Not sure what to wear in Amsterdam in December? This what to wear Amsterdam December guide shows you exactly what to pack.
Amsterdam’s winter weather is cold and wet, so practical layers, warm outerwear, and waterproof footwear matter most.
In this post, you’ll learn how to stay warm and comfortable while exploring the city’s winter charm.
You’ll get clear outfit formulas that make packing for Amsterdam easy and efficient.
This post is all about what to wear Amsterdam December.
What to Wear in Amsterdam in December
Weather & Climate 🌫️
December in Amsterdam brings cold, damp days. Temperatures usually hover between 1°C and 7°C (34°F to 45°F).
Rain is frequent—drizzle, sleet, or showers—and daylight is short, with sunset around 4:30 PM. Snow is rare but not impossible.
Wind off the canals can make it feel colder than the forecast says. You’ll want waterproof outerwear and insulating base layers to stay warm and dry through shifting conditions.
Neutral Tones & Burberry-Inspired Scarf for a Canal Walk
This outfit is perfect for low-key Amsterdam days with elevated basics and that signature winter scarf detail.
✨ Get the Look:
Black glossy puffer jacket / Camel turtleneck sweater / Beige plaid scarf / Black utility belt bag / Natural makeup & loose hair
How Locals Dress ✨
Dutch locals dress for comfort, weather, and movement—but always with a refined, minimalist edge.
You’ll see a lot of tailored wool coats, black ankle boots, layered knits, and neutral palettes. Cyclists zip by in waterproof parkas or hooded jackets paired with skinny trousers and thick scarves.
Fashion is subtle but smart—think utility meets city polish.
Minimal Amsterdam Winter Outfit with a Blue Beanie
This minimal cold-weather ensemble focuses on clean lines, rich textures, and effortless layering for a modern Dutch winter feel.
✨ Get the Look:
Chocolate wool coat / Black turtleneck / Blue ribbed knit scarf / Blue jeans / Brown leather ankle boots / Knit beanie
Outerwear 🧥
Bring a warm wool coat for city days and a waterproof parka or technical raincoat for biking or wet forecasts.
A coat that hits mid-thigh to knee is ideal for wind protection. Choose one with a hood and insulation, or pack a layered shell over a fleece or down jacket.
Avoid light trenches—they won’t cut it in this climate.
Bold Color Pop Winter Outfit with a City-Ready Twist
This street-style-inspired look mixes sporty and sophisticated with rich color contrasts and oversized winter essentials.
✨ Get the Look:
Rusty brown oversized coat / Blue knit scarf / Blue beanie / Wide brown trousers / Adidas sneakers / Textured black tote bag
Layers & Fabrics 🧵
Start with thermal long sleeves or heat-retaining base layers, followed by merino sweaters, chunky knits, or cashmere pullovers.
Fabric matters: wool, fleece, and cotton blends that insulate without bulk. Avoid anything that holds water like untreated cotton.
Each layer should be easy to peel off indoors but keep you toasty outdoors.
All-Black Amsterdam Winter Look with Puffer & Chunky Boots
This sharp and streamlined outfit is built for staying warm while keeping a sleek urban silhouette.
✨ Get the Look:
Long black puffer coat / Oversized knit scarf / Cropped black pants / Chunky leather Chelsea boots / Structured black handbag
Tops 👚
Stick to fine-knit turtlenecks, long-sleeve tees, and collared shirts layered under jumpers.
A thin thermal under a wool-blend sweater is ideal. For evenings, swap to a structured blouse or silky top layered under a blazer or coat.
Bulky sweaters may feel cozy, but slimmer layers are more versatile and flattering under outerwear.
Sporty-Cool Amsterdam Winter Look with Cargo Pants
This edgy winter look blends streetwear edge with practical layering, perfect for urban exploring in December.
✨ Get the Look:
Oversized satin bomber / Charcoal knit sweater / Black cargo pants / Chunky grey sneakers
Bottoms 👖
Skinny jeans, straight-leg trousers, and wool-blend slacks work best. Add thermal leggings underneath if needed.
For cycling or long walks, opt for stretchy fabrics that move with you. Avoid wide-leg pants unless cropped—they’ll drag and get soaked.
Skirts with tights can work for indoor outings, but make sure tights are thick and woolly.
