Umbrellas, tweed and other observations about fashion in Edinburgh.

Today was one of those days. I guess I would describe it as an Edinburgh day. Not bad, just...dreary. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0005)
Anyway, the cold weather got me thinking about, of all things, fashion. To be fair, I thought I was (fashionably) prepared for the weather. I dutifully packed my lovely wellies, an umbrella and four jackets. A plethora of sweaters (or jumpers, if you prefer the vernacular), mittens, hats and scarves also came along. For good measure I brought plenty of long socks and my mom was even kind enough to buy those little hand warmers that go in your gloves. For all intents and purposes, I was ready to deal with the short, cold, rainy days that characterize Edinburgh in January.

To my surprise, I was woefully unprepared for a Scottish winter. True, my clothes are all warm enough and my umbrella is certainly handy when it rains. However, for all my careful preparation, I failed to take Scottish fashion standards into account. So, should any of you care to visit delightfully rainy Edinburgh, allow me to advise your packing list.

Ladies:

• Colours should be limited to accessories, especially bold colours. A red scarf or yellow bag are certainly acceptable, perhaps even a bright shirt, but remember that said bright colours must always be paired with an appropriately dreary outfit.
  
• Overcoats should be dark. Black is best, but navy, gray and brown are all acceptable alternatives. Patterns should be understated, dark tweed or muted plaid, for example.
• Boots are the preferred footwear. NOT wellingtons, never wellingtons. No, sensible suede boots should be worn, regardless of the weather. After all, nothing keeps feet warmer in the rain than a nice pair of Uggs. Should you find yourself without suede boots, boots of any kind excluding wellingtons will do. No boots? Fine, flats may also be worn.
  
• Trousers ('pants' means underwear here, fyi), especially jeans, should only be worn if you have no other clean clothes. Sweatpants are a no-no at all times (my mother has been telling me this for years).
• The standard daily outfit is a denim mini skirt with black tights, boots, a jumper, a jacket (short, so people can see the skirt), gloves, hat and scarf. Remember, somber colours!
• If you plan on going out, bring a pair of high heels and a bag big enough to carry flats. Also plan on knowing a good cobbler, the cobble stones are murder on heels.

Gentlemen:

• A good cable knit sweater is an excellent idea. Not only will it look dashing underneath a pea coat, you'll stay quite toasty no matter how cold the wind.
  
• Trousers should always be worn with casual shoes. Running shoes should only be worn in athletic situations.
  
• Speaking of athletics, if you really want to blend in, bring along a rugby jersey. Scotland is preferable, though any jersey will make you look more like a local. Word to the wise - the 6 Nations runs from February through mid-March - be aware of who is playing which weekend. Football (Soccer) jerseys are also acceptable.
• Two fashion musts: oxford shirts and jeans.
• Scarves should accompany all outfits.
• And most importantly...SOMBER COLOURS!
  

So, that is my sage fashion advice. By following it, you can rest assured that not only will you be warm, but also dressed to match the weather. It really is a win-win situation. Oh, one last piece of advice. True Scots don't carry umbrellas...only tourists do that! ; )