In Scotland, you often hear “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Because practicality and aesthetics can be of equal importance, I’ve created a guide to help pack clothing that will look good in photos and keep you dry in a torrential downpour.
Scottish Fashion
Scotland may not be the fashion center that is Milan, but there is a distinct fashion that emphasizes craftsmanship, heritage, and practicality. Tartan (the plaid patterns) comes to mind for most when they think of Scotland. Scottish clans often have their own distinctive tartan patterns, which can be found in everything from scarves and kilts. Because Scotland’s landscape and climate is often rainy with some parts of the Highlands being rugged, Scottish fashion often uses wool and leather to create more timeless styles (think Burberry)—so that one can look good while also braving a wee bit of rain.
Summer Packing Guide (June-August)
Summer is Scotland is typically moderate temps (60-65°F) with rain that could occur at almost any time. Packing clothes that are waterproof will be essential if you would like to be dry for the duration of your visit. Assuming you plan to participate in typical tourist activities and not hike Ben Nevis, the packing guide below will allow you to be prepared for a week-long visit.
Jackets
As mentioned above, summers in Scotland are not particularly warm so a light jacket is recommended. A raincoat or other waterproof jacket is absolutely essential, or you’ll be damp the entire trip. Below are a few jackets that I pack when traveling to the UK:
33,000ft Packable Rain Jacket for Women
I pack this jacket for any extended trip. Nothing is worse than being caught in a downpour while exploring and having to run for cover. I appreciate this jacket because it is compact and comes with a small carrying bag that can fit in a tote or clip to my travel purse. This jacket has kept me dry throughout some pretty heavy rain throughout Scotland and Ireland so consider it tested. The jacket comes in several colors and although it says “hand wash only,” I wash it on delicate and haven’t noticed any issues. $57 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4hoO87r
SaphiRose Women’s Hooded Rain Jacket
The SaphiRose rain jacket is a bit more stylish and sophisticated with a classic Burberry vibe. The jacket is a bit longer than the 33,000ft jacket so you will have more coverage from a particularly rainy day, but the jacket is also less compact and less portable than the previous one. For $49, you really can’t go wrong if you are looking for a stylish jacket to keep you dry. Also, the pockets are huge. $49 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4iBlL8m
Rain Sisters Raincoats
Now if you are looking to splurge in order to have a statement piece, the Rain Sisters have a line of exquisite raincoats with several different colors and patterns. I particularly love the Fit and Flare Coat. The coat is black with “raven red” lining and it gives sexy secret agent vibes. As expected, obnoxiously sexy coats run a pretty penny, but can you really put a price tag on staying dry while looking like Carmen Sandiego? You indeed can and that would be $440. Fit and Flare Coat with Full Circle skirt in Black and Red – RainSisters
Shoes
My advice: Do not pack a ridiculous number of shoes. Shoes take up space and there is no reason and 1 or 2 pairs can’t coordinate with every outfit.
- Heels: I would avoid packing heels. I have not been anywhere in Scotland where a nice pair of boots with a classic dress were not welcomed or celebrated. The sidewalks and terrain are not flat so if you plan to walk to dinner in heels, I hope you did the Stairmaster before your trip to get those buns and thighs prepped. Also, cobblestone is the enemy of heels.
- Boots: Boots in Scotland will be your best friend. Keep in mind that many of the streets have cobblestone so I would reconsider any heel over 1″. Also, I would personally avoid suede and stick to leather or a faux-leather material so your socks and feetsies do not get soaked when you inevitably step into a puddle. Below are some recommendations that will keep you cute and dry.
Amazon Essentials Combat Boot
The Amazon Essentials Combat Boot is an affordable and practical shoe for walking around the city and staying dry. The shoes are comfortable for long days on your feet and will keep you dry as long as you do your best not to submerge your feet in water. $40 on Amazon and they come in black and green also. https://amzn.to/3VGwfcU
Thursday Boot Company Women’s Captain Boots
Now if you want to splurge a bit on an expertly crafted boot, get yourself a pair of Thursday boots. I absolutely love them for both their appearance and durability. The boots are leather and made to be water-resistant. Please note that they are not rain boots so please do not romp in puddles like Paddington Bear. $198 on Amazon and they come in multiple colors. https://amzn.to/4yERBpi
Fall (September-November)
Shoes
During fall, the combat boots previously listed are a great choice but I love a good knee-high boot with a trench coat as soon as the leaves start to turn.
