How to look good and stay warm on bonfire night

Wear an outfit that’s worthy of its very own firework display

Sarah Jones
Saturday 27 October 2018 15:46 BST
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Basic Beret, £12.99, Zara
Basic Beret, £12.99, Zara

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Bonfire Night is the time of year where we throw caution to the wind and brave the brisk weather for an evening of outdoor fun.

And, whether you’re standing in a muddy field, watching the fireworks from a rooftop bar or toasting marshmallows in your back garden, one thing we can guarantee is that it’s going to be cold.

As a result, any prospective outfits are going to need to be warm, practical and, of course, stylish.

Something that’s harder to execute than it sounds: we’ve rounded up some simple steps that you can follow to ensure you look good and keep warm for this year’s Bonfire Night festivities.

The winter knit

Mohair-Blend Jumper, £39.99, H&M
Mohair-Blend Jumper, £39.99, H&M

Bonfire Night is the perfect opportunity to debut your winter wardrobe and cosy up in slouchy layers.

A classic winter knit should provide the basis for your brrrr-busting outfit and we suggest opting for a dark colour that will hide the inevitable mulled wine or hot dog stains.

If you’re planning on heading to a bar afterwards, we suggest layering your knit over the top of a ruffle-neck blouse to add a point of interest, and so that you can whip it off to reveal an evening-ready ensemble.

The super-warm coat

Quilted Water-Resistant Parka with Hood, £89.99, Zara
Quilted Water-Resistant Parka with Hood, £89.99, Zara

When it comes to coats you have a number of options but whatever you decide on, remember that you’re going to be standing outside for hours so it needs to keep you warm.

For this reason we love oversized teddy bear coats while classic parkas offer a more practical solution to the evening chill factor. Not only do they come with a hood to protect you from sudden showers but they tend to come with multiple pockets, which are ideal for keeping your hands warm or stashing your gloves.

The cross-body bag

Leopard Multiway Clutch Bag, £29, Warehouse
Leopard Multiway Clutch Bag, £29, Warehouse

Depending on your plans for the evening, chances are you’re not going to need to take much with you so we suggest stowing your essentials in a small cross-body bag.

This will mean you can easily make your way through the crowds without a bulky backpack weighing you down and it will also keep your hands free for feasting on food and drinks.

One of the few pieces of your outfit that are going to be on full display, don’t be afraid to make an impact with pattern here too. Our favourite print of the moment is leopard, which just so happens to look great when paired with khaki parkas and black knits.

The sensible boots

Artist Lace Up Boots, £75, Topshop
Artist Lace Up Boots, £75, Topshop

Navigating muddy terrain is not the time to test out a new pair of heels so keep your toes toastie with a sensible pair of heavy-duty ankle boots.

Here, you’re going to want to invest in a pair of flat boots that will hide your thick socks, add a grungy vibe to your look and not leave you stuck in the mud. If you must wear a heel, keep it low and chunky.

The cosy accessories

Wool Beret, £14, Accessorize
Wool Beret, £14, Accessorize

Accessories are a great way to shelter from the cold and add a dose of personal style to your outfit.

The first thing most of us tend to reach for when the temperature drops is a scarf and right now the high street is throwing up a whole host of them in luxe jewel and autumnal hues.

Similarly, gloves are a great idea and for a pair that promise to see through the winter we suggest investing in some that are made from hardwearing leather.

To top it all off, add a hat into the mix, with a classic beret for ultimate style points.

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