What to Wear in London in December: 10 Outfit Ideas for Rain, Wind, and Festive Lights

Your London trip is coming up. Or maybe you’re still deciding whether to brave the city in winter.

Either way, December in London is wonderful. Oxford Street and Regent Street sparkle with lights, Winter Wonderland fills Hyde Park, and every pub feels warm and welcoming.

It’s also damp, windy, and dark by mid-afternoon.

Dressing for London in December comes down to one core principle: dress for drizzle and wind outdoors, warm Tube carriages and pubs indoors, and miles of walking in between.

December temperatures in London usually range from about 4°C to 9°C (39–48°F). Rain is frequent, the sun sets around 4 p.m., and wind can make it feel much colder. Inside, shops, museums, and the Tube are warm.

Londoners dress for winter with practical style — waterproof coats, dark denim, chunky knits, and sturdy boots. With that in mind, here are 10 outfit ideas for what to wear in London in December.

1. Waterproof Trench Coat with Jeans and Chelsea Boots

A waterproof trench is the ultimate London layer — polished and practical.

Buying guide

• Lined waterproof trench coat
• Dark wash straight-leg jeans
• Merino wool sweater
• Waterproof Chelsea boots
• Compact umbrella

Styling tips: Choose a trench with a warm removable lining. Chelsea boots are easy to slip on and handle wet pavements. Always keep an umbrella in your bag.

2. Long Wool Coat with a Turtleneck and Tailored Trousers

For museums and West End shopping, a long wool coat and tailored trousers look effortlessly polished.

Buying guide

• Long black or camel wool coat
• Fine-knit turtleneck
• Tailored straight-leg trousers
• Lug-sole loafers
• Leather crossbody bag

Styling tips: Lug soles give grip on slippery streets. A turtleneck keeps your neck warm without a bulky scarf indoors. Neutral colors are easy to mix and match.

3. Long Puffer Coat with Leggings for Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland means hours outside in the cold. A long puffer keeps you comfortable.

Buying guide

• Long black puffer coat with a hood
• Fleece-lined leggings
• Chunky knit sweater
• Waterproof winter boots
• Beanie, gloves, and scarf

Styling tips: Choose a waterproof or water-resistant puffer. Keep your hands free with a crossbody bag. Boots with grip handle muddy park paths.

4. Sweater Dress with Tights and Knee-High Boots for Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a London must. A sweater dress is cozy and polished.

Buying guide

• Ribbed knit midi sweater dress (burgundy, forest green, or camel)
• Fleece-lined tights
• Knee-high leather boots
• Long wool coat
• Pearl earrings

Styling tips: Many afternoon tea venues have a smart-casual dress code, so a dress is a safe choice. Jewel tones feel festive. Fleece tights keep you warm.

5. Barbour-Style Waxed Jacket with Jeans for Countryside Day Trips

For day trips to Oxford, Bath, or the Cotswolds, a waxed jacket is classic British style.

Buying guide

• Waxed or quilted country-style jacket
• Cable-knit sweater
• Dark jeans
• Waterproof wellies or leather boots
• Tweed cap or wool beanie

Styling tips: Waxed jackets are water-resistant and perfect for drizzly countryside walks. Pair with wellies on muddy days. Keep colors earthy and classic.

6. Leather Jacket with a Hoodie for Shoreditch and Camden

For London’s edgier neighborhoods, a layered streetwear look fits right in.

Buying guide

• Black faux leather jacket
• Grey hoodie
• Thermal top underneath
• Black straight-leg jeans
• Doc Martens-style boots

Styling tips: Pull the hood out over the jacket collar for warmth. Combat boots handle rain and long walks. Keep the palette black and grey.

7. Velvet Blazer with Trousers for the West End

A West End show deserves a little polish. A velvet blazer feels festive and elegant.

Buying guide

• Velvet blazer (emerald, burgundy, or black)
• Silk blouse
• Tailored black trousers
• Heeled ankle boots
• Long wool coat

Styling tips: Theaters get warm, so wear a breathable layer underneath. A long coat keeps you warm walking to the show. Keep jewelry classic.

8. Plaid Skirt with a Turtleneck and Boots

Tartan is a British classic and feels perfect at Christmas.

Buying guide

• Red or green tartan wool midi skirt
• Black fitted turtleneck
• Opaque tights
• Knee-high boots
• Long black coat

Styling tips: Tuck the turtleneck in for shape. A wool skirt is warmer than cotton. Coordinate your scarf with one color in the tartan.

9. Sequin Top with Black Jeans for a Festive Night Out

London’s bars and restaurants are buzzing in December. A sequin top makes jeans party-ready.

Buying guide

• Sequin top (gold, silver, or black)
• Black high-rise jeans
• Heeled ankle boots
• Faux fur jacket or long coat
• Mini clutch

Styling tips: Boots are warmer and safer than sandals on wet streets. Keep the coat on between venues. Choose a lined sequin top.

10. Comfortable Travel Outfit for Arrival Day

Arrival days mean airports, the Heathrow Express or Tube, and lots of luggage.

Buying guide

• Knit lounge set
• White leather sneakers
• Packable puffer or trench
• Large scarf
• Crossbody bag

Styling tips: Wear your heaviest layers on the plane to save space. Keep tickets and passport handy. A big scarf doubles as a blanket.

Final Thoughts

London in December is festive, lively, and often rainy. Build your outfits around a waterproof coat, warm knits, and comfortable boots, keep an umbrella handy, and you’ll be ready for every pub, market, and twinkling street.