November is the month London visitors underpack for. It's rarely bitterly cold, but it's damp, often windy, and dark by late afternoon, and that combination feels colder than the number on your weather app. You'll walk between landmarks, ride a warm Tube, spend an hour in an overheated museum and then head to dinner without going back to the hotel. So I plan every outfit around layers that come off easily, shoes that keep water out, and outerwear that can take a shower. The twenty looks below run from casual sightseeing to theatre nights, each with shoes and accessories, and with notes on adjusting them for your shape.
Why London in November Feels Colder Than the Forecast
Daytime highs in London this month usually sit around ten degrees Celsius, with nights a few degrees above freezing at most. That sounds manageable, and visitors from colder places often pack light. What they don't account for is damp air, which pulls heat from your body faster than dry cold, and wind funnelled between tall buildings and along the river.
The other thing is light. The clocks have gone back by November, and it's dark by late afternoon, so a sightseeing day ends with an hour or two outdoors after sunset when the temperature drops again. I dress for that last part of the day, not the midday high.
- Choose a coat that covers your hips. Most heat loss on a windy street is through the torso and seat, and a short jacket leaves both exposed.
- Wool and merino beat cotton for anything close to the skin, because they stay warm when the air is wet.
- Keep a hat or beanie in your bag even on a bright morning; you'll want it after dark.
1. London November Trench Coat Outfit
On the milder days early in the month, a trench still does the job, as long as there's warmth under it. I'd wear a beige, khaki or dark olive one over a lightweight turtleneck and straight-leg jeans, with low block-heel leather ankle boots on grippy soles. Buy or borrow a trench with enough room across the back for a knit; a close-fitting one pulls at the shoulders once you layer. A plaid scarf and a compact crossbody keep your hands free for maps and coffee. A knee-length cut is kinder to petite frames, while a longer, softly belted version suits taller or curvier women. Small hoops and a folding umbrella finish it.
2. London November Wool Coat Outfit
For properly cold mornings, I reach for a structured wool coat and keep everything under it soft. A fitted turtleneck in cream, burgundy or charcoal, a thermal camisole you can't see, and wide-leg tailored trousers make the base. Loafers with warm socks are fine on dry days; switch to ankle boots when rain is coming, because loafers let water in at the sides. A camel, navy or black coat matches almost every other outfit in a travel capsule, which is why I'd spend the most here. Leather gloves, a light scarf and a structured shoulder bag complete it. If wide-leg trousers swamp you, a straight or gently tapered leg looks just as smart at afternoon tea.
3. London November Puffer Jacket Outfit
Long sightseeing days and outdoor markets are where a short puffer earns its suitcase space. Wear it over a longline hoodie and black leggings, with thick socks, a knitted beanie and water-resistant sneakers with textured soles. I'd go for a slim or moderately roomy puffer rather than an enormous one; you'll be carrying it through warm museums, and a bulky down jacket is miserable to hold for an hour. A backpack with secure zips keeps an umbrella and water bottle off your shoulders. Black is the easy choice, though burgundy, navy or forest green photograph better against gray skies.
4. London November Plaid Skirt Outfit
Plaid feels at home in London, and a plaid midi skirt is one of the simplest ways to wear it. Pair it with a plain crewneck sweater, opaque tights and knee-high leather boots, then add a long wool coat in a solid neutral so the check stays the only pattern. A fitted sweater shows the waist; a looser one works with a small front tuck. An A-line skirt is easier to walk in, while a straight one looks more tailored but limits your stride on stairs. When I style plaid, I keep one of its colours in the coat or bag, which stops it looking like a costume. A top-handle bag and simple gold jewellery finish it.
5. London November Sweater Dress Outfit
A sweater dress is the one-piece answer when you want to look dressed but can't face managing four layers. Choose a ribbed midi in chocolate, deep green, burgundy or black, with thermal tights, knee-high boots and a long tailored coat. Medium-weight knit is the sweet spot: thin ones cling and show every line, thick ones get stifling inside heated galleries. A belt is optional; I often leave it off for comfort on a walking day. A side slit helps your stride, and a higher neckline adds cover. Add a crossbody and a scarf a shade lighter than the dress. It goes from lunch to an evening show without a change.
6. London November Leather Jacket Outfit
A leather jacket only works in November with something warm hidden under it. I put a fitted thermal under a fine-knit sweater, then the black or brown jacket on top, with relaxed straight-leg jeans and sturdy combat boots. Size the jacket with the sweater on; leather won't give across the back, and a jacket that's tight over knitwear restricts your arms. A large plaid scarf wraps up against wind on open streets. Brown suede boots soften it, though suede needs spraying before the trip or it'll spot in the first shower. Black leather boots look sharper and cope with rain better. Wear it for vintage shopping and café-hopping days.
