Packing for London in November means planning for chilly air, light rain and a lot of walking, then remembering that the Tube, museums, shops and restaurants are often warm. I pack layers that come off easily rather than one heavy jumper. A water-resistant coat, soft knits, comfortable boots or sneakers and a compact umbrella handle most days. A neutral base keeps every piece working across the trip, and one or two richer colors, burgundy, forest green, chocolate or a plaid, stop it looking like a uniform. The twenty outfits below run from casual walks and museums to business plans, afternoon tea and a night at the theater.
Long Coats on Short, Tall and Curvy Frames
Almost every outfit here sits under a coat, and in November the coat is what people actually see. Length and cut decide whether it flatters you.
- Petite: a coat that ends just above or at the knee keeps your legs visible. Calf-length coats work if the shoulders fit and you wear them open, so a long vertical line shows down the front. Petite sizing fixes the sleeve length and shoulder seam at once.
- Tall: check the sleeves first. A thermal and a sweater add bulk and push cuffs up, so a coat that looks fine over a tee can feel short at the wrist over layers. Long and maxi coats suit you best.
- Curvy: single-breasted coats with a belt or a defined waist seam sit better than boxy double-breasted cuts, which add width across the bust. Make sure it buttons over your thickest knit without pulling.
Whatever your height, try every coat on over the warmest layer you plan to bring and sit down in it. A coat that strains when you sit will be uncomfortable on every train ride.
1. Trench Coat And Jeans London November Outfit
My default first-day outfit: a beige water-resistant trench over a cream crewneck, with a thin thermal top underneath that you'll be glad of by late afternoon. Dark straight jeans and black Chelsea boots with a rubber tread, because ballet flats skid on wet paving. A plaid scarf, small hoops and a crossbody with a compact umbrella inside. It's right for Westminster, the South Bank or Covent Garden. When you try the trench on, raise your arms; if the back pulls across the knit, size up or choose a thinner sweater.
2. Wool Coat And Tailored Trousers London November Outfit
A charcoal wool coat over a black turtleneck and ankle-length tailored trousers looks smart without feeling stiff. I'd pick trousers with a little room in the leg and an easy waistband, since you'll be sitting on trains and in cafés as much as walking. Loafers are fine on a dry day; on a wet one, sleek ankle boots keep your feet dry and look just as polished. A gray or burgundy scarf, silver jewelry and a thermal camisole under the knit. This is my pick for afternoon tea, a meeting, or galleries around Mayfair and South Kensington.
3. Waterproof Parka And Leggings London November Outfit
When the forecast is wet from morning to night, start with the coat: a hooded waterproof parka, ideally with taped seams. Under it, a longline merino sweater and a wicking base layer, with thick black leggings or ponte pants. Supportive lace-up boots or water-resistant walking sneakers with a deep tread. Dark green, navy or black hides rain marks. Check the beanie fits under the hood before you leave. A belt bag under the coat keeps your phone dry and close, useful in crowded spots like Camden Market.
4. Quilted Jacket And Wide-Leg Jeans London November Outfit
A short quilted jacket is easy on the Tube because it doesn't swamp you in a crowded carriage. Olive or navy over a striped knit, with high-rise wide-leg jeans to balance the short jacket. There's room in a wide leg for thermal leggings on a cold day. Choose jeans long enough to meet the top of your Chelsea boots, since a cropped hem leaves a cold strip of ankle. A leather tote, gold studs and a plain scarf finish it for cafés, bookshops and a walk around Notting Hill.
5. Puffer Coat And Knit Pants London November Outfit
A knee-length puffer is the warmest coat here for the weight, and it compresses into a corner of a suitcase. Black or chocolate over a fine knit sweater and soft straight knit pants that match it in tone. Clean leather sneakers treated with a water repellent, or flat ankle boots if heavy rain is coming. If you're petite, a puffer that stops above the knee keeps you from looking swallowed and is easier to walk in. A structured crossbody gives the soft pieces some shape. Good for travel days and early starts.
6. Blazer And Hoodie London November Outfit
Putting a hoodie under a blazer only works if the blazer is cut roomy enough for the hood and sleeves not to bunch. Try it on together before you pack. Over a slim hoodie and fitted tee, with straight jeans and low leather sneakers. Gray, navy, cream and faded denim keep it calm; a burgundy hoodie adds color. A long raincoat goes over both layers on a wet day. A cap and a crossbody are all it needs for coffee, record shops or a wander around Shoreditch.
