Ah, January—a month known as a time for reinventing ourselves, restarting, and reimagining our self-image. The pressure to begin anew on the right foot is strong, as is motivation to reevaluate your closet and style. 

Cultural messaging around this time triggers a desire to purchase more, even after riding the high of a gift-filled holiday season. We’re materialistic animals, aren’t we? The allure of post-holiday sales beckons people to make their first buys of the year in a guilt-free way, rebranded as a step towards building their new year’s self. 

Wardrobe reinvention doesn’t need to be a drastic process of purging our closets or buying new outfits to fill an invisible void. Maybe the thing you need to regain inspiration is as simple as a funky accessory, or better yet, one that doesn’t break the bank and supports your local cool girl brand. 

Here’s a curated selection of frosty outfit additions, with most pieces wearable throughout the year regardless of climate.

Swan Lake-Inspired Hair Accessories 

Are you mourning a very short-lived stint taking ballet classes as a toddler? Let me introduce you to Gil Rodriguez, a women-owned brand founded by Eliana Gil Rodriguez that makes the grown-up version of your favorite dancewear items—except manufactured and sewn ethically in Los Angeles. The brand’s hair accessories are their most affordable items that can transform your outfit from zero personality to Swan Queen off-duty. Their sporty wide headbands ($24) are chic enough to wear from pilates to work, and available in colors like wintery white. For the girly girls, look no further than their Organza hair bows ($30) to transform yourself into a Sugar Plum Fairy. 

A Sweater for Your Legs

Clearly, I think about balletcore a lot. Leg warmers are back, and I apologize for dismissing them before. From a functionality standpoint, they serve as another layer of warmth for a body part that can only be protected from colder temps by a long coat. Aesthetically, they add softness and texture to an outfit. This pair ($20) from the female-owned brand Guizio is crafted from a mohair blend, and is just waiting to be slipped on over leggings and tights. Consider their matching arm warmers for ultimate coziness. 

A Dainty Bag Charm

Your bags deserve accessorizing too. Enter the bag charm trend, taking inspiration from Jane Birkin’s blinged-out handbags. Sticking with this roundup’s dainty snowflake vibe, Tank Air’s pearlescent Lucky Garland Keychain ($38) references Thai flower garlands called Phuang Malai—believed to be symbols of good fortune. We could all use a little bit of that this winter. 

Tights That Make the Outfit 

A monochrome outfit with statement tights has got to be one of the chicest winter looks out there. Skip the black Sheertex and step out of your comfort zone with a pair from Swedish Stockings, a brand selling hosiery made from recycled fibers instead of petroleum-based nylon. I’d choose these blue swirly tights ($38) to wear under a black mini dress or simple shimmery tights ($31) to zhuzh up a sad office look. 

Socks in the Supposed 2025 Print of the Year?

I’ve heard whisperings by fashion writers like Mandy Lee that unconventional animal prints might be big in 2025. Giraffe, boa constrictor, and Dalmatian are all fair game, with the Lee-predicted coquettish fawn print set to dominate over cheetah and tiger-printed clothing. Participate in this trend in a low-commitment way with organic cotton and recycled nylon Bambi socks ($15) from Orion Carloto’s collaboration with Doublesoul. 

Marbley Neck Adornments

Barcelona-based atelier Paloma Wool is leading the way for brands working with local artisans to create classic items that evade the trend cycle. The brand’s chunky beaded necklace ($57) in moss green and baby blue balances whimsy with practicality; it’s an all-season piece to wear atop anything from turtlenecks to summery tanks. Plus, it resembles a fancy candy I’d want to eat; thus, it’s an accessory I’d love to own.

A Crossbody Bag that Won’t Cause a Fuss

Winter dressing is dependent upon layering. The coat, sweater, and scarf combo gets bulky and lumpy—attempt to wear a shoulder bag with this look and it’s a slipping sensory disaster waiting to happen. In situations like these, the crossbody bag is essential. My crossbody Crescent Baggu ($31-$52) has never done me wrong with fussy winter outfits. For my American girlies, I recommend finding your Baggu on Offe Market, an L.A.-based store selling brands’ excess inventory at a heavy discount.  

Vintage-Inspired Hair Clips

If the aforementioned hair bows and headbands weren’t your vibe, let me introduce you to Chunks hair clips. I own a small collection of their products and can attest that the plant-based bioplastic used to make their clips is durable and thick hair-friendly. Chunks’ barettes ($20)—available in cute color combos such as chocolate and periwinkle— are perfect for keeping pesky hairs out of your face and tucked under a beanie, balaclava, or any other winter weather headwear.

A Teeny Fashion Scarf

Is a skinny scarf the most practical in winter? No, but sometimes it’s nice to prioritize fun over functionality. The spaghetti scarf ($39) from the up-and-coming, small-batch brand, Geel, is a cheeky nod to the fuzzy accessories of the early 2000s that won’t keep you warm but will definitely spark a conversation. Tie it around your neck, in your hair, on a bag…there’s no limit to the styling opportunities for this one. 

A Statement Balaclava 

London-based company Damson Madder exploded last year with limited release styles bringing cutesy prints and trendy cuts to an often mundane sustainable fashion market. I love this fuchsia balaclava ($52) for a few reasons—the simple design reduces the bulk of a beanie and scarf situation, and it’s finished with a darling scalloped edge and unobnoxious embroidered logo on the back. Plus, it’s made from 52% recycled polyester. Snag it now while it’s on sale!

I told you accessorizing can pack a punch and make go-to outfits feel special again! And what better way to support those female-owned and smaller brands you’ve been eyeing than buying a little something special for yourself. While I’m a California resident and won’t be needing all the layers for warmth, I hope these picks encourage you to stay cute and cozy until spring.