How we aim to improve ourselves – and our wardrobes – in 2019.

Hands up if January is your favourite month of the year! What? No one? Oh, it’s all right, we understand. At the same time, we try to look on the bright side here at MR PORTER HQ and, while we’re shivering indoors, staring out at whatever awful thing is drizzling down from the sky in London, we like to use this contemplative time to take stock of our wardrobes and think of some new things to put in them during the next 12 months. Hurrah! Scroll down, then, for our team’s thoroughly considered style resolutions for 2019. Let’s see how long it takes us all to break them, eh?

I can be quite rigid in the way that I dress, so this year I’m challenging myself to break the cycle. That means shying away from navy blues and charcoal greys and turning to black. I’ve always admired the look of bomber-style shearlings, but sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed when wearing them. This super sleek Ralph Lauren Purple Label jacket tones down the rancher vibes and cranks up the sophistication.

What better way to start the new year than with some fresh undies? I’ve worn the same brand and style of boxer briefs for nearly 10 years, so you can imagine my scepticism when someone suggested I try CDLP’s Lyocell Boxer Briefs. I’m happy to report that I’m a convert. The fabric is as soft as superfine cotton and never fades and the main seam is  on the side which makes them the most comfortable pair of boxers I’ve ever worn.

Lastly, I recently attended a screening of the movie Rams, which chronicles the life and work of legendary industrial designer Mr Dieter Rams. He’s known for coining the term “less, but better”, and I thought it was a great reference for me entering 2019. Although Mr Rams himself wore the Braun AW10 watch, the AW50 is an even further simplification of his concept, removing all unnecessary flourishes from the dial. Coming in fresh and clean to 2019.

I have spent a good proportion of that past 12 months living an ascetic, almost monkish existence. I have given up wine, women and song and taken up rowing and making green juices. I have lost weight, but what has been more fun is annoying my friend and colleague Mr Tom M Ford, to whose offer of sweets or chocolates or cakes, my unvarying reply has been, “No thanks, I am slimming.” It has driven him up the wall. Oh, it has been fun.

But now, well, I have slimmed (and I dare not test Mr Ford further, for he has a mean and hungry look). So with that in mind, I intend to document more of my day-to-day life with a new camera, in this instance the beautiful Leica V-Lux 114. To bring out my eyes in the pictures, I will wear this cotton-corduroy bomber jacket, in deepest blue, by Beams. And to make sure my skin is fresher than even the daisy, I will use this Celestial Black Diamond Serum from 111Skin each night before bed.

I’m off the booze at the moment and, cliché that I am, I predict that this will carry on through January as an unimaginative New Year’s resolution. So what will I do with all the time, money and energy that the pub normally saps? I’ll take up new and varying forms of exercise, of course. Did I mention I was unimaginative? My clothing resolutions are, therefore, to invest in Lycra, shell and every sport-influenced material in between, and to spend big. Welcome, then, a new cycling helmet, some shiny leather golf shoes and a waterproof running jacket. And it doesn’t matter if I fall off the wagon, my investments will not be wasted. Knowing how mad the world of men’s fashion is, I can easily imagine each of these items will be acceptable officewear sometime in the near future.

This year, I plan to work on my timekeeping. And a good place to start is with one of the most recognisable timepieces within the world of fine watches. The unique pebble case and protected crown of Cartier’s Ballon Bleu have quickly turned it into an icon. The stunning blue guilloche dial and complementary supple blue alligator strap are not just expertly crafted, but integrated in a way that only elevates the aesthetics of this already incredible timepiece.

Often overlooked, the watch winder and roll are great investments to ensure that your timepieces are kept safe both at home and on the move. This particular example is made from incredibly soft, padded suede and secured with a Brunello Cucinelli stamped press stud, set on contrasting brown leather.

Moving onto something for the home, this exquisite watch winder from Rapport London is made from vintage-style lacquered walnut with a plush velvet interior to keep your timepieces safe and to ensure they’re ticking over when not on your wrist.

I was on something of a sartorial sabbatical last year, sticking to quality basics that I can reliably trot out – knitted polos, rollnecks and tailored trousers in neutral colours (OK, mainly navy) – whatever the occasion. I was, frankly, quite boring. But you know what they say. “New year, new you” and all that, so I’m going to try and be a bit more exciting with my purchases this year. Hell, I might even try the whole streetwear thing. Top of my list is this reversible fleece by Stüssy. In a tie-dye of sizzurp purple and acid green, it’s an easy way of trying out the psychedelia trend. Plus, it’s lined with black nylon and completely reversible, so I can change it up depending on my mood, or the weather. I’d wear it with a pair of cargo trousers, such as these from Folk, and this belt bag by Japanese brand Indispensable for holding all my bits and bobs.

This year, I plan to develop some passionate interests and, essentially, learn more. To do that, I need a few tools of the trade. First up, wine. Yes, it is January, but everything in moderation, right? This L’Atelier du Vin set has the key ingredients I will need to learn about the world’s wine regions, while having a few iconic wine accessories to impress when I'm next entertaining. Second up, watches. The latest Montblanc Summit 2 watch nicely blends style and tech functionality. Lastly, and I know this isn’t really me “learning” as such, but what’s better than walking to work in a brand new pair of shoes? Mr P. has it covered here with its Jacques Derby shoes, which fit like a glove from the first wear – an instant wardrobe favourite for me.

I’m not sure, exactly, if “buying a really expensive cardigan” classifies as a resolution, per se. But it is definitely something I want to do. That, and be my best, fullest self. But, hey ho, the latter’s never likely to happen, so let’s focus on the cardigan. I mean, just look at it. Graciously offered by the wondrous Italian brand Alanui, it’s a cashmere number with fringed edging and is adorned with an entrancing skyscape inspired by the southwestern US.

I’m racking my brain for all the 2019 scenarios I’d wear it in and coming up short, so I can only assume I’d just wear it all the time, office appropriateness be damned. And while I’m at it, why not go the whole hog with a Saint Laurent Western-yoke denim shirt and some wide-leg corduroy trousers by Pilgrim Surf + Supply?