Credit: Albaray, Mango, Dune, Whistles, Cos
Fashion
10 fashion director-approved affordable buys for an instant wardrobe refresh in 2025
By Lucy Reber
3 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
5 min read
Heading into a brand new year means a fresh look at what we wear. Stylist’s fashion director, Lucy Reber, makes an edit of affordable high street buys that will update your look for now and carry you through to spring.
I love the calmness of January. After the busyness of December – which is glorious at the time – it is a welcome relief to return to simpler, more peaceful days. And just like the cleaning of the home that happens as we take our trees and decorations down for another year, our wardrobes are in need of a serious refresh too.
The person I was sartorially for the whole of December has vanished, and my much lower-key dressing, truer self has returned. For the festive season, I’m a real fan of glittery eye make up and silky diaphanous blouses. Come 1 January, I am straight back to crisp cotton shirts and no-nonsense style. It’s partly about getting on with the year in a dynamic manner, but also about making life simpler and easier to live.
This seems a dramatic statement used for a wardrobe refresh. But an outfit I know I can rely on to make me feel great, that also looks good in a range of different environments, is a balm. It helps me ease back into work and the year ahead feeling organised and calm.
There are a few simple ways I go about investing in key pieces for the new year. Firstly, I take stock of what I have. There is nothing worse than buying the same grey jumper over and over. You always have a favourite version of said piece, so buying on repeat is pointless (unless you’re planning to sell older versions). This leads me to my second point: get selling or donating anything you are no longer in love with. Trust me, it is so much easier to get dressed with less stuff.
Next, I have a little think on the trends for spring/summer 2025. We absolutely shouldn’t be beholden to trends, but it’s nice to have a little nod to them to make your outfit feel up to date. Finally, I browse the high street and see what jumps out at me. What is it that instantly says comfy yet cool in exactly the way I want to dress for the moment.
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Read on for my edit of the chic new season pieces I’ll be shopping for to give my wardrobe a lift through January.
H&M frilled collar cotton blouse
You cannot go wrong with a crisp cotton boho blouse. The frill neck detailing of this one from H&M elevates it – plus, it is also 100% cotton, which makes it an instant winner for me. Wear with some wide-leg blue jeans and a cashmere cardigan now and with khaki shorts for summer. You are going to get wear out of this all year long.
M&S elasticated waist wide leg trousers
I’ve recently noticed a lot of zebra print on the high street and I love it. These trousers feel fresh for now and I know they will be perfect through spring and beyond. For a January look, I’ll be wearing mine with an oversized knit and flat black leather Mary Janes.
Mango faux fur coat with appliqués
I think January is the perfect time to add a new coat to your wardrobe. It’s predictably freezing the next few months, and so updated outerwear is a crucial way to refresh your look. This cosy faux fur will look great over a knitted roll-neck, midi skirt and long leather boots.
Uniqlo crew neck sweatshirt
You just can’t beat a grey sweatshirt. I don’t have one in my wardrobe right now, so this Uniqlo version will be a welcome addition. A sweatshirt like this looks great over a cotton shirt, with wide-tailored trousers. It will add a cool, casual edge to smarter looks, which is what I am looking for this month.
Simply Be leopard print cotton jacket
The leopard print trend is set to run and run. I just love these cotton, quilted jackets – worn underneath a trench coat for now as an extra layer and on their own come spring. They are also a great substitute for more tailored jackets for the office, adding a lift to outfits, without being overly formal.
Dune London Odele chiselled toe kitten heel Chelsea ankle boots
New shoes always say ‘fresh start’ to me. I have admired the black leather version of these since last year, but I feel like the brown suede are the ones I need to invest in. I’ll style them with a fitted brown T-shirt, like the one below from & Other Stories and wide-leg, cropped trousers. Brown is still a big trend for spring/summer 2025 and one I am going to be buying into.
Shop Dune London Odele chiselled toe kitten heel Chelsea ankle boots, £150
Cos relaxed stripe long sleeved polo shirt
The polo shirt is such a happy trend because of its relaxed versatility. It is also a great way to make everyone’s favourite – the striped T-shirt – feel up to date. Wear with everything; you can style it under a suit or simply with jeans and you will be comfy, while looking of-the-moment. Win, win.
& Other Stories draped brooch T-shirt
I am obsessed with this T-shirt. Not only is the colour perfect for now but the brooch detail really elevates it. It feels much more expensive than its £37 price tag. Style with slim cigarette trousers and sling-back kitten heels for the perfect low-key dinner look. It makes just the right amount of fuss for a night out in January.
Albaray butter yellow cable jumper
Pale buttery yellow hues were also a big trend for spring/summer 2025 as seen at the Coperni and Alaia shows. This oversized cotton knit is the perfect way to adopt this trend for January. I really love cotton knitwear – it is nice and breathable on the Tube and will work just as well as a UK beach cover-up come summer as it will layered over a white T-shirt and worn with leopard print jeans for now.
Whistles gold classic huggie hoop
My fashion motto could well be: ‘If in doubt, add a gold hoop’. I am truly committed to a great pair of hoops and a new pair in the collection from time to time is very welcome. They make everything from a simple white shirt to a rugby shirt or yellow jumper look better. I love this petite, inexpensive pair from Whistles for the ideal little update.
Images: courtesy of brands
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