With the temperature dropping and the darker weather making the days feel longer, it’s more important than ever to wrap up warm and romanticise your days. That means feeling as snug as you can, whether you’re heading to work, going for a stroll around your village or heading out on a day-long hike with friends or family.
That’s why we’ve created this guide on what to wear in cold weather, as it’s vital to get the right components for your outfits. We’ll teach you how to layer your outfits properly, as well as recommend some of our favourite pieces to help keep you warm throughout the next few months.
The Best Layers for Wintery Countryside Walks
When it comes to cold weather, layering is the key to keeping cosy and warm, regardless of the activity. Whilst the thickness of your items might change, depending on the temperature, weather or rigour of the activity, the three main principles remain the same. You will need a minimum of three layers to keep you snug, so let’s dive in to find out why each layer is crucial.
Picking the Right Base Layer
Arguably, this is the most important layer of all, as it’s the closest to your skin. It needs to have sweat-wicking properties but should also be able to keep you cool or hot, depending on the weather. Here, a standard cotton T-shirt won’t do if you’re going to be out hiking, but it's enough if you’re just going Christmas shopping.
For those activities where you know you’ll be moving your body a great deal, a thermal or sports layer is required. The more movement you’ll be doing, we’d lean into a sports layer as they’re designed to wick sweat much more than a regular thermal. If you’re going for a local hike for fun and don’t expect to get particularly sweaty, a regular thermal layer will suffice. A long-sleeved version is your best option to keep you warm from your shoulders to your wrists.
Choosing the Correct Middle Layer
This layer can be whatever fleece, hoodie or sweatshirt you find the most cosy. If you’re going to be walking, it can be best to wear an item with a full zip (we offer styles for men and women), so you can remove it easily should you get too hot. However, an overhead or quarter-zip style works just as well. If you get your base layer correct, you can wear any style, provided that it adds some warmth to your outfit. Fleeces and sweatshirts tend to have thermal properties in their materials, which will just add to the snugness of your outfit.
Selecting the Best Outer Layer
We think this layer is an equally important layer, alongside your base layer. Depending on the weather, you might get away with a hooded fleece or hybrid fleece as your outer layer, such as on summertime walks. However, we recommend that your outer layer needs to be waterproof and windproof, especially if you’re going on a hike or a long walk in the countryside, with plenty of options for both men and women. This could be any jacket style, from a jacket in a packet to a bomber jacket, to a specialised hiking jacket.
The thicker the jacket, the more insulated it will be, which is a necessity for autumn and winter outdoor activities. Some people prefer a removable hood, but plenty of pockets, windproof cuffs and a hood are the bare minimum properties that every outer layer should have. Because of the darker mornings and nights, it can also be a safe idea to buy a waterproof coat in a bright colour or one that has reflective strips implemented into the design. Country roads can be notoriously poor for visibility for drivers due to a lack of street lights, so it’s important to be as safe as possible.
Which Shoes Should I Wear for Winter Countryside Walks?
You might think you can just throw on any shoes and get out the door, but some shoes are superior when it comes to keeping warm. You can replicate that cosy feeling when out and about with a pair of thermal socks and some comfortable boots. It can depend on the type of activity as to how sturdy the soles need to be.
For a winter countryside walk, a pair of walking boots is a must for women and men. They give you extra support for your heels and ankles, and have the sturdiest treads of our entire footwear range. They’re also waterproof, provided that you use a protectant spray on them regularly.
If you’re simply going for a leisurely walk or heading on a family Christmas outing, a pair of yard boots or Chelsea boots can be more practical and lightweight. However, always try to wear a pair of boots with a decent tread on them, especially as we head towards icy weather. A thicker sole and a sturdy tread are both practical and trendy! Leather boots are always best in winter, due to their waterproof qualities. Materials, such as suede, can be protected, but we wouldn’t recommend them for wet conditions. Even some Wellington boots can be appropriate for local dog walks as long as they’re well-fitting.
Our Top Five Tips on What to Wear in Cold Weather
- Focus on your base and outer layer the most - You’ll want thermal properties for your base layer, and waterproof qualities for your outer layer. However, your middle layers are less important, as you can often wear ‘regular’ clothing, whether that’s your favourite fleece or sweatshirt.
- Don’t forget about your head, neck and hands - As well as covering your body, you lose warmth through your extremities, especially your head and hands. Curating yourself an accessories collection means purchasing a woolly hat and gloves with thermal properties, ideally, as well as a thick wool scarf. This is a great place to add a splash of colour if you’ve opted for a neutral outfit, as they tend to be less expensive than a brand new waterproof coat! Plenty of our customers love to purchase our woolly hats in a handful of their favourite colours to switch up their look regularly.
- Invest in the right socks - It’s no good wearing the correct footwear for cold weather if you’re just wearing a standard pair of cotton socks underneath. Thermal hiking or boot socks are a must if you want your feet to remain warm in colder weather. However, don’t be tempted to wear two pairs of socks. They can often rub together, causing friction, meaning you’ll often get blisters.
- Layer up on your bottom half too - Whilst your top half usually feels the cold more, your bottom half should still be well wrapped up. During winter, especially in snowy conditions, layer a pair of thermal leggings or running tights under walking trousers to maximise warmth. Avoid jeans for long countryside walks as they’re uncomfortable if and when it rains.
- Opt for multiple thin layers over one thick layer - Many people choose to wear their thickest items when the temperature drops, and it’s not always the best idea. Especially on winter walks, you can get warm very quickly, which is why multiple thin layers like a shirt, jumper, fleece, and coat, are easier to remove and put back on if you get cold again. They’re also much better for retaining heat, particularly if it’s freezing outside.
When choosing what to wear in cold weather, it can feel like you need to wear all of the clothes to keep warm. However, it’s about selecting the best materials for each layer so you don’t feel like the Michelin Man every time you leave the house. Three key layers should be enough alongside the right footwear, and making sure your head and hands are covered means you’ll stay warm all day and night long.
Looking for more outfit inspo? Check out our women's winter outfit ideas.
