I Went Outfit–Spotting in London—These 5 Impeccably Chic and Cosy Looks Wowed Me

I’m not going to lie, I really struggle to get dressed at this time of year. As someone who loves all things summer, these dark mornings and short days aren't for me. And don’t even get me started on the layering and delayering techniques I’ve had to master over 14 years of cold London commutes. You would think I would be used to it by now, but there’s most certainly a skill to city dressing at this time of year. You want to be cosy, but not overheat, and still embrace winter, without having to roll up to the office in a puffer coat and snow boots. There’s a fine line between practical outfits and the ones you actually want to be seen out in. My secret? Hidden thermals. Uniqlo’s Heattech will be my most trusted friend over the next few months, so much so, I'll tell anyone who will listen to buy the thin long sleeve tops that have the power to keep you so warm, without having to add huge bulky layers. Something that’s important to city girls who don’t necessarily want to be swaddled up in hundreds of layers when they’re on and off trains, or in and out of meetings throughout the day. It’s also my key to getting longevity out of my autumn hero buys I’ve bought—I add thermals under a cotton shirt, wear them under dresses on a night out (tell me you’re in your 30s, without telling me) and I know so many other fashion people rely on them on heavy rotation, too.

So, instead of showing you five different ways to wear a puffer coat for winter, I wanted to show you the outfits I’ve spotted around London that look a little bit more considered. Whether it’s a wool coat layered over a plaid shirt with trusty jeans and loafers, a faux fur jacket with a leather skirt or a way to wear all of the key accessories—triangle scarf, fluffy gloves and chunky boots—at once. And the best part? Each of these outfits shows easy ways to layer, just like a London girl.

5 London Winter Outfits That Have Impressed Me This Year:

1. Maxi Coat + Checked Shirt + Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: If you don’t own a plaid shirt by now, where have you been? If you do, then you’ve most likely been wearing it on heavy rotation. When it’s not tied around your waist, wear cleverly layered over a thermal long sleeve top. Chiara has kept it simple with jeans, loafers and a long wool—it’s important to consider warm materials at this time of year—coat. And of course feel free to pile on a scarf, gloves and a balaclava if it’s cold enough.

Shop the Look:

THE FRANKIE SHOP

Gaia Oversized Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat

The Frankie Shop's Gaia coat is iconic at this point.

Gap

Blue Fitted Check Shirt

You can never have too many plaid shirts.

COS

Clean Cut Regular Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

I swear by COS's long-sleeved tees in winter.

Such a good shape to pair with loafers.

Massimo Dutti

Crackled Leather Loafers With Decorative Detail

Just add cosy cashmere socks.

2. Scarf Coat + Wool Jumper + Track Pants + Trainers

Style Notes: At this point, the scarf coat is a mainstay in many wardrobes around the globe but London girls know how to give it that cool-girl nod. Karina styles her cream iteration with Adidas track pants (taking over from summer’s shorts) with sleek trainers and a carry-everything-including-your-laptop slouchy bag. This has to be the chicest way to style sporty trousers, right?

Shop the Look:

Mint Velvet

Neutral Wool Blend Hand Finished Scarf Coat

This also come in red and grey, FYI.

COS

Cashmere Funnel-Neck Jumper

We can always count on Cos to keep us snug in cashmere.

adidas Originals

Adidas Originals Firebird Track Pants in Black

The winter version of those cult Adidas summer shorts.

LIFFNER

Mega Sprout Suede Tote

In the colour and texture of the season.

ADIDAS ORIGINALS

+ Y-3 Suede Sneakers

Streamline trainers are key.

3. Leather Jacket + Kilt + Biker Boots

Style Notes: While some people face winter with puffer coats and rubber boots, others choose to wear their existing autumn wardrobes with some clever hidden styling hacks. Chloe’s kilt skirt and leather jacket look can work across the seasons simply by adding thermal layers underneath like tops, leggings and extra cosy socks to make it weather-proof. And you could always add a tailored coat over this jacket if it’s extra chilly.

Shop the Look:

& Other Stories

Boxy Nappa Leather Jacket

Love the collar on this one.

Kiltane

Knitted Cashmere Neck Tie

For those days when you don't need a big bulky scarf, a triangle will work.

You can easily hide super warm tights under this.

An essential at this time of year.

ASOS DESIGN

Asos Design Cobra Buckle Harness Knee Boots

Exactly what you need for stomping around the city.

4. Faux Fur Jacket + Leather Skirt + Tall Boots

Style Notes: Texture, texture and more texture is the tip to take note of for winter. Dig out those fuzzy jackets, make friends with leather separates and embrace tall boots for the look as well as the added leg warmth. Again, an easy outfit to add hidden cosy layers too, Danielle has given a clear example of an outfit that’ll work no matter your plans—unexpected after-work drinks are often on the cards around party season, so be prepared.

Shop the Look:

Yep, it's as warm as it looks.

THE FRANKIE SHOP

Savil A-Line Leather Midi Skirt

This would also look so good with a technical jacket.

Rise & Fall

Chocolate Cashmere Merino V Neck Jumper

A tonal outfit = a chic outfit.

KHAITE

Davis Leather Knee Boots

My jaw dropped when I saw these.

ALAÏA

Click E/w Medium Leather Shoulder Bag

5. Burgundy Trench + Burgundy Long Gloves + Jeans

Style Notes: Lauren has taken all of winter’s most worthy trends, and styled them at once. Ticking off burgundy, preppy layering and long leather gloves, this is the sleek way to tackle winter head on. See how there’s a blazer poking out from underneath the coat? Told you more is more when it comes to layering this season.