Clothes for Scotland in February

[Sigil]

I’m going to Scotland to visit family and friends for most of February and don’t know what to wear! I live in a warmer climate with a very casual vibe so I’m out of touch with winter wear.

Would love suggestions for shops/sites I can browse for inspiration or any ideas for key things to buy or take. I’ve got a few wool jumpers stashed away plus a couple of coats, but I’ve not worn jeans for about a year and boots for even longer. I don’t care about being super trendy but would prefer to look more current then dated.

Any ideas for key colours/shapes/styles please, especially bottoms and footwear?

edit to add: I’ll not need anything very fancy but will undoubtedly have some meals out/ go out for drinks. Daytime will be mostly hanging out with friends/relatives or maybe meeting friends to wander round the shops or similar.

Where abouts in Scotland? It would depend where you were going, but I would suggest a warm coat, scarf, gloves, waterproof coat, layers of top and sweater.

Bit more information needed for details, but its likely to be cold and wet.

Which part of Scotland? The climate in Edinburgh is totally different from the Western Isles (just as an example)

uniqlo heattech thermal base layers!! Long coat, waterproof, hat!

Thanks; will be around Edinburgh. I’m expecting cold and wet - more looking for ideas of what’s a little bit stylish so I don’t look completely out of date!

Actually Uniqlo all round a pretty good shout (whilst you are in buying the thermals 😂😂)

some nice puffa jackets, great jersey barrel leg trousers etc x

Anything goes in Edinburgh. You wear whatever you want to and it will be fine. Whats your usual style?

Long wool or puffer coat. Boots, either Doc Marten style or chunky Chelsea boots. Big scarf, gloves and lots of thin layers underneath. Merino knitted sweaters are good. Wide leg jeans or cord trousers.

Likely to be cold, grey, rainy for at least some of your visit. Edinburgh has loads of shops so just bring enough for 4 days and go shopping after you arrive.

I live in Scotland, I wear jeans all year round. You don't need any base layers under them unless you're spending all day in the hills or something!

Layers, wool jumpers over a vest and t shirt sounds ideal.
A waterproof coat will be essential, and some sensible shoes - like flat boots.
A hat and gloves.
For being a bit smarter maybe corduroy trousers with a jumper or cardigan, or a dress layered over a vest and leggings with boots.
You probably don’t need to buy much extra just use layers and make sure you have a warm and waterproof coat (or a waterproof you already have layered over a puffa jacket or thick fleece)

Firstly remember it’s an international city, so there isn’t any consensus on how to dress there.

I’d say concentrate on the extremities - warm headgear, scarf, gloves, socks, boots. Plus thermal underthings. For the rest, it really depends how much you want to spend on clothes you might not have much need for going forward. What’s your budget?

(The weather isn’t usually extreme, but you’ll probably feel the cold more than Edinburgh aficionados.)

Thanks all, some great ideas here. Will have a trip to Uniqlo on arrival.

I don’t really have a normal style that translates to winter as I tend to be in linen a lot of the time here.

i bought some chunky black lace up boots from Jones a couple of years ago when I was over but I’m not sure if they’re still stylish. I’ve got a chunky pair of muck/stable boots but they’re quite heavy so not ideal for travel or walking a lot.

I’ve only had barrel leg lightweight pants for summer - what boots go best with barrel legs?

I do take on board I can wear what I want etc but it would be nice to be somewhat current! Thanks for the tips on what to buy and packing light. I don’t want to spend too much time or money shopping especially as I won’t get much wear out of winter things here.

Main concern is styles of footwear and trousers/jeans. And what to wear for a smart ish evening out.

I disagrèe. Thermal leggings unders trousers are a must for me in winter in Scotland.

I honestly hadn’t thought about taking thermals but it’s years since I experienced a Scottish winter and I think I’ll be a bit soft! I’ve some silk thermals somewhere that will be ideal to take.

I’m firmly in the thermal leggings camp 🤪

@Sigil trainers or boots will be fine with barrel legs, it’s my staple uniform and can be dressed up or down 👍👍

You need trousers and/or wool tights plus skirts, tops, jumpers, coat, hat, scarf and gloves plus waterproof shoes which are grippy as it’s likely to be wet and/or icy at various points. Layers are key because temperatures will likely vary over a month from minus 5 to + 15 degrees, even colder in the mountains and some glens, the cities less likely to. My Scottish relatives made a snowman yesterday. On balance rain is you most likely weather so don’t forget an umbrella!

Knitted dresses and boots with woolly tights if you’re not keen on trousers? Comfy and can be layered up or down depending on weather.

Edinburgh is reasonably sheltered and snow is uncommon. Rain or drizzle are frequent combined with wind often so a coat with a hood is very useful. You may or may not need them but I’d definitely bring scarf and gloves. The shops are excellent so you can always buy anything you need.

It would be unusual for Edinburgh temperatures in February to be below freezing except in the middle of the night if then.

In the city of Edinburgh?! I’d boil alive.

Scottish person, living not that far from Edinburgh. just popping on to say think thermal leggings might be a bit much - last time I wore mine was when our heating system broke three years ago over Christmas and New Year.
jeans, a top, jumper and decent jacket should be fine for february
and flattish boots best, as lots of cobbles in Edinburgh

If it's around freezing, like now and you're not wearing a full length coat, thermals are a good idea. The wind in Edinburgh can be biting.

Clompy boots seem to be currently fashionable.

very few people wearing skinnies, wide leg trousers are fashionable.
they’re also not good in the snow or the rain as they get sopping at the bottom but your call.

It all depends on what you're doing and whether you'll be in Edinburgh itself or in the general area. Remember that Edinburgh is at the mouth of a substantial river and Leith is on the coast.
I've stood outside fir a couple of hours at Murray field the rugby and it was Baltic. I've been a month later and got a sunburnt face and arms.
(I'm a southern jessy).

As someone who lives in that area and visits Edinburgh regularly I think the key thing you need for February is a warm, waterproof coat with a hood. Preferably wind proof and knee length too! I've got a Didrikson one which I live in from October - April or May, and whilst they are pricey you might get a good deal in the sales. Other places to look would be Mountain Warehouse for budget options, or Joules and Fat Face often has decent coats and do a good sale. I wouldn't go for a wool coat, because whilst they are great on dry days and can cope with an occasional shower, they're not very practical if it rains a lot which it probably will.

It probably won't be that cold because winter temperatures seem to sit about 7-12 degree celsius now thanks to climate change, but it is likely to be wet and windy and if you're lucky you'll get some colder but bright and clear day. You shouldn't need thermals other than maybe a couple of long sleeved base layers to wear under your jumpers on frosty days. Definitely take a scarf, hat and gloves and then you can layer up as required. Given that it's likely to be raining I'd be cautious of wide legged trousers that might drag in puddles and become wet and uncomfortable. Barrel legged with sturdy trainers or boots would be better, although I do still wear my skinny jeans with boots occasionally on very wet days!

I would agree with this! Plus Edinburgh has that damp cold, I find other parts of Scotland slightly warmer because of this.
A good puffer coat, base layers, warm boots