Instead of purging clothes, purge the pounds. Carrying extra weight around the beltline can lead to health problems but it also leads to a jumbled up wardrobe full of various sizes, shapes and styles that you probably don’t ever want to wear again. You wouldn’t fill your fridge with foods you don’t like, so don’t do it to your wardrobe.

Until you hit your target weight, it helps to know a few fashion secrets that help camouflage the bits you want to cover up. Lucky for us, ruffles are in. Waterfall cardigans, ruffled blouses and dresses can hide a podgy tummy and slim the hips.

For longer looking legs, try a nude shoe. Flesh-toned tights with neutral-coloured court shoes make legs look trim and chic. But be warned; ankle straps can have the opposite effect.

 Don’t bury yourself in black while trying to shed excess weight. Colours like teal blue compliment most skin tones and add a lustrous, healthy glow to the complexion.  Sparkly tops and spangles can do the same and all that shimmer will draw attention away from any weight gain.

Winter is kind and allows us to bury the beltline bulge under layers. Pair a turtleneck with a vest or try a boat neckline. This flattering look makes shoulders appear slightly wider so hips look slightly smaller.

We all know the basics of getting back into shape. Cut out the fat, go easy on carbs and eat plenty of protein. Aim for smaller portions and drink an abundance of water. Don’t skip breakfast and eat something starchy midday so you aren’t grabbing sweeties for a mid-afternoon snack.

But if you don’t move it, you may never lose it. We have to be active if we are serious about shifting the pounds. Whether it’s gardening, jogging or taking the stairs instead of the lift, the more active we are, the quicker we’ll lose the bits that are weighing us down.

Marvin Phillips said, “The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph.”

Once you feel healthy and happy, then it’s time to toss out the old and make room for the new.

Remember that clothes are an investment and your wardrobe protects this investment. A systemised wardrobe where everything is wearable, visible and easy to reach saves valuable time. And time is money.

So there are financial, physical and personal reasons to stick to your resolution and get in shape for the year ahead. And if you falter along the way, remember what Winston Churchill said, “Never, never, never, never give up!”