Starting with the ancient Babylonians some 4,000 years ago, humans have marked the new year with a masochistic custom: making resolutions they know they will not keep. Recently, however, a good many of us have decided to say, “The heck with it,” resolving to accomplish (or not accomplish) feats that run delightfully counter to conventional self-improvement wisdom.
Sounds liberating, right? And, according to new thinking in the self-help biz, it may actually be better for us, too. The success of books like the Mark Manson New York Times best seller (with the unprintable name) indicates that letting go and laying off may very well set us free. So, in the spirit of giving up, here are some sartorial anti-resolutions we promise will be a joy to keep.
No. 1: Don’t Go to the Gym. Sleep.
A good night’s rest reduces stress, curbs appetite and even burns calories. Show up those athleisure-wearing #fitspo influencers by investing in a wardrobe specially made for your slumberous new sport.
Sleepy Jones striped sleep top, $98, and leggings, $98, at Sleepy Jones, shop.sleepyjones.com; DKNY midnight blue washed satin pajama set, $70 at net-a-porter.com.
No. 2: Stay in Your Style Rut
Variety is overrated. All that experimenting with colors and new trends is exhausting. Instead of reprimanding yourself for not being more adventurous in the closet, give in to your style rut. Start thinking of it as a groove. Take a cue from Steve Jobs and wear a black turtleneck any (and every) day of the week.
From top: Cuyana wool-cashmere turtleneck, $155 at cuyana.com; Uniqlo cashmere turtleneck, 79.90 at Uniqlo, uniqlo.com; Gabriela Hearst wool-cashmere turtleneck with extra-long neck, $695 at theline.com.
No. 3: Treat Yourself
Fashion is about fantasy, and every once in a while it’s good to indulge if you have the money. Better yet, why not spend it on something ridiculously sparkly and unnecessary that, nevertheless, answers the distant call of your deepest (and most mysterious) desires.
Andrea Fohrman 18-karat-gold crescent moon ring with enamel and a single diamond, $1,540 at Broken English, brokenenglishjewelry.com; Aurélie Bidermann 18-karat-gold necklace with a sapphire glass medallion filled with ruby stones, $2,790 at Matches Fashion, matchesfashion.com; Fernando Jorge 18-karat-gold and diamond earrings, $10,130 at Barneys New York, barneys.com.
No 4: Don’t Dress Up
Don’t relegate that liberating I-give-up attitude that has been sanctioned by self-help literature to the rest of your life. Start applying it to your sartorial choices as well. Honor the schlub that lives inside us all in unapologetically comfy garb.
Uggs shearling-lined suede boots, $160 at Ugg, ugg.com; Rag & Bone cotton terry hoodie, $295, and pants, $250, at Barneys New York, barneys.com.
No. 5: Break Out the Granny Panties
Perhaps lacy underthings get your motor running. Then, by all means, do your thing. For those who prefer cotton fabric (and plenty of it), this year is your year to indulge in underwear that makes you feel good.
Calvin Klein cotton briefs, $33 for set of three at Bloomingdale’s, bloomingdales.com.
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