As January 1 nears and we remember all that we have (again) failed to accomplish, find solace in the fact that the worse is yet to come, and that calamity or the specter of death might give you a renewed sense of purpose. (Yeah!) But until the end actually nears, why not pass the time with some self-improvement? Just some mild sprucing up, mind you, because you'll need your strength soon. And that's the true spirit of New Year's: Just keep moving, even if it's only dragging yourself a millimeter closer to your demise.
1. Toss any knickers past the period-underwear mark
A post shared by Me Not Giving A Fuck (@menotgivingafuck)
A photo posted by on
We're not talking old, per se, because Aerie really does make decent briefs, and as long as they're clean and still fit, they're fine. (We're not talking 24/7 matching sets either, because, come on, fam—that's asking way too much.) But ripped waistbands, stretched-out leg openings, and more holes than Donald Trump's foreign policy? You're better than that.
2. Wear a color you've never worn before
Once is all we ask, though they say it takes 10 or more to get your kids to eat rutabaga or whatever. IDK. But I do know that I used to have a vendetta against orange so intense you would've thought a clementine had stolen my boyfriend, but then I got a fluoro Cambridge Satchel (remember those?), and my sartorial universe opened up like an Hermès store.
3. Sort out your closet
A post shared by Repeller (@repeller)
A photo posted by on
And do your best to maintain it, even though your mom's in the background right now snorting.
4. See how long you can go without buying anything
This will vary by person, but the lesson is the same: You're probably not as good at shopping as you think, which is how you've ended up with bales of useless rags you don't even know how to wear. (That and American consumerism.) With this easy exercise, buying things becomes more deliberate instead of a relentless hunt where all you end up with is waste and credit-card debt.
5. But please get yourself proper winter clothes
A post shared by Shrimps (@shrimps)
A photo posted by on
At one point in time, I would have said 'tis better to die than to wear a puffer coat. But then Balenciaga happened I thought, "Hmm. I really need to hang around long enough to amass a wicked vintage Courrèges collection. Oh—and to see my enemies fall." So make it a priority to acquire a real coat and shoes with traction.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Le Labo’s New Lavande 31 Eau de Parfum Redefines Lavender Fragrance
It’s an entirely fresh take on lavender.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The Best Hair Straighteners Add Instant Shine to Your Style
These picks are coming in hot.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
32 Beauty Products That Are Just So Good
Sponsor Content Created With Walmart
By Caitie Schlisserman Published
-
These 12 Editor-Approved Spring Work Outfits Clock Overtime
You'll want to onboard these looks ASAP.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Cameron Russell Can't Reform Fashion Alone
The model's gripping new memoir is a call to action—and accountability.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Meet the Designers Keeping the Art of Craftsmanship Alive
In today's murky fashion landscape of discourse and 'cores, to be a revolutionary is to tune out the chatter and focus on your design. Here, a vanguard group of designers who prioritize their skills above all else.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Exclusive: Rothy’s Designs Its First Wedge Sandal
The footwear brand just released its first wedge sandal.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Sherri McMullen Is the Oakland Boutique Owner Redefining Retail
From mentoring emerging brands to spotting the next big designer, we chat with the entrepreneur about everything from TikTok trends to the current state of the industry.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Colorful Cowboys and Celebs Galore: Pharrell William's Latest for Louis Vuitton Men's
A special shoutout goes to Williams' revamped Speedy bags.
By India Roby Published
-
This Under-the-Radar Jacket on Amazon Is My Newest Winter Obsession
And, no, it's not the "Amazon coat."
By Jaimie Potters Published
-
The Best Black T-Shirts to Buy In Bulk
Done right, the black tee is the most versatile item in your wardrobe.
By Taylor Ayers Published