Well, it’s been a couple of weeks and you’ve had time to make a resolution and try to stick to it. How’s that going? Great? Well, if you’re like a lot of us, maybe not. We tend to make resolutions in order to better ourselves in some way, to bring us closer to our ideal selves.

My suggestion is not for you to improve yourself by losing weight, as most people resolve and fail to do, but by investing in what you wear. Sounds easier already, doesn’t it? Whether you’re already looking for resolution “Plan B” or have yet to figure out a “Plan A”, choosing to have a closer look at your wardrobe is an easy way to accomplish something that will save you time, improve your image, and maybe help you snag that next promotion.

We spend all of our days wearing clothing (except the really good days) and so what we wear is as important, or more so, to our image as those few pounds we’d rather not have.  Maybe it’s time to add a few new items; replace a few things. How about the closet? Easy to find everything quickly? Likely not.

Often we leave clothes in the back that we haven’t worn in a while, or the garments in there are just a little too disorganized. Well, if you’re looking to get the most value from this year’s resolution, here’s a simple plan to look good, get organized and get on with the rest of the year. All it takes is one day (maybe two) and you’ll have your resolution all wrapped up.

First, have a look at what you already own. Check your closet, your drawers and, if you’re like me, the floor.  Go through each item and critically assess whether it needs to be in your wardrobe.

This includes your shoes, bags, accessories, too. With very few exceptions, if you haven’t worn it in a year, you’re not going to anymore.

Those clothes that you don’t quite fit into anymore? Get rid of them too. They’re not doing you any good, and even if you fit into them next week, they’re probably out of style by now. Pack those all up into a bag and take them to Goodwill.

Now that you’ve lost some of your wardrobe weight, it’s time to have another look. Find out what needs to be fixed or cleaned, and what’s too damaged and needs to be thrown out. I personally have a bad habit of never taking my wool and cashmere to the dry cleaners.

Shirts and suits I’m good about, but what about sweaters and scarves? Put everything that needs to be mended/cleaned into another bag and toss it into the car or by your door. You can take those out the next time you leave the house.

Now that you’ve removed everything that you don’t need, figure out what needs to be added. Been wearing the same shirt or pants more than once a week? Then there’s likely room for a little improvement, and now is the best possible time to buy.

Most of the major retailers are hitting the peak of their seasonal sales before the end of the month, so you’ll get the best deals all year. Even if you’re looking to upgrade to some higher quality designer clothes at somewhere like Holt Renfrew, they can be found up to 60% off.

The payoff once you’re done? You’re going to be able to find the clothes you do wear faster in the morning. You’re not going to pull on a pair of socks just to realize there’s a hole in one of them, and you have some new clothes for this New Year. Oh yeah, you can check off your resolution and start bragging. The year is still young, put that best foot forward.

Tim Lucas

Tim Lucas enjoys writing, working on fast cars and sipping fine tequila. He appreciates the delicate art of creating a personal image through one's wardrobe. He has been employed by Club Monaco, Harry Rosen and Holt Renfrew. He now operates his own blog on men's fashion, known as "Mr. Sartorial".

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