Why colour blocking is the best way to combat January blues

Crayon-bright hues in the depths of winter might, at first consideration, seem misplaced. But in fact, what better way to combat the doom and gloom of January (because let's face it, the struggle is all too real) than with a nearly-neon knit or colour-pop coat?

As we approach some of the most miserable days of the year, here are five reasons why blocks of bold colour should be your antidote to January blues...

Get a head start on the new sartorial season

While in mid-January, we can't begin to claim that spring is anything more than a tiny dot on the horizon, there's nothing to say you can't start thinking about the new season.

If the purchases you make at the start of the year are also suitable for spring and, dare we say it, summer, you'll be making a savvy investment. So if you're looking for the perfect chunky knit for your weekend wardrobe or woollen coat to add to your workwear arsenal, consider opting for one in a bright shade.

Give your winter neutrals a new lease of life

Already tiring of the black trousers you bought back in September, or the camel coat you purchased at the first sign of autumn? The addition of a handful of colourful pieces could be just what you need to fall back in love with a much worn item.

Your favourite camel jumper, for example, might be crying out for a pair of red tailored trousers and a navy jacket, or your trusty check coat could be in desperate need of a violet jumper and an emerald skirt. What's more, there's no better way to instantly pep-up old denim than with bright colour pops.

Change things up

Seize the opportunity, while things are looking a little glum, to experiment with unlikely colour pairings. Branch out from the safe zone of mixing grey, white and black with bold tones, and opt for punchier combinations like mustard and jade or orange and lilac instead.

Take a leaf out of Victoria Beckham's book, whose daring approach to colour has become her style signature, providing ample inspiration in the process.

Inject colour into your work wardrobe

As if heading back to work in January isn't dreary enough, doing so armed only with monochrome tailoring or shirts in various shades of white is particularly bleak. The solution is simple: if whatever it is you're thinking of buying comes in a brighter shade, consider choosing that over yet another black jumper, of which you inevitably already have six.

If you haven't had your colours done, consider doing so first (House of Colour offers a colour analysis service), so that you can be safe in the knowledge that your jazzy new buys are going to be equally, if not more, flattering than a neutral alternative.

Winter welcomes bright hues

Cold months might traditionally be associated with a muted colour palette, but there's no real logic to this. In fact, in the same way that winter needn't mean bidding adieu to your favourite sunglasses, with statement outerwear, colourful knitwear and vibrant tailoring just a few of the bright, wintry offerings around, there's nothing to stop you embracing colour now.

5 wintry buys which are perfect for colour blocking

Asymmetric skirt, ￡79, John Lewis & Partners 

Tie-neck dress, ￡210, By Malene Birger

Relaxed coat, ￡79, Topshop 

Sweatshirt, ￡29.99, H&M

Corduroy trousers, ￡35, Monki