During January, temperatures have plunged, and public transport has ground to a halt, with freezing conditions sweeping across the UK. Snow warnings have been issued nationwide, making wrapping up warm with our winter outfit ideas essential.
We’d all love to stay cosy indoors on frosty days like this, but alas, the daily trudge to the office – or the school run beckons. If you’re braving the cold, there are plenty of ways to make your journey more pleasant while staying cosy. And no, we’re not talking about oversized puffy jackets that make you look like the Michelin Man. Instead, think subtle, stylish, and effortlessly toasty outfits that’ll keep you warm and looking great.
The secret to staying warm without feeling sweaty lies in the material. Certain fabrics are perfect for keeping you cosy while remaining breathable, so after a brisk walk, you won’t be left feeling cold and clammy – arguably the worst combination.
Here's our favourite winter outfit ideas and tips to keep you warm and stylish.
How to dress for the winter freeze: winter outfit ideas
Choose wool
When you think of wool, you might picture an itchy old blanket your grandma knitted, but fear not, high-quality wool is a game-changer. It wicks away moisture, prevents odour, and keeps you wonderfully warm. It’s perfect for jumpers, socks, gloves, and scarves.
Interestingly it's also much more effective at keeping you warm and dry than cotton. Wool specialists, Minus33 explain, 'Wet cotton clothing will conduct, or pull, warmth away from your body, unlike wool.'
There's lots of different types of wool but among the best is Merino wool. It's a super soft, fine wool that carries all the benefits of traditional wool (and it's not itchy).
Buy wool socks
Make your own wool socks
Keep your hands warm with mittens
Mittens are generally warmer because your fingers aren’t separated and provide an element of warmth to each other.
There's a bit of science behind why choosing mittens over gloves is a sensible option. Peak Mountaineering says, 'Mittens are generally warmer because your fingers aren’t separated and provide an element of warmth to each other.'
It makes sense – separating your fingers forces them to work harder to retain heat. The downside of mittens, however, is the lack of dexterity for tasks that require precision.
If your journey is a commute, try setting up your headphones with an audiobook or podcast before heading out, so you’re not left fumbling around with your mittens on.
Buy sheepskin mittens
Knitting your own mittens
Winter outfit ideas: Why layering is so important
The most effective way to protect yourself from the cold is to wear multiple layers which can be added or removed depending on the conditions
We all know layers are key to keeping cosy, but there are certain materials to look out for. Mountain Warehouse says, 'It may be tempting to put on that big bulky jacket for your winter walk to protect you from the elements and keep you warm. In actual fact the most effective way to protect yourself from the cold is to wear multiple layers which can be added or removed depending on the conditions.'
Layers certainly don't need to be bulky, you'll find the more specialist you go with your layers, the less bulky you'll be. Here's a great video by Gloria Gao about layering, proving that it can be both practical and stylish:
A good quality set of thermals is a great place to start your layering, and makes the rest of your outfit easier to style. Merino wool and bamboo are excellent choices for thermals. Merino wool for its warmth, moisture-wicking, and odour-resistant properties, and bamboo for being lightweight, naturally antibacterial, and quick-drying.
Buy a thermal bamboo base layer
Merino Wool thermal base layer set to buy
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Winter outfit ideas: Do's and don'ts for coats
Everyone knows a decent coat is the key to keeping warm and dry. While wool has its benefits, it’s not ideal for an overcoat, especially in heavy rain or snow.
Humes Outfitters tells us, 'Wool outerwear doesn’t fare too well – it absorbs moisture and can leave you soggy and cold.'
For warmth, natural down feather filling is hard to beat.
They go on to say, 'For warmth, natural down feather filling is hard to beat, though many modern eco-friendly polyester fillings also offer excellent insulation.'
When choosing a coat, opt for one with down filling that’s waterproof (not just shower-resistant), windproof, and breathable.
Buy a down feather coat
Keep your head warm
If you feel like your outfit is getting a bit serious, then opting for brighter colours or adding a cute knit can help to brighten up your look.
For a knitted hat that offers extra warmth without sacrificing its cosy charm, choose one with a thermal fleece lining.
Buy a thermal bobble hat
Knit your own bobble hat
Avoid wellies and grab a pair of decent boots
Few things are worse than wet feet slipping around in your shoes. Not only is it uncomfortable, but you’ll also lose a lot of body heat through your feet. A sturdy pair of shoes is essential in icy weather, offering both warmth and grip to keep you on your feet, on slippery pavements.
You can still have all the practicality of a winter boot with the style though. Sorel has a brilliant selection of winter boots ranging from waterproof boots to trainers. When selecting a pair, look out for waterproof, insulated, and decent grip.
Buy winter boots
Our top tips for dressing for cold weather
- Choose pure wool items for warmth
- Opt for mittens over gloves
- Choose your base layers wisely
- Opt for down-filled coats and avoid wool coats in wet weather
- Keep your head warm with a thermal hat
- Wear good sturdy shoes to avoid slipping
Get ready for the winter frost with these winter outfit ideas
With more snow and cold weather expected across the UK, now’s the perfect time to stock up on winter essentials. The key to dressing for winter lies in layering and investing in high-quality pieces that will keep you warm year after year.
Make yourself a set of hand warmers
A great way to keep yourself warm is carrying a set of hand warmers in your pockets. We have a really simple DIY hand warmer project which you can make yourself at home (you'll thank yourself on those frosty mornings).
