A controversial take, perhaps, but January is one of my favourite months. The start of a new year naturally invites a reset, and while the days are short and the weather is undeniably bleak (I’m writing this cocooned in an electric blanket), there’s something comforting about the collective pause. Everything feels quieter, slower—and finding joy in the small things is necessary.
For me, that joy comes in the form of thoughtful shopping. Curated, not impulsive. Pieces that genuinely earn their place in a capsule wardrobe rather than clutter it. After the inevitable Christmas lull, brands return refreshed and focused, and January’s expensive-looking new-in sections quietly become some of the most exciting of the year, filled with elevated staples, beautiful textures and pieces designed for real life.
This is the moment when fashion feels practical again. When comfort is non-negotiable, warmth is essential, and chic dressing is achieved through soft layers, enveloping outerwear and silhouettes that feel as good as they look. The buys I’m gravitating towards right now reflect exactly that mindset: calm, considered pieces that make everyday winter dressing feel easier, and far more enjoyable, well into 2026.
Best January 2026 New-In Buys
ZARA
Double-Faced Jacket Zw Collection
This jacket looks far more expensive than it is. Clean, structured and minimal, it’s a strong example of Zara’s more elevated design moments.
Reformation
Hannah Crew Cardigan
A new addition to Reformation's great collection of knits, the Hannah cardigan is soft, relaxed and endlessly wearable. It’s cosy without looking casual, which is exactly what I want in winter.
Birkenstock
Utti Shearling Suede Leather
What better to slip in to this January than a comfy shearling-lined suede loafers?
COS
Arch Tapered Jeans
These jeans strike the perfect balance between structure and ease. The tapered shape feels modern without being trend-led, making them a reliable wardrobe staple.
KHAITE
Arizona Leather Ankle Boots
Sleek, minimal and impeccably made, these boots strike the perfect balance between polish and practicality. I love them as an everyday anchor for tailoring, denim and knitwear alike.
Shoulder-Pad Jacket - Light Beige
The cosiest faux fur jacket to cocoon in all January long.
DeMellier
The Stockholm | Dark Chocolate Suede & Dark Chocolate Smooth | Demellier
The latest in DeMellier's impeccable line-up of accessories, The Stockholm strikes the perfect balance between structure and softness. Rich chocolate tones and mixed leathers make it feel elevated without trying too hard.
COS
Chunky Cashmere Funnel-Neck Jumper
This is COS knitwear at its best—warm, sculptural and beautifully cut. The funnel neck adds just enough drama to elevate everyday looks.
Rise & Fall
Suede Trench Coat - Navy - Navy / Xs
A suede trench instantly adds depth and richness to winter dressing. This one feels timeless and quietly luxurious, the sort of coat that defines an entire look.
ALAÏA
Denim High-Rise Barrel-Leg Jeans
Alaïa’s take on denim feels sculptural and intentional, turning a casual staple into something quietly directional. These are the jeans you build an outfit around, not the other way round.
ZARA
Zw Collection Cropped Wool Coat
The cropped length gives this coat a modern edge while still feeling timeless. It’s a great option for elevating everyday winter outfits.
Reformation
Kaylee Loafer
A polished loafer that feels modern rather than retro. These work just as well with denim as they do with tailoring, making them a true everyday staple.
Rise & Fall
Women's Cashmere Merino High Neck Jumper - Navy - Xs / Navy
This is elevated knitwear at its best—clean, refined and beautifully weighted. The high neck adds structure, making it feel far more considered than a standard jumper.
Clean lines and a classic silhouette make this an easy foundation to any look, from winter to spring.
Róhe
Suede Collar Check Coat | Black / Grey Check
A coat with a vintage feel thanks to its rich cognac tone and toggle fastening, this will add so much personality to any look.
Cable-Knit Bomber Jacket - Navy Blue
Proof that high-street pieces can still feel refined. This is exactly the kind of understated basic that works hard in a polished, everyday wardrobe.
Almada Label
Bibbi Balaclava, Cream
The accessory every cool girl reaches for once the temperatures become unbearable. Soft, sculptural and impeccably minimal.
ZARA
Wool Knit High Neck Jumper
A simple knit that feels intentional thanks to its cut and neckline. Ideal for layering under coats and blazers all winter long.
COS
Gathered Quilted Down Jacket
A practical winter jacket that still feels chic. I love the soft structure and subtle gathering, which makes it feel far more refined than most down coats.
The Row
E/w India Bag in Leather
Understated, impeccable and endlessly versatile, this is luxury in its purest form. It’s the kind of bag that quietly signals excellent taste.
NOUR HAMMOUR
Shearling Jacket
This is the kind of statement outerwear that makes winter dressing feel instantly luxurious. Rich in texture and beautifully cut, it’s a forever piece that elevates even the simplest jeans-and-knit combination.
MANGO
Leather Mitts - Women | Mango United Kingdom
Leather gloves instantly make winter outfits feel more polished. These are practical, timeless and surprisingly impactful.
COS
Cashmere Scarf
A great cashmere scarf is non-negotiable in winter. This one is soft, warm and understated—exactly how I like my accessories.
YSL
Le 5 À 7 Supple Small in Grained Leather
An icon for a reason, this bag brings instant polish to any outfit. It’s elegant, restrained and unmistakably Saint Laurent.
The Row
Mumu Tights in Cashmere
These feel like a small but meaningful upgrade to winter dressing. Elegant, refined and surprisingly transformative when styled with tailoring or dresses.
Marina Avraam is Senior Shopping Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she expertly navigates Zara, H&M, Toteme and Net-a-Porter (to name but a few) on a daily basis to unearth the most worthwhile pieces, while valiantly resisting the urge to add every single one to her basket. At Who What Wear, Marina is committed to curating a shopping experience that feels both aspirational and intentional, guiding readers to items—both affordable and investment—that will genuinely benefit their wardrobes.