17 Fashion Resolutions To Live By In 2025
Whether you love the idea of vintage fashion but don’t know where to start or want to make 2025 the year you invest in love-forever wardrobe heroes, be inspired by the fashion resolutions The Handbook’s Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, is making this year.
1. Stop caring what other people think
As soon as I stopped caring about what people think of my sartorial choices, the more fun I had with fashion. Whether that was dressing the way I thought I should for a job (granted, there are exceptions to the rule here depending on where you work and just how envelope-pushing your taste is) or avoiding wearing something for fear of it being too much, in my 20s I cared more. In my late 30s, I genuinely don’t care if someone thinks my Kitri patchwork jacket looks like Joseph and his technicoloured dream coat – it brings me great joy.
2. Only buy something you really love
I try to take on a Marie Kondo attitude to shopping for clothes and only buy something if I really really love it. Just because you have a wedding next weekend doesn’t mean you have to have something new for it.
3. Be a proud outfit re-wearer
If you put together an awesome look, own it and re-wear it. I tend to get a bit obsessed with certain pieces and wear them on repeat for a while. Life is far too short to only wear it once.
Sequins in August. A cocktail dress on a Tuesday. Feathers at the school gates. Why not.
4. Wear it just because
Sequins in August. A cocktail dress on a Tuesday. Feathers at the school gates. Why not.
5. Keep my wardrobe and shoes organised
When my wardrobe is sorted and organised I get so much more wear out of my clothes because I can actually see them! The same for those shoes that have made their way to the back of the the cupboard – out of sight, out of mind.
6. Go shopping IRL
Online shopping is easy but it definitely makes us consume more. I’m pledging to go out to stores more, feel and touch the clothes, try things on and asses if I really need them. Plus, buying something from an independent boutique or small brand adds to the thrill.
A great pair of jeans or an implacably cut blazer will only make your hero pieces sing more.
7. Invest in my foundations
I’ve mentioned I’m a bit of a magpie when it comes to clothes and practicality isn’t my strong suit but it does pay to have your foundations sorted. A great pair of jeans or an implacably cut blazer will only make your hero pieces sing more.
8. Take my stuff to the dry cleaner when I need to
Rather than put it back in the wardrobe only to realise there’s a red wine stain on my only silk white shirt three months down the line.
9. Put time into shopping vintage
I love vintage clothes but this year I’ve had less time to go out and discover pieces. Vintage shopping takes time but, honestly, it’s like therapy to me and even if I don’t come back with something I always love it.
Vintage shopping is like therapy to me, even if I don’t come back with something I always love it.
10. Dig out my sewing machine
May as well put my A Level Art Textiles to good use. Perhaps not making but certainly taking on small easy jobs like taking up hems and mending.
11. Start selling or renting
I’ve always taken my clothes that no longer serve me to the charity shop or passed them onto a friend or family member but it wouldn’t hurt to have a little side hustle on Vinted or a rental platform in 2025.
12. Champion sustainable & ethical brands
I am much more mindful of the brands I shop these days, taking time to check out their sustainability and ethical stances. I’m not perfect and I shop on the high street – it’s a rarity but I do do it – but I buy things that I genuinely love, that look or feel expensive and that I know will still be in my wardrobe for years to come.
13. Invest in a great bag
I’ve never really been a bag girl but I think it’s time to invest in something beautifully made and that will age well. Flashy brand names aren’t really my thing but there are some incredible affordable bag brands creating incredible arm candy out there.
14. Plan outfits the night before
For no other reason than it will save me time in the morning and I secretly love a bedroom fashion show.
15. Invest in great off-duty pieces
I’m a freelancer who works from home and although I adore getting dressed up I do spend quite a lot of time in casual clothes. 2025 is definitely the year to invest in more quality tracksuits, great socks and slippers and cosy knits.
16. Unsubscribe from that brand I bought a top from in 2017
Anyone else? My inbox has gotten seriously out of control from brands I have bought from in the past. No, I don’t need a daily email from JD Sports, thanks.
17. Don’t travel with fake tan in my suitcase
I learnt the hard way when my Bondi Sands exploded over my BRAND NEW Claudie Peridot suede jacket I had had my eye on for months and finally took the plunge when it went into sale. I like to think it adds a “vintage” feel.
