The New Year is here and thus it is the perfect moment to round up my current favourite pieces that will serve me well in 2024 and beyond. There’s no denying that trawling January sales is exhilarating, however, between last season’s picks and the remanence of Christmas sparkle, it’s a notoriously difficult time to ascertain what’s truly worthy of a place in your wardrobe. Although I thought there would be a real lack in January, I’ve found many timeless pieces that have caught my attention of late.
As opposed to the more is more sentiment that comes with dressing over the Christmas and New Year’s period, now we’re in the back-to-work and back-to-school mode, with more classic clothing choices and elevated essentials taking centre stage (although there’s still room for fun). Feather trims are still sticking around (and with significant reductions, it's certainly a tempting investment against next year's festivities), and mesh dresses have been swapped out for lacquered gowns.
Avalon wears a scarf coat.
Most of us see January as a blank slate, and one that often brings about thoughts of wardrobe clear-outs, trying new things or re-establishing personal style. It’s also time for plenty of newness and the initiation of fresh brands into our repertoire: New names are emerging, in addition to brand-new colourways of highly coveted items.
If, like me, you work from home, you may also be nesting and lusting over silken PJs, linen robes, and slippers. But along with cosy at-home basics, this January I'm also heavily reliant on accessories that bring a playful element to winter dressing and homewares. If the new-in-selections are anything to go by, we're in for a good fashion year, with everything from overstated silhouettes, saturated hues and full skirts among the classic shapes and cuts popping up in some of my favourite brands' latest collections. As always, some niche brands have piqued my interest, so I’ve peppered those in for you, too.
If you’re looking for fashion inspiration for the year ahead, scroll down to discover my 20-piece curated edit of the best items worth investing in now!
Shop My Edit for January:
The Row's take on the scarf detailing is just as exquisite as you'd expect. Crafted from 100% silk and in this buttermilk hue, this is a piece worthy of gown status. The style may be influenced by a trend, but this is a forever piece.
What started as an understated accessory has now become a power item and the double wrap belt is as stylish as it is practical. Cinch in blazers with this statement belt.
I've never been as into bags as I have apparel but 2023 had been the year of discovery when it comes to accessories. I'm particularly drawn to this rich brown hue and oversized shapes.
I'm a firm believer that animal print counts as a neutral. Style this with a crisp poplin shirt, straight-leg jeans and loud earrings.
This caramel hue makes even the most basic of items look elevated. Staples like this make up a huge proportion of my tops. There are many ways to style it — whether you wear it with skirts, loungewear, jeans or tailored bottoms.
Minimalists look no further than this elevated piece. It might not look like much as a cut-out, however, it's a sculpted and flattering fit due to the boat neck detail.
It's been more than a year and these mules remain number one on my wishlist.
Black to Grey is one of my favourite brands for contemporary style basics. I'd style my Duna skirt like this — with a long-sleeved boat neck top.
I'm leaning more towards accessories in this colourway and comprising suede fabrications. It makes for a beautiful and classic match. It's also refreshing introducing warm tones into my wardrobe.
Jumpers tend to swamp my 5 ft 4 frame, so I'm always looking for ways to wear classic jumpers (you know the heavy wollen iterations, for example) in a way that suits my frame. This raglan sleeve jumper is a lightweight knit and it's also belted, which helps to make it convertible and take some of the bulk out of the design. I'd style it with a midi skirt and mules or atop a silk midi dress.
When it comes to skirts, the bigger the better. As seen on e-commerce, this voluminous skirt works well with fitted tops tucked into the waistband. Prop this look up with slingback heels, et voila! We'll continue to see many full skirts this season.
I've fallen for this new khaki colourway that Khaite has introduced into its iconic cashmere cardigan lineup. The matching hue comes in this cashmere tank dress and I can't stop thinking about it. Drop bursts of this shade into your winter wardrobe to brighten things up. For styling options, add dark brown boots to complete the look, plus the matching Khaite cardigan if your budget extends to it. I have my eyes peeled for more reasonably priced pieces in this exact colourway, so I'll keep you updated.
I've recently moved apartments, so I'm well and truly in interior decorating mode. While it's best known for French-inspired fashions, Sezane is the first place I'm heading to for homeware now too.
Thanks to the effect of Khaite, the V-neck and nipped waist detail are features we're all looking and longing for in knitwear.
Or perhaps I'll invest in these instead of the Manolo's?
I'm so blown away by this discount!
The rippled neckline and sheen are so stunning.
A barely there slip-on sandal with a sleek gold embellishment.
It's contemporary, albeit with a '60s flair. You could say it's the best of old and new.
Some may deem it a necessary purchase but to me, hosiery can be a statement. This year we've seen tights become the central focus of outfits. From red to grey tights and low-denier pieces.
By Malene Birger continues to have our heart and it's no surprise with directional pieces like this. Modest and oh-so-chic.
Next Up: From Dresses to Bags, I've Handpicked 21 New-In Pieces Just in Time for Payday
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