At this time of year, the bar for shopping recommendations is extremely high. In January, no one has the desire or money to shop for that. I don’t know about you, but frankly, I don’t want to meet another knick-knack. And having overindulged throughout the Christmas season, I have the glowy equivalent of a hangover. Just thinking about sequins makes me nauseous.
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So if I’m going to buy something or recommend buying something at the dawn of the new year, there’s a good reason for that. Investing in keeping your New Year’s fitness resolutions is worth making because it’s a promise you make to yourself. Sometimes you just need a little snack to get you through the darkest days of winter. And it’s never too early to start looking for pieces to give your wardrobe a 2025 feel. The earlier you start wearing it, the more wear you’ll get. I’d like to introduce you to the best things I found in January, which is plain and lackluster.
Say hello to the super scarf
knot glove neckerchief
£64 at Gather & Sea
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it rains a lot in England. Umbrellas are bulky and anti-social. Hooded coats are ugly, infantilizing, or both. The hat messes up your hair. You know how some mathematicians spend their careers figuring out the answers to arcane theorems? That’s basically me. However, the problem that it has been my life’s work to solve instead of algebra is the cash on delivery problem. I came up with a promising solution in the form of a new generation scarf-hood hybrid. I’m not sold on that long scarf with the hood in the middle. It’s certainly effective, but it’s a bit like a fortune teller that you can get caught up in. Even more chic is a triangular scarf. It looks great slung over your coat or rolled up over your hair. This won’t work if it’s pouring rain, but it’s useful if it’s drizzling.
Cotswold Knit’s Notgrove neckerchief is designed in the Cotswolds and knitted in Leicestershire. They come in great colors. Check out Gather&See, our curated selection of small, affordable, sustainable brands.
favorite cardigan
£35 on eBay
The new layering formula for 2025 is: Start with a white T-shirt. (You already have it.) Add a simple button-through crew neck cardigan. (You probably already have one, but if you don’t, try searching for your favorite version on eBay or Depop. Cute buttons are a good way to narrow down your search.) Fasten all the buttons on your cardigan Or leave the top button undone. Which of the two necklines works best? Add a blazer. Next, add the pendant necklace. It forms a V-shape to match the shape of your collar. As cozy as a big jumper…for those days when you have somewhere you want to go or someone to meet, but a big jumper makes you feel a little sleepy.
all weather leggings
walking leggings
£35 at Marks & Spencer
If you can increase your chances of engaging in exercise as well as leisure, it’s worth investing in athleisure. If I’m planning on working out later in the day, I try to get dressed in the morning with my gym kit underneath other layers if possible. It serves as a reminder of my good intentions, and by removing the friction of getting dressed, it removes one possible excuse.
Sturdy leggings feel more like proper clothing than the flimsy leggings you wear in the summer, and make winter runs feel less scary. Leggings often have bright abstract graphics to appeal to hangers-on, but I’m not at all sure that a splash of Jackson Pollock would look good on anyone’s butt. We recommend a simple dark block color that can be worn as everyday wear with a coat or boots. M&S Goodmove Stormwear walking leggings have convenient pockets and are available in olive or navy.
Jeans to elevate your jeans and jumper days
tapered high jeans
£24.99 at H&M
Barrel leg. Terrible, awful name. Is there anyone out there who has an aspirational aesthetic for “barrels”? No, but here’s the thing. Barrel legs (and their close cousins, horseshoe legs) are actually the easiest and most elegant style of loose-leg jeans. The defined waist, volume in the upper thighs, and slightly tapered ankles give you a much cleaner line than baggy jeans with straight tops and bottoms. Switching to this silhouette will elevate your jeans and jumper days and give you a new style foundation for spring. H&M’s tapered high jeans are the perfect denim. It’s quite sturdy and has just a little bit of stretch so it holds its shape without being too stiff.
Precious parka horn
kora organic hoodie
120 lbs for CWT (currently 60 lbs)
Do you know the string that hangs around your neck when you wear a hoodie? They drive me crazy, the shabby way they flap around. I tried tying the string in a bow for a while, but it got a little tangled. What I’ve noticed is that the best hoodies simply don’t have a drawstring or hole for a drawstring in the hood. This looks so pretty! I will share Eureka moments with you. Things to keep in mind when buying your next hoodie.
In that regard, we recommend the organic cotton Corah parka from small independent British manufacturer CWT. It’s now reduced to £60. We knit, dye, cut, and sew within a 6-mile radius. And no drawstring! They come in great colors. And yes, okay, I spend so much time thinking about the tiny details of clothes that you don’t have to. you’re welcome.
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my favorite sorel boots
waterproof sneaker boots
£155 at Sorel
I’m obsessed with Sorel walking boots. Perfect for British weather. They’re waterproof against rain and snow, but have a contoured sole that fits snugly around the ankle to prevent puddles and keep you from slipping through the inevitable January mud. Walking boots need to be durable, but not heavy. These are very lightweight so you can wear them all day. They are also suitable for driving, but I don’t think they are suitable for Crompier boots. Just as importantly, from my perspective, they look great. Mine is many years old. The Sorel Kinetic Impact Conquest Plus is the closest equivalent currently available. Highly recommended.
invisible padded jacket
puffer vest
£34.90 at Uniqlo
Similar to Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak, even more magical, the best padded jackets are invisible. Give up on Uniqlo’s Puffertech Compact Vest. Other versions are available, but this is the OG. It’s like wearing a hot water bottle under your coat.
For more essential outerwear, read the best waterproof jackets for women.
new necklace length
gemstone bead necklace
£138 at Monica Vinader
A new item you should add to your neck mess is a longer necklace without a pendant. You want to wear it over a crew neck sweater so that the half moon of the top fits between your throat. About 18 to 20 inches is perfect. Monica Vinader makes heavenly jewelry. If you’re hooked on a piece but don’t have the funds, try Vinted, a fertile hunting ground for music video productions. I found this beautiful string of green onyx and gold Vermeil beads for £45 (unfortunately it sold quickly).
V-neck for cold weather
neutral cashmere knit
£199 at Whistles
The vertical arrows of the V-neck create a more elegant line than a crew neck. However, a draft in January is not welcome. This Whistles cashmere knit is an absolute beauty, with a deep ribbed V that creates an arrow effect while remaining comfortable. Can we call it a wellness investment?
short boxy jacket
wool blend short jacket
£149 at Massimo Dutti
Prediction for 2025: The return of boxy collarless jackets. Whenever a new designer emerges, Chanel makes headlines, and this style stands for Coco. This short wool blend jacket by Massimo Dutti is one that’s perfect for your mood board, even if it’s not on your shopping list.
