What to Wear on Bonfire Night
Written by Artemis Clo
Bonfire Night is a long evening in a cold, dark field, and the fireworks always start later than you hoped. Working out what to wear on Bonfire Night is about two things: staying warm while standing still, and keeping your feet dry on wet grass.
What to wear on Bonfire Night: dress for a cold, dark field
Early November evenings can be sharp, and an open field offers no shelter from the wind. Add an hour or two of standing around, and even a mild forecast turns chilly. Dress warmer than you would for a walk of the same length.
Your coat does most of the work. Long and hooded is ideal: it keeps the backs of your legs warm and the drizzle off your hair. A slim-fit quilted puffer parka with a hood is a great Bonfire Night coat, warm and easy to move in. A long reversible coat, quilted on one side and teddy on the other, gives you two looks for the season. Find more in our coats and jackets, and make sure there is room for a knit underneath.
Under the coat, two thin layers beat one heavy jumper, because the air between them holds the warmth. The full system is in our guide on how to layer for British weather.
Coats and jackets to start with
A few pieces that fit what you have just read.
Slim-Fit Quilted Puffer Parka with Hood
Long Reversible Hooded Coat, Quilted and Teddy
Long Hooded Bouclé-Look Coat with Buttons
Cosy knits and zip-ups for the middle layer
Bonfire Night is the one evening of the year when a hoodie is the perfect choice. It is cosy, it has a hood for extra warmth under your coat hood, and nobody expects you to look formal in a muddy field.
A cable-texture zip-up hoodie with a drawstring hood looks neater than a sports hoodie and zips open if you head to the pub afterwards. If you prefer something with a high neck, look for an oversized style with a funnel neck that keeps the wind off your throat. Our hoodies include zip-ups, pullovers and lined styles.
If a hoodie is not your thing, a chunky roll neck jumper does the same job. Underneath, a long-sleeved thermal or fine knit top adds warmth without bulk. On your legs, thin tights or leggings under jeans or trousers make a real difference by the second hour.
If the evening carries on indoors
Many Bonfire Nights end at a pub, a party or a friend's kitchen. Plan for it by choosing a middle layer you are happy to be seen in: a zip-up hoodie in a soft colour, or a knit with a nice neckline. Take off the coat and hat, swap the scarf for a lighter one from your bag, and you are dressed for a warm room. Smoke clings to clothes, so air your coat outside or by an open window the next morning.
Boots for wet grass and muddy fields
Most displays happen in parks, playing fields or farmland, and early November grass is almost always damp. By the end of the night, it can be churned to mud near the gates and the food stalls.
Wellies are the most practical choice on a wet field, worn with thick socks. If the ground is firm, ankle boots with a grippy sole and room for a warm sock are fine, and they are easier for the walk there and back. Ruched ankle boots with a side zip are quick to pull on and off at the door. Browse the boots collection for lined and flat pairs.
Leave the light-coloured boots at home, and keep a plastic bag in the car for muddy ones on the way back.
Bonfire Night accessories and a few safety notes
Hat, scarf and gloves are not optional on Bonfire Night. A warm hat makes a huge difference when you are standing still, and a fluffy fur-effect winter hat with a rolled brim looks wonderful in the glow of the fire. Gloves keep your hands warm and are the usual advice for holding sparklers. A small crossbody bag keeps your phone and keys safe in the dark. See our accessories for more.
A few sensible notes for near the fire:
- Keep a good distance from the bonfire and follow the organisers' barriers.
- Tuck in loose scarf ends, long fluffy trims and hair before anyone lights a sparkler.
- Hold sparklers at arm's length with gloves on, and drop finished ones into a bucket of water.
- Take a small torch or use your phone light for the walk across a dark field.
Then grab a hot drink, find a spot with a good view and enjoy the show. For more cold-weather evenings out, our guide on what to wear to a Christmas market is a good next read.
Next, from our accessories
Something from a neighbouring rail, for the same moment.
Fluffy Fur-Effect Winter Hat with Rolled Brim
Knitted Scarf Shrug with Sleeves
Crossbody Phone Strap with Zipped Pouch
Your questions, answered
How cold does it get at a fireworks display?
Early November evenings can be properly cold, especially in an open field where the damp rises from the grass. Standing still for an hour or more makes it feel colder than the forecast suggests. Dress as you would for a frosty morning walk, then add a layer.
Can I wear a dress or skirt on Bonfire Night?
You can, with thick opaque or fleece-lined tights, boots and a coat long enough to cover the hem. Damp grass and cold air are hard on bare legs, so this is a night for warm layers under the skirt as well as over it.
Is a fluffy coat or hat a good idea near a bonfire?
Wear what keeps you warm, but keep long fluffy trims and loose scarf ends well away from sparks and flames. Stand back behind the barriers and tuck trims in when sparklers come out. If in doubt, save the fluffiest pieces for the walk home rather than the front row.
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