Olive Green Teddy Coat with Suede Boots: A Festive Winter Combo
This cheerful December outfit softens cold-weather layering with rich tones and plush textures.
✨ Get the Look:
Long teddy-texture olive coat / Classic plaid scarf / Light denim jeans / Tan suede shearling boots / Brown cro
Dresses 👗
Sweater dresses or midi knit dresses are perfect for December. Wear with wool tights and ankle boots, then layer with a belted coat and scarf.
Stick to long sleeves and insulating fabrics like wool blends or ribbed knits. Add a blazer or long cardigan underneath your coat for extra warmth.
Shoes 👢
Waterproof ankle boots or lined Chelsea boots are perfect for walking on wet cobblestones.
Combat boots and platform loafers with tread are trendy and practical.
Avoid heels and suede—too slick and not weatherproof. Sneakers are fine if they’re weather-resistant and paired with wool socks.
Neutral Casual Amsterdam Look in Cream & Chocolate Tones
This relaxed but pulled-together fit is ideal for daytime walks, coffee runs, or laid-back museum hopping.
✨ Get the Look:
Cropped brown teddy jacket / Ivory chunky scarf / Cream wide-leg corduroy pants / Chunky tan boots / Taupe suede duffel bag
Accessories 🧣
Don’t skip the winter extras: a chunky wool scarf, beanie or beret, and lined gloves.
Bring a compact umbrella (or just trust your hood—many locals do). A crossbody bag or small backpack is easiest for biking or hopping on trams.
Minimalist gold jewelry or scarf accents complete the look without trying too hard.
Earthy Layers & Leather: Amsterdam Winter Street Look
This earthy-toned outfit combines oversized textures with vintage edge—made for a laid-back winter city stroll.
✨ Get the Look:
Brown leather bomber / Olive knit sweater / Wide cream cord pants / Dark brown platform boots / Brown knit beanie / Matching scarf / Oversized sunglasses / Suede tote bag
Color Palette & Style Vibe 🎨
Stick to dark neutrals: black, grey, navy, olive, and camel—with muted accents like rust, burgundy, or mustard.
The vibe is modern minimalist: practical pieces with clean lines, layered intentionally.
Textures (wool, leather, fleece) matter more than prints. Amsterdam is casual-cool—no fuss, just function and finesse.
Leather & Plaid Combo with a Hint of Edge
This look delivers effortless winter attitude with a tough leather jacket and cozy plaid scarf combo.
✨ Get the Look:
Black leather jacket / Oversized multicolor plaid scarf / High-rise denim / Forest green mini crossbody / Gold hoops
Daytime vs Evening Outfits 🌞🌙
Day looks focus on warmth: layered knits, jeans, boots, and your main coat.
For evening, elevate with a sweater dress or tailored trousers and blouse, plus accessories like statement earrings or a structured bag.
Most places lean casual-smart—no need for heels or partywear, just something neat and warm.
Cozy Street Style in Navy Puffer & Denim
This winter-ready look is casual, practical, and perfect for Amsterdam’s cold city days and shopping runs.
✨ Get the Look:
Navy puffer jacket / Chunky black knit scarf / Slim straight-leg jeans / Glossy black platform loafers / Simple black shopping tote / Soft glam waves
Common Mistakes / What to Avoid 🚫
Skip non-waterproof shoes, light coats, and heavy cotton jeans without thermals.
Don’t bring stilettos or anything suede. Avoid umbrellas that can’t handle wind. And don’t overdress—locals aren’t flashy.
Also avoid big, bulky scarves that tangle with your coat—opt for ones that wrap once and tuck easily.
Final Tips & Best Practices ✅
Layer wisely, waterproof everything, and prioritize comfort that moves with you. Bring a good coat, versatile knits, thermal layers, and practical shoes.
Amsterdam rewards functional fashion—subtle pieces that perform. If you’re renting a bike, test your coat’s mobility and bring gloves that work with handlebars.
Stay dry, stay cozy, and enjoy every festive, canal-lit moment.
Final Outfit Checklist 📝
Plan to wear a warm wool or waterproof coat, layered thermal tops, merino sweaters, dark skinny jeans or wool trousers, waterproof ankle boots, plus wool socks, a thick scarf, beanie, gloves, and light accessories—ensuring you stay stylish, warm, and totally prepared for Amsterdam’s cool, canal-side charm in December.
