10 Style Resolutions to Make for 2014

Blank pixel used during image takedowns

We've all made them, and we've all broken them. And yet, deciding upon a New Year's resolution is always a good way to get your priorities in check and really think about how to improve upon oneself in the upcoming 365 days. Stylish guys may have more apparel-centric aspects in mind when looking ahead to 2014, but improving upon one's style can also project out to the bigger picture and help us in life's other facets. So even if you've already pledged to volunteer more or eat more veggies, these are 10 Style Resolutions to Make for 2014.

RELATED: 10 Things Stylish Guys Were Grateful for in 2013
RELATED: 2013 Was the Best Year in Men's Style Ever, and Here's Why
RELATED: Complex Style's 50 Favorite Runway Looks From 2013

"I will develop patience and cut down on impulse purchases."

 

It's a common struggle for guys who just love copping new gear. As soon as we spot something that resonates with us, we don't even think about the price tag, current debt, and upcoming rent checks. This year, let's make sure we wait at least 24 hours before copping something serious. It'll cut down on regrettable impulse buys, and you will probably realize after a contact-high that shit's just not worth getting booted out of your crib for. And don't worry, unless it's some super-hyped release or collabo, chances are your size will still be in stock the next day.

"After figuratively cleaning out my closet, I will literally clean out my closet."

 

This is a must if you're going to enter 2014 correctly. A clean, well-organized closet is necessary for putting together a dope 'fit every morning. If it's overcrowded, messy, or not being used correctly, then your overall presentation is going to suffer. Bonus: Going through and emptying your closet of unwanted items or pieces you just don't wear anymore will free up a few hangers for new pieces. Plus you can donate these items to charity and actually do some good for the world.

There are a few life hacks that apply to your closet that maximize space and help keep you organized if you're going to maintain a clean, efficient closet for the rest of the year.

"I actually will hit the gym to reduce being a victim of smedium gear."

 

No matter how dope your shit is, or what brands and rare items you're rocking, none of that is going to look good if you aren't keeping yourself at its best-looking. Everyone resolves to go to the gym more for a longer life and healthier existence. Stylish guys should just see this as bonuses in addition to looking better.

"I will encourage diversity in my footwear options."

 

For every sneaker purchase you make in 2014, there should be a dress shoe or casual shoe copped before acquiring another pair of sneakers. As great as sneakers and their designer counterparts are, only owning sneakers will limit your options, your versatility, and the amount of invites you'll get to classy events. If you want to venture into grown-man territory next year, make sure you diversify your footwear options beyond a full line-up of Jordans.

We're not saying you have to drop $300 on a pair of wing-tips every few months. There are plenty of casual options that straddle the line between athletic sneaker and classy shoe. Diversity will only lead to a stronger overall development, and allow your personal sense of style to reach new heights and explore new depths.

"When it comes to white tees, I will start 2014 with a clean slate."

 

Even though they're a dime a dozen, it's oddly easy to become attached to white tees. No matter how ripped up, pit-stained, and odd-smelling, we cling on to these veritable rags for way more time than we should. At the beginning of this year, toss all these out (or tear them up and use them as actual rage) and start over with several crisp new 3-packs of white T-shirts. There's nothing more refreshing than a brand-new white tee. You'll feel like a new man, and your significant other might not be embarrassed anymore to head out with you.

"I resolve to invest wisely."

 

A lot of New Year's resolutions are about being better and wiser with your money. It may seem like an oxymoron, but pledging to only spend on big-budget items can actually help out your financial situation. As long as you make sure that these are so-called classic items (and what that term means is entirely up to you), then you will be investing wisely and saving money. A true grail item that's built with quality materials and expert construction can last you a lifetime, as opposed to trendy pieces that you only want because a celeb rocked or there's some other hype around it. Keep yourself above the buzz, do your research, know what you want, and that initial investment will truly pay off.

"I will find a skilled tailor and finally get all my ill-fitting clothes altered."

 

"This is the year I find myself a nice girl," you'll tell yourself. Well it's also the year that you should form a special relationship with an older man who might know your body better than you do. Pause on all that, but we're of course talking about an expert tailor who can help you take your wardrobe from decent to advanced. Clothes aren't meant to fit everyone's unique body shape, and a dope tailor can literally make apparel look like it was made just for you.

"I vow to use some of the energy I spend on style on figuring out how to talk to girls."

 

Men's style is a wonderful world, and we all love it. But if you're not careful it can become less of an interest and a pursuit and more of an abyss that will take up all your time and money to the detriment of life's other aspects. Case in point are dudes who can recite the pros and cons of a dozen Japanese denim mills, but don't know how to introduce themselves to a lady. Being interested in style is an important part of who you are, but it shouldn't be all that you are.

"I declare myself free of all rules, suggestions, and the 'right' way of dressing."

 

There's a reason why 2013 was the best year ever in men's style, and that's that guys stopped following the rules that dictated the whole game. As long as you're doing what you want when it comes to style, then there's a much better chance you'll enjoy yourself and life than if you were to follow the guidelines enforced by others. Sure, it can be fun to participate and experiene tradition, but the real joie de vivre will come about when you're doing things on your own, and advancing your own shit by blazing your own path.

"I will develop a personal sense of style."

 

All the above are ideally meant to help you develop a personal sense of style in 2014. Not mimicking Kanye. Not dressing for Tumblr. Not dressing for anyone's satisfaction except your own. Developing and maintaining a personal sense of style (which, don't forget, is as much attitude as it is outfit) will take a few steps. But if you stay committed to yourself and your convictions of what is dope and authentic, then 2014 will be the year your shit reaches unfuckwittable levels and rises above all the bullshit that is chained down by hype, rules, and other nonsense.