Shoptimism is the idea that mood-boosting pieces [1] really do exist, and shopping them (then wearing them, of course) will add a little spark to your day. There's no better time to start collecting such essentials than January, when we could all stand to press the reset button and welcome in a new year. Even though most of us are still scooping up stylish products that help us feel better about staying home [2] all the time — e.g. Contributing Editor Nneya Richards's flirty "anything goes" Tanya Taylor dress that she wears around the house or my tie-dye sweat skirt (yes, I said skirt!) — we can still get creative with our looks to keep morale high. Ahead, find out what we've got our eyes on this month, and see if any of these must haves become must haves for you, too.
Sarah Wasilak, Editor, Fashion
"Even if things were normal, January is always a month where I like to cosy up indoors and slowly but surely set the tone for the new year. I'm being more creative with my looks to boost my mood at home. I'm wearing this plunging sweatshirt backwards, for example, because I love a deep V-cut to the back as an element of surprise. I couldn't live without my shearling slippers. Even though they're a thong silhouette, I sometimes even wear them with socks. Hey, if Kaia Gerber can do it [4] . . ."
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"Current Air's Twist Tie-Dye Sweatshirt [5] ($68) and matching Knit Midi Skirt [6] ($78) is your answer to elevated sweats. I'm still not over tie-dye and the relaxed playfulness it brings to my look."
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"These Californians Mia Cream Shearling Slides [7] ($209) have officially replaced all my other slippers. The sole is sturdy enough to wear outside if I absolutely have to run out, and the luxe, ivory colorway means they go with everything."
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"Since the start of the pandemic, I've been practicing yoga, and I can finally do a headstand. I have a feeling my form will be even stronger when I'm flying high over Cynthia Rowley's Soleil Yoga Mat [8] ($115)."
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"Roxanne Assoulin's In the Mix Beaded Chain [9] ($90) is perfect for those with glasses. You can affix it to your mask for a fun pop of colour, or attach to your eyeglasses if you're the type of person who constantly takes them off then puts them back on. Oh yeah, that's me."
Nikita Charuza, Editor, Fashion
"This month is all about finding the little joys in life for me. I've been trying to take things one step at a time and not get overwhelmed by everything that's going on around me. One way I've been doing that is by reorganising my bedroom, donating old clothes, and refreshing my wardrobe with things that spark joy — whether it's an adorable hair clip from Chunks or a new throw blanket from Curio."
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"There's no way these Chunks Line Barrettes [10] ($5) won't make you smile. The brand was created by Tiffany Ju in 2019, and the designer proudly advocates for responsible manufacturing. The adorable hair clips come in a variety of fun shapes, like the wiggle ones pictured. Wanna know the best part? The clips are made from eco-friendly materials such as acetate, which is a highly durable, plant-based material that actually has a shorter life span than most typical plastics."
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"Since checker is clearly the print of 2021, I've been stocking up left, right, and centre. When I came across this Curio Checkered Blanket [11] ($372), I knew I had found the perfect new throw for my room. I love that it's made from 100 percent Australian Merino wool, and the colour is simply divine. This is one item I can't wait to buy."
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"It's no secret that Wildflower Cases is pretty much all over Instagram [12]. I've been a huge fan of the brand for some time now, which is why I was so thrilled that they teamed up with Emma Chamberlain [13]! Since I finally upgraded my phone after what seemed like an eternity, I wanted a cute case to boot. Case in point? This Emma Chamberlain x Wildflower Case [14] ($35)."
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"LoveShackFancy has been coming out with one adorable collab [15] after another. Since I'm finally getting back into the swing of working out at home, I figured this LoveShackFancy X Beach Riot Twist Top [16] ($128) would be the perfect motivation I need to go the extra mile."
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"There's something so dreamy about a pearl ring. I loved how ethereal this Fairley Double Pearl Ring [17] ($177) looked from the moment I saw it on the brand's website. It's a fun way to dress up, even if I'm just wearing sweats."
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"I've been rearranging my entire bathroom and beauty product drawers. I've been a big fan of Edie Parker Custom Vanity Trays [18] ($595) from the start, and love all of the custom sets you can build. This gorgeous Edie Parker Flower Soap Dish Set in Pineapple Rising [19] ($125) is the perfect place to start my collection at a more affordable price point."
Claire Stern, Contributing Editor, Fashion
"These days, I'm very much on board with anything positive, besides COVID-19 test results. Given the fashion industry's pollution problem, buying sustainable [20] and/or upcycled clothing is a big priority for me in the new year. Because, let's be real, we could all use something optimistic to start 2021 off right."
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"Nostalgia can be a real mood-booster. As a throwback to my preppy days growing up in Westchester, I'm embracing the knit polo trend with open arms. (Literally.) This Zara Knit [21] ($20, originally $40) is made using recycled polyester, which reduces the consumption of raw material, water, and power."
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"Nothing says 'optimism' like white, high-waist,
Warp + Weft Wide Leg denim [22] ($98). Since the days are all blending together anyway, I figure there's no harm in breaking the dated 'not after Labour Day' rule. Plus, Warp + Weft prides itself on sustainability — a regular pair of jeans uses 1,500 gallons of water, whereas their styles only require fewer than 10 gallons. The more you know!"
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"When it comes to eco-friendly, affordable accessories, Rothy's is blazing the trail. Even though shoes are basically irrelevant in lockdown, I still find myself slipping on these Blackberry Block Lace-Ups [23] ($165) to pick up groceries or run a quick errand. They are wildly comfortable and go with just about everything. Bonus: They're machine washable. Really, what's more uplifting than that?"
Nneya Richards, Contributing Editor, Shop
"I spent most of 2020 inside. I could count my social engagements in the last 12 months on one hand, so I wasn't really in the market for a new dress. But shopping is a luxury and a pleasure that I'm going to lean into for 2021. For awhile, there will be no 'I have to find a dress for this party or this wedding!' But I find myself online browsing more just when the inspiration strikes me. It's been way more fun and feels like less pressure."
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"I got this Tanya Taylor Telissa Dress [24] ($315, originally $525) in the fall, and wearing it in my little bubble around the house, I absolutely love it because it has an 'anything goes' attitude. Its bright flora motif makes me happy and adds a little colour to my Zoom meetings."
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"I toss this Scaglione Soft Seamless Cardigan [25] ($285) over my looks because it's winter, and cashmere always feel like a big hug and a treat. I have a lot of cream, camel, and beige knits that are already my go-tos, but this rich jewel-tone colour just cheers me up."
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"I bought these Stuart Weitzman Allie Booties [26] ($675) at the end of 2020 after we had a snowstorm in NYC, causing me to say, 'If I'm going to brave the elements, I'm going to do it in style.'"
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"I've been searching for denim that's somewhere between cropped and long. I love the duster length of these Agolde Lana Straight-Leg Jeans [27] ($190) for paring back to sneakers." — Dana Avidan Cohn, Executive Style Director
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"Even when I'm dressed down, I also mix in special pieces of jewellery. I find natural elements like a single baroque pearl to be very calming, hence this Mateo New York 14kt Gold Baroque Pearl Necklace [28] ($450)."
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"I love supporting sustainable brands [29], and this Döen Forget Me Not Cardigan Sweater [30]($398) has such a sweet vintage feel to it. Not to mention, it comes in a mini size for my daughter."
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"Kule is a happy brand offering a fun, light approach to everyday pieces like socks and tees. I love that these Take Out Socks [31] ($28) add a little uplifting wink to your look."