7. London November Waterproof Parka Outfit
When the forecast says rain all day, the parka does the work and everything else is secondary. A waterproof hooded parka that reaches the upper thigh or knee keeps your seat and the tops of your legs dry, which a hip-length jacket won't. Under it, a striped long-sleeve shirt and a wool cardigan, with dark straight-leg jeans and waterproof Chelsea boots. I like stripes here because once the parka comes off indoors, you still look put together. A packable down vest slides under the parka on colder days. Add a scarf, thin gloves and a zip tote, and every layer can be adjusted for your preferred warmth and fit.
8. London November Blazer And Jeans Outfit
A wool-blend blazer turns jeans into city clothes. I wear an oversized one in charcoal, herringbone or deep brown over a fitted turtleneck and dark straight-leg jeans, with sleek ankle boots, a leather belt and a structured shoulder bag. The jean length matters more than people think: it should just meet the top of the boot so no ankle shows, because a cold gap there chills you more than a thin coat. On colder days, a thin thermal under the turtleneck and a roomy coat over the blazer. Petite women look better in a blazer that ends at the hip; longline cuts suit taller frames. It works for galleries and a business lunch.
9. London November Faux Fur Jacket Outfit
Faux fur is the texture I add when an outfit is otherwise plain and the evening is special. A cropped or hip-length faux fur jacket over a black turtleneck and high-waisted tailored trousers, with pointed ankle boots and a small leather bag, is enough. Keep to black, espresso, gray or cream and let a burgundy bag be the only colour. Faux fur mats and clumps once it's soaked, so I'd save it for dry evenings and shake it out rather than rub it if it catches drizzle. Hem the trousers to clear the pavement. If a whole jacket feels too much, a coat with a soft textured collar gives a hint of it for theatre nights or afternoon tea.
10. London November Denim Skirt Outfit
A dark-wash denim midi skirt makes a welcome change from jeans, as long as the legs are kept warm. Wear it with a fitted mock-neck sweater, opaque thermal tights and knee-high boots, so there's no bare gap between hem and boot. A long wool coat goes over the top. Watch the slit: a deep one is fine indoors but opens right up in a gust on a bridge, so I'd choose a modest one for London. A straight skirt gives a cleaner line, while an A-line version leaves more room through the hips and thighs. A medium crossbody and a patterned scarf finish it.
11. London November Corduroy Pants Outfit
Corduroy is warmer than denim, which most people only notice once they've spent a damp afternoon in each. High-rise cords with a tucked merino sweater and a cropped quilted jacket make a tidy daytime outfit. Loafers and thick socks suit dry weather; waterproof ankle boots replace them when it rains. Rust, olive, chocolate and navy cords all sit well with cream or gray knits. Narrow wale looks more refined, wide wale more relaxed and retro. One thing to know: cords crush at the knee after a long sit on the train and take a few hours to recover. A belt and straight legs give more structure if you want it.
12. London November Black Maxi Dress Outfit
A long black dress turns into a cold-weather outfit once you build properly under and over it. I'd choose a long-sleeve jersey or knitted maxi, add a thermal camisole and opaque tights, then flat knee-high boots and a belted wool coat in camel, gray or burgundy. The hem is the thing to check before you pack: it has to clear the ground, or it'll come home with a gray tidemark from wet pavements. A loose dress looks more intentional with a slim belt or a fitted coat. A patterned scarf and a structured bag stop all that black looking flat. It's comfortable for a full day and smart enough for a matinee.
13. London November Matching Knit Set Outfit
A matching knit set looks deliberate in a way that a sweater and joggers never will. Wear a ribbed sweater with coordinating wide-leg knit pants, then a long tailored coat and streamlined sneakers or flat ankle boots. Charcoal, taupe, navy and chocolate all mix back into the rest of the case. A thermal tank underneath means you can take the sweater off in a warm carriage. I'd check two things in the fitting room: that the pants don't sag at the knee after you sit, and that the hem clears the floor. A leather tote and a light scarf finish it for train travel or arrival days. The soft waist is forgiving if your size shifts during a trip.
14. London November Utility Jacket Outfit
On a dry, mild November day, a utility jacket is plenty. Layer an olive or khaki one over a cream cable-knit, with black straight-leg jeans, brown lace-up boots, a crossbody satchel and a wool scarf. Cable knits are bulky, so check the jacket closes over it before you travel; if not, size up or choose a finer sweater. A lined jacket, or room for an insulated vest underneath, gives you a buffer if it turns cold. Black jeans hide the splashes from wet roads better than blue ones. A drawstring waist adds shape, while a straight cut gives more room. It's a park and market outfit.
15. London November Oversized Black Coat Outfit
An oversized black coat over a dark monochrome base is about as London as winter dressing gets. Pair it with a charcoal sweater, black straight-leg jeans and glossy brown or black ankle boots, then add a gray scarf and a burgundy bag for a little contrast. Fit is where oversized coats go wrong: the shoulder seam can drop a little, but if the sleeves cover your hands, it looks borrowed. A single-breasted front gives a clean line; a double-breasted one looks more structured and blocks wind better. Thermal socks and a thin base layer add warmth you can't see. The coat goes with casual and tailored pieces, so it covers almost any daytime plan.
