Chantalle Ng, Xixi Lim and other style insiders share their fashion resolutions for 2024
If you've been looking to change up your look, there's no better time than the new year to do it. Take it from these seven style insiders.
By Aaron Kok -
New year, new me, new style.
As we enter into the new year, you've probably set down some resolutions for yourself. Work out more, eat cleaner, get at least 8 hours of sleep and so on. What about your style?
If you've been looking to change up your wardrobe – whether by a little or a lot – there's no better time than now to get to it. Take it from these seven style insiders, who've shared what they are hoping to achieve in the new year. From bigger drama or a new mane, find some inspo for your own list of fashion resolutions.
Style resolution: "I plan to be extra grand and fun with styling this year!"
No stranger to our TV screens, actress and host Munah Bagharib describes her style as a real-life interpretation of Barbie – but not in the way you're thinking it. "Imagination, life is your creation," she quotes the lyrics from the famous Aqua bop. "I switch up my style according to my mood. Sometimes it's cute, sometimes it's sensual and most times, it's supermarket chic!"
The host of Talking Point shares that they've started working on new episodes, and she's "also got a few theatre productions lined up for the coming year", so look out for much more of her in the new year.
One way of capturing "extra grand and fun" comes wrapped up in a crystal-embroidered, exaggerated bow-shaped top.
Style resolution: "I plan to consciously commit to sustainability by making at least 50% of my wardrobe second-hand. This personal pledge is a dedication to making fashion choices that encourage a shift towards mindful and eco-conscious consumption patterns."
As the co-founder of one of the region's leading luxury resale marketplaces, Sabrina and her team have been working to promote conscious luxury consumption since 2015. Sabrina is currently working on developing HuntStreet's green pillars. "My partners and I aim to raise and highlight the importance of mindful consumption and responsible disposal of clothing. The act of decluttering and buying secondhand aligns with the principles of fashion circularity and encourages a more thoughtful and intentional approach to fashion," she shares.
Versatile, classic and comfortable, this is your new go-everywhere, every day dress.
Style resolution: "I've always preferred muted colours but find that my wardrobe is starting to look repetitive. I think I'm ready for more dramatic colours and prints in the new year. New year, new me!"
Goh describes her style as "casual glam". She tells us that she naturally leans towards "more elevated pieces that are dressier and have strong details like a shirt with puffy sleeves, but I love mixing things up and pairing items with more casual pieces, like a dressy top with jeans or a suit or dress with sneakers. As much as I enjoy dressing up, it has to be comfortable and functional for me".
In her 7th year of running 21 Stories, Goh also shares that in 2023, her style high wasn't a look, but a better understanding of her own style. "My style high this year is knowing exactly what looks good on me so that I can look my best in the shortest time possible," she reflects. "I love dressing up and getting ready but unfortunately, I don't always have the luxury of time to do so."
What's great about this intentionally-creased dress is that it takes on a muted palette and injects it with life via the larger-than-life blooms, so you get the best of both worlds.
Style resolution: "I've developed a near-fanatical obsession with Jade this year! Maybe it's a mid-life crisis, who knows! So my 2024 resolution is to incorporate more jade pieces into my everyday wear."
2023 saw the release of Joanna's own sophomore EP, named《天天月月年年》("DDMMYY"), but that hasn't stopped her from already hopping back into the studio to work on a few new singles to be released next year. "I am also excited to be part of the Chingay parade next year, and preparations have begun for that as well," she shares.
Known for her penchant for unconventional silhouettes and thoughtful construction, Dong explains that "depending on my mood, I either go for a sleek muted palette with a pop of colour, or maximalist colour and print combinations".
Looking for a piece of jade jewellery that can be worn everyday? This pair of earrings feel subtle enough to be worn everywhere, all the time.
Style resolution: "In 2024, my style resolution is to continue exploring fashion choices that reflect my personality while having fun at it. I hope to show that there are so many different sides of us that can be expressed through fashion, we can be more than we ever imagined!"
2023 was a big year for Chantalle, which saw her join the cast of the series Kill Sera Sera, which debuts in 2024. "Currently, I'm gearing up for my new project, which is set to kick off in January. All I can say for now is - there will be quite a bit of water involved!" she reveals.
It's also been a big year for her, in terms of fashion. From turning heads in a custom piece by Denise Chong Adornments at the Star Awards red carpet, a draped Loewe dress at the Singapore International Film Festival, or a Barbie-pink Valentino three-piece look, Ng proves that she is a fashion powerhouse.
The dramatic silhouette, the whimsical polka dots – this dress feels as Chantalle-coded as they come.
Style resolution: "I’d like to play around more with hairstyles! I think I’ve been too used to just leaving the house with a classic hair-down look and I’d like to step up my game haha. I’m excited to work with my hairstylist Eri Su on more looks."
When she's not travelling the globe, Dar is busy creating content for her over 200 thousand followers on Instagram and TikTok. While she has an unnamed big project coming up in the new year – "I have a project coming up in 2024 with one of my favorite brands but I can’t reveal anything just yet, so stay tuned!" she teases – Dar's style focuses on casual, comfort and plenty of accessories to dress it up. "In the day I love to wear that references the 'model off duty' look: jeans, a simple top, and sneakers," she tells us. "At night, I like to style it up a little with more cut-outs, high heels and jewellery".
Alva crystal-embellished velvet bow hair clip, US$483.29 (S$648), Jennifer Behr at Net-A-Porter
One easy way to jazz up your hairdo? Clip on a scene-stealing hair clip and you're guaranteed to turn heads.
Style resolution: "To explore more different styles that I've yet to try in 2023!"
Our cover star has had a busy 2023, but one highlight that she's excited to share is her first jewellery capsule collection, which is in collaboration with local jeweller Gen.K Jewelry. "It features pieces that are customized for plus-size girls like me," Xixi tells us. "Gen.K designed a set of jewellery with my initials hidden on it, which was really interesting. The main gemstone is also the garnet, which is also my birthstone."
Make a bang in a megawatt silver dress. Contrast it with pops of yellow gold jewellery and white accessories.