Fashion

23 January Wardrobe and Beauty Essentials To Exchange Your Less-Than-Perfect Holiday Gifts For — There's No Shame In Swapping For Something That's More Your Style

Sure, it was super sweet of your great-aunt Sylvia to get you that baby pink sweater for Christmas, but maybe it's just not you. Don't feel guilty about wanting to swap it out — after all, you've worked hard this year, and you totally deserve to exchange that gift that wasn't quite right for something you really want. Here are 23 January wardrobe and beauty essentials to make the best use out of those store credit gift cards and cash back. God bless the gift receipt!

by Alexa Tucker

Cozy Cape

The cape trend has hit the market with full-force in the past few months — it’s about time you indulge your temptations and get in on it.

Topshop Check Print Cape, $68, nordstrom.com

Makeup Brush Set

It’s probably about time you switch out your old, well-loved makeup brushes for a new set. I know I’m long overdue for a few new ones.

Deluxe Antibacterial Brush Set, $60, sephora.com

Stylish Backpack

Chic, hands-free convenience? I’m in. Wearing a backpack allows you to keep your hands in your pockets, because even with gloves on, brrr.

Pile Backpack, $34.95, hm.com

Angled Brow Pencil

2015 is the year that you get your eyebrows on fleek. Keep it simple and low-maintenance with an angled brow pencil.

Angled Mechanical Brow Pencil, $30, saniasbrowbar.com

Varsity Sweater

A menswear-inspired sweater will keep you on-trend in the cold, plus, you can wear it right into the spring and bring it back out in the fall. It’s the perfect balance of sporty and preppy.

Boy’s Club Sweater, $58, nastygal.com

Blister-Preventing Wool Socks

If there was ever a clothing item that saved my life, it’s wool socks. I have seriously blister-prone feet, and socks from brands like Darn Tough and SmartWool has made wearing boots way more comfortable. Cheers to another few months of boot season!

Darn Tough Mini Stripe Shorty Lite Socks, $16, amazon.com

Moisturizing Face Mask

Dry winter air combined with the boozy chaos of the holiday season can wreak havoc on skin. Repair it overnight with a moisturizing mask.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $23, target.com

Oversized Sunglasses

It may be cold outside, but there’s a good chance it’ll be sunny a lot of the time, too. Invest in some winter-approved sunnies — oversized pairs with black frames fit the bill.

Oversized Cat Eye Metal Arm Sunglasses, $29.90, express.com

Frosty Pink Lip Gloss

No, you probably don’t need another lip gloss, but hey, you’re gifting yourself here. Why not make it something pretty?

NYC Mega Shine Lip Gloss, $5, nordstrom.com

Running Shoes

A new pair of running shoes is the perfect way to ensure you keep up with your fitness-related New Year’s resolution — at least for a few weeks.

LunarGlide Running Shoes, $145, nike.com

Big Scarf

I find that when it comes to scarves, people tend to give ones that are stylish but a little thin — isn’t it time that you have an oversized one that’s chic and packs a punch in cold weather?

Monki Chonky Knit Lou Scarf, $28.43, asos.com

Marsala-Hued Nail Polish

Marsala is Pantone’s official Color of the Year — celebrate 2015 by painting your nails to match this year’s It hue.

Tramp Stamp Nail Lacquer, $15, butterlondon.com

Leather Wrap Belt

Wear a leather wrap belt over a button-up shirt to add a chic touch to a power-woman work outfit, or cinch your favorite coat with it to accentuate your waist in the cold.

ADA Collection Leather Sash Wrap Belt, $68, southmoonunder.com

Long Underwear Tights

Not only do I wear these for skiing — I walk to class with them under my jeans. No shame.

North Face Light Long Underwear Tights, $45, rei.com

Dainty Ring

January isn’t a big time for statement jewelry, so a teeny ring adds just the right amount of bling to any outfit.

Mini Baguette Ring, $28, baublebar.com

Chunky Knit Turtleneck

A chunky knit turtleneck is the perfect cozy piece to pair with jeans and heels for happy hour or leggings and boots for weekend errands.

Amalia Turtleneck Sweater, $50, brandymelvilleusa.com

Faux Leather Leggings

Slipping on stretchy faux leather leggings is a great way to dress up a cozy sweater without sacrificing comfort.

Mimi Chica Faux Leather Leggings, $28, nordstrom.com

Curling Wand

It’s time to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to curling wands. They are life-changing, promise. (Hint: get one that comes with a heat-resistant glove if you’re clumsy like me.)

T-Studio Pink Silk Slim Wand, $24.99, target.com

Robe Coat

A robe coat is the perfect way to stay stylish when it’s absurdly chilly outside. They’re classic, chic, and cozy — what’s not to love?

Belted Broad Collar Coat, $47.80, forever21.com

Eyelash Curler

Curling your eyelashes is a seriously underrated beauty step that makes you look alert and awake. Blast it with a hairdryer for a few seconds first to get the benefits of a heated eyelash curler without the higher price tag (but test it on your skin first to make sure it’s not too hot.)

Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler, $20, sephora.com

Classic PJs

Something about wearing traditional PJs makes me feel classic and cool. And let’s face it, January is prime pajama time. Hello, Netflix.

Printed Poplin Sleep Set, $44.99, gap.com

Fun Tee

This tee is in my NastyGal.com tote right now. A fun tee can help cheer up a lazy winter day when you’re lounging around the house.

Nope Tee, $42, nastygal.com

Highlighter Stick

A highlighter stick gives tired skin a little color and shimmer without being over-the-top. Cult favorite multitasker “The Multiple” from NARS is a good option.

The Multiple in Peachy Pink Shimmer, $39, sephora.com

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