Photo courtesy of Michael Craig.

The Hill is Home scoured  the area for tip top fashion advice for the new year, nothing that will transform the neighborhood into Chinatown on almost any late night evening (where cigarettes go south for the Winter), or Georgetown by day, or even let you slip past the Secret Service into a White House state dinner, but ones that may add a little polish or panache to our flock of pedestrians here. Guys, don’t click away–there’s stuff for you in here, too.

I’ve collected 10 tips, to mark the new decade, and because the number just never goes out of style.

1. First, start the year fresh. Half your closet contents and make sure nothing from the 90s is lurking there, like that shiny cotton once used for blazers. If left with just a few basics, that’s okay. Mickey Bolek, owner of Michael Anthony Salon on C Street SE, advises us, first to “try something daring, out of the box.”

To some that may mean mixing black hosiery with brown shoes (offset by a pea soup-colored bag), but the expert colorist and stylist defined his terms: “I think the question is if your hair has looked the same for ten or more years maybe it is time to talk to your stylist about something new. New color, new cut, new ways to style your hair.”

2. Our fashion muse with a kind word for all, Winnie Yagan, gets tough and tells us that people should resolve to wear appropriate footwear this year and to please avoid Jersey knit dresses with flip flops out on the town. “It’s a Capitol Hill disease. I think that look is fine for Sunday at the Market but not Saturday night at the trendy bar,” Yagan says.

3. Ditch the Dad jeans. Leave the Moms alone, and check your own back profiles in those mono-colored, shaggy and shoe-swallowing jeans. “Men shouldn’t wear Dad jeans either. There are plenty of moderately priced denim options for Moms and Dads! You don’t have to do premium and most men don’t want to — but the tables of True Religions for $99 at Nordstrom Rack are just begging to be worn by men,” says a mom of four who has done her part for the premium denim industry.

4. “How about a little something about ruffles?  They used to be so prissy and frumpy but they are looking cute these days, even sexy.  As long as it’s not overkill,” says one telecommunications lawyer who has worked as a staffer on Capitol Hill–the domed part–and thinks DCers should pick it up a couple of notches in terms of style.

5. Michael Craig, owner of Michael Craig grooming salon for men on the 1200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE,  envisions a sleeker look for men, and told us ways to keep us “looking as fresh and polished as we can without breaking the bank,” with better suit tailoring, and more form-fitting khakis in new colors. “If you can put your hand inside your breast pocket, your suit is too big,” he says. And do not fret– the khakis aren’t high-waters and won’t be too tight–they will just fit better, he says. However, I am looking at the J. Crew catalog, that reference book for mainstream interpretations, after being intrigued by  the “they aren’t high-waters” reference. Um, anyone who needs or craves a relaxed fit  or whose shadow can’t slide into that of a  fence post’s is going to think they are basically man leggings that showcase the ankle bone. However, there are plenty of slouchy styles to choose from, too, but it might not hurt to go down a waist size if you are hiding under all that fabric. Craig also advises that men revamp their dress shirts for a newer look, with warmer colors for pale skin, and the opposite for darker skin.”but don’t be scared to venture into some  color that you are not used to.” And guess what–buy new dress shoes in a third color, different from your other two, Craig advises. One extra pair  increases your wardrobe options a great deal, according to Craig. And lastly, think about making a statement with the subtle things in your suit–a pocket square, a handkerchief, your choice. PS–There’s also good news for many of you who aren’t ready to shave, yet. “Distinguishing yourself with some facial hair,” such as a goatee or a beard, is a hit this year, Craig added.

6. For women interested in jumping headfirst into the new decade, jump back into an old one! The Remix vintage clothing store, in the 600 block of Pennsylvania SE, offered some hot looks that had me wanting to hop over there as soon as the cold weather breaks, shedding the thick-skinned winter clothes for the flowing fabrics of spring. For spring, says manager Arynne Crane, a peasant, almost hippie look is taking hold, with muted swirls adorning fabrics that flow, but are a little more bohemian than hippie or flower-power, she says. The late 60s and early 70s are always big hits with stylistas, and even if you can’t commit to the entire look, you can’t go wrong with big 70s gold and silver pendants that are just a little over the top, Crane says. “It is an easy way to look like you put an effort into your look or outfit,” she says. “It jazzes up everything.”

7. Mad Men attire. This is not skinny, tight, late 60s, hippie, paisley, or anywhere near the land of jeans (Don Draper in Dad jeans???), but it is style inspiration for some because of the sharp, unapologetic lines and the elegance of the silhouettes. Mad Men credits open with silhouettes. The show “has inspired a lot of people to look in,” The Remix’s Crane says. “It has inspired some people to come shop here who may not have thought of vintage.” Specifically, women are looking at late 50s shift dresses in floral patterns, with their higher waists, she said.  “The kind of thing Mrs. Draper would wear,” she said, referring to the pristine Grace Kelly-like homemaker in the AMC series. Clothing made then emphasized the higher part of the waist, where it is smallest, and the crisp, ladylike look carries into the early-60s set attire of Mad Men. Of course, Betty Draper, who once used the washing machine for a midday daydream, flies off to Las Vegas for a divorce with an Albany politico, so simple and  innocent these dresses are not.  But neither is Washington. For those that want to begin virtually, go here.

8. If you are into lounging or the lounge beyond the confines of your den or living room, please skip the old sweats and the yoga pants, my friends-with-certain-standards say. “Really, how many people wearing yoga pants are on their way to 90 minutes of namaste?” says a mother of two who is, by the way, looking for fashionable tips on keeping her hands and feet warm this winter, and is trying to make peace with the fact Uggs are here to stay. Or admit that they can be warm. But don’t get too cozy outdoors: “I don’t think old school sweats should ever be worn, especially when there’s such cute workout gear out there.”  says the telecommunications lawyer, who admits she is “terribly critical of DC fashion, and not a huge fan of casual that looks more like lazy than stylish.”

9. Belt your outfit! Everything belted looks neater and more current, even those big down coats. When I see something too puffy, billowy or loose, I want to cinch it in. Magazines and runways may have let you think you have to wear mini skirts and something called hot pants, which look like bloomers or loose underwear, this season, but if anyone is ready to pick up the look here on the Hill, let me know. Because I will assume you already aren’t shy.

10. When in doubt, wear jeans and a black T-shirt says Hill portrait photographer Stuart Hovell, who also favors the look–with a tossed on oatmeal sweater–for running around and for informal family or individual portraits.