How to lift yourself out of the January Blues

There is not much to recommend January at all – nothing to look forward to for months on end, it’s cold/rainy/wet/dark and generally a bit miserable. If only the start of the year were June, then it wouldn’t feel quite so bloody depressing. So other than booking a holiday for months and months away, the only other option is some retail therapy to pep you up. (Don’t be tempted by a dry January as I have attempted this several years’ in a row and felt worse than ever. Yes, do some more exercise to shift the Christmas puddings and jiggle those endorphins out of their alcohol induced coma but don’t deny yourself all form of epicurian pleasure. Otherwise what else is there?)

So on to the shops and actually what is out there to bring a smile to your face…? Well obviously there is the prospect of sale bargains galore if you can find something in your size and grit your teeth through the jumble-sale like quality of all stores. But what I’m talking about is fresh, new stuff.

Now this might seem fairly unexciting but a longline pendant necklace is one of the most useful things you can own. Trust me, I have one and whenever I put it on myself or a client, it often makes the outfit. It isn’t always easy to find the right length (this is 83 cm total chain) and style but this Marcella Longline Necklace £30 should suit everyone as it comes in antique gold, rose gold and silver. Any time you have a high neck top/sweater or dress this will work its magic and add the finishing touch you need. All those winter sweaters will look a whole load better with it on – fact. Oh and you can wear it now and all year.

New shoes – as with any accessory, shoes have the power to make or break an ensemble. These Abbie Loafers £80 also from Boden are perfect for wearing to work with trousers/skirts and dresses or with more casual outfits. Give yourself a lift with the red or go for a subtle metallic which will w0rk with everything – there’s no need to stick to neutrals all the time. Plus a pointed toe will make your legs look longer. If you are a bit of a Boden snob then don’t be to hasty as their footwear comes in those hard to find half sizes and goes up to a size 42.

If you weren’t sure about a sock boot then allow me to convince you: you can wear these under your new straighter leg jeans without feeling a strip of cold ankle, they also look great with dresses and skirts. If you don’t want to splash big bucks then try these Bonbon Point Kitten Heels £32 from Topshop which come in red/black.

And if you are after something which will pack a bit more of a punch then midi dresses are a good option and they are going nowhere fast. You need one you can wear through the cold months – try this Spaced Sprig Midi Dress £56 from Warehouse which you can layer up with tights, a polo neck, boots and leather jacket. Come the spring, you can bare your legs, add trainers and swap your leather for a denim jacket.

Or if it is something more officey then go for this gorgeous Flute Sleeve Midi Dress £49 also from Warehouse. The dark green colour is lovely and the length spot on. You can add accessories and heels to take this to the evening as well should you be lucky enough to have any social engagements this month. This is a winner but already selling out.

Alternatively they have this Tie Side Twill Dress £39. Just enough detailing on this to make it interesting.

Now this will not be for everyone, but I have to say I am pretty keen: Leopard Print Shirt Dress £46 – Westfield voucher I think you might have found yourself spent! Plus these earrings are fab.

An understated statement piece (an oxymoron I know) is this Asymmetric Belted Leather Skirt £165 from &Other Stories which would look amazing with a simple tee, silk shirt or knit. Pair with courts or knee high boots.

On the casual front, this &Other Stories Oversized Cable Knit Sweater £89 brings a welcome bit of colour to these dark days and works well with skinnies and either trainers or boots. Size down so as not to be drowned as this is a big style.

If you are a bit scared of the brightness then go neutral in this Jumbo Turtleneck Sweater £69.

Another dose of colour to lift the spirits would be this Mock Collar Blouse £45 &Other Stories and is something you can wear to the office with tailored trousers or a skirt or with jeans.

The new kid on the jeans block is a straighter leg style – not skinny and not boyfriend – so why not bring some newness to your everyday wardrobe with these Straight Slim Fit Jeans £59 from &Other Stories. You can still wear with boots and have just the smallest bit of leg on show.

Or try these Straight Denim Jeans £59 which come in a multitude of colours.

So there you have my little smorgasbord of newness. No particular theme, but just a scattering of pieces that have caught my eye.

And if giving yourself a little January pick-me-up doesn’t do the job, then the only thing for it is to move to the Southern Hemisphere where the start of the year is warm and sunny. That’s got to be a good move right?!

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