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

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Deciding what to wear in January can be a tricky one. It's still freezing so you need to stay warm and cosy, 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 organisation is a great idea at this time of year, but budgets are also tight post-Christmas. So before you swear off certain items, consider the pieces you may be able to use as a gateway to the new season and 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 the up in a slightly different way.

We're talking teasers of a fresh colour 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. 

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1. Don Bright Trainers
(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: Colourful trainers 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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2. Add an Unexpected Scarf
(Image credit: @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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3. Add A Fancy Bag
(Image credit: @styleidealist)

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

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4. Tuck Your Trousers Into Your Boots
(Image credit: @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. 

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5. Tie A Colourful Knit Over Your Shoulders
(Image credit: @lenafarl)

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

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6. Pop Your Collar
(Image credit: @msorrig)

Style Notes: If you're anything like us, you'll 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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7. Try Out Knee-High Tights
(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

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

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8. Layer, Layer, Layer
(Image credit: @venswifestyle)

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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9. Choose Interesting Knitwear
(Image credit: @kristincabet)

Style Notes: Chances are, you'll spend 98% of your winter in knitwear. But instead of chucking on the same striped jumper (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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10. Add Statement Hosiery
(Image credit: @ninasandbech)

Style Notes: From Gucci's logo tights to lace or colour 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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11. Opt for Exaggerated Silhouettes
(Image credit: @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 oversized 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
(Image credit: @monikh)

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

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13. Wear One Shade Top-To-Toe
(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Style Notes: Raid your wardrobe and drawers and pull out anything that's the same colour. Be it red, yellow or lilac, and wear the 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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14. Stick To A Statement Coat
(Image credit: @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 even having to think about what's underneath. 

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15. Wear Your Cardigan As A Top
(Image credit: @minnieknows)

Style Notes: This is one of our favourite styling tricks; wear your cardigans as a top instead of a cover-up, and honestly, it makes such a difference to your vibe. We're always complimented on our outfit when we make this simple tweak. 

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

Next Up: The 2024 Trends That Really Matter

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.