Having spent a semester in Scotland I learned very fast that the weather has commitment issues. You could start your day walking out into cloudy 32-degree weather and end it in 55-degree clear sky. These are some staple pieces I frequented during my adventures.
Hiking boots
- Any type of boot will help you but I especially preferred hiking boots throughout my time abroad. They’re versatile and I wore them everywhere. Terrain wise they are perfect for the cobblestone streets of old cities like Edinburgh and they’re great for a quick hike up Arthur Seat or up in the highlands. When it rains they’ll keep you dry and if you have waterproof boots you won’t even have to worry about staining them. Mine pictured are Waterproof Timberlands that I purchased at their outlet store for cheap.
Two-piece raincoat
- My two-piece raincoat was something I used a lot. During the warmer months, I used the waterproof windbreaker in case it decided to rain halfway through the day. When it isn’t needed you can tie it around your waist. This is a big trend right now with shirts of any kind and it worked with my jacket too!
- In the winter, the insert is great for keeping you warm. I would wear this without the windbreaker if it wasn’t supposed to rain. The one I’m wearing is from Mountain Warehouse a store in both America and the UK. My biggest tip with this is to buy the men’s because it has so many pockets that are really convenient.
Insulated Leggings for Outdoor Activities
- If you aren’t going out for a hike or a run don’t, I repeat don’t, wear leggings. During my stay, I learned pretty quickly that leggings were not a common choice of style if you weren’t working out. Gone were the days of waking up and throwing on leggings before class. What they are great for though is when you are outdoors! I had purchased an ‘active’ pair from Aerie before I went abroad and I was so thankful for them. They are high waisted, insulated, and have pockets at the thighs for your smartphone which is great when you need to be more hands on.
Scarf
- Something I didn’t get into much before going abroad was wearing a scarf when it was cold. Towards the end of my stay, I wanted to purchase a cashmere scarf as my big souvenir. I searched about 9 different shops between Princes St. and the Royal Mile until I finally found one I liked that was also an affordable price. Ever since then I’ve gotten used to wearing a scarf all the time when I’m out. It sounds silly but I’m so used to it now that if I’m not wearing it outside my neck gets cold! It’s key to picking one that matches or goes well with your jacket so that you can wear it whenever you go out. Because I have a maroon colored jacket I picked a plaid scarf that had a more neutral tone to it with a maroon stripe.