7 Things You Should Do (and Buy) Every January for a Better Wardrobe

You're probably already sick of hearing what to do and not do in January (sorry!), but here we go. We promise it will be worth your time. Now that the chaos of the holiday season is behind us, it's time to look forward. One of the things that are going to make your life easier this year is a well-rounded wardrobe that only consists of items you're actually going to wear.

So where to begin? It can seem like an overwhelming task when you don't even know where to start, but the things we've outlined below are surprisingly simple and doable and certainly don't have to be done all at once. Scroll on to see what we recommend doing and buying not just this January but every January, and shop our useful recommendations.

To-do #1: Make a shopping list of what you're lacking.

If you're like us, you've spent the past couple of months shopping for others. Now it's time to give your own wardrobe some attention. Make a shopping list of everything you need and gradually be on the lookout for pieces to fill those holes.

Shop items to add to your list:

To-do #2: Take inventory of your basics, lingerie, and workout gear.

These are some of the most-worn items, but it's easy to forget to buy them until they're on their last leg. Throw out and replace the pieces that are showing wear, as it's a good sign those are the ones you reach for the most.

Shop basics, lingerie, and leggings:

To-do #3: Research the spring trends.

By January, there's a clear idea of what the spring trends will be, and they'll have even already started hitting the stores. Take stock of the ones you do and don't plan on trying so that you're prepared before the weather warms up. (If you need some help, we'll be covering all of them on Who What Wear!)

JW Anderson

Celine

Louis Vuitton

To-do #4: Shop the sales.

The discounts in January are deep, so even though you might just want to look ahead to spring, it's always a good idea to purchase timeless items for cheap that you know you'll still want to wear next winter.

Shop great sale finds:

To-do #5: Return, donate, or sell unworn items (and buy things you love instead).

Since most of us don't exactly have spare closet space for things that still have the tags attached, it's time to let them go. Fill your newly freed-up closet space with things you love and will wear.

Shop things we love:

To-do #6: Try a new outfit trend.

The beauty of trying a new outfit trend is that you often don't even have to buy anything to do so and can just work with what you've got.

Oversize blazer + long shorts + heels

Suit + layered turtleneck + statement shoes

Leather coat + jeans + ankle boots

To-do #7: Decide what investment pieces to save up for.

Cheap thrills might be instantly gratifying, but a beautiful investment piece that you'll keep for years (e.g., a watch or designer bag) is truly worth the money. January is the best time to start saving up.

Shop investment pieces we recommend:

Next up, the six most popular denim styles of 2020. (Mark our words.)