16. London November Camel Coat Outfit
Camel lifts a run of dark November outfits, and it's the coat I'd pick if you only want one. Wear it over a burgundy turtleneck, dark indigo jeans and chocolate knee-high boots, with a brown belt and a tan or oxblood bag. Camel, burgundy and deep brown feel seasonal without leaning on black. A wrap coat lets you set the waist each time; a single-breasted one hangs straighter. Pale camel shows rain spots and grime at the cuffs, so I'd keep a lint roller and a damp cloth in the case. A cashmere-blend scarf adds warmth. If knee-high boots feel restrictive, swap in waterproof ankle boots and thick socks.
17. London November Quilted Jacket Outfit
I like a quilted jacket for days with lots of indoor stops, because it's light enough to carry when you take it off. A hip-length diamond-quilted jacket goes over a half-zip sweater and straight-leg trousers, with retro sneakers, a cap or beanie and a secure crossbody. Olive, navy and black are the easiest colours, and corduroy trim on the collar adds a countryside note. Pick trousers in a washable, quick-drying fabric so a splashed hem is sorted by morning. Quilting alone isn't very windproof, so on colder days add a thermal shirt and a big scarf. Cushioned shoes help when the day covers several miles.
18. London November Peacoat Outfit
A navy peacoat over a Breton striped sweater and dark high-rise jeans is a crisp outfit for river walks. Add black Chelsea boots, a red or burgundy scarf and a navy crossbody. The coat's shorter length makes stairs and buses easy, and the double-breasted front keeps wind off your chest. Peacoats are cut fairly close, so I always try one on over the actual sweater I'll wear; a tight armhole makes the knit bunch at the elbow. A thin down vest hides underneath on colder days. Straight or bootcut jeans balance the coat's boxy top, and the whole thing avoids looking like a themed tourist outfit.
19. London November Bomber Jacket Outfit
A bomber jacket over a pleated midi skirt is the outfit for a visitor who likes some contrast between sporty and dressed. Add a fine-knit turtleneck, opaque tights, chunky ankle boots and a small shoulder bag. Black leather, olive nylon or brown suede bombers all work, though nylon is the one that shrugs off rain. A slightly cropped bomber marks the waist above the fuller skirt; a longer one sits better with a straight midi. Bombers stop at the hip, so your legs rely on the tights for warmth; on a cold day I'd use thermal ones and add a long-sleeve base under the knit. A large scarf comes off once you're indoors.
20. London November Raincoat Outfit
Steady drizzle is the typical November day, so I'd build at least one outfit entirely for it. A hooded knee-length raincoat with sealed seams and adjustable cuffs goes over a wool sweater and tapered technical trousers. Finish with waterproof ankle boots, warm socks and a zip crossbody in coated fabric. Wool stays warm even when the air is damp, which cotton doesn't. Tapered trousers don't drag through puddles at crossings. A bright scarf in cobalt, red or green lifts a neutral raincoat and helps drivers see you in the gloom. Pack thin gloves and a compact umbrella, and it's still neat enough for restaurants.
Standing Still at Fireworks and Christmas Lights
Walking keeps you warm. Standing does not. November in London has plenty of evenings where you stand outside for an hour, from Bonfire Night fireworks early in the month to the Christmas lights and markets that open as it goes on. The outfit that felt fine on a brisk walk turns cold within twenty minutes of waiting.
For those evenings, I'd change two things. First, your feet: thin soles conduct cold straight up from wet stone, so wear your thickest-soled boots and a wool sock. Second, add one more insulating layer than you think you need, ideally a packable down vest under the coat, because you can't walk to warm up in a crowd. Gloves you can use a phone in are worth it, since you'll take a lot of photos. Thermal tights under jeans sound excessive until you've stood by the river at night.
Drying Wool and Suede in a Hotel Room
On a short trip you'll likely wear the same coat and boots several days running, so how they dry overnight matters. Hang a damp wool coat on a proper hanger away from the radiator; direct heat can shrink the fibres and leave the shoulders misshapen. Let it dry at room temperature and brush it once it's dry.
Leather and suede boots should be stuffed with tissue or newspaper to absorb moisture and keep their shape, then left to dry slowly. Suede darkens when wet but usually recovers once dry; a quick brush lifts the nap. Leather placed against heat cracks, so never dry it on a heated towel rail. If you can, pack two pairs of shoes and alternate them, so each pair gets a full day to dry.
Dark Afternoons, Wet Pavements and a Coat You Trust
A London November wardrobe comes down to one dependable coat, water-resistant shoes, knitwear you can take off indoors and dark bottoms that hide splashes. Those few pieces can be combined dozens of ways without overpacking, and colour, texture and a good scarf make each day feel different. Check the forecast a few days out and adjust the thickness of your layers rather than the whole plan. Get the coat and shoes right and you'll stay comfortable through cold air, wind and rain, from the first walk of the morning to the last show of the night.
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