As the temperature drops and the wind picks up, styling an outfit becomes more and more difficult. But what’s worse than a bad outfit? Getting the flu right before exams. However, there are ways to maintain a fashionable look and avoid freezing on the way to class in the mornings.
Thermal Layers
A trick that I discovered early into my time at St. Andrews is that my ski gear from back home came in handy here as well, because the temperature of a Swiss mountain and St Andrews in the winter aren’t all that different. From November onwards, thermal trousers are a staple in my day to day outfits. With most pairs of trousers, thermals go unnoticed underneath, and pairing it with a baggier shirt or a jumper of any sort allows you to wear the matching thermal shirt.
Big sweaters
Nothing makes me cozier than wearing a big sweater in the winter. It is the perfect, simple outfit to wear for a night in the library or any time you do not want to spend styling an outfit. Another benefit of big sweaters is that they allow you to layer a concerning amount of shirts underneath without anybody noticing. This comes in handy when the Scottish weather plays a trick on us, and the sun comes out for the perfect lunch break. Wearing a sweater over a cute top lets you reveal the real outfit when necessary while staying cozy while trekking between classes.
Accessories
Accessories will make or break an outfit. Scarves, gloves, and a hat are a necessity in this town, where the wind will knock you off your feet. Join the group of people that have the same Burberry or Barbour scarf, because regardless how uniform everybody looks, they aren’t the ones picking up antibiotics a week before their English exam. Most importantly – please, for the love of God, bring an umbrella. There is nothing worse than being caught in the rain and have it mess up a good outfit or a good hair day.
Conclusion
All in all, the weather in this town is different from what many other international students, myself included, are used to, so it’s important to stay warm. While prioritising health over fashion, there are still ways to maintain a decent look, particularly at the University Library, which is a fashion show.