At the start of a new year, most of us make a few resolutions. And let's face it ... our style personalities are often in need of a transformation. We can always get inspired to spruce up our outward appearances, but by doing so, we are making over our inner selves, too — evolving into people who feel better about themselves regardless of our shopping budgets or our sizes.

Here are a few of my own "style resolutions" for the new year ... and no, you won't happen to find me trying to lose weight. I've found that if I stay busy and avoid obsessing about food, the pounds come off. And yes, it does help to go to the gym three times a week.

— Seek out the unique. Unless you are a teenager who must have the latest Uggs or trapper hats and shops 'til you drop in search of the next big thing, you've probably got a few "go-to" wardrobe favorites that you return to week after week, year after year. My tailored jeans and turtlenecks are my winter staples. For spring, I switch to cropped linen trousers and tanks layered under tunic tops. This year, I hope to take those classics and give them a twist with more "unique" statement pieces — like an animal print trench or a great pair of jeweled flats.

— Less is more. When it comes to shopping for our wardrobes, there are so many choices. With the Internet, we can shop 24-7. No wonder our style brains easily move into overwhelm mode. Then we decide to give up and just wear the same little black dress one more time.

This year, I plan to buy a few distinctive things (see above) and seek out a personal shopper at a store who will zero in on my every special wish — even a fashion writer needs some fashion therapy once in a while! I once had a relationship with a personal shopper at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, who has since moved on, but I still wear a red, suede, DKNY fringed jacket that she found for me over a decade ago.

— Invest in the best. I love shopping at the T.J. Maxx's and the Wal-Mart's, but this year, I'm also promising myself one big splurge ... maybe two! Quality does matter in the long run, and I'm going to save up for one special handbag instead of spending my money on five or six items. I think that's called "cost per wear," and I do think it's a wise shopping strategy.

— Wear more color. I've actually improved on this resolution; it seems like I make it every year after my daughter told me I was looking a little too "Goth" in my all-black wardrobe. I know it's been a "fashion-editor's thing" for years, but depending on black can indeed become a little boring.

Now, I've added some ruby red and deep turquoise to my black basics. I switch to white jeans in the summer. I will continue to search out more colorful tees and jackets just to keep things interesting. I also plan to get a little daring and add some green nail polish to my dark red routine. I don't think I'm quite ready for "leather" nails, but then that would really be the finishing touch to my "Goth" reputation!

— Buy things that fit. I'm finally getting out of my "loose and comfy" phase and opting for clothes that are still comfortable. They fit and flatter rather than cover up every bump and bulge. I've decided to forego the ponchos this year and perhaps add a pair of jeggings. I am also on the hunt for a great tailor to give new life to my "old" classics as well as a more modern and slimmer fit.

— Find a dress. I only own one dress (and yes, it's a little black dress), but this year, I'm going to venture out of my fashion comfort zone and search for a great dress ... maybe in red. Just in time for Valentine's Day!

Image: Make a fashion resolution to add pieces that fit and flatter, such as William Rast's black jeggings teamed with a military jacket and white tee at Target. Photo courtesy of Target.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.