19 mood-boosting fashion buys because January is hard enough

Sometimes you just need to treat yo'self

mood boosting outfits

by Aimee Jakes |
Updated on

Once Christmas is over, we suddenly have to contend with the harsh reality that 1) it's approx minus 28302 degrees outside 2) we are skint 3) we have to set a morning alarm.

However, fear not reader, there are a few things you can do for a mood boost and our vote is joyful dressing. Think about it. Why are we reaching for drab neutrals during the bleakest month of them all? Instead, let's choose colour! Pattern! Excitement!

We're talking edgy fits, mood-boosting motifs and a wardrobe that wouldn't look out of place on Emily In Paris. But er, probably a little less Chanel.

Research by Stitch Fix shows that a third of us (29%) experience a boost in our mood when wearing colourful clothing.

In addition, 20% say that feeling confident in colour elicits feelings of strength and increases energy levels.

Sounds pretty good to us. We've gathered together some of our favourite mood-boosting fashion buys, all guaranteed to leave you feelin' a little more cheerful. See ya, beige.

SHOP: our favourite mood-boosting buys for winter and beyond

Gallery

Joyful fashion buys

Pink Geometric Ruched Crop Top1 of 19

Pink Geometric Ruched Crop Top

A fun top that will instantly liven up your old pair of jeans.

Block-coloured jumper2 of 19

Block-coloured jumper

Colour-blocking made easy thanks to this adorable H&M knit.

asos3 of 19

DesignB London x3 multipack coated metal rings in pastel multi

Update your OOTD with these playful rings.

asos4 of 19

Style Cheat split tea dress in pink abstract spot print

This dress is getting us in the mood for spring and dare we say, plans!

River Island5 of 19

Green Geometic Mesh Dress

Geometric and downright gorj, a River Island number for your wishlist.

Heart Print Cropped Cardigan6 of 19

Heart Print Cropped Cardigan

Not only is this cardi joyful, but it's also giving us major Valentine's Day vibes. Get knit that does both.

Lilac and Orange Lindos Dress7 of 19

Lilac and Orange Lindos Dress

A dreamy colour block that can be dressed up or down.

asos8 of 19

SELLING FAST Topshop knitted warped spot jumper in orange

Trust Topshop to absolutely nail cheerful dressing.

asos9 of 19

ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Liberty plaited pointed ballet flats in purple velvet

We never realised our life was missing purple velvet flats and now suddenly, they're all we can think about.

Wide Shoulder Draped Dress10 of 19

Wide Shoulder Draped Dress

We're keeping this on standby for spring. Ob-sessed.

re_styld orange curved hem puffer coat11 of 19

re_styld orange curved hem puffer coat

Make your coat the focal point of your outfit with this satsuma-hued puffer.

asos12 of 19

Nobody's Child Cecile maxi dress in vintage floral

It's love at first scroll with this delightful midi.

New Look13 of 19

Red Curved Shoulder Bag

A handbag is a great way to sneak colour into an outfit. We love this bargain shoulder bag from New Look.

New Look14 of 19

Purple Floral Button Front Tiered Midi Dress

We love this uplifting midi dress. We'll be wearing ours with a huge coat and white sneaks.

New Look15 of 19

Pink Stripe Crew Neck Cardigan

Clashing red and pink is our favourite pastime.

Zinnea Sequin Mini Skirt in Rainbow16 of 19

Zinnea Sequin Mini Skirt in Rainbow

Christmas may be over, but it doesn't mean you have to ditch the sequins. We love it styled with a simple black turtleneck for a chic evening outfit.

Teal Flower Swedish Dress17 of 19

Teal Flower Swedish Dress

If there is one thing NeverFullyDressed do better than anyone else, it's mood-boosting midi dresses.

Knitted jumper18 of 19

Knitted jumper

Combat the blues (by wearing it proudly!) with this snuggly jumper.

The Ragged Priest Roasted Jumper19 of 19

The Ragged Priest Roasted Jumper

A fun jumper that will elevate any outfit.

Read more on heatworld

The best loungewear co-ords to live in for the foreseeable

How to make your very own bottomless brunch at home

Everyone gets bad moods from time to time, and sometimes getting yourself a treat isn't the answer.

It's really important to be kind to yourself, because in the words of Ru Paul - "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you supposed to love somebody else?" Take a break if you need it, go for a walk or do some exercise.

Chatting to a friend, even if it's just about the latest episode of Too Hot To Handle, is also a great way to lift your mood and get some good vibes going.

Getting a good night's sleep is also one of the best ways to boost your mood, so make sure you get off Instagram in good time for a restful night's kip.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us