7 Winter Going Out Outfit Ideas For Each And Every Social Obligation
We might have begun the year wanting to do nothing other than hunker down at home, but as the rest of the year starts to rear its head so do invitations to get back outside and make the most of what's going on. Whether you're putting yourself back out there on the dating scene or brushing off your party shoes for your best friend's birthday (justice for those born in January!), here's what you need to know about what to wear to go out now.
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Winter going outfits are often overlooked. But, here's how I see it: the more layers needed, the more sartorial opportunity. You get to wear a great outfit and then add to it with brilliant knits or your favourite winter coat. It's almost like wearing two outfits at all times.
This season, especially, there's plenty of room for experimentation and clashing and curating pieces that come together for the first time. Our changing retail patterns are impacting the way we put together winter going out outfits to make for fun, interesting and thoughtful combinations that pair together a dream pre-loved find with the best of the new collections. If there's ever a time to clash, it's now and you can do it successfully without buying anything new as you shop your own wardrobe.
So, ward of the chill with these seven outfit ideas to set your 2025 off in spectacular fashion. We'll see you outside!
7 Winter Going Out Outfits For Staying Warm Yet Looking Chic
What To Wear To Go Out For A Party
For nights out in the cold winter months, bring the heat with colours that don't usually go together. Swap out classic black for a softer khaki hue for your base shade and then find other colours that compliment and contrast. How about lavender? Or candy pink? Moody aubergine also works well. No matter the reason for the invitation, take it as your chance to try something new by looking outside of the usual palette we turn to at this time of year. Next, apply a similar approach to texture as you sit faux-fur with satin, or glossy leathers with complex knits.
Mohair Coat
Satin Heels
Satin Midi Dress
Prada Eyewear oval-frame sunglasses
What To Wear To Go Out For A Date
The pressure is on to get things just right when it comes to making a perfect first impression on a date. Overthinking is inevitable, but dressing successfully for a winter date can be achieved by taking usual favourites and elevating with just the right amount of flair. Starting with a great pair of jeans makes for a fail-safe foundation that can be built upon for a date look, while still remaining on the right side of dressed-up. Then, adding in an oversized knit cardigan that can fall seductively over the shoulder will make for a natty styling move that's sure to set hearts racing.
Cashmere Cardigan
£625.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
Sculptural Choker Necklace
Denim Jeans
Patent Leather Regent Low Open Pumps
What To Wear To Go Out For Dinner
Going out for dinner, even if you're doing Dry January, remains one of life's most wonderful pleasures. It also makes for an opportunity to don your most precious and special pieces as the risk factor (red wine and beetroot aside) remains low for your favourite fashion finds. Just take care and always use your napkin. So, what to wear right now? There's something so satisfying about mixing and matching fashion pieces that come together holistically in their opposition. A Chanel jacket and a pair of cargo pants is case in point. Shop your own wardrobe to find your own perfect place of contrast. It's what Carrie Bradshaw would want.
Tweed Jacket
Camouflage Pants
Mini Puzzle Bag
Butterfly Mules
What To Wear To Go Out For A Night At The Pub
When it's time to get a round in, the opportunity to explore a more relaxed approach to the season arises, too. Dressing for the pub at this time of year is always about being cosy and comfortable with pieces that come together easily. That's why a sweet wool skirt suit can and should be the answer, as the matching pieces save on any sort of sartorial puzzle solving. Bring in additional visual interest by choosing wool jumpers that work to lift a dark palette. For shoes, boots don't have to be sky-high to be statement. Try knee-high buckles instead.
Wool Blend Jacket
Roll Neck Jumper
Wool Blend Skirt
Miu Miu buckle-detail leather boots
What To Wear To Go Out For A Birthday Party
It might be winter but there are still birthdays to be celebrated, as worthy of a toast as anyone born mid-summer. Every winter birthday party outfit needs a great coat and while it can be easy to head straight to the statement, there's much to be said for opting for a chic, tailored wool option instead. It'll streamline the look to allow the rest of it to pick up on scene-stealing details without feeling insignificant. So, consider texture and how you can play with that. While prints (AKA florals) find their footings in the warmer months, winter is great for shining paillettes and lighter-than-air feathers. Now's the time to wear them together.
Sequin Dress
Feather Boa
Double-Breasted Wool Coat
Patent Leather Mary-Janes
£595.00 at net-a-porter.com.uk
What To Wear To Go Out With Friends
We all know that message — 'Hey, what are you doing this weekend?' — and what it means. Sometimes it can come at an opportune time when you're wanting to put the working week behind you, or it can be a reverse request from a friend who's looking for some company (and maybe mischief). Regardless of the intention, it's also a delicious sartorial opportunity. Dressing for a day out with friends is perhaps the most fun. The pressure is off and so experimentation can lead the way no matter where you're headed. Now's your chance to try out your fresh fashion finds and play with texture and silhouette. This fancy-skirt-bomber-ballet-pump combination is a Fashion Week favourite that's perfect for setting yourself up for a day out with your girlfriends.
Boxy Zip-Up Jacket
Quilted Skirt
£295.00 at doverstreetmarket.com
Oval Frame Sunglasses
Red Ballet Pump
What To Wear To Go Out For A Day Of Culture
We all find warmth in the confines of cultural institutions at this time of year, whether that's a trip to the theatre or a stroll through a storied gallery. For what to wear? A louche outfit that's paired with glossy accessories that bring extra polish. While denim endures, opting for a leather trouser will feel smarter than jeans while still remaining comfortable to make for maximum culture vulture opportunity. Make the most of a day off in the city by leaving your roomy tote at home and brandishing a neat and petite shoulder bag instead.
Striped Polo Neck Jumper
Stud Earrings
Wide-Leg Leather Trousers
Horsebit Chain Leather Bag
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