9 Steps To A New You In The New Year

The new year is a great time to reinvent yourself and become more like the person you want to be, and what better way is there to let the world know that you're the new you than with a change in style? The society we live in places a large emphasis on style, in fact in a world where nearly everyone has a degree and an average of 200 people are vying for every job vacancy going, professional recruiters often advise their clients that looking smart and dressing well could very well make you stand out from the crowd.

At Blokes Bags we understand the necessity of dressing well and appearing presentable, which is why we're certain that after following these nine steps 2015 will be your year.

Shake Up Your Wardrobe

Throw old clothes out and bring new clothes in, if you want the you of 2015 to be different from the you of 2014 then the two of you cannot wear the same clothes. Naturally most of us cannot afford to do this in a day, but start with buying a new casual outfit or two and slowly build up your wardrobe again over time whilst phasing your old clothes out. In less than 6 months everyone will see the difference.

Drop The Back Pack

It is important to keep an element of personality and individualism in the work place, which we know is difficult when the majority of us are only encouraged to wear blue, black or grey suits, accompanied with a plain coloured shirt. Back packs are what many of us used at school, and as such we use them as a way to hold on to a more carefree and slow paced time in our life.

Upgrading from a back pack to a messenger bag or briefcase tells the world that the new you is a grown-up, not a child, and that you're ready to take on whatever challenge the workplace can throw your way in a calm, professional and organised manner.

Get A Wallet

There is a lot of sense behind carrying your money and cards loose in your pocket; a pickpocket cannot grab all your things in one fell swoop, you do not have to faff around putting all your money in its proper place after you get handed your change, and you will always have a pleasant surprise waiting for you every time you put on a pair of trousers you have not worn in a while.

Ok, we lied. There is very little sense behind carrying your money and cards loose in your pocket. Having a wallet does not make the new you an easier target for pickpockets, or any of that, what they do make you is organised. Having all your money, cards, etc. in one place will help you keep you focused on the big things in life, rather than have you worrying about which pocket your bank card is in; assuming you have not left it under a glass on your bedside table.

Remember wallets are often over-filled, and pulled and pushed into pockets several times a day, which will cause them to wear over time. Our wallets on Blokes Bags are sturdy, hard wearing and are built to last, so if you're serious about reinventing yourself they're your best bet.

Know How To Dress Down

When we're young, we feel justified on our dress down days to walk about town in joggers, flip-flops and a t-shirt with a 'Heisenberg' face on it. Sure, you've never felt more comfortable in your life, but let's be honest, no one was impressed.

The new you of 2015 has the opportunity to always make a good impression, and to leave that impression on everyone that crosses their path. Even if you're just popping to the shop on your day off, it does not take that much more effort to put on an ironed shirt, a new pair of boxers and drag a comb across your hair. Not to mention getting back into your comfy clothes when you get back home is infinitely more satisfying.

Get A New Hair Style

Unlike clothes, our hair is a part of us and cannot be as readily changed from day to day. A new you needs to have a new hair style, no two ways about it. Having a drastic hair cut is a great way to make a statement and introduce the new you, there is no denying it, but even something as small as applying a bit of soft wax or sea salt spray can make a big difference.

Keep Your Wash Bag Well Stocked

Whether you're off on a week long holiday with friends, or you're going to stay at your girlfriend's house for a night or two, there is no reason why, in 2015, you should not always be well groomed. Any man who is expecting not to be staying in his own bed that night ought not leave their home without a well stocked wash bag, and in said wash bag their ought to be most, if not all, of the following:

• A razor (preferably new or with a new blade)
• Shaving foam or cream
• Post-shave balm
• Aftershave
• A tooth brush (with all the bristles facing upwards)
• Tooth paste
• A comb or brush
• Moisturiser
• Deodorant / antiperspirant

Don't Be A Pack Mule

Do you know why people use handbags? It's because they are practical, far more so in fact than pockets. The modern man in 2015 understands that fashion and practicality go hand in hand, which is why men's handbags are becoming a more and more regular sight on our streets.

These bags are in many ways a large wallet, and many of them come with designated compartments for normal pocket-fillers – like our phones and keys – with ample room leftover for carrying extras – such as pens, note pads, glasses cases, etc.

Travel Smart

If you're thinking of getting away and taking a small break then you will need to travel smart. Knowing what you need to take with you is a good start (it's up to you to write your own list, we can't do everything for you) but do remember that you will need to pack it all. If you want to know how much you ought to be taking with you on a short break (2-4 days) the size of the aptly named holdall should give you a good idea.

Hit The Gym

This ought to have gone at the top of the list, but we figured most people would stop reading so we moved it to the bottom. We're sorry, but going to the gym is quite simply one of the unavoidable 10 steps to a new you in the new year, it needs to be said. You don't need to become a gym junky or gain an 80's Arnie physique, but 30 minutes of running and another 30 of weights, 3-4 times a week will leave you looking and feeling healthier. We only want what's best for you.