Bye, Bye Blue Monday: 22 Fashion Bits to Brighten Up the Bleakest Day of the Year

Blue Houndstooth Cardigan (£44.00) and Cami £26.00– River Island

For those that don’t know, the third Monday of the year is known to be the most depressing day of the year, gaining a title of ‘Blue Monday’. Unfortunately, this bleak day comes long after the twinkly Christmas lights have been taken down, and at a time where the summer sun seems so far away…

However, in an ode to try and banish away the blues and brighten up this year’s Blue Monday, on the 18th January, I’ve pulled together our favourite fashion picks – in blue, of course. After all, there’s that age-old saying, “if you can’t beat [it], join [it]” right?

First up, we have this gorgeous houndstooth two-piece set from none other than River Island (I know, we’re surprised, too!). Not only is this giving us Princess Diana vibes, but it also appears to be an ode to the classic Coco Channel designs seen the catwalk over 50 years ago. In fact, this year it’s been a staggering 50 years since she sadly passed away, so purchasing this outfit could be a way of celebrating the great fashion guru if you can’t afford to fork out for the real version.

Elastic Waist Jean – Whistles – £99.00

Could I really create a Blue Monday fashion edit and not include a classic pair of blue jeans? Of course not! After compiling extensive research across the web, I eventually settled on this straight-leg pair from Whistles. Not only do they come in the most classic of blues (amongst other colours) but they have that all-important elastic waist – making them perfect for working from home jean, or a post-pig-out in the biscuit cupboard, pair.

Oversized Wool-Blend Coat – H&M – £119.00

Here we have a handmade, high-quality coat from none other than the Scandi, H&M. From its oversized silhouette and long sleeves, you can tell its Scandi inspired – as well as a stylish design worth having for the season. Plus, with its statement-making colour, it adds an original spin to any person’s outwear collection, with a shade that can perfectly complement the more classic colours, such as grey and black, which you can witness from the stock photo.  

Blue Multi-Check Shacket – DLSB – £59.99

Whilst I’ve already created a round-up of the best shackets on the high-street, it seems that this trend is here to stay for the entire season. With that in mind, I thought I’d share my personal favourite from the North East based fashion site, DLSB. Throw it over any outfit for an afternoon walk, or you could even wear it to keep you warm whilst working from home.

Light Blue Puffa Gilet – DLSB – £59.99

Finally, from this North-East based fashion brand, we have a baby blue longline gilet. Whilst the thought of wearing a gilet may be intimidating to most – it certainly doesn’t be. This one, in particular, is a fabulous functional layer than can be added to or peeled away at whim; perfect for those awkward in-between season times, when you’re not sure what the weather will be like as you go for yet another walk.

What makes this one extra special is the puffer fabric, as well as the front pockets and side zips – meaning its snug, stylish and super practical.

Statement Collar Cardigan – &Other Stories – £95.00

Once the unchallenged uniforms of grandmas and librarians, I have news, guys: collared cardigans are now cool. Not only are they a style you can chuck on to work from home in but they’re perfect for a weekend stroll, or as an additional layer to grab when nipping out at night to pick up some sweets from the shop. And this Peter Pan collar version, with its 100% wool detailing, is a perfect example.

Bejewelled Button Waistcoat – Zara – £27.99

Who’d have thought that we’d all one day be dressing like Chandler Bing in the majority of the first few seasons of Friends? Nope, not even I – a First-Class Honours fashion graduate – could predict that. But hey, isn’t that the great thing about fashion? Sometimes, you find yourself lusting over something you wouldn’t dare to have looked at years ago.

Whilst knitted waistcoats will soon be dominating the high-street, this is my personal favourite blue version out at the moment. I’d keep it simple and wear it exactly as the model has, whilst letting the blingy diamante buttons do their thing.

Wrap Tier Blazer (£35.00) and Trouser (£24.50) – 4^th and Reckless

Comparatively, on the other end of the fashion spectrum to workout gear is workwear – or an everyday outfit for when you’re feeling a little bit extra! The good thing about this suit, in particular, is that it has a year-round style. With its high-wait and slim-leg silhouette trouser, and its flattering tie-waist closure – it could be an outfit for all social calendar events, or a casual occasion when worn with a classic pair of white trainers.