1. Wear color. It's easy to stick to a black, gray, and cream wardrobe. Though classic, those shades get a little ho-hum if worn too often. Start breaking away slowly with a brightly colored top or shoes. Progress to a bold coat -- or even a vibrant eye shadow. This year's rich plums, fiery oranges, cool teals, and playful greens are a great place to start.

2. Find a good tailor. Perfectly fitting -- not necessarily expensive -- clothes are the definition of true chic. Most of us can't afford custom-made clothing, yet few fit perfectly into traditional store sizes. The key to a great fit? The right tailor. Ask friends for recommendations and cultivate a relationship. You might find that you can give old, ill-fitting pieces new life for much less than it would cost to replace them.


4. Invest in basics. Crisp black pants, a soft cashmere sweater, and the just-right white button-down shirt can form the foundation of your wardrobe. Pay a bit more for quality pieces that will last a long time.

5. Adopt a skincare regimen -- and stick to it. Kick skin problems for good this year. Yes, you need to wash off your makeup every night. And most of us need a rich moisturizer to hydrate winter skin and stave off wrinkles. Give new products at least two weeks to work. If you're struggling with acne, this is the year to finally see a dermatologist.

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