Harper's Bazaar Columnist Offers Stylish Tips for Life Reset

Lynette Nylander's "Why Don't You" column dispenses advice on living life to the fullest

Mar. 20, 2026 at 4:46pm

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In her "Why Don't You" advice column for Harper's Bazaar, Lynette Nylander offers a whimsical and glamorous take on how to reset one's life for the new season. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Diana Vreeland, Nylander encourages readers to be more generous, create vision boards in high style, host intellectual salons, and collect personal curiosities that reflect their aspirations.

Why it matters

Nylander's column provides a refreshing counterpoint to the typical New Year's resolutions focused on self-improvement and productivity. Instead, she advocates for embracing joy, indulgence, and self-expression as a means of personal fulfillment and growth.

The details

Nylander's advice includes piling on compliments, using an ornate Florentine frame for a vision board, hosting wine-fueled salons with scintillating conversation, and collecting personal tchotchkes that tell the story of who you wish to become. She also encourages readers to wear vibrant colors, dance until dawn, and eat oysters on Tuesdays just because.

  • The column was published on March 20, 2026, marking the start of a new season.

The players

Lynette Nylander

The executive digital director of Harper's Bazaar and author of the "Why Don't You" advice column.

Diana Vreeland

The legendary fashion editor whose eccentric "Why Don't You" column inspired Nylander's modern iteration.

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What they’re saying

“Diana Vreeland had a singular take on not only fashion but life. Her eccentricity has become folklore and was best exemplified in an illustrated column of irreverent advice for chic living she called 'Why Don't You?'”

— Lynette Nylander, Executive Digital Director, Harper's Bazaar

The takeaway

Nylander's column encourages readers to embrace a more joyful, indulgent, and self-expressive approach to life, moving away from the typical New Year's resolutions focused on self-improvement and productivity. Her advice offers a refreshing perspective on personal growth and fulfillment.