Whether you're embarking on a new fitness regime, have decided to go on a diet, or are generally just starting the New Year with a positive attitude towards yourself, then Hobson Shoes are here to help you achieve that perfect style for a more confident you. The New Year is the ideal opportunity to start a new regime, whatever it may be, as we feel that we can wipe the slate clean and start afresh, but it is often hard to persevere with certain resolutions as they become more and more unobtainable.

However, there are certain things you can do that can help you make you feel better in yourself, and much of this can be down to your style and how confident you feel in what you're wearing. Sadly, it's all too easy to continue wearing the same outfits, which often leads to us feeling frumpy, stale and stuck in a rut! Thus, it has been suggested that the footwear a woman wears can affect how she feels in her overall outfit – think about it, if you're wearing a tatty old pair of shoes and a nice dress, you're style confidence isn't going to be 100%.

Equally, a pair of shoes/boots can really finish your outfit off and completely change the look you are trying to achieve. They are the ultimate accessory for your outfit, and as you can't leave the house without them (well, most don't) they are one of the most worthwhile investments in your outfit, particularly during the winter as your feet are the only things that stick out from underneath your winter layers.

So, for the New Year, stick to simple resolutions, and ones that are easy to stick by just by being true to the style you want to achieve. As you look through your wardrobe thinking that you need an entirely new wardrobe, start to think what they'd look like with a nice new pair of shoes, and you'll be surprised how many items can be uplifted and reinvented with a unique pair of shoes, and here's some styles you could opt for:

Fun in Flat 's

Flat shoes might not be your choice of footwear, particularly if you're looking for something that little bit more dressy, but flat is not boring and they're becoming just as stylish as heels! Many fashion designers have now added flat shoe styles into their collections, including styles such as loafers, brogues and ballerina pumps.

Whilst heels will always be the most dressy style of shoes for many women, flat shoes are becoming increasingly fashionable, which is a breath of fresh air for those women who have been suffering in silence wearing high heels. Equally, why not mix it up a bit, choosing flats for casual occasions instead of those comfy old boots that you should really throw away. Donning a pair of pretty ballerinas or smart brogues/loafers will instantly add a chic edge to your outfit.

Equally, if you're wanting to spice up your work attire, brogues or loafers are ideal for teaming with your smart trousers or skirts, they retain that professional look but also add a quirky, distinguished edge...and you are safe in the knowledge that if you're late for a meeting you'll be able to run without the risk of twisting an ankle!

Heavenly in Heels

The saviour for many women is high heels, and with many surveys revealing that they make women feel more confident, sexy and give them slender calves, there's no questions as to why. They are the ultimate dressy shoe, and can instantly uplift an outfit.

If you shy away from heels usually, why not try a mid-high heel shoe for dressy occasions? This gives you a little extra height and dress without being worryingly high. Or, if you really want your shoes to stand out choose something bold in colour or with an added detail to the front. Peep toes are also a great way of adding a little extra detail to your outfit.

You can really uplift an outfit just by adding heels and nothing works better than your standard black court shoe; they're a staple item of footwear for your wardrobe that will go with the majority of your outfits and will really dress them up well, giving you an instant stylish uplift without the need for an entirely new wardrobe.

Wonderful in Western

With the weather still being a little on the cold side, you may still be looking for a new pair of boots that will add a touch of style to your outfit but will remain essentially practical. A style of boots that will really give your outfit a stylish edge are cowboy boots or harness boots.

Available in a variety of styles you can go for subtle Western hints with a slouch effect cowboy boot, ideal for casual everyday wear, or why not go all rock chick with an embroidered and stud detail boot.

Equally, if you like the Western influence but need a new pair of shoes, Durango's cowgirl heels are ideal, with a small heel to add a dressy touch and that all important stitching detail, these are ideal for both casual and dress wear.

Beautiful in Bold

Spring/Summer is the time when bold colours enter the footwear world, and what better way to add an instant uplifting effect to your outfit. Vibrant colours are a must, and the bolder you can go, the better!

If you have that faithful little black dress in your wardrobe but feel it's lacking that bit of oomph then look no further than a bold coloured shoe, which will instantly brighten the outfit up and add a stylish, quirky edge.

These are just a couple of examples of just how you can reinvent certain outfits and bring a touch of style to your wardrobe. If there's a certain style you love, go for it and step out of the crowd in style!