home and walking capsule (already in progress).

2/ Add more bottoms to my spring and summer wardrobe.

3/ Add an olive field jacket.

4/ Refresh my spring and summer long-sleeved tops.

5/ Consider trying a pair of Dr. Liza ballet flats in cognac.

January 19, 2021 at 3:22 pm

Style Fan

Veteran

Okay, I realized the last sentence in the first paragraph should read ‘I am making some small refinements.’

January 19, 2021 at 3:24 pm

Bonnie

Veteran

I really admire that you are so organized and your plans for the coming so well articulated. I haven’t thought through my goals yet but I have divided my wardrobe into four seasons for the variety I crave. For each seasonal capsule I need to think about our changeable weather, make an attempt to buy items in color ways that mix and match, and make sure all of my activities have appropriate clothing choices. I’m also still working on getting my wears (30+) for each items and making sure that everything I buy will be worn that often. I think I take things season by season this year.

January 19, 2021 at 4:06 pm

Windchime

Veteran

It’s inspiring to read your annual Style Goals, Angie. I should do more thinking about mine, especially my Style Descriptors, and Moniker, which I sense are shifting a bit, although I’m not sure toward what final result! Here’s what I’ve already decided:

I want a somewhat smaller wardrobe one year from now, with a greater percentage of things I love wearing.
I hope to add one or two pairs of on-trend jeans, specifically high waisted.
I will consider adding a knee-length wool coat, if the right one comes along.
I am also thinking about buying a curling iron to help style the longer hair style I currently have.
And I hope this will finally be the year silver shoes find their way into my wardrobe! And perhaps stompy boots…

January 19, 2021 at 6:19 pm

Penny

Veteran

Love this post and everyone’s reflections. Although I have developed a strong sense of my personal style over the past few years on YLF, I had to adjust last year to ensure I had adequate coverage for working from home (still navy or black dresses, but not always the same ones I’d wear to the office), and also made some jewelry upgrades, including as to my pearl earrings and necklaces. This year, I foresee relatively minor tweaks, with an emphasis on making high-quality purchases that are strong, polished, feminine, versatile, and true to my personal sense of style.

January 19, 2021 at 8:49 pm

Deborah

Veteran

I enjoyed reading this post
I have a tendency to get myself a bit confused and overwhelmed if I think too much about style goals lol. I relate to your comment about style goals being intuitive and about fine tuning. I would say that is where I am at. Very happy with my wardrobe and my style. I often review my style goals at the same time as doing a wardrobe edit to ensure that the things I keep are reflective of my current style goals. Having said that I am not always able to fully articulate what my style goals are. I am a bit rubbish at descriptors but I think I have mentioned before that I kind of like Chic Avant Gard for my style. I think my style goals for 2021 are; to continue my commitment to a sustainable and ethical wardrobe, to take more risks with my styling and to persevere with my grey hair grow out!

January 19, 2021 at 9:16 pm

Mainelady

Veteran

Angie, thank you for this post. I really enjoy reading everyone’s goals.
My style has slowly been shifting over the last few years from dressy to refined casual. I am most definitely still a work in progress. I have a couple of goals to focus on right now. I will give myself permission to add others as this year unfolds.
For early 2021 my goals are:
1) Do a closet edit and donate items that are still fabulous, but are no longer chosen to wear.
2) Refrain from purchasing more hooded sweatshirts. I have fallen hard for the cozy comfort and function of these. Casual, yes. Sloppy, no. They are my favorite option for after work and for weekends at the lake. I have a nice capsule, with a few at home and a few at the lake.
3) Make use of the work wear I have and NOT purchase anything that would only be worn for work. I shall be retiring in June.
4) Wear lipstick again, when masks are not required.
I will set more style goals as I move through the year.

January 20, 2021 at 2:20 am

Helena

Veteran

Keeping it super-simple this year – I have two sort of style-philosophy goals: 1. Continue to milk my style words for 2020, which were “classic ease” (a slight variation to my classic, polished, casual adjectives, to denote to attitude I want to take, as well as the look) and 2. Grow in my confidence of being my own style authority (judiciously choosing experts like Angie to learn from of course!) and not being bossed around by “platonic wardrobe ideals” and those darn lists (nemosmom!!). Do capsules, etc. my way.

And one practical goal, which is to bring in some variation in my tops, in terms of colour, shape, small details, etc. and avoid buying lots of multiples of the same thing. Please feel free to call me out if I break my own rules!

January 20, 2021 at 6:19 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Impressed with your goals, everyone. You’ve put in the work, and are reaping the rewards. WELL DONE

January 20, 2021 at 9:17 am

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