When most Americans think of Scotland they picture bagpipes and tartan, cups of tea and glasses of whiskey, thick accents and cold weather. I am here to tell you that all of this is accurate. Every last bit.
But if there is one thing in that list that comes up most often it’s the weather. I still wear the coat I brought for January every day. I have yet to bare my legs and it’s June. JUNE. Strangely enough, you can never trust a rainy day to be just that. One minute it’s pouring, the next it’s sunny, then it’s hailing, then suddenly the clouds part and out of nowhere an enormous windstorm makes it embarrassingly difficult to stand up without tipping over. Forget about umbrellas and rain boots. They’re moot.
It is for this reason that I love Scotland and the people here, who have managed to mesh creativity and practicality, landing at a gloriously unique and fashionable middle ground. This is the land of the eternal sweater, of vintage denim and of Dr. Martens boots.
Earlier this week, I decided to ignore the grim weather forecast and spend the afternoon outdoors. Smart, I know. When I did, I spotted this Fashionista who wore a neutral sweater from a vintage clothing shop in Glasgow. Instead of going for pants, she decided to pair jean shorts with black tights and high-heeled Chelsea booties (this pair is the Dr. Martens brand and splendid for those of us who don’t do high heels). Not only is this combination a good change from the basic top-and-bottom combo, wearing black heels with black tights can elongate the bottom half of your body, creating a slimming look that is instantly chic. A colorful backpack can brighten the ensemble and is a convenient accessory for any day in the city.
To top it off, a denim jacket is the ultimate Glasgow outerwear. It’s one of those pieces that ages with grace, building up character as it goes. Did I mention it’s timeless? For that reason, I’m foregoing a link on this one. Next time you’re home just go into your mom or dad’s closet and grab theirs from the ’90s. It’s free, it’s sentimental, and it’s a rare piece that doesn’t have to “fit” to fit. You know what I mean? This Fashionista donned a simple felt hat for some rain coverage instead of an umbrella (when you’re fighting a downpour and high winds, you always look cooler clutching your hat than chasing after an inside-out umbrella).
Captured: These photos were taken at the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery on the East side of the city. Built on a hill that overlooks the neighboring Glasgow Cathedral, it’s an expansive green space with winding paths and beautifully ornate tombs. Even if it seems like nice weather, though, by the time you can get over and up the hill it is guaranteed to be cold and windy—a whimsical yet unfaltering truth every Glaswegian accepts and comes to love.
