I'm not huge on New Year's Resolutions, but if you use the date as a milestone, consider some Fashion Resolutions to benefit your style, wallet, and conscience.  Back in high school we learned the smartest goals were the ones you could build a plan for and track.  Jot these down and try to hit each of these goals at least once this year.

Go Thrifting

Even if you have to wear rubber gloves, get out there and dig through some savings bins!  Start small at your neighbor's yard sale or a church bazaar and work your way to full-on flea markets, antique shops and Goodwill stores.  Even if you don't buy something every trip (I don't!), taking the stigma out of used clothes will open up a whole new world of possibilities.

Splurge on Something You Really Love

Really want that $200 designer bag but feel guilty buying it?  If you're anything like me, you'll end up buying a new $20 purse each month instead.  Everyone is guilty of buying an entire cheap outfit the day of a party or job interview, but with a little saving and planning, you can have a whole wardrobe of pieces you love to wear.  More importantly, you'll have items you can wear over and over without them coming apart at the seams.  Thinking about your clothes as an 'investment' is a cliche, but not a bad attitude to have.

Try Skinny Jeans

Fashionistas have a very love-hate relationship with this denim cut; no one seems to be in the middle on this issue.  Personally, I believe fit is key.  A pair of skinnies with a relaxed fit and a waist that buttons just below the belly button is as universally flattering as any other style and a skinny cut looks instantly polished.  Try on a few pairs at Forever 21 - their jeans are affordable, yet hold up surprisingly well.

Get a Piece Altered

Dig out the jeans with a busted zipper or the fabulous coat with a tear in the lining that's been pushed to the back of your closet.  If you can't fix it yourself, take it to a tailor.  Like thrifting for the first time, this will shift your mentality and give you more clothing options.

Create a Wishlist

It's amazing how much I learned about my own tastes and impulses just by consistently adding everything I covet to my Amazon wishlist.  By tweaking the priority level of items and deleting things no longer on my most-wanted list, I gained insight into my shopping habits without being out a dime.  Much like putting pieces on layaway for 24 hours before buying, having a wishlist provides a screening period for unnecessary spontaneous buys.

On top of your wishlist, try creating a fashion manifesto that outlines your style goals for the next 365 days.  Make it even more fun by joining a Flickr pool or fashion networking site to post your look of the day for each day of 2009.  You'll dress better if you know you'll be sharing your style with the world!