Dressing for Winter in Ghent: Warm, Dry and Still Stylish
Rain, wind off the canals and cosy cafés: a practical layering guide for Belgian winters that never sacrifices style.
By COCO by Gohar · 2 October 2026
A Ghent winter means grey skies, drizzle, cold wind along the Graslei and Korenlei, and then the warm inside of a café or shop. The secret to looking good all season is layering: pieces that keep you warm outside and come off easily indoors.
The three-layer formula
- Base: a fitted long-sleeve top or bodysuit, ideally in a soft, breathable fabric.
- Middle: a knit, either a fine-gauge sweater for work or a chunky jumper for weekends.
- Outer: a puffer or a wool coat that can handle wind and light rain.
The coat matters most
A belted puffer jacket is the most practical choice for cycling and walking through the city: warm, light and water-resistant. A cinched waist keeps it feminine rather than bulky. For evenings and smarter occasions, a long wool-blend coat in camel, cream or black is timeless. A faux-fur collar or stole adds glamour when you are going out.
Knitwear that works hard
Look for knits with a detail: pearl or rhinestone embellishment, heart or star patterns, or an interesting neckline. They make a plain pair of jeans feel like an outfit. Knit co-ord sets (a sweater with a matching skirt or trousers) are the easiest way to look put-together on a cold morning.
Bottoms and shoes
Coated jeans are ideal in wet weather: they shrug off light rain and look sharp. Pair with waterproof ankle boots with a grip sole. The cobblestones of the old centre are slippery when wet!
Colour for grey days
When the sky is grey, wear colour: emerald, raspberry, cobalt or a warm caramel. A bright scarf or knit lifts your mood and photographs beautifully against Ghent's historic façades.
Our winter jackets and knitwear arrive in the boutique from autumn. Pop in on Langemunt, just a few minutes from the Vrijdagmarkt, and try on the layers together.
