It’s 2010! Yes, it’s a new year and the mark for another decade. For those of us who made bold fashion or style resolutions, and even for those who decided not to, we recommend starting the New Year with a bold fashion statement. What better way to start the year than to look and feel your absolute best – turning heads while you’re at it.

We are confident that the feeling you get will give you the confidence you need to enter the year with the energy and motivation to achieve your objectives for the year.

Your “coming out” should be selected for the audience you want – the people you wish to take notice of you for the year. It may be a social target group of your current friends and acquaintances, or you may have the aim of being noticed by persons currently unknown who are potential friends and acquaintances. Or the statement may be professional and aimed at your clients, co-workers or the boss.

Bold – Social

For the new or updated you for the social scene, we offer two key tips: go for trends and flatter or play up an asset or two.

Bold – Professional

Personalise the classics. Although you are making a statement, it’s not about being noticed for the sake of it and getting attention or focus, it’s about recognising you for your talents and abilities by sending the message through your style. Now might be the time to invest in your first good suit, or a new one. Though not everyone wants to sharpen their professional image by turning it up, others may want to soften their professional image to make themselves more approachable.

You shouldn’t worry too much about looking this way every day – wearing a great suit daily. The key is to get the right people to see that you can look like the employee or professional they want but may not have realised was in you. But maintain the polished and professional image in other ways.

Tip: After dressing complete the outfit with your genuine smile and positive attitude. Don’t get lost behind those clothes.

Images – Social

1. The mini is always in and a great way to show off the legs. If you want to disguise any other features, such as proportions or a little belly fat, a loose fit is perfect.

2. Flaunt your assets anytime. This dress shows a beautiful neckline, and is cool for daytime.

Images – Professional

1. To turn it up – go with a suit.

a. A taupe suit with design detail is professional but not too executive if you don’t want to overplay the part.

b. A classic pin-stripe is great for your first big meeting or corporate event.

2. Tone it down

a. A more playful or casual top with the suit is a good way to appear less formal and more approachable to your clients and employees. Avoiding black, navy or pin-stripe suits will help to soften the image as well.

Steps: Print Mini: The boldness of this simple silhouette is the pattern.

1. Cut (a) front and back pieces and (b) facings for armholes and neckline

2. Join front to back at sides and shoulders

3. Join facings (neckline pieces and shoulder, and armhole pieces at shoulder and underarm)

4. Insert facings

5. Finish seams

6. Hem