Christmas is the time to look and feel your best, whatever you have planned, and if your December includes plenty of winter walks through the countryside then now is the time to stock up on the right clothing essentials. After all, choosing what to wear for a walk at this time of year is about much more than dressing to impress. 

Having the right high-quality clothing ready for your outdoor activities will keep you warm and cosy all winter long, and that’s why we have put together this guide to help you find all the winterwear essentials that you will need to enjoy the Christmas countryside this December.  

What does your Christmas calendar look like? 

• Muddy rambles with the family (including the dog)?
• A walk into town to visit the Christmas markets? 
• A Christmas Eve walk to the local pub? 
• A Boxing Day meet-up to stretch your legs after Christmas? 
• Or a New Year’s stroll with friends? 

Deciding what to wear for a walk at Christmas, particularly a long one, requires you to prioritise warmth, comfort, and weather-resistance. Every piece within your ensemble must serve a purpose – whether that is to keep the cold at bay, retain your body heat, or simply to look stylish – so take this opportunity to review your own winter wardrobe and invest in the staple pieces below before heading out on your next outdoor adventure. 

Start with a baselayer

Just because you will be wrapping up with plenty of additional layers does not mean you can’t wear your favourite Christmas outfits underneath your outdoor wear! You are welcome to choose any top that you like as long as it provides ample warmth, and we do recommend a turtleneck or jumper to keep your arms, shoulders and neck warm throughout the day.

Soft cashmere, wool, and cotton are all ideal materials for a base layer as they are lightweight, comfortable, and offer superior insulation compared to synthetic materials. They are also unlikely to restrict your movements whilst out and about, so choose your outfit with care and remember to leave plenty of room for those all-important layers to go on top. 

Even if it isn’t snowing when you look out the window, odds are that it will still be chilly once you are outside, and it’s in conditions like these that you will be most grateful for an insulating layer on top of your festive outfit. 

Get yourself winter weather-ready with your choice of a fleece or gilet in a soft, insulating material that will keep you warm. These midlayers are crafted from materials that provide essential insulation for your core without causing you to overheat, and are an indispensable shield against the cold temperatures of winter, particularly when zipped up to the chin and drawn in at the hip with an adjustable cord, so make sure there’s a place for these layers in your winter wardrobe.

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t leave the house for even the shortest stroll, let alone an entire day of walking, without a reliable finishing layer. The unpredictability of the British weather could leave you facing heavy rain or excessive winds in no time, so don’t let yourself get caught up in these conditions without the protection of a practical winter coat from a dependable brand. 

Whether you go for a durable jacket with adjustable storm cuffs or a full length coat with a detachable hood, this final layer must be fully waterproof (or moisture repellent), windproof, and generously insulated. The best coats will also offer plenty of room within the arms to layer your clothing without impacting your range of movement, and it’s also advisable to shop around for an option that provides all the additional features you require, such as microfleece-lined pockets or retainer straps. 

Neither the strongest gale nor the heaviest snow will keep you indoors this winter – provided that you swap out your everyday shoes for reliable footwear options that are ready for anything. 

This means choosing winter boots that have: 

• Excellent grip and cleated tread. 
• A non-slip sole. 
• Good structure with reliable foot support.
• Built-in insoles for superior comfort. 
• Flat heels if you are socialising at the end of your walk. 
• And even elasticated sides and pull-on tugs for ease of wear. 

Finally, protect your feet no matter the weather with a pair of 100% waterproof wellies that come with soft lining on the inside and a full length zip for the perfect fit. 

A walking outfit isn’t complete without the adequate accessories, which will inevitably depend upon the activities that you will be doing on your winter walks. Maybe you and your friends are meeting up with the little ones to build a snowman (which calls for a flask of hot chocolate and spare hats and gloves in a travel basket), or making the most of the shooting season (in which case reinforced bellows cartridge pockets and interior security pockets will be needed)? 

No matter what you will be getting up to, there are a few walking essentials that no one should be without this winter, including hats, gloves, scarves, and (of course) walking socks!

Roxtons is a leading online retailer of walking clothes and the one-stop shop for all your outdoor wear needs this Christmas. 

Their full range is stocked with everything from warm gilets to sturdy walking boots, so kit yourself out today with premium pieces that are designed to last.

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