7. Knit Dress And Knee-High Boots London November Outfit
A long-sleeve knit midi dress is one piece that does the job of a whole outfit. Black, navy, chocolate or deep green with opaque thermal tights and knee-high leather boots, which keep more of the leg warm than ankle boots. Let the skirt show just below a belted wool coat. If the dress is fitted, thin thermal shorts underneath add warmth without lines; a relaxed ribbed version is easier to wear for many shapes. It's dressy enough for afternoon tea, a nice dinner or a West End show.
8. Midi Skirt And Leather Jacket London November Outfit
A midi skirt in November has to be the right fabric. I'd choose a heavier woven pleated or A-line skirt; light fabrics whip around in the wind and stick to tights. A fitted turtleneck, fleece-lined tights and leather ankle boots. A slightly oversized leather jacket gives it some edge and leaves room for the knit, while a big wool scarf adds warmth leather doesn't have. Black, rust, camel and cream make a good palette. It suits indoor sights, lunches and shopping, where you'll be in and out of heated rooms.
9. Shirt Dress And Belted Coat London November Outfit
A long-sleeve shirt dress in a dark floral, quiet plaid or deep solid color can carry you from morning to dinner. Under it, a thin thermal top and opaque tights on cold days. A belted wool coat keeps the wind off and gives the shape back at the waist. Knee-high boots with a low block heel are steadier on damp pavement than a slim heel. A small top-handle bag and plain earrings. If you want more coverage, look for a longer hem and a fuller skirt, which also sits better over boots.
10. Sweater Vest And Trousers London November Outfit
A sweater vest over a crisp cotton shirt keeps your core warm without the bulk of a full sweater, which helps under a fitted coat. Tailored full-length trousers, a long wool coat in camel or navy, and loafers or flat leather boots. Loafers with fine ribbed socks are fine when it's dry; I wouldn't wear them in steady rain. Let the collar and cuffs show. A longer vest covers the hips if you prefer. It suits office visits, business lunches, libraries and galleries.
11. Cardigan And Black Jeans London November Outfit
Black jeans and a cardigan make a reliable outfit for a day with no fixed plan. A medium-weight cardigan buttoned as a top or worn open over a fitted long-sleeve tee. Straight or slim black jeans go under any coat, trench or wool, chosen by the forecast. A cardigan in red, cobalt or forest green brightens a neutral case. Watch the sleeves: chunky cardigan sleeves won't fit inside a slim coat. Comfortable ankle boots and a patterned scarf carry you from cafés to the pub in the evening.
12. All-Black London November Outfit
All black is the easiest outfit to pack and the most forgiving of wet-pavement splashes. A thin black thermal under a soft mock-neck sweater, wide-leg ponte trousers or dark straight jeans depending on the plans, and a long black wool coat. The coat's length matters on a windy street, so I'd go below the knee. Change the surfaces, ribbed knit, smooth leather, a woven scarf, or it all merges into one dark shape. A gray, camel or burgundy scarf adds a little contrast near the face.
13. Camel Coat And Burgundy Sweater London November Outfit
Burgundy and camel is one of the most reliable color pairings for a gray city. A burgundy crewneck over a breathable base layer, dark indigo straight jeans and a long camel coat. Chocolate ankle boots with supportive soles and wool-blend socks. A plaid scarf and brown bag tie it together. If burgundy pulls your skin sallow, forest green, deep plum or rust does the same job. Check the coat closes over the sweater, because evenings are colder. Lovely for photos on old streets, lunch in Chelsea or a browse along Portobello Road.
14. Faux Fur Jacket And Satin Skirt London November Outfit
Faux fur and satin is a texture contrast for an evening, not a sightseeing day. A soft faux fur jacket over a fitted fine knit, with a satin midi skirt and opaque tights, which stop the satin clinging and add warmth. Pointed ankle boots with a stable low heel and a small structured bag. Because the fur adds volume up top, keep the skirt sleek. Plush pile and satin both spot in rain, so on a wet evening, swap the fur for a long wool coat. For tea, a celebration dinner or a show, it's special without being fussy.
