What is a Word of the Year?

At SCHÖNE, we believe in beauty with purpose, curated pieces, elevated style, and a grounded sense of self. And just like our wardrobe essentials are designed to simplify and elevate your life, so too is the idea of choosing a Word of the Year.

I’ve been choosing a word every year since 2017. I started the practice because traditional New Year’s resolutions never quite resonated with me; they felt rigid and often short-lived. But a Word of the Year? That felt like a gentle, powerful compass. A North Star to keep me aligned through the highs, lows, and in-betweens.

Some of the words I’ve carried with me over the years:
Stabilize. Breakout. Transformation. Accountability. Impeccable. Advancing is my 2025 word.
Each one offered a subtle framework for how I showed up in the world, and each one delivered exactly what I needed that year.

Why Choose a Word of the Year?

This practice is beautifully simple. You choose one word to shape the energy, direction, and intention of your year. It’s less about achieving and more about becoming. It’s a softer form of self-leadership that works quietly in the background, guiding your choices, sharpening your focus, and anchoring your growth.

In fact, many people find it more effective than resolutions. It’s flexible, deeply personal, and endlessly adaptable – qualities we admire in a well-designed life.

How to Choose Your Word

1. Reflect + Reset
Start by looking back. What were the standout moments of the past year? What challenged you, inspired you, shifted you? Then, ask yourself, "What do I need more of this year? What’s calling for attention, energy, or change?"

2. Brainstorm + Feel
Write down words that resonate. Don’t overthink, just listen. Sometimes, a word will surface that feels like it’s been waiting for you. Trust that. Explore the meanings and see how each one lands.

3. Choose + Commit
Once your word finds you, welcome it in. Say it out loud. Write it somewhere visible. Maybe even style it on a post-it near where you get dressed each day, a reminder that how you live is a reflection of how you lead yourself.

4. Live + Adapt
Let the word move with you. Some years it whispers. Other years it shouts. Either way, let it guide your decisions, your boundaries, and your energy. And give yourself permission to evolve with it, just like your style.

A Resource That’s Shaped My Journey

One of the most helpful tools in this practice has been The One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon. Every October, I re-read pages 32–52 like clockwork. It helps me tune in and get intentional before the New Year even begins. If you're just starting out, it's a great place to begin.

SCHÖNE is Built on the Same Principle 

Every SCHÖNE piece is created with intention. Our accessories are designed to support the woman you are becoming, not just today, but all year long. And just like a Word of the Year, our pieces are meant to anchor you in your essence.

So go ahead. Choose your word. Let it live in your thoughts, your wardrobe, and your daily rhythm. Because how you move through the world matters, and you deserve to move with clarity, elegance, and strength.

Own your Style. Embrace your power.

Gina