It’s Almost The New Season, So What Are Your New Wardrobe Resolutions?

Hands up if you’ve got dozens of identical navy jumpers folded in your chest of drawers? Maybe there are 10 totally-different-honestly-I-swear pairs of black ankle boots vying for space? Or perhaps it’s a rack of flouncy-sleeved floral dresses that seems to keep multiplying? Whatever your fashion catnip, don’t feel too guilty. We’re all creatures of habit when it comes to clothes – and the temptation to keep buying what we know works is real.

September, however, is the best time to start thinking about making some changes. It’s fashion’s new year, and that fresh-beginnings-anything’s-possible start of term feeling ushers in a slew of new pieces to try. This season, the fashion team is making a pledge to each try something different. It’s not about trends, rather giving your existing wardrobe an added dimension. Why not join us? You’ll be surprised by how much the new you suits you…

Laura Antonia Jordan, fashion news and features director:

'It's time for to re-embrace wearing jeans'

I love jeans… on everyone else apart from me. But thanks to Wardrobe.NYC’s recent Levi’s collaboration and Khaite’s A/W ’19 collection, I’m craving the dress-down effortlessness of denim this season. The problem is, for something that’s supposed to epitomise ease, I’ve typically found jeans a nightmare to buy. The last pair I wore with unfettered dedication was a low-slung Miss Sixty pair (with my thong sticking out, naturally) circa 2003.

I’m remedying my insecurity by calling in the experts and booking an appointment at Selfridges’ Denim Studio. ‘Start slowly – you and your jeans are going to be in a long-term relationship, so try everything, be picky and don’t compromise,’ advises buying manager Poppy Lomax. Alas, Poppy says there’s no such thing as a universally flattering style, but she does think with a little patience I’ll find The One. ‘Try jeans when you are feeling your relaxed best and have an hour or two to dedicate to the cause.’

According to E.L.V. Denim’s founder Anna Foster, there is another consideration to bear in mind since my erstwhile whale-tail days. ‘Buying a pair of jeans is now not only a “fit” issue it’s an environmental one too. Thinking consciously, ask how has this jean been made?’ You can’t argue with that. Will it all be worth it? Poppy thinks so. ‘It’s easy to incorporate denim into your wardrobe, it’s perennial, relaxed and long-lasting,’ she says. ‘Try it and you’ll love it I promise!’ I’ll hold her to that.

Hannah Banks-Walker, digital fashion and beauty editor:

'I'm pledging to ensure my wardrobe is more sustainable'

BUY: Reformation, Othello Top, £150

The new season is (almost) upon us and I’m moving house. This is interesting to nobody but me, but it does mean that I have a double whammy of an excuse to clear out my wardrobe. I am determined to be more sustainable, both in terms of my shopping habits and what I’m actually buying. This is why I’m aiming to donate a lot of clothes to charities like Smart Works, Oxfam and Traid, making space for wear-forever pieces from lovely brands with ethical credentials like Reformation (opening its first UK store soon), denim brand Boyish and Mother Of Pearl.

Charlotte Pavitt, junior fashion assistant:

'My aim is to mix up my accessories'

I’m lazy with accessories and am guilty of wearing the same bags/shoes/jewellery every single day, without pausing to think whether something else might work better. I’m pledging to switch it up this season. ‘Bottega Veneta’s cube-effect shoulder bag is going to be a coveted item this autumn, while chainmail was prominent across earrings, mini bags and necklaces,’ advises MyTheresa.com’s fashion buying director Tiffany Hsu. I also have my eye on square-toed boots, top-handle bags and pearl earrings. Bring on autumn.

Fenella Webb, style director:

'I'm going to give print and colour a go'

Some might call me basic, but I’ve always followed the mantra, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ I own, what feels like, hundreds of black trousers and like to wear them with a rotation of knits and shirts, depending on the season. Edgy, I know. So imagine my surprise when I was wooed by the rainbow options on offer at Roksanda, Givenchy and Chanel (I never had myself down as a pink girl before...) on the A/W ’19 catwalks. My pledge for autumn is to inject some – gulp! – jazzy prints and (subtle) colour into my pared-back monochrome wardrobe. There are all sorts of ‘rules’ when it comes to colour (cooler shades for fair skin, brights for darker skin tones) – but I’d say it’s always best to just try out different colours and follow your gut. And if you’re still feeling nervous (like me!), temper bold tones with camel and beige, à la Fendi, for a modern pairing. Wish me luck.

Lillian Sesiguzel, fashion assistant:

'I'm making it my mission to support small brands'

BUY: Lucy & Yak, The Organic Original Corduroy Dungarees in Mustard, £54

Clothes really can talk, and I want to start a different conversation this season. My pledge is to support independent and emerging brands, from my sleepwear right through to my partywear. I love the high street, but it’s also satisfying to wear something that hardly anyone else owns, or has heard of, and say, ‘It’s from so and so – look them up!’ Some of my recent discoveries include Annie's Ibiza (a seriously cool shop in Ibiza), Honna London (PJs that will finally convince me to get an early night), Onyx 925 (handcrafted ring brand from Bournemouth) and Lucy & Yak (organic dungarees – what's not to love?)

Chloe Medley, castings and bookings assistant:

'Upping my bag game feels essential'

My bags are either massive to accommodate the packed lunch I never manage to pack or so teeny-weeny that I have to carry an extra tote bag at all times. I want something in-between that has a bit more personality, so am committing myself to shoulder bags for autumn. Top of my wish-list is Coach’s pebble leather Tabby bag, but I’m also tempted by V Vy Very's mock-croc saddle.

Natalie Hammond, fashion news and features editor:

'I want to wear smarter clothes to work'

BUY: Cefinn, Callie Cotton Bib Front Collarless Shirt, £190

My mum is in perpetual despair over my ‘work’ outfits of ripped jeans and trainers. She desperately wants me to start getting facials and stop wearing what she calls ‘street clothes’, but I still use E45 and the only concession I’ve made to a grown-up wardrobe is a T-shirt with the words ‘RESPONSIBLE ADULT’ across the chest. Having said that, I do like the idea of having a work ‘look’ that’s diametrically opposed to the way I dress at the weekend. I’m starting with this Cefinn cotton-poplin shirt, and plan to swap my battered tote for a brightly-coloured barrel bag that sits neatly under my arm, my trackpants for utilitarian trousers and my velcro sandals for sleek leather sliders. Will it affect my productivity levels and promotion chances? I’ll keep you posted.

Sophie Henderson, shopping editor:

'I want to find workout clothes that make me want to work out'

Like the purchase of a slick new blazer or a blouse that means business, I’m hoping a new-season gym kit is going to inspire me to workout. My current gear only gets an update on a needs-must basis, but having tried and tested various combos in everything from boxing to barre classes, I think I’ve finally cracked it. Lululemon’s Align leggings come highly recommended, Saucony’s Hurricane trainers have integrated tech to make running (relatively) pain-free and I love Triumph’s sports bras for their unfailing support – and new colours. The real game-changer though? Headphones. Noise-cancelling and wire-free, this Beats by Dre set will transport me to my very own workout bubble.