New Year’s Resolution Ideas for 2025: Better Style
Gentleman. As we approach the end of the year (bloody hell, that was fast), thoughts about New Year’s resolution ideas inevitably come to mind. The tradition of setting goals for yourself or your family (or both) is actually a great way to welcome the new year.
We all have dreams and goals that we, well…dream, of achieving one day, but the reality is that if you don’t have a plan or some logical way to work towards that goal, you’re making it quite unlikely for yourself to achieve it.
Funnily enough, many of you probably do this in your job to help the company at the end of each year – reviewing annual performance and setting plans for the upcoming year. All of this helps the company grow. So why not do it for yourself ?
With 2024 coming to a close and 2025 on the horizon, I thought it would be be useful to go over some achievable and worthwhile New Year’s resolution ideas that can improve you as an elite male specimen – including your style.
Why You Should Plan for Better Style
It’s pretty well known now that most people will develop an impression of you within the first few seconds of looking at you. So you gotta make it count. With a little bit of effort and attention to detail here, you’ll feel so much more confident and live life with an extra strut in your step.
As we take that step into 2025 and think about new year’s resolution ideas, no matter who you are, there is always room for style improvements in a man’s life. Planning for better style isn’t just about looking good; it’s about cultivating confidence in yourself and making lasting impressions on those who you should be leaving an impression on.
By improving your style in 2025, you will create a more polished appearance for yourself (not to mention a boost in self-esteem) which can positively impact both personal and professional aspects of your life. So let’s make 2025 a year of transformation, empowerment, and confidence, paving the way for success in every endeavor.
Goal #1: Get Yourself Some Versatile Essentials
Let’s face it, trends come and go, but some things are forever, and by “things”, I mean clothes of course. Across every category of clothing, there are some pieces that are just timeless and as a man, you must own them. Some of these include:
T-Shirts:
- In black, white, navy and whatever other colours you like
- Definitely need them in both short & long sleeve
Formal button down shirts:
- In white, grey, blue and pink
- Long sleeve would be my preference
Polos:
- There are so many colours out there. Take 2-3 versatile colours.
- Short sleeve would be my preference
Jeans:
In light and dark wash colours. At least a blue and a black.
Chinos:
In beige, black and olive green.
Sweatpants:
In grey and black for home and exercise.
Sweaters:
- These work in pretty much any colour as they are so versatile, so go nuts.
- You have a couple style options as well including crew neck, v-neck, zippered etc.
- I’m a sucker for good, comfortable sweaters so if you’re like me, get one of each over time.
Jackets:
- Jackets such as a peacoat, leather jacket and hoodie are all must-haves
Sneakers:
- In black and white
Formal Dress Shoes:
- In black and brown
Boots:
- In black and brown variants
- Combat and chelsea boots are always great
Sport Shoes:
- Running shoes or other sport-based shoe for exercise
- Any colour/style works here
Belts:
In black and brown of the leather kind for formal occasions
Ties:
In any common colour such as black, blue etc. are great to have on hand
Goal #2: Declutter Your Wardrobe
If you’re going to make your wardrobe a thing of beauty in 2025, it has to be neat. Especially if you’re going to follow goal #1 and get yourself the essentials that you may be missing.
One of the best things you can do for yourself here is to declutter your wardrobe. A cluttered closet can lead to frustration and indecision, making it challenging to pick outfits. You’ll just be wasting time.
This year, commit to examining each piece of clothing with intention: is it worn? do you actually love it? By removing items that no longer serve you—whether due to fit, style, or sentimental value—you can create space for pieces that will elevate your look.
Embracing this resolution not only simplifies your daily life but can also make you look forward to selecting some of those new clothes that make you look sublime I must say.
Goal #3: Update Your Footwear Game
Few things really elevate the look of an outfit quite like footwear. I kid you not, the same outfit of a t-shirt and jeans looks COMPLETELY different whether you’re wearing sneakers, slippers or boots.
“I kid you not, the same outfit of a t-shirt and jeans looks COMPLETELY different whether you’re wearing sneakers, slippers or boots”
Take a moment to appreciate the difference a shoe can make and get ones that you can wear for various outfits that elevate your look in each one. I’m talking pristine white sneakers, charcoal grey chelsea boots, mocha brown chukkas etc. Something clean and different has so much more elegance than worn out sneakers.
So if you’re still wearing the same battered shoes from a decade ago, let 2025 be the year you take your shoe game to the next level (please).
Goal #4: Invest in Forever
I know clothes can get expensive. And for the majority of things out there, I would say “No my dear AMHQ brother! You can find a cheaper alternative!”, but there are some things out there which are actually worth the extra money.
