Want to know exactly what to wear in London in December? This what to wear London December guide breaks down the essentials you truly need.
London’s winter can be damp and cold, so the right outerwear, cozy layers, warm accessories, and waterproof shoes make all the difference.
In this post, you’ll learn how to dress comfortably for sightseeing while still feeling stylish for festive December events.
You’ll get clear outfit formulas that help you stay warm, dry, and confident throughout your London trip.
This post is all about what to wear London December guide.
What to Wear in London in December
Weather & Climate 🌫️
December temperatures in London typically range from 3°C to 9°C (37°F to 48°F). While snow is rare, drizzly rain is common and skies are often overcast.
Days are short—sunset often comes before 4 PM—and wind chill can make it feel colder. While not bitterly cold, the dampness gets into your bones if you’re not dressed properly. Layers and water-resistant outerwear are your best friends in this weather.
Casual Cool London Outerwear with Puffer and Combat Boots
This off-duty look features a voluminous puffer, cropped denim, and grunge-inspired boots—practical yet stylish for chilly city days.
✨ Get the Look:
Black Longline Puffer Coat 🖤 / Cropped Blue Jeans 👖 / Lace-Up Combat Boots 🥾 / Black Hoodie 🧥 / Black Beanie 🧢
How Locals Dress ✨
Londoners are pros at dressing smartly for damp weather. The winter uniform often includes a tailored wool coat, chic leather boots, and layered knits.
Dark colours—black, charcoal, navy—dominate the city streets, often paired with a plaid scarf or structured bag. Outfits are practical yet refined. It’s not about loud fashion; it’s about understated polish.
You’ll rarely see puffers unless it’s very cold—coats are often sharp and city-appropriate, even when layered.
City Sleek in Classic Black Coat and Denim Combo
This modern city look keeps it clean and sharp with a tailored longline coat, crisp turtleneck, and straight-leg denim.
✨ Get the Look:
Black Long Coat 🖤 / White Turtleneck Sweater 🤍 / Straight Blue Jeans 👖 / Black Leather Heeled Boots 👢 / Quilte
Outerwear 🧥
Bring a wool coat or a water-resistant trench with a liner. London in December is wet more than frozen, so protection from drizzle is just as important as warmth.
A classic belted wool wrap coat or double-breasted longline coat in black, camel, or grey will blend beautifully with city style.
If you’re outdoors often, a hooded parka or anorak with insulation works well, especially in parks or less central areas.
Layered City Look with Grey Wool Coat and Pops of Red
This outfit blends a classic grey-on-grey palette with cropped denim and patent boots, punctuated by a bold red crossbody bag for a chic sightseeing day in London.
✨ Get the Look:
Charcoal Wool Coat 🌫️ / Grey Knit Sweater 🧶 / Light Wash Cuffed Jeans 👖 / Patent Lace-Up Combat Boots 👢 / Light Grey Scarf 🧣 / Red Crossbody Bag ❤️ / Clear Frame Glasses 🤓
Layers & Fabrics 🧵
Start with a thermal base layer or long-sleeve tee, followed by a light knit jumper or fine-gauge sweater.
Merino wool, cotton blends, and cashmere are perfect for insulating without bulk. Layering is key in London—you’ll go from cold streets to warm museums and shops often, so your look needs to flex throughout the day.
Classic Black Winter Look with Shearling-Lined Puffer
This cozy city-ready outfit pairs a long black puffer with shearling lining and slim denim for a no-fuss winter staple.
✨ Get the Look:
Black Longline Puffer Coat 🖤 / Black Knit Sweater 🧶 / Black Skinny Jeans 👖 / Rust Ribbed Beanie 🧡
Tops 👚
Go for mock-neck knits, turtlenecks, and structured blouses that layer easily under outerwear. For indoors, bring at least one elevated top for tea at a hotel or dinner at a gastropub.
Think silky button-downs or chic crewnecks paired with a cardigan or blazer. Avoid overly thin materials unless you’re layering under heavier pieces.
Snowy Day Neutrals with White Puffer and Shearling Boots
This layered cold-weather outfit mixes soft knits, creamy whites, and cozy textures—perfect for staying warm and polished in the city.
✨ Get the Look:
White Maxi Puffer Coat ❄️ / Cream Cable Knit Sweater 🤍 / Black Leggings 🖤 / Tan Shearling-Lined Lace-Up Boots 🥾 / Chunky Knit Scarf 🧣 / White Pom Beanie 🤍 / Brown Tote Bag 👜
Bottoms 👖
Dark skinny jeans, corduroy trousers, or wool-blend slacks are ideal. They’re warm, stylish, and perfect for walking or riding the Tube.
If you’re planning a more polished look, bring tailored cigarette pants or straight-leg denim with stretch. Leave shorts and breezy skirts behind for now—it’s too chilly without tights.