DREAM PAIRS Women’s Knee-High Boots
If you are going for a Ralph Lauren vibe on a budget, these are the boots for you. A trench coat paired with a tartan umbrella or scarf will help give a classic style that can be worn while exploring or city or to one of Scotland’s Michelin Star restaurants. $45 on Amazon. Comes in several other colors. https://amzn.to/4hbHRvK
Lauren Ralp Lauren Manchester Boot
If you want a classic, polished aesthetic and don’t mind spending a few bucks, The Manchester boot by Lauren Ralph Lauren is a great option. I tend to gravitate towards classic, timeless looks (mostly because I try to keep every article of clothing that costs more than $100 for a decade) and Lauren Ralph Lauren captures the classic designer aesthetic without the designer price. $258 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3W2hTDV
Ziitop Women’s Fur-lined Winter Chelsea Boots
The fur-lined Chelsea boots are great casual shoes for exploring and keeping your footsies warm. The boots come in brown, black, and beige (beige is brave but do not let me stop you) and are really comfortable for long days of walking. $41 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4z8fVAf
Jackets
Scotland in the winter is going to require layers and a bit of practicality. The winters are cold and often wet so layering wool coats or sweaters with a waterproof outer layer is probably wise if you plan to spend a decent amount of time outside walking around and exploring.
33,000ft Women’s Hooded Softshell Jacket Fleece Lined Waterproof Raincoat
33,000ft is, again, my top choice for outerwear in cold, damp weather. The jacket is waterproof and fleece lined so you will be warm and dry as you explore in the winter (great choice for visiting during the Christmas markets). The coat comes in a bunch of colors but I usually opt for black so it matches with most outfits I pack. Also, I love a coat with a hood- especially in Scotland where rain is almost certain. $59 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3Tz5hTW
Tops
Sweaters are a great option for fall and winter to stay cozy in the colder months. I found a few that are affordable, practical, and pair great with jeans and a pair of boots.
Trendy Queen Women’s V Neck Cable Knit
Trendy Queen has a crewneck cable knit sweater that has great reviews, but I prefer a V neck whenever possible. The sweater comes in several fall colors (beige, burgundy, gray, navy, and black) and looks great over a pair of tights or with a skirt. $30 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/47DqhfD
ANRABESS Sweater dress
The ANRABESS sweater dress is the perfect top for Scotland because it can be paired several ways to achieve a different aesthetic while packing minimally. I love bringing versatile tops that have range so I can get a few outfits out of one shirt. The sweater can be dressy with tights and nice boots or casual with jeans and gym shoes. There are over a doze color options to choose from but I typically stick to neutrals. $39 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3VuEnxc
CHARTOU Women’s Cape
Now I love a good cape anytime I want to feel like Miranda in the Devil Wears Prada. Something about strutting down cobblestone in a heeled boot with a cape gives me main character energy. $40 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3U3c2ha
Moss Roses Women’s Shawl
The Moss Rose Shawl is more casual and pairs great with a tank top in warmer months and a sweater in fall or winter. $36 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3VuZsrk
Accessories
Windproof Travel Umbrella
Scotland has absolutely fierce wind and rain at a relatively consistent rate, so I never leave the hotel without a travel umbrella if I want to avoid being absolutely soaked. The Repel windproof travel umbrella can withstand 100mph winds (which I believe I experienced once at Eileen Donan Castle when I saw a small white dog entirely airborne and only tethered to this Earth by its leash). The umbrella is compact for easy carrying and has a lifetime warranty. $23 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4AG6gT6
Tartan Umbrella
While this umbrella isn’t necessarily windproof, it is very cute. The pattern is similar to the Burberry tartan and has a classic style that will look great in photos. $26 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4xXZOEk
SIMARI Touchscreen Gloves
I appreciate the SIMARI Touchscreen Gloves because they are actually touchscreen. Other gloves claim to be touchscreen but ultimately do not work well while using your phone. The gloves are also warm and affordable. $13 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4hXitvd
EBMORE Merino Wool Socks
The socks are a wool and cotton blend to keep your tootsies warm while you walk between pubs. They ae incredibly soft and comfortable, especially for long walking days. $14 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4zdddK0
BOSTANTEN Travel Bag
I take this bag on every trip that I go on to carry essentials. It doesn’t hold an incredible amount, but I can fit my phone, cards, ChapStick, and a portable charger, which is typically all that I need while exploring. The bag comes in a ton of colors (I have brown and black, which go with most outfits). $22 on Amazon. https://amzn.to/4dmm03M
Tramp Stamp Travel Tip
Ultimately, you will want to be sure that you have footwear that keeps your feet dry, an umbrella, and a waterproof jacket so that you can enjoy your visit without trying to dodge the rain (this is futile unless you just stay inside). You will want to pack versatile clothing as sweaters and coats take up more space; find a sweater that can work with several outfits so you can re-wear clothing.
