What to Wear in Nairobi's Cold Season: Layering with Thrifted Knits and Coats

Every year around June to August, Nairobi turns grey and cool. Mornings can be properly cold, middays warm up, and evenings drop again. The answer is not one heavy outfit but smart layers you can add and remove. Thrift is perfect for this, because good knits and coats are often far cheaper pre-loved.

The three-layer rule

Think of your outfit in three parts:

1. Base layer: a tee, tank or light blouse that is comfortable when the sun comes out.
2. Middle layer: a knit, cardigan or shirt that adds warmth.
3. Outer layer: a jacket or coat for the cold commute and the evening.

By lunchtime you may only need the first two. By evening, all three.

Pieces worth looking for

• Fine-gauge knits: thin wool or cotton knits keep you warm without bulk and fit under jackets.
• Chunky cardigans: easy to throw on and take off, and great over dresses.
• Denim jackets: a classic middle or outer layer that suits almost anything.
• Trench coats: smart, light and practical for drizzly days.
• Wool-blend coats: for the coldest mornings, especially if you leave home early.
• Scarves: the cheapest way to add warmth and colour to a neutral outfit.

Easy outfit formulas

For the office

Blouse, fine knit over the top with the collar showing, tailored trousers and a long coat. Take the coat off at your desk and you still look finished.

For weekends

Plain tee, jeans, chunky cardigan and a denim jacket. Add a scarf for an evening out.

For dresses

A midi dress does not have to wait for warm weather. Wear a knit over it and belt at the waist, or add tights and a trench coat. Long-sleeved dresses in heavier fabrics work well on their own with a jacket.

For skirts

Pair a midi skirt with a tucked-in knit and a cropped jacket. Boots or closed shoes keep the look cosy.

Fabrics that actually keep you warm

When thrifting for the cold season, check the fabric label:

• Wool and wool blends hold warmth well, even when slightly damp.
• Cotton knits are softer and easier to wash, ideal for milder days.
• Acrylic is affordable and warm but can pill, so look for pieces in good condition.
• Lined coats feel noticeably warmer than unlined ones.

Keep the colours calm, add one highlight

Layering is easiest when your main pieces share a palette: camel, grey, black, cream or navy. Then let one piece do the talking, such as a burgundy scarf or a rust knit. Grey skies look a little brighter that way.

Look after your winter layers

Knits should be dried flat and folded, not hung. Air coats between wears and brush them down. When the warm months return, wash and store everything in a dry wardrobe so it is ready for next year.

Build your cold-season wardrobe slowly

You do not need a whole new wardrobe. One good coat, two knits and a scarf will change how you get through the cold months. Add pieces as the season goes on.

Find knitwear, jackets, coats and scarves for the chilly months in the shop, and check our delivery details before you order.