What to Wear in January When You're Completely Bored of Your Wardrobe

What to Wear in January: @femmeblk wearing burgundy outfit

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@femmeblk

Deciding what to wear in January can be a tricky one. It's still freezing out, so you need to stay warm and cozy, but it's also a fresh start. We've all likely made a resolution of some kind and have our eyes firmly fixed on moving forward, so it's understandable if stepping back into 2023's wardrobe feels a little, well, stale.

Luckily, there's a solution—and it's not throwing everything away! Naturally, a little wardrobe detox or organization is a great idea at this time of year, but budgets are also tight post-holidays. So before you swear off certain items, consider the pieces you may be able to use as a gateway to the new season. Make use of that capsule wardrobe we're always raving about and bring out some of your timeless classics that you know you can rely on. But perhaps think about styling them up in a slightly different way.

We're talking teasers of a fresh color palette, lots of layers, some chic suiting, and plenty of stripes. The key looks for the coming season have already made themselves known, so here's your guide to easing them into your wardrobe while staying warm.

Keep scrolling for all the street style inspiration you need to inspire your January wardrobe, whatever you have planned for the month ahead. 

1. Don Bright Trainers
What To Wear In January: All your It items: @amaka.hamelijnck in yellow sneakers

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@amaka.hamelijnck

Style Notes: Colorful sneakers were a 2023 hit, and they're sticking around for 2024. The shade to wear this year? It's all about in-your-face yellow pairs that'll overhaul any outfit you pair them with. 

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Move over, red—yellow kicks are key for 2023. 

2. Add an Unexpected Scarf
What To Wear In January: Add an unexpected scarf: @lucywilliams02 in a leather coat and lilac scarf

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@lucywilliams02

Style Notes: Even the most die-hard of minimalists can throw a style curveball in the form of a bright scarf. Don't you think this makes Lucy's pared-back outfit look super interesting? 

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This recycled wool scarf is as cozy as it gets.

3. Add a Fancy Bag
What To Wear In January: @styleidealist wearing fancy bag with winter outfit

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@styleidealist

Style Notes: Not only should you refrain from packing away any "party pieces," but we also recommend wearing them all together to pack an outfit punch. Make like Karina and add your favorite party bag to a skirt-and-sweater duo. 

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You'll find any excuse to wear the Alaïa heart bag. 

4. Tuck Your Trousers Into Your Boots
What to Wear in January: Tuck Your Trousers Into Your Boots: @annabelrosendahl in a puffer jacket

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@annabelrosendahl

Style Notes: Tucking your trouser hems into your boots has definitely become a thing again. Try it out and it'll give your coat-and-boots combo a fresh new feel. 

5. Tie a Colorful Knit Over Your Shoulders
What to Wear in January: @lenafarl with colorful sweater over blazer

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@lenafarl

Style Notes: Unlock a whole new playful side to your style by tying a statement sweater over your outfit. Lena goes one step further and matches her lipstick to her argyle knit. Simple yet so effective. 

6. Pop Your Collar
What To Wear In January: Pop Your Collar: @msorrig in a statement collar

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@msorrig

Style Notes: If you're anything like us, you have a vast array of fancy collars in your collection. Show them off and watch them update any old coat and trousers in an instant. 

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This would look so cute layered under a knitted vest, too. 

7. Try Out Knee-High Tights
What To Wear In January: @isabellecoheen wearing knee-high socks

Photo:

@isabellecoheen

Style Notes: The most unexpected trend of the season, knee-high tights are the accessory to try. Wear them with a minidress or skirt and add loafers to get the preppy vibe. 

Style Notes: One of the easiest ways to breathe new life into your existing wares in layering them in unexpected ways. Renia gives her classic tailored suit a whole new look by flashing a bright red polo neck underneath. And yes, red is sticking around for 2024. 

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Cashmere is always a winner for winter. 

Style Notes: Chances are, you'll spend 98% of your winter in knitwear. But instead of chucking on the same striped sweater (you know the one) mix it up by choosing interesting necklines. Off-the-shoulder styles are back, so you can start here. 

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Your classic striped button-down, but with a twist.

Style Notes: From logo tights to lace or color-block styles, hosiery is officially back on the fashion agenda. What's more, a standout pair will make all your skirts and dresses feel like new. 

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Imagine these tucked into knee-high boots. 

11. Opt for Exaggerated Silhouettes
What To Wear In January: Opt for Exaggerated Silhouettes: @greceghanem in wide leg trousers

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@greceghanem

Style Notes: One of the quickest ways to fall into wardrobe humdrum is to choose similarly shaped pieces over and over again. Raid your cupboards, pull out the most oversize thing you own (be it a pair of flared trousers or a puff-sleeve dress) and wear it with pride. 

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12. Make It a Maxi
What To Wear In January: @monikh wearing maxi skirt

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@monikh

Style Notes: After being given the sartorial silent treatment for far too long, the maxi skirt has made a massive comeback. This time around, it's all about the structured column style that works so well with wardrobe basics. 

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Of course COS has already jumped on the trend. 

Style Notes: Raid your wardrobe and pull out anything that's the same color—be it red, yellow, or lilac—and wear the whole lot at once to make your outfit look instantly pulled together. It'll give the impression of serious outfit planning, when in reality, it's the ultimate lazy-girl dressing hack. 

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You can wear lilac no matter the season. 

14. Stick to a Statement Coat
What To Wear In January: @hannastefansson wears pink fluffy coat

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@hannastefansson

Style Notes: When it's really chilly, chances are you'll want to stay in your coat for as long as possible when you go anywhere. As such, make it a fun one that'll do all the hard work for you and save you from having to think about what's underneath. 

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15. Wear Your Cardigan as a Top
What to Wear in January: Wear Your Cardigan Sans Top: @minnieknows wears a cardgian

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@minnieknows

Style Notes: Wearing a cardigan as a top (as opposed to a top-layer sweater) is one of our favorite styling tricks. Honestly, it makes such a difference to your outfit's vibe. It's a guaranteed way to garner compliments. 

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This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.