12 New Year's Style Resolutions for 2012

Image via Complex Original

Looking back on 2011, there's been a lot of great times. From stylish celebrities to the best brands, they year has been full of stylish moments. That isn't to say there's nothing we can work on as the new year encroaches upon us.

Style is funny like that, despite the notion of "timeless" pieces, there are always new trends to follow, new kinds of fits to see, and always new brands. Heck, sometimes our tastes just plain change. We're thinking about how to stay fresh in the new year, and we want to help you do the same. Here are 12 New Year's Style Resolutions for 2012.

12. Think Beyond Denim

COMUNE Kelly Wool Jean
Buy It Now at Karmaloop, $64 

Slim Walt Moleskin Trouser
Buy It Now at Epaulet, $165 

Flannel-Lined Chino
Buy It Now at J. Crew, $60 

Raw jeans aren't your only defense against the cold. Step up your style with some pants in fabrics like moleskin, wool, and flannel-lined chinos. They'll give you more freedom to move around than tough raw denim, while ensuring you stay comfortably warm.

11. Discover at Least 3 New Brands

CREEP by Hiroshi Awai Wool Duffle Coat
Buy It Now at Revolve Clothing, $269 

Riviera Club Pocket Sweater Navy
Buy It Now at Riviera Clothing, $188

ONLY Hunting Bomber Jacket
Buy It Now at ONLY, $300 

Yeah yeah, we know how it is. There's so much stuff out there that it's hard to figure out what's dope and what sucks. Here's an idea: take a minute and forget the blogs and try stuff out you haven't heard of. Not all brands are cut from the same cloth. Literally. That means a brand you aren't familiar with might cut its patterns specifically for your body type. Stussy and Supreme jackets fit as differently as Band of Outsiders and Gitman Vintage oxford shirts. CREEP by Hiroshi Awai, Riviera Club, and ONLY are three brands that are relatively under the radar but could possibly make the clothes that seem like they were made for you.

10. Buy Less; Buy Better

Patrik Ervell Field Coat
Buy It Now at Lagarconne, $500

3sixteen SL-100x Shadow Selvedge Denim
Buy It Now at 3sixteen, $240

Danner Mountain Light Lownsdale
Buy It Now at Danner, $375 

You don't need a closet full of gear to look fresh. You just need some versatile staples to fully step up your game. A M-65 field coat, a pair of dark jeans, and a nice pair of boots are three items that look great on any guy, and will get a lot of wear. So why not drop some dough on a quality version of these indispensable style choices? 

9. Don't Be A Victim of Low Prices

Whether a big fast-fashion chain like H&M or online sample sites, be wary of getting won over by a discount or price when it comes to buying clothes. Yeah, sometimes designer clothes can be cheap, but obviously, they didn't sell at full price for a reason. Whether the fit is off, the fabric is not as good as previous seasons, or the design is just weird, don't be swayed fully by low prices and definitely do your research before pulling the trigger. Dropping dough on something you'll hardly wear is a waste of money, which brings us to our next resolution...

8. Think About "Cost-Per-Wear"

Maison Martin Margiela Cable Knit Panel Cardigan
Buy It Now at Mr. Porter, $398

If you buy something you love at full-price, you'll wear it more anyway. If you buy something you kind of like at 75% off, you'll probably wear it twice and forget about it. That's the basis of cost-per-wear. Look at your closet, think about how much each item cost you and how often you wear it. If you have a lot of stuff you got at a discount, but wear maybe three times a year, doesn't it make more sense to have that cash go towards just a few things you'll wear every week?

7. Don't Buy Square-Toed Shoes

Seriously. Stop this. They're ugly as hell, and could not be further removed from the actual shape of your feet. Imagine these as a sneaker. You can't, because square-toed sneakers don't exist for a reason. That reason is that square-toed shoes are an affront to the very nature of our feet. So cop a rounded toe shoe and get on with your life.

6. Learn to Take Care of Your Hardbottoms

Travel Shoe Kit
Buy It Now at Fine & Dandy Shop, $25 

Combination Shoe Trees
Buy It Now at Nordstrom, $15

Getting nice shoes means knowing how to take care of them. Give them an occasional shine and buff, and put in a pair of shoe trees when you're not wearing them. After a whole day's worth of wear, give them a day or so of rest to avoid wearing them down too early. Regular maintenance is necessary during the colder months, when salted snow and freezing weather can take their toll on leather soles and shoes.

5. Take More Style Risks

Adam Kimmel Felt Hat
Buy It Now At Barneys, $99 

River Island 5 Bright Color Socks
Buy It Now at ASOS, $18 

Look. The world is supposed to end this year, would it kill you to try out some style choices you haven't before? Maybe some bright socks, or a wide-brimmed wool hat to channel your inner Theophilus London. Just have fun with getting dressed and be more adventurous with your style. It might be the last chance you get to do so.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Talk to Knowledgeable Sales Staff

Here's the thing: selling quality clothes isn't like moving used cars. For designer boutiques and specialty shops, a lot of the staff pride themselves in their knowledge of the product and will gladly talk your ear off about why an item costs as much as it does, or how it'll fit your body type. They're around this stuff 24/7, and it's their job to help you look good, not make sure you buy something on impulse. Many of them understand that dropping a few c-notes at their establishment is a personal choice, and want to help you spend that cash on some pieces that you not only look great in, but absolutely love. Who knows, you might even learn something about a designer, fabric, or garment.

3. Think About a "Personal Uniform"

One of the reasons Kid Cudi made one of the top spots in our list of the 25 Most Stylish Celebrities of 2011 is because he's developed a personal uniform. Most guys should aspire to dress this way, it shows that you know who you are well enough to have an edited closet full of great clothes. Take note, Cudi's steady rotation of sneakers, slim pants, leather jackets, and hoodies were usually luxurious pieces by brands like Surface To Air. When you know what you like, you should just seek to buy the best versions of them available, and then wear the hell out of them, that way you get your money's worth, and look great on a regular basis.

2. Buy Your Size

Get measured. If you don't know how to to this yourself, any capable tailor or knowledgeable salesperson can take care of it for you. No one's perfect, that means one arm might be slightly longer than the other, or your drop (the difference in the measurement between your chest and waist) may be what makes you opt for the medium over a small. Knowing your exact chest, neck, waist, and arm measurements will go a long way in helping you buy clothes that actually fit. Tags lie, blogs lie, numbers don't.

1. Stand Up Straight

It's amazing what proper posture will do for any outfit. Standing up straight makes you look more confident whether you're rocking a graphic tee and hoodie or an oxford shirt and sportcoat. Make yourself conscious of whether or not you're slouching and soon it'll become second nature. Nothing looks better than a guy who exhudes confidence. Case in point: street style ace Nick Wooster. He's just shy of 5'6, but you can't tell because of his impeccably tailored gear and great posture.