I feel like we always forget how cold the weather gets in January. So if you're currently at your desk wishing you had a hot water bottle on your lap, join the club. It's at this time of year that winter accessories really come into their own. And if your ears, fingers and neck turned increasingly blue on your commute this morning, it sounds like you're not properly attired with cold-weather woollies.
Yes, the constant dilemma of dressing and undressing while going about your day has, once again, become reality, as layers are peeled off and hastily replaced as you go from outdoors to in. Our advice? Carry a tote bag at all times for the overspill winter accessories - the hats, the gloves, the scarves - because you're going to need them all. A lot.
For a much-needed dose of optimism when it comes to winter accessories, try going for a bold colour, especially if you wear a lot of black. Nothing will lift the spirits like a dash of lime or fuchsia on your beanie. Shearling or faux-fuzz is also trending (UGG's exposed sheepskin mittens are the one). Fashion editors have also been wearing their thick woolley jumpers as scarves for double the warmth when it's truly frosty. And finally, don't forget cashmere, which is always a yes. With temperatures dropping, these warming outfit additions have never been more tempting.
SHOP: The Best Winter Accessorises
www.ugg.com
If your feet are snug in their UGGs, it feels unfair to leave your fingers out in the cold. Enter these exposed sheepskin mittens, which are so cosy that you'll never want to take them off.
www.uniqlo.com
Uniqlo's 100% cashmere scarf is a seriously good price considering its quality.
www.arket.com
Arket's fluffy cloud of a bucket hat will almost make you grateful for the cold weather.
www.johnlewis.com
These cosy mittens will soon become a staple of your cold-weather wardrobe.
www.jigsaw-online.com
Made with an oh-so-warm blend of wool and cashmere, Jigsaw's emerald beanie is now reduced in the sale by 40%.
www.and-daughter.com
& Daughter's striped hood, which is hand knit and made from 100% lambswool, has got to be the ultimate way to hide a bad hair day.
www2.hm.com
Available in a spectrum of neutrals as well as this rather lovely shade of lilac, H&M's wool-blend beanie will be your BFF.
www.selfridges.com
This Acne Studios scarf is a luxurious take on winter basics.
www.ariat.com
Keep your hair out of your face and your ears warm with this knitted headband from Ariat.
www.net-a-porter.com
Toteme's shearling hat is guaranteed to deliver warmth - and crucial style points - every time you wear it this winter.
www.cos.com
This lime green scarf is the perfect finishing touch to any neutral outfit.
www.ganni.com
Ganni's holly berry red beret is for those who miss Christmas.
www.stories.com
The stealth-wealth take on the bucket hat you didn't know you needed - until now.
www.massimodutti.com
This brown scarf looks deliciously good with shades like cream, chocolate and white.
www.beggxco.com
Begg x Co's famous bi-colour beanie will be the cherry on top of any winter outfit.
www.coggles.com
When it comes to winter pieces, Jaake knows a thing or two. Its balaclava doesn't have a knitted neck so it's perfect for pairing for polo necks.
www.bimbaylola.com
Add a touch of colour to your winter armour via these lilac gloves.
www.ssense.com
The famous yellow beanie is out of stock but black and brown are still available.
www.asos.com
Let me tell you, the cold doesn't stand a chance with this scarf.
www.oliverbonas.com
Don't forget about your wrists!
www.allsaints.com
These offer 2-in-1 protection with leather gloves to stop your fingers getting frozen, as well as knitted arm-warmers.
www.selfridges.com
If you want to treat yourself this winter, let it be with this brightly coloured scarf.