Teach me how to cold-weather

[whatsinmypockets]

Just moved to the Scottish Highlands after 15 years in a tropical country and I'm staggeringly underprepared for what's coming this winter...

I've set aside a reasonable budget for updating my wardrobe over the next few months, but I don't want to fritter it away on things I don't need or aren't the smartest investments – so I'm looking for advice!

If you were starting from scratch for a UK winter, what would be your first purchases?

Where do you look for practical, warm, weatherproof and stylish stuff?

And if you're in the Highlands, what do you know that I should know?!

I'm 5'4, size 8-10 hourglass, light spring colour palette, if any of that helps.

Some brilliant advice here, thanks everyone! It was all feeling a bit overwhelming to begin with, but now I've definitely got a good idea of where to start and what to prioritise - relief!

Icebreaker merino base layers, expensive but they do decent sales. Helstons gloves are decent too (might need a liner).
Rab is great, I have a great fjallraven Parker thing that allows layers and is waterproof and isn’t too dissimilar from normal coats I’ve seen in the shops.

Also, indoors thick warm slippers with a thick sole. I have a great pair from Hotter, but haven't seen ones so good from them in the past couple of years.

Electric blanket for your bed.

I am fond of a hot water bottle as well as the electric blanket ( I love a warm cosy bed)

As others have said, its the wind and wet that will make it feel colder than the temperature says it is, so you need clothes to deal with that.

Or you could just move to Wales. The same brilliant access to nature and coast but a lot warmer : )

Id consider an Oodie for around the house too.
You will look like a giant fleecy blob but they are so worth it for the warmth!

This, basically. And gloves.

One of these really helps keep you warm and stops any gaps/draughts too
It's also weirdly comforting if you have mild period pain

www.nukunuku.co.uk

Wear leggings under jeans

Not sure if you can get lined jeans in the UK? They're great

Snow boots

Good coat

Always wear something around your neck, scarf, roll neck etc

You don't really need wooly jumpers, unless you're one of those mnetters who keeps their house at 14 degrees throughout the winter

I recently bought a pair of the Bobbi ankle boots from here: https://uk.merrypeople.com and I’ve worn them on the school run every day this week. I’d highly recommend them - so comfortable and perfect for this endless rain. They are very warm too. I have walked miles in them without issue.