Shop wisely: The items you need to add to your wardrobe this year

Every time a new year rolls in, a resolution to “try something new” always sneaks in to our list. Whether it’s a color you haven’t worn, a bolder print, or a silhouette you haven’t tried before, there’s always that itch to change something in your wardrobe. But what if you’re not the fashion risk taker you aspire to be? If you’re clueless on what to shop for your closet, here are five simple items that could help jumpstart your fashion renaissance.

Image via Modern Legacy

Basics to replace your old basics

Assess your intimates (brassieres, panties, slips), basic white or black tees, black flats, black pumps, white sneakers, crisp white shirts, and even socks to see what needs to be replaced. We know, it sounds boring and not as ground-breaking as say a leather jacket (you wouldn’t be needing that in this tropical weather anyway). But think of these products as your work horses and the enduring pieces of your closet. Fresh year, fresh start, right? However, if you’re still at a loss of what the basics are, here’s a list to start you off.

Statement jacket by Alexander McQueen, via Polyvore

A unique piece that challenges you to step out of your comfort zone

We’re all a little bolder and drunk on new hope in the early days of the new year. Capitalize on this courage by buying a piece that you would not normally wear! How about a printed jacket, statement jewelry, or a dress in a different silhouette? It can even be as simple as changing your shoe type. If you’re a flats-all-day girl, how about getting your first pair of stilettos or stylish rubber shoes for a sports luxe OOTD? No matter what you decide to buy, think of this first piece as a first step in defining the direction you want to take this year and helping you break out of your shell. We recommend to try fast fashion labels first so as not to break the bank.

Image via Racked

Image via All The Dresses

A 2016 fashion trend

Let’s be clear here lest you use this post as an excuse to splurge: just pick a few, and do not try everything at once. We came up with seven fashion trends to try this year, and some of the pieces can actually work together like the robe coats and the lingerie as outerwear, and off-shoulder dresses with impressionist floral prints.

Image via Stylish Petite

A bit of color and whimsy

We agree that black and white are staples that will always be tres chic. Nonetheless, it seems like the color palette has become lazy dressing for everyone these days. We get you, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring back (other) colors and whimsy into your wardrobe once in a while. Break the symmetry and monochrome of a black and white outfit with a turquoise bag or a scarf with playful prints!

Image via Kelly in The City

An investment piece

It doesn’t have to be a designer bag. Think of a fashion item that you use every day and imagine how you can have one good version of it that will last you for years and years. Investment pieces can come in the form of jewelry, a great pair of leather shoes, a wrist watch, or a good pair pair of sunnies with UV ray protection.

Let us know which of these pieces you'll be adding to your wardrobe, and if you have other fashion must-haves for 2016!