What to wear on a night out when it’s freezing cold

Who says freezing weather automatically means nights in? Although, granted, the frost does provide some sartorial challenges, winter weather is no match against these insulated going-out outfits. Seamless layering and investing in the right pieces will transform your winter nighttime fashion, whether getting dinner and drinks with your girls, clubbing till morning, or on a hot date.

Here are the chicest winter-proof pieces to keep the party going even under the snow.

Coat season is in full swing, and not even our favourite leather jackets are enough to keep us warm after sundown. While the need for a coat in November is purely pragmatic, outerwear isn’t just practical; it can be a standout party piece in its own right. Investing in a statement coat that immediately makes you feel put-together is a great way to tackle the winter blues while staying toasty warm. An ankle-grazing long coat is always a good idea, and it can be paired with mini skirts and dresses for a nice proportional contrast. A wool maxi coat is sleek and a classic, but if you want to lean into the party vibes go for a leopard print or faux fur coat.

Stilettos just won’t cut it in Arctic conditions, so a boot feels far more realistic. But that doesn’t have to mean boring. Thigh-high boots will provide the most coverage—and therefore warmth—closely followed by knee-high designs. Just like with outerwear, you can transform your winter boots from a necessity to a statement piece simply by going bold: this season’s designs are real party pleasers, with glitter, metallics, snake prints, and extra-high heels all on offer. A fun pair of cowboy boots or an edgy biker boot are great if heels aren’t your thing. Perfect for tucking into jeans or styling with a maxi dress.

Second-skin tops are a must for winter dressing for formal and casual occasions. Made of ultra-thin, sheer, and often thermal materials, these figure-hugging tops can be layered under other pieces for added warmth or worn on their own. For example, you can style a second-skin top for an elegant dinner out by layering it under a slip dress or an LBD or pairing it with a cute bralette and tailored suit. For more casual outings, a brightly coloured second-skin top will look great paired with your favourite jeans—the winter version of the classic “jeans and a nice top” combo.

As much as we might love showing our bare legs, tights are a must for winter nighttime fashion. In the cold, even the thinnest of layers makes a difference! Low-denier black tights will look chic with your little black dresses and allow you to wear your skirts and shorts for a little longer. If you prefer a higher denier, try going for a fun pair of tights in red or turquoise for an eye-catching pop of colour.

A winning tactic for a striking holiday season look is juxtaposing different textures and feels. For a family dinner or an office Christmas party, here is an effortlessly chic outfit: just style your favourite cardigan with an interesting skirt. What we mean by “interesting” is striking in terms of texture: think metallics, leather, patent leather, brocade, or heavyweight silk. A glossy texture will pair perfectly with the fluffiness of your knitwear to create an elegant and weather-friendly look. Finish your outfit off with matching heels or boots.

Sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest—what’s better than a cozy yet classy knitted skirt or dress to wear out when it’s freezing? A knitted piece marries the elegance of dresses and skirts with the warmth of your favourite sweater, and it’s the perfect winter-friendly option for a more casual festive get-together. Style your knitted dress with attention-grabbing accessories and pops of colour; elevate your knitted skirt by pairing it with bold silhouettes.

While tailoring is meant to be worn year-round, there’s no better season for a nice suit than winter. A good quality suit, whether tailored or oversized, is a classic staple piece that will serve you well year after year, making it worth the investment. You can go for a fun, bright colour like pink, green, or red, or maybe a cozy wintery pattern like tweed, herringbone, or checks. Style your dapper new suit together with a t-shirt, a blouse, or even a sweater based on the weather, or as separates pairing the blazer with a mini skirt and the trousers with an elegant top.

There’s nothing like soft, sultry velvet! This sensual fabric is the perfect pick for winter nights out: it’s warm, heavy, elegant, and shines beautifully in the light. If you’re unsure, go for a velvet accessory: loafers, handbags, gloves, or hair bows. If you want to turn it up a notch, velvet pants, overcoats, dresses, and suits will make you the belle of the ball.