London in winter offers a feast of seasonal attractions. The streets of the UK’s capital city are illuminated by sparkling Christmas lights and there are shops full of goodies and lots of great places to visit.
The season often brings bad weather too though. Winters in Britain tend to be either cloudy and wet or icy cold, so the right outfit will be essential to enjoying London at this time of the year.
Fortunately it is possible to guard against the wintry weather while still retaining a sense of style. This article will contain everything you need to know about what to wear whatever you plan to do in London this winter.
Best Outfit for a Classy Night Out
London is full of high-class places to spend a night out, from its West End theatre district to luxury casinos. Those are both popular choices, but this kind of evening out demands something more restrained than pub or nightclub dress.
Smart casual is the basic requirement, but you will want to turn the heads of everyone around you. Dresses and tops with plenty of detailing – e.g. bows and ruffles – are trending this winter, from outlets like River Island, H&M and Zara. If that is too fussy for your tastes, a silk satin dress from Clea will work just as well.
Wear alongside a matching pair of high heeled shoes and you will fit in at even the swankiest London theatres or casinos. The point is to dress to the nines for this kind of evening – you can always play something like the Crazy Time casino game on the internet if the weather is really terrible.
Best Outfit for a Shopping Trip
The chances are you will want to fit some shopping in during your time in London, as the city is known for its many great retail outlets. This sort of daytime adventure will see you covering up a bit more, as the aim is to be fashionable while also keeping yourself warm.
Swapping the dress or skirt for a pair of classic straight leg blue jeans from Agolde will work well, as denim is never really out of fashion in the capital. These can be combined with a simple white t-shirt from somewhere like Asket at a very reasonable price.
You will need a winter jacket or coat over the top though, if you don’t want to freeze to death. A light parka from Fjallraven is one good choice, equally suitable for the countryside or urban pavements.
Not everyone sees the appeal of parka jackets, but a full-length coat in camel hair will be a timeless and smart alternative. Although not cheap, the model from Max Mara will look stunning on the streets and in the shops of London, especially combined with a pair of black boots.
Best Outfit for Work
Unfortunately London play has to be combined with work for most people and that means winter outfits suitable for the office are an essential part of your wardrobe. One interesting trend when it comes to coats is the scarf coat. It wraps around your neck to keep the cold out and a felt version can be bought from Toteme, the brand that sparked this seasonal fashion in the first place.
It will go really well with a denim maxi skirt and knee-length pointed black boots. Alternatively, a simple pair of jeans will also provide a smart professional look in combination with the boots and the scarf coat.
Accessorise with an Eleanor Small shoulder bag in leather from Tory Clutch or a Kurt Geiger clutch.
Best Outfit for a Casual Night Out
For those evenings when a laid-back vibe is key, such as a pub visit followed by clubbing during the festive season, it’s essential to strike a balance between trendy and fun in your outfit choices.
Embracing the London winter scene, a Miu Miu midi dress adorned with polka dots is a popular choice among the fashion-savvy. This eye-catching piece pairs well with knee-high boots and a cozy scarf, with options available from retailers like Flannels, Marks & Spencer, or TK Maxx.
Metallic fashion is hot this winter, partly influenced by Beyonce. A top in sleek metal grey shades from River Island’s winter line is a trendy pick. Amplify your look with bold earrings, like hoops or gemstones, a trend that has transitioned from Alexander McQueen and Moschino runways to London’s streets. For a perfect match, opt for metallic earrings from Zara.
These ensemble ideas are just what you need for your winter outings in London.
