Sure, a new year means we're all inclined to hibernate, laying low in our cosy knitwear and avoiding social situations in favour of cinema trips and reading. Post-party period, we're not exactly feeling our most sartorially inclined.
But January can often be a period of transition and transformation for our wardrobes. With money or vouchers you were given for Christmas, new pieces can rejuvenate your old classics, and the 'new year, new me' state of mind can offer a fresh perspective on the pieces you have, you don't wear, and you don't need.
With this in mind, we asked ten staff members at Refinery29 UK which pieces they've got their eye on to kickstart 2018 with style. Click through to find out what we're buying, saving for, and lusting after this season.
Natasha Slee, Social Media Manager
My birthday is on Christmas Day, and my extended family always give me cash to pool together and get something I really want. This year I'm desperately in need of a new pair of leather boots and these monochrome beauties are at the top of my wish list. One problem – they're sold out in my size! I've been pestering the brand with emails, so Miista if you see this, please restock these soon! (At least before winter is out...)
Miista Cybil Black Off White Boots, £225, available at Miista
A generous godparent popped a River Island gift voucher in my Christmas card. It's not somewhere I usually shop but it led me to this gorgeous suede skirt, which I'm more than happy to part with the extra cash to cover. I'll be wearing it with my favourite black and white check, chunky COS jumper – very mod.
River Island Red Suede A-Line Mini Skirt, £50, available at River Island
I was only in & Other Stories recently to pick up a last-minute present for a friend, when I spied this across the shop. I'm a magpie for anything red, and this shape reminds me of the beautiful Simon Miller bucket bags. It took me approx. 10 seconds to make my decision and take it to the counter.
& Other Stories Leather Bucket Bag, £99, available at & Other Stories
Jess Commons, Health & Living Editor
Because I fully wish my work look to be indistinguishable between "boss lady" and "commander of a fleet of starships". I am also very attracted to the wipe-clean element of wet-look material. Though I must say I am more than slightly alarmed that their size 10 is a large...
Oh Hey Girl Button Up Midi Skirt, £65, available at Oh Hey Girl
There is nothing I hate more than wool; it's itchy, hot and brings me out in a rash. I avoid "knitwear" sections like the plague. Even the word "knitwear" makes me feel blotchy. Therefore I spend all winter looking for sweatshirts which look grown-up and classy to wear instead. Like this one.
& Other Stories Embroidered Pullover, £59, available at & Other Stories
Every so often I listen to too much '70s music and get obsessed with a piece that looks like it belongs at the Scandinavian version of Coachella (ie, it's floaty, beaded, fringed and the opposite of my otherwise structured wardrobe, but is still resolutely black). This is one of those things. I must have it. Find me in the dance tent yodelling to Stevie Nicks.
ASOS Sacred Hawk Beaded Velvet Jacket, £55, available at ASOS
Georgia Murray, Fashion & Beauty Writer
I love a faux fur coat as much as the next Margot Tenenbaum-obsessed gal, but finding one that strikes the oh-so-perfect balance between '70-year-old hoarder' and 'wealthy divorcee' is tricky.
Luckily, Jeanne Damas has put every inch of her effortless (and French, of course) style behind this beauty, which I'll be pairing with slogan tees and flared denim until summer prises it out of my cold, winter-loving hands.
Rouje Oversized Faux Fur FELIX Coat, £168.68, available at Rouje
The exposed stitching! The many, many eyelets! The chunky sole! I wish it was snowing, just so I could justify these babies as ' essential weather wear'. Any variation of a black, military-esque boot, and I'm sold.
AlexaChung Black Heavy Tread Flat Boots, £360, available at AlexaChung
I'm a sucker for anything celestial and bewitching (see Clio Peppiatt's The Love Witch -inspired SS18 collection for the ultimate inspiration), and this Uterqüe bandana is the perfect easy update to my new year attire. I'll be wearing it '70s style, tied around my neck with deep-V blouses, and wrapped around my wrist with band tees and denim.
Uterqüe Silk Bandanna, £22.90, available at Uterqüe
Anna Jay, Art Director
Simple dresses like these are such heroes for spring and summer. The midi length pairs oh-so-well with trainers, and it's great for layering. This poppy hue is ideal for diluting all that black in my wardrobe, too.
H&M Asymmetric Dress, £39.99, available at H&M
After months of searching, I've found the LBB (little black bag) of my dreams via London-based, craft-minded leather goods brand Danse Lente. I much prefer to spend more on key pieces so I chose black for longevity, but the unusual design is still a statement.
Danse Lente Mini Johnny Black, £295, available at Danse Lente
I'm itching to ditch the tights and embrace the approaching warmer climes, and this split-front midi is a perfect transitional piece with '90s vibe, statement stitched seams.
Weekday Panel Skirt, £40, available at Weekday
Meg O'Donnell, Photo Assistant
If this isn't the dreamiest jumper you've ever seen then I challenge you to one-up it! It's soft and playful and will be worn by me in the very near future.
Iris And Ink Talula Tiered Alpaca-Blend Sweater, £92, available at The Outnet
Holy hell, potentially the most perfect trousers I've ever come across. As I am a little bit on the short side, I will be teaming these with my new chunky black creepers (see next slide) to avoid too much London pavement contact.
