The shops are abuzz with post-Christmas sales and it is a good time to get a bargain or two. However, as tempting as it is to stock up, a new year means new fashion.
This season is all about colour - mid blues, turquoise, Marsala red and chocolate browns - although colours will be more definite than the bohemian chic style that stocked the racks in 2005.
Boho will still be around but expect a more tailored look with less frills, more clean lines and touches of Victorian fabrics such as velvet.
2006 is also the return of the dress.
"Oh yeah dresses. We just can't get enough of them. Now when we do our outline for the range we'll dedicate a whole portion to dresses, they're so easy" says Ruby designer Elizabeth Shand.
Men on the other hand can expect to cast away convention this season with pattern mixing.
"Where it used to be that you'd never wear a stripe on a stripe now you can quite easily," says Ronald Biddick of RJB Design.
And as far as suits go, two-button single-breasted suits are taking over from the three-button, and grey is the new black.
But looking good is more than just dressing well. Beauty will focus on radiant skin, soft colours with an emphasis on the eyes.
"I think... perfecting the skin and really bringing out the lashes. Coatings of mascara and I'm all for cheeks, so I like to see lots of healthy glowy cheek, I just think it looks so beautiful," says MAC Cosmetics consultant Louise Ray.
And beauty therapy is not just the domain of women. That's right men, 2006 is a good time to get in touch with your inner metrosexual.
"Guys are having... body scrubs. For the more risque [guys], brazilians, eyebrow shaping, the whole body works," says Matt Swan of Mensworks Grooming Centre.
And is there anything else to know in preparations for this season?
Accessories, accessories, accessories. According to Shand, beaded necklaces are perfect companions, and the chunkier the better.
"There's lots of accessories... and they're just huge... they literally are huge now as in big, like big beads."
So prepare to get sleek and step out the door this year well groomed, well tailored, wearing opulent fabrics and all topped off with a healthy glow.
