This year has passed in a flash. The days are already growing colder and darker, and before you know it, there’ll be the twinkle of snow in the air. Now, you might think it’s far too early to start prepping your winter wardrobe – it’s only just September, after all! In fact, now is the perfect time to think about the months ahead and make sure you’re ready for the winter.

Starting now will give you time to really consider the clothes you own, and peruse the shops for the clothes you want, without being forced into panic decisions because you’re desperate for something – anything – to keep you warm. You even have the luxury to reinvent or refresh your style, if you want. Why not? It’ll make this Christmas one to remember, and we all need a bit of excitement in our lives every now and then.
Reuse and Refresh
Firstly, you definitely don’t need to buy a whole new set of clothes in order to ‘refresh your wardrobe’. It would very expensive, not to mention wasteful, and you can be cleverer than that. Your first point of call should be your wardrobe. Check out what clothes you wore last year (and the year before that, and the year before that….) and be honest with yourself – which items do you still like? There will be some pieces that will last for years, especially if you got them from good quality sources and some that will not stand the test of time. Be brutal, but realistic. Weed out anything you don’t want and pop it in a bag to take to a charity store. You’ll be left with all the items you genuinely want to wear again this winter, and you can build from there.
Invest in the Basics
There are some pieces that should be a staple every year, without fail. Solid, waterproof boots, men’s winter coats, and a pair of really good quality jeans will all keep you warm and stylish throughout the colder months. Boots and jeans can last for years, so it’s well worth investing in brilliant quality. These items will become your second home, and it’s important that they fit well, are made from luxury materials, and that you keep them looked after. If your boots start to wear, take them to a cobbler! You’d be surprised how they’ll come back looking like new. A winter jacket is another proposition – and one worth changing each year. This one garment can completely alter your look, reducing the need to buy other items and giving you a total winter refresh with minimal effort.
Don’t Be Afraid of Color
For too many people, winter conjures images of greys, browns, and blacks. If you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s time to invest in a pop of color. This doesn’t have to be extreme to make an impact. Something like a simple red scarf can pull a whole outfit together, taking it from drab to fresh in 0.1 seconds. You can also consider brighter t-shirts, so you get that flash of color from under a sweatshirt, or even a dark blue or green shade for your gloves. There are plenty of ways to spice up a winter wardrobe, and always remember that color is your friend, not your enemy.
Find Inspiration
If you’re looking to refresh your style, it can be hard to know where to begin. Believe it or not, this is where the fashion industry comes in. Checking out the big shows, and even indie catwalks and designers can be incredibly helpful. You might not see anything you’d actually want to wear out on the street, but trends will often emerge from haute-couture before entering our daily lives. Keeping an eye on the industry can inspire your own fashion choices, and give you a sneak peek at what styles are likely to make it to your high street before long. As well as big fashion names, follow some style influencers on Instagram or other social media platforms. These people can be a great way to see looks that actually work as daily wear, that you can adapt to your own unique style.
Make It Your Own
As much as you get influence from different sources, it’s just as vital to stay true to yourself. Take all advice with a pinch of salt, aside from your home. What makes you happy? What do you feel comfortable wearing? Your winter wardrobe should be a part of expressing yourself (as well as keeping warm) so always stay true to your own preferences.