The smarter way to warm up
Cosy chic is one of my favourite January vibes. But rather than just piling on clothes to stay warm, I have a few tricks up my knitted sleeve to prevent us looking like we got dressed in the dark.
Part of me, like you I’m sure, yearns to put on my toasty cashmere socks, pull the duvet over my head and hibernate my way through the next couple of months.
Alas, real life won’t let us do that. So here are some hacks to help you sail through the next few weeks feeling warm and looking stylish too…
Try joggers that look like trousers. These do exist and to me are the holy grail of cosy elegance. They are stiffer and heavier than normal joggers and look amazing at this time of year teamed with boots and a blazer. Alex Eagle has some terrific options. Check out her Richmond straight-leg or white Berwick joggers. Me & Em is known for its smart tapered ones. And leather joggers are also a great weapon to have in your January armour.
Cosy up in a puffer jacket. If you can’t do the school run in your duvet, this is the next best thing. Puffer jackets are now an important style staple and there are some smart options to be found on the high street.
Warning: before you part with your hard-earned cash, ensure it’s actually warm. Some puffers look great but have zero insulation. Superdry, Holland Cooper, Rains, Uniqlo, Totême and Sole et Al have some stylish options. Don’t forget to check on preloved sites for the more expensive brands such as Moncler.
Joggers that look like trousers are the holy grail of cosy elegance
Go for a knitted dress or skirt. It’s a terrific shortcut to looking feminine on a cold, dark January morning. Team with cropped knitwear or a jacket for an office-ready look. Keep out draughts by finishing off the outfit with block-heeled, knee-high boots.
Layer, layer, layer! Start from the inside out with slim basics, such as a black poloneck underneath a shirt tucked into
tailored trousers and finished off with a belt. Lavender Hill does wonderful cotton and silk-mix poloneck options which you can also wear underneath a dress for extra cosiness.
Get ahead of the spring trends. Purple and lilac are the breakout hues of the coming season. For a head-to-toe look that will get the fashion crowd’s approval, pair lilac with deeper purples. Tasselled knitwear and fringed dresses are also set to be big.