Every year we are bombarded with style guides and trends that we should all be wearing for the new year. While some of those trends are worth trying, some are simply a waste of time as they may not match our personal style, body type, or even lifestyle. Plus, the evolving door of trends that come and go —much thanks to popular apps such as TikTok and Instagram— doesn’t give us the time to explore these hand-picked trends from influencers and fashion mags alike. This year, instead of giving in to the pressure of what others think we should wear, I have decided to come up with some tips and tricks to help me evolve my style and wanted to share the wealth that has helped me so far.

1. Major Closet Clean Out!

Remember that bubble skirt you thought you were going to wear last summer but never picked up once that is now collecting dust in your closet? Yeah, it's time to get rid of it. There are so many trends that we see online that we love and believe we can rock for ourselves only to find out it wasn’t truly meant to be. The first thing that needs to be done to evolve our everyday wear is to see what is in our wardrobe that is holding us back. You’ll be surprised about how much stuff you have that you thought you were wearing but never touched. Once you clear the weeds of unworn trends, clothing you have outgrown, and stuff you just don’t have the energy to wear, you can truly see what your style is and what makes you comfortable.

2. Write Out A Style List

When going shopping, it's always best to write a list of the essentials you need and the items you want to try. It’s easy to fall for trends when you see your favorite influencer wear something or when it's styled so right on the mannequin at your favorite stores but don’t fall for the temptation. Jotting down what is missing from your closet can help tailor your wardrobe and you’ll be sure to buy things you are going to wear. Items such as a basic white tee, black jeans, and even a cute pair of comfy sweatpants will always ring true for any style enthusiast. Another thing to help you write out your style list (or even wishlist) is to think about your lifestyle on a day-to-day basis. You may see some really cute work suits that you love but if you work from home and mostly wear sweats every day then you may not want to pile up on blazers and slacks. Instead, try to think about how you can elevate your comfy at-home workwear that will make you feel super stylish.

3. Give Thrifiting A Try!

I know thrifting and secondhand shopping have been a buzzword since 2020 but it's a helpful way to source and try out trends sustainably and affordably. According to Refinery29, polka dots and ruffles will make a big return but in a new youthful way. While we all know fast fashion brands such as Shein and Fashion Nova are going to release an influx of items in polka dots and ruffles, you run into the problem of low-quality clothing that won’t last long or paying big dollars at the big-name brands and come to realize this trend isn’t actually for you. Instead, you can visit your local thrift shop to get the same low price as a fast fashion brand but better quality. You can do a test drive with the polka dot ruffle blouse you scored for $10 and the best part is if you don’t like it you can also redonate or even sell the item. It’s a win-win situation for everyone including your pockets.

4. A Little Inspo Never Hurts

While you should stick to your style and not make any choices based on media, influencers, and ads, having a little inspiration never hurts. You can make collages of things you like on Canva or create mood boards on sites like Lemon 8 or Pinterest. Tumblr is even still a resource to use to get style inspiration or outfit ideas (btw, I am still waiting for the Tumblr revival!). Creating mood boards and visual resources can help you know what colors, silhouettes, materials, etc you gravitate toward. It will also give you a little guidance when you walk into the stores to shop for your looks.

5. Let’s Make Fashion Fun Again!

The most important tip I have is to just have fun! You don’t have to overthink it. Experiment and see what feels comfortable to you. Even if you have to spend a day playing dress up and listening to your favorite jams to get the job done, then do it. Every time I walk out of the house, I never know what style I am going to wear and that excites me. Comparing yourself and your style to others will kill the joy you have for fashion so pay no mind what people might say and let your clothing tell the story of YOU! Let 2025 be the year you let go of all insecurities and just have fun wearing the clothing you enjoy.