Street-Style London Look with Long Puffer and Combat Boots
This cozy-casual outfit layers a silver puffer with light denim and chunky boots—ideal for navigating East London streets in winter.
✨ Get the Look:
Long Silver Puffer Coat ❄️ / White Crewneck Tee 🤍 / Light Wash Jeans 👖 / Black Lace-Up Boots 🥾 / Chunky Knit Beanie 🧶
Dresses 👗
Knit dresses or sweater dresses are London winter staples. Pair them with opaque tights or thermal leggings, then layer with boots and a coat.
For evenings, opt for a midi dress with long sleeves or a velvet wrap dress—something that feels elegant but warm. Add a wool coat and structured bag to polish the look.
Elegant Holiday Market Look with Belted Coat and Knit Dress
This refined winter look brings structure and softness together with a belted black coat layered over a ribbed turtleneck dress and ankle boots.
✨ Get the Look:
Belted Black Coat 🖤 / Cream Ribbed Turtleneck Dress 🤍 / White Ankle Boots 👢 / Crossbody Bag 👜
Shoes 👢
Leather ankle boots or knee-high boots with water resistance are perfect. Opt for a slight heel or lug sole for wet pavements. Chelsea boots are a London staple—sleek, functional, and easy to walk in.
Sneakers work if they’re weatherproof, but avoid anything with open toes or absorbent fabric. Pack one pair of polished shoes for fancier meals or theatre outings.
Bold All-Black Winter Outfit with Leopard Accent
Statement meets sophistication in this edgy black-on-black outfit, elevated with a leopard scarf and structured leather bag.
✨ Get the Look:
Black Maxi Puffer Coat 🧥 / Faux Leather Leggings 🖤 / Lace-Up Platform Boots 👢 / Leopard Print Scarf 🐆 / Quilted Black Handbag 👜
Accessories 🧣
A wool scarf, knit beanie, and leather gloves are essentials. Umbrellas are useful, but flimsy ones get wrecked by wind—go for a sturdy, compact umbrella or stick with a hooded coat.
Crossbody bags are perfect for hands-free city travel. Don’t forget a pair of stylish sunglasses—yes, even in winter, there are bright afternoons.
Soft Neutrals Holiday Shopping Look with Knit Dress
Elegant and festive, this polished outfit layers a soft grey coat over a ribbed knit turtleneck dress—ideal for browsing the boutiques.
✨ Get the Look:
Light Grey Wool Coat 🤍 / Cream Turtleneck Knit Dress 🤍 / Brown Knee-High Suede Boots 👢 / Beige Chain Shoulder Bag 👜 / Shopping Bags 🛍️
Color Palette & Style Vibe 🎨
Stick to deep neutrals—black, grey, navy, and olive—with accent tones like burgundy or emerald. The style is minimalist, layered, and polished. London fashion in winter is less about flash and more about well-tailored, practical elegance. Patterns like plaid, houndstooth, or subtle florals add charm without loudness. Think London Fog, but make it chic.
Daytime vs Evening Outfits 🌞🌙
Daytime looks should prioritize warmth: trousers, sweaters, boots, and a practical coat. For evenings, upgrade with a longline dress coat, structured blouse, midi dress, or tailored pants with sleek accessories.
Dining in London often leans smart casual—so while jeans are acceptable, elevate them with a blazer or heeled boots.
Sporty Street Style with Black Puffer and White Sneakers
This active-chic city outfit is all about ease—pairing a cropped puffer, leggings, and trainers for an effortlessly stylish coffee run.
✨ Get the Look:
Cropped Black Puffer Jacket 🧥 / White Sweatshirt 🤍 / Black Leggings 🖤 / Chunky White Sneakers 👟 / Mini Crossbody Bag 👜 / Sunglasses 🕶️ / Coffee Cup ☕
Common Mistakes / What to Avoid 🚫
Don’t dress for a dry winter—you’ll regret it when the drizzle starts. Skip unlined jackets, thin sneakers, and coats without hoods. Avoid heavy-duty ski gear unless you’re heading out of town.
Overpacking trendy pieces you’ll only wear once isn’t practical—Londoners love repeatable staples. Also avoid under-layering—it’s easy to feel damp and chilled without that thermal tee or inner knit.
Final Tips & Best Practices ✅
Layer like a pro, focus on water-resistant shoes, and bring at least one polished outfit for a night out. Plan for damp cold rather than snow. Use outerwear to define your style—it’ll be your most visible piece. A crossbody or backpack helps with commuting, and don’t forget your umbrella or coat with a hood for unpredictable showers.
Final Outfit Checklist 📝
Plan to wear a wool coat or lined trench layered over thermal tops, cashmere or cotton sweaters, dark trousers or skinny jeans, weather-appropriate leather boots, and accessorize with a wool scarf, gloves, compact umbrella, and a crossbody bag—ensuring you stay dry, warm, and effortlessly stylish across the chilly London streets in December.
