Dublin: As the New Year approaches, Annmarie O’Connor advocates for a mindful approach to fashion, suggesting a ‘to don’t’ mentality over restrictive lists. She promotes thoughtful spending, creativity through vintage finds, and the importance of aligning styles with personal authenticity in 2025.
As the New Year approaches, many individuals engage in the age-old tradition of crafting resolutions intended to improve various aspects of their lives, including their fashion choices. The Irish Examiner reports that while the enthusiasm for these resolutions remains high, the statistically backed likelihood of success often plummets shortly after January begins. This year’s resolutions tend to centre around achieving a more authentic and satisfying sartorial experience, moving away from unmanageable standards and fleeting trends.
In an effort to create a more mindful approach to personal style, one suggestion is to embrace a ‘to don’t’ mentality rather than a restrictive to-do list. Annmarie O’Connor elaborates on this perspective, emphasising that understanding personal boundaries can lead to greater empowerment in fashion choices. She notes, “By knowing what we don’t want, the message to our brains is that we call the shots.”
O’Connor encourages individuals to reject overly prescriptive guidelines that often flood the internet, particularly those targeting age-specific advice, such as lists outlining clothing items deemed inappropriate for those over fifty. She believes that defining and refining one’s style is a journey that evolves over time, urging readers to listen to their intuition: “If you don’t feel good in it, you won’t look good in it. Simple as.”
Additionally, she addresses the common attachment people feel toward their wardrobe staples, advocating for the importance of letting go. Reflecting on her own decision to part with vintage dresses, O’Connor describes the mixed emotions involved in culling pieces that no longer serve her needs: “The kind thing was to allow someone else — a better fit — to love them as much as I did.” This setting free not only creates space for new items but fosters an opportunity for unexpected fashion discoveries.
In discussing trends, O’Connor mentions her appreciation for them but warns against becoming overly reliant on transient styles. She advises selectively integrating trends that resonate rather than filling wardrobes with items that lack longevity. Instead, creative engagement with one’s existing garments is recommended as an avenue to refresh personal style without unnecessary expenditure.
Financial responsibility in fashion is another topic O’Connor addresses, noting the discomfort associated with both being broke and accruing debt for ‘must-have’ items. She encourages readers to consider alternative solutions that respect their budgets, such as seeking mid-range brands or exploring options in second-hand and vintage markets, as well as independent artisans on platforms like Depop and Etsy.
Finally, O’Connor stresses the importance of being prepared to look one’s best without leaving it to chance. While acknowledging life’s unpredictability, she offers pragmatic shortcuts for dressing, suggesting the establishment of style uniforms that blend versatility and ease. Simple combinations such as pairing a smart blazer with jeans or opting for a timeless all-black ensemble can create polished looks with minimal effort.
As 2025 unfolds, the emphasis lies on fostering a more intuitive relationship with personal style, incorporating thoughtful spending, embracing creativity through vintage and second-hand finds, and balancing retro allure with contemporary sensibilities. In doing so, individuals may find a fulfilling path in their fashion choices that aligns not just with trends but with their authentic selves.
Source: Noah Wire Services