15. Trench Coat And Matching Lounge Set London November Outfit
A matching knit set under a trench is the arrival-day outfit I'd plan around. Straight knit pants and a crewneck sweater in gray, navy or taupe, with a T-shirt underneath for warm airports and trains. The water-resistant trench gives the soft set structure. Supportive leather sneakers, a big tote and a separate pouch for passport and cards. A large scarf works as a blanket on the journey. Choose a knit that doesn't crease and a waistband that stays put, and you can start sightseeing straight after check-in.
16. Raincoat And Straight-Leg Jeans London November Outfit
For a day of steady drizzle, a breathable waterproof coat with an adjustable hood beats an umbrella you have to hold all day. Over a merino sweater and a cotton long-sleeve top, with dark straight jeans that hide splashes better than light washes. Water-resistant sneakers with a grippy sole and wool socks. A cap under the hood keeps rain off your face, which helps if you wear glasses. Tuck the scarf inside so it doesn't soak up water. Good for markets, riverside walks and long outdoor sightseeing.
17. Tailored Suit And Long Coat London November Outfit
A tailored suit is the outfit for a work appointment or formal daytime event. A softly structured blazer with matching straight or wide-leg trousers in navy, charcoal or dark brown, and a fine merino or mock-neck top instead of a blouse, which is warmer. Make sure the long wool coat fits over the blazer shoulders; many don't. Low-heeled leather ankle boots handle weather better than pumps. Afterwards the suit separates into a blazer with jeans and trousers with a sweater, which is good value in a small suitcase.
18. Shacket And Corduroy Pants London November Outfit
A wool-blend shacket with a fitted turtleneck and straight corduroy pants is a relaxed sightseeing outfit with more warmth in the legs than cotton chinos. Chocolate, olive, rust or navy cords with neutral sneakers or flat lace-up boots. A shacket isn't a proper coat in the cold or wet, so pack a waterproof shell to go over it. Only crop the cords if your boots cover the ankle. A backpack and beanie make it practical for museums, food markets and a day on public transport.
19. Velvet Trousers And Blouse London November Outfit
Velvet trousers are dressy and surprisingly warm, which makes them a good evening choice in November. Black, navy or burgundy velvet with a satin blouse or fine knit, and a tailored wool coat that falls below the hip. Pointed block-heel ankle boots are steadier on damp pavement than a stiletto. Velvet crushes in a suitcase, so roll it with the pile facing out and hang it in a steamy bathroom on arrival. A thermal camisole under the blouse is invisible. Restaurants, concerts and the theater all suit it.
20. Longline Coat And Wide-Leg Jeans London November Outfit
A longline coat with wide-leg jeans is a strong, modern shape, so balance it with a fitted ribbed sweater or bodysuit. A knee or calf-length coat with clean lines and room for a layer. Platform sneakers or chunky Chelsea boots lift long hems off the wet ground; the jeans should nearly cover the shoe without touching the pavement. If you're curvy, a belted coat brings back the waist; if you're petite, a slightly shorter coat keeps the line from getting heavy. A big scarf and crossbody finish it.
From a Museum Afternoon to a West End Seat
Most days on a city break don't leave time to go back to the hotel before the evening. Rather than packing separate evening outfits, I plan a few small swaps that live in a day bag:
- Swap the sneakers for low block-heel ankle boots or polished loafers if you have a hotel in between, or wear smart boots all day.
- Swap a casual scarf for a silk one, and add bigger earrings.
- Replace a hoodie or cardigan with a fine knit or satin top under the same coat.
- Use a small shoulder bag for the evening and leave the daytime tote at the cloakroom or hotel.
London theaters generally have no dress code, so smart jeans and boots are completely normal in the stalls. Some of the grander hotel tea rooms and restaurants do ask for smart dress and may not allow sportswear or trainers, so check the booking confirmation before you go. When in doubt, a knit dress or tailored trousers with leather boots will fit almost anywhere.
Layers You Already Own, One Good Coat
You don't need a new wardrobe for London in November; you need the right outer layer and shoes. Start with jeans, trousers, sweaters and thermal base layers you already own, then pick a trench, wool coat, puffer or waterproof jacket for the forecast. Comfortable boots and treated sneakers will get far more use than delicate shoes. Add a scarf, compact umbrella, gloves and a secure crossbody. Keep to one color palette so a few pieces make many outfits, and you'll spend the trip warm and comfortable.
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