Fashionable wish list for a new year

For my first column of 2007, I’d like to share some wishes that I have for the new year…. For my first column of 2007, I’d like to share some wishes that I have for the new year. While many make resolutions about losing weight and exercising, the number of new devotees continues to decrease as the month goes on and the resolutioners give up.

When it comes to looking better, it’s much easier to just get a better wardrobe, or to at least pay more attention to it. Getting some new, trendy clothes is a good way to stay resolved to renovate a shabby look. It’s nice to shop for yourself for a change after the holidays, and there are plenty of great sales going on at this time of year.

With that said, here’s a follow-up with a few things to keep in mind this year. If you’re resolute about being chic, do it right. Here’s my 2007 Wish List:

I wish that girls would stop wearing ugg boots, which are a type of sheepskin boot first made in Australia more than 200 years ago. The term ugg is generic, and is being chased by the company Ugg into various copyright issues. It’s no mystery how they got their name: Ugg boots are what a space alien would wear if he took up a new life here on earth as a cowboy.

Because of their shape and size, girls have to wear Ugg boots on the outside of their jeans, which leads to a rather incomplete look. I’m sure they are cozy and comfortable, but not for the people looking at you.

My second wish for 2007: I wish it were acceptable for guys to sport some facial hair to a job for which you must wear a tie. Sure, it’s a hard look to pull off. But because most can’t, it’s ruining any chance for those who can.

I don’t see any harm in a chin-strap beard or little sideburns. Corporate America is holding us back from some cool looks here. And besides, shaving is hard, time-consuming and annoying: Maybe if I didn’t have to shave, I wouldn’t be late for work all the time. So if you can, take advantage of your freedom by growing some cool whiskers.

Third: I wish girls would start to break a bit more from Abercrombie and American Eagle molds and get trendier. A piece of advice I might offer is to look to the past. A girl can nicely spotlight a decade for inspiration. The ’60s or ’80s would be a great focus. I suggest picking out a few cues from those eras to evoke in your new wardrobe – the ’60s are very popular in current couture.

Choose from the extreme, like a flower-power miniskirt, to the restrained, like a cool piece of jewelry that Twiggy would be proud of. Subtly incorporating such looks in your everyday outfits will give you a killer edge and keep your style different and up-to-date.

Lastly, I wish that all dress shirts would have French cuffs. A French cuff is a wide cuff folded back and fastened with cuff links or silk knots instead of buttons – clearly, they’re just about the best invention ever. It’s extravagant style that serves no purpose except to impress. Thus, I propose that guys pick up at least one French-cuffed shirt that’s casual enough for every day. The bling on your sleeve will add a sparkle to the day.

I have hope for 2007. Good fashion is becoming less expensive and more mainstream, and that will only continue this year and for years to come.