HUNGER’s guide to beating the winter blues

The January blues are a thing and seasonal affective disorder is a thing — get used to it. But by having the right tools in your arsenal, you can certainly make them less so. From winter-ready clothes to self-care essentials to home-y bits (as, let’s face it, that’s where you’ll be a lot of the time) this is HUNGER’s guide to the bits and bobs that will make January (and beyond) a little less depressing. 

No Problemo sweatpants

Aries launched No Problemo as an independent label early last year and their joggers – which come in a wide array of colours and emblazoned with their signature logo – are the perfect thing to hunker down in and/or make a quick trip to the offie. 

Snow Peak FR flight cap 

This hat isn’t just certifiably “in”, but lined with faux fur to keep your ears warm. If you’re going to succumb to no longer being able to wear summer-ready clothing (which is perhaps the hardest facet of my own existence) you should be doing it in style. We’re getting ours from Goodhood — obviously. 

Tekla boxer set 

Two pairs of boxers from the iconic Copenhagen brand for when you want to do your spring cleaning while having your pins out. Just make sure the heating is cranked up high.

Stüssy and Birkenstock Solana shearling slides 

While we don’t advise that these make their way through all the puddles that become part of the scenery this time of year, they would definitely elevate your WFH looks. 

Piglet bedding

If you’re still on the Egyptian Cotton hype, you need to get with the bloody times. Right now it’s all about linen bedding — it’s breathable, oh-so soft and it’s done best by British brand Piglet in Bed. We’ve got our eyes on their gingham and striped sets especially. 

D.S. & Durga “Concrete after Lightening” candle 

Depending on your motivation levels, a spring clean (or, at least, your desire to do one) becomes part of the furniture in the new year. And what’s the only acceptable way of finishing said spring clean? Lighting a candle. We like this one by D.S. & Durga — called “Concrete after Lightening” it harnesses the smells of electric crackle, downpour and sizzling asphalt steam. It’s also doing its bit to put a positive spin on the less-than-delightful weather that comes with the first few months of the year.

Piglet in Bed housecoat 

Given it’s not pub garden weather (and given your wallet probably doesn’t allow for many trips to the inside bit of the pub either) you definitely need a housecoat. We like this one by, again, Piglet in Bed, which was designed in collaboration with Morris & Co. Yep, it features the iconic Honeysuckle pattern created by May Morris all the way back in 1883. Pop it on and you’ll feel less east London and more Escape to the Country.

Tekla down socks 

It only seems right that this guide features more than one option for slippers. We also like these ones by Tekla, which kind of look like moon boots made for inside. Not that we’re inclined to child-like skidding across the floor, but we do reckon you’d get a good skid in these.

Yoko Wool x Goodhood siberian wool slippers

Fine, one more pair seems fair. We’ve also got a soft spot for these very soft looking slippers from Goodhood, which are a collab with Yoko Wool. Please for the love of God don’t wear these outside — they’ll end up looking like a Bichon Frisé after a January dog walk. 

Toast sheepskin hot water bottle cover

We’re far too old to be getting burns from hot water bottles bought down the local chemist. Grab one of these for the cosy season. 

Tucking In: A Very Comforting Cookbook by Sophie Wyburd 

You’re on a January health kick are you? Cool. We’re not. We’re choosing to enjoy life and fight off seasonal depression by indulging a wee bit. For that, we’re looking no further than Sophie Wyburd’s (formerly one of the MOB Kitchen clan) book Tucking In: A Very Comforting Cookbook, which is full of recipes for everything from Harissa Braised Cod to Chipotle Vodka Gnocchi Bake — because a salad never made anyone happier. 

Braindead Terra Former perfume

New year, new scent. No, but really. If you’re feeling down, a sure-fire way to put some pep in your step is buying something that falls under the self-care side of things. We like this perfume by cult-y brand Braindead, which is earthy, fresh and herbaceous. Not only does it smell good, but popping it on your dressing table would earn you some serious street cred. Hell, we might even cut a little square out of your bedroom door and do a kind of museum display for it. Glass and lighting and everything. 

HAY french press

We haven’t quite reached the drip coffee level of wankery yet, but we do like a caffetiere and it’s likely you’ll be glugging a lot of the stuff during the colder months — in short, treat yourself to the HAY french press.

Montcalm East’s “Aaahhh Refresh!” spa package

If you do venture out of the house, we advise it’s straight to a spa. The one at Montcalm East (which is just between Shoreditch and the city) offers two hours at their facilities (which include a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and pool) for just £43.

Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive body balm

Unless you want to enter the warmer months looking like a lizard with a negligent owner, we’d recommend slathering on the moisturiser. This one by Aesop is a time-tested classic and will have you smelling all herby and delicious.