The first obvious one that comes to mind is a leather jacket. We know these can cost a pretty penny compared to their fake leather counterparts, but the fake leather is so noticeable. It just doesn’t have the same look. Not to mention, a good quality leather jacket ages nicely with time and makes you look oh so cool. I prefer a simple style like this Racer Jacket from Thursday Boots.
A great suit also comes to mind as something worth spending on. You’re always going to need a suit at some point or another, so get yourself something that makes you feel like a million bucks. If you can get something tailormade, great, otherwise go for something of good material such as a wool blend that fits you like a glove.
I think dress-shoes and boots fall in this category as well as they can last a long time and be used across a variety of situations over your lifetime, so get something that ticks the boxes of comfort, style and versatility.
Goal #5: Make Skincare & Grooming a Habit
A groomed man is a good looking man. Let’s face it gentleman, your face is only getting older. You gotta take care of it before it looks like a buffalo’s hoof.
Doing a few essential skincare routines can go a long way for your look (and health). If you’re not sure where to get started, we have a complete guide with Simple Steps to Effortless Skin which includes understanding your skin type, creating a skincare routine and even a range of products you can use. Following steps like washing your face, moisturizing, using an SPF and exfoliating periodically will keep that mug of yours in tip top shape.
And don’t forget your general grooming habits – tending to your hair, keeping your nails neat, shaping your beard if you have one etc. People notice these things. Don’t come off as some unkempt homeless person.
Goal #6: Fix Your Hairdo
Hair is one of those things where I’ve found people are quite divided. One set is always changing their hairstyle and the other is scared to experiment with it. While I personally don’t like to do anything too extreme to my hair, I will try a few things ‘hair and there’.
If you’re still stuck with the same hairstyle from 2010, it’s probably time to get something done. Find yourself a good barber or salon with someone you can talk to about your hair. Even if it costs a bit more, it’ll be worth it.
“If you’re still stuck with the same hairstyle from 2010, it’s probably time to get something done“
Whatever your current style – short, medium or long – you can search the internet for something that you think looks nice and just go for it. Odds are, you’ll end up looking better than you think
Goal #7: Experiment with a Different Look for Yourself
Much like one’s hairstyle, many people tend to get caught in the same outfits on repeat for years. Same blacks or blues. Same trousers. Hell, I even know someone who wears nothing but joggers!
C’mon, you aren’t going to be alpha anything by being lame. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Just go out of your box a tiny bit and try something different. You’re probably in need of new year’s resolution idea #1, so you can start by getting some of the essentials in different colours. Then all you gotta do is mix and match.
“New clothes are the fastest way to become a new man“
If you feel like you’re not THAT bad, maybe you can try something new like different colours or new pieces like a denim jacket or a turtleneck or even a flannel shirt. New clothes are the fastest way to become a new man.
Goal #8: Watch Your Accessories
While accessorizing can be a great way to make your outfit look nicer, you don’t need to go out all. Just one or two things would be enough, but one thing I highly recommend if you don’t already have one, would be a good watch.
Don’t let your phone become your main way to tell the time. Especially if you don’t already have it in your hands. A good watch does so much for you in addition to telling the time. It elevates your look and makes you come off as a more high-class individual.
There are so many out there. Take your pick. A steel bracelet watch is always eye-catching and versatile. Alternatively, a leather strap also looks great, but can be more formal, depending on the style.
You don’t even have to break the bank. I remember really digging the gunmetal/walnut colours of the Vincero Chrono when it came out. Even something like the Seiko 5 is a relatively inexpensive divers watch loved by watch enthusiasts. It doesn’t really matter what you pick. Just let 2025 be the year you add this heavy hitter to your style arsenal.
The Bottom Line
There you have it. Some simple New Year’s resolution ideas you can adopt to better your style in 2025.
While they may be simple, following through with these are easier said than done. Everyone starts their new year with goals but majority of people don’t follow through with them. As an alpha male, this isn’t you. Don’t let yourself become one of those people.
Alpha Tip
Take a moment to review your 2024. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Find out where you could improve and set a goal for that. Make a clear plan for how often you are going to do it and how you going to do it exactly. Keep a timeframe for you to check back and assess your progress.
The good thing about style improvements is that they can be quite instantaneous. You don’t even have to plan for months in the next year. Just do it and you can get started in January itself. Why wait?
Here’s to a good year done and a great year ahead. Wishing all our brothers (and sisters) a happy new year.
Stay Stylish Gentleman