As one year ends, and another begins, many of us turn our gaze inward, thinking about who we are and who we hope to become in the upcoming year. Some set their sights on personal growth or academic development, while other Cambridge students are focusing on a different kind of self-improvement: their wardrobe.

The new year is, after all, a time for reinvention. Though fashion might not always be the most obvious choice for self-reflection, it is a key part of our identity – our clothes reflect how we want to be treated, how we treat the world around us, and increasingly, even our political views and what we stand for. Art Historian Alexander is influenced by the latter: “Across the pond and the Channel, elections of Zohran Mamdani and Matthieu Blazy to leading roles in politics and fashion defined the cultural zeitgeist with technicolor palettes and a celebration of all every diaspora had to offer.” In this spirit, Alexander’s New Year’s resolution is to banish “the dreary monochromatic tones that defined 2025, a year of global instability where we tried to stay safe both in our fashion and lives”. Instead, he aims to incorporate more colour into his wardrobe, and urges us all to “be brave in what we wear, bold in how we act, and revolutionary in using both to spread love”.

“All those items end up just sitting in my wardrobe, unused and taking up space”

Isadora, an Engling, is approaching fashion in the new year as something influenced by the socio-political climate, specifically by environmental concerns and her “thrifting blindness”. She explained to me how her passion for second-hand shopping often means buying items she doesn’t really love, or that don’t quite fit just because the price looks great: “That’s still coming from a mindset of overconsumption. All those items end up just sitting in my wardrobe, unused and taking up space.”

Even if she does end up pulling them from the depths of her drawers, these less-than-cherished clothes often leave her feeling uncomfortable or just not “like [herself].” Isadora points out that, “if I stop buying lots of smaller things that I don’t really love, I can eventually buy items that require some saving up, but that I’ll carry with me (hopefully) forever”. Her resolution? To develop something akin to a capsule wardrobe, “a careful curation” of clothes that work well together and will last for years to come. However, actualising this idea will mean changing her habits, ditching the tops that look ‘fine’, and feeling less guilty “when slightly splashing out on the things I adore”.

“I don’t want to transform my wardrobe in the new year – and I don’t think anyone should feel they need to”

Meanwhile, Alessia (also an Engling) wants to blend environmental consciousness with budget-friendliness and an emphasis on embracing a signature personal style. She told me, “I don’t want to transform my wardrobe in the yew year – and I don’t think anyone should feel they need to. It’s all about building on what you already have, whether that be by restyling pieces, experimenting with layering, or investing in a handful of additions that stay true to your personal style and taste.” One of her primary resolutions is to resist (but not necessarily reject) micro-trends: “A good test is to ask yourself whether you liked the trend the first time you saw it, or if it only grew on you because your favourite celebrity wore it.” Alessia’s fashion goal for 2026 is to experiment more with accessories because “a basic outfit is immediately elevated by a funky scarf, layered jewellery or cool boots!”

“Keep your heels, head and standards high”

Fleur, a Land Economist, and Jennifer, an Art Historian, further make the case for the fashion in 2026 as an outlet centered around self-expression, and the key role that accessories play in articulating it. Fleur quotes the line frequently attributed to Coco Chanel, “‘Keep your heels, head and standards high,” explaining that, inspired by this quip, her New Year’s resolution is to “embrace her iconic words” and “wear more heels, despite being 5’ 11””. Jennifer, too, has resolved to put personality and aesthetics first this year, but not at the cost of practicality. “This year, to combat the damage done by my (very cool but not very healthy) extra-long BIAB nails, I’m going for short, strong, nails with bright polish.” A bold accent like this will perfectly complement her favourite black trench coat and light scarf combo – “don’t forget the low contrast earmuffs!”

Whether or not you made a New Year’s resolution this year, perhaps we could all benefit from treating our style choices with a little more intentionality, for the planet, for politics, or even just for ourselves.