COS Relaxed Corduroy Trousers, £69, available at COS
These babies are now mine (thanks Nan)! I've been an owner of Underground Creeper Chelsea boots for a few years now and they are my all-time favourite pair of shoes. I have, however, worn them to the ground, so I felt a little change was necessary. Enter leopard print!
Underground Wulfrun Single Sole Creeper Suede & Leopard Print, £130, available at Underground Shop
Sass Webber, Senior Project Manager
I would live in these all spring. I just need to convince myself they are an investment purchase...
You Must Create Lily Indigo Jumpsuit, £235, available at You Must Create
There's always space for more pink in my wardrobe – the chunky corduroy and high waist add to the dreamy combo.
BDG Pink Corduroy Cocoon Trousers, £49, available at Urban Outfitters
The iconic Sylvia Plath line, referenced by Margaret Atwood, is one I remind myself of frequently. Especially during the notoriously toughest month of the year. I'll wear it until I believe it.
The Literary Gift Company I am I am I am Necklace – The Bell Jar, £28, available at The Literary Gift Company
Louise Whitbread, Editorial Intern
In an attempt to wear less black for 2018, I'll be using the Zara vouchers I got for Christmas to purchase this grey marl coat. I plan on wearing it over my trusty black leather skirt and patent ankle boots.
Zara Coat With Shoulder Pads, £99.99, available at Zara
A typical impulse buy for me are cross-body bags – the smaller, the better. This suede box bag with a gold chain handle will be adding a little luxe to my closet this year.
Zara Suede Crossbody Bag With Chain, £39.99, available at Zara
A classic dress never lets me down. Its flattering V-neck and cinched-in waist will hide the damage from the Christmas break and it's perfect for going from desk to dinner.
& Other Stories Wrap Dress, £69, available at & Other Stories
Alice Casely-Hayford, Fashion & Beauty Director
I actually treated myself to these babies just before Christmas. Mary Janes might remind you of your first pair of proper shoes, but this elegant velvet pair embellished with a faux pearl detail and a block heel are an investment piece I hope I can wear for decades. Plus I bow down at the altar of Miuccia Prada.
Miu Miu Black Velvet Crystal Buckle 90 Mary Jane Heels, £665, available at Browns
This versatile V-neck can be worn with jeans for a casual, cosy weekend outfit or paired with a midi skirt and ankle boots for a chic office look. Either way, I'll be living in it as a transitional piece as warmer weather (hopefully) approaches.
Arket Rib-Knitted Jumper, £79, available at Arket
According to my wardrobe, you can never have too many slip dresses. I'll be wearing this during the current colder months layered over a thin polo neck. Come summer I'll wear by itself with espadrilles and vibrant sunglasses.
Nanushka Margot Black Slip Dress, £301.36, available at Nanushka
Seeing as all of my other choices have been black (like my soul), I'm looking forward to adding some sparkle and colour to my spring wardrobe with this dainty, Shrimps lemon yellow pearls bag.
Shrimps Antonia Bag, £450, available at Shrimps
Natalie Gil, News Writer
If I cared about dressing in a way that "flattered" my body (I hate the word, but there's no escaping it), I'd give these trousers a wide berth. So it's a good thing I have more important things to worry about! I can't wait to pair them with a brown jumper and look like a walking Twix.
The Frankie Shop Camel Wool Pleated Trousers, £128.72, available at The Frankie Shop
I'm glad the PJs-as-outwear trend fails to die. Leopard print is famously resilient to fashion's changing winds, too, so this satin shirt will be a worthwhile investment.
Topshop Satin Pyjama Style Shirt, £34, available at Topshop
Taking to the streets in my usual all-black uniform, I regularly fear getting mowed down by a car. This pink beanie should do the trick (and will go nicely with my wintry red nose).
Goodhood Store Soulland Villy Beanie Dusty Pink, £24, available at Goodhood Store
Katy Harrington, Managing Editor
I intend to spend a lot of my weekends in 2018 fannying around the house, so I may as well look good doing it. Hence, I’m smitten with Verry Kerry’s kimono dressing gowns. It’s a legitimately ethical brand that uses certified organic fabrics and environmentally friendly dyes. They cost a pretty penny but worth it if I can answer the door to Deliveroo with my head held high.
Verry Kerry The Hummingbird Kimono, £115, available at Verry Kerry
I need an embroidered T-shirt like I need a hole in the head but I can’t help it, this Maje one is so lovely.
Maje Tigri T-shirt With Embroidered Bees, £100, available at Maje
Ganni is a label I like a whole lot but, as my father would say, "champagne taste, lemonade pockets". My champagne taste loves this coat with its pink zip and bow. It’s army but not alpha, and looks cosy.
Ganni Vandalia Coat, £275, available at Ganni
I told you I love this label. I want this dress very badly and it’s really not as impractical as a silk leopard-print dress with spaghetti straps sounds. It'd look spiffing over a fine polo and tights in winter, and sexy as hell with nowt on underneath in summer.
Ganni Dufort Silk Strap Dress, £235, available at Ganni
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