YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Outerwear for Edinburgh

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Outerwear for Edinburgh https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:03:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php avicennia on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378577 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 03:03:01 +0000 avicennia 2378577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the nice words Suz, and for the extra suggestions. The LLBean has a nice shape to it and the navy is a good color for me. Suz on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378469 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:37:23 +0000 Suz 2378469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also, I wanted to report my strategy for Iceland in May one year, when temps and conditions varied but were often like what you describe and I had to be out quite a lot.  I brought two coats and layered when needed. I had Uniglo heattech undies with me, too, for really cold times -- we did some hiking. One coat was a synthetic puffer. And over it in rain I wore my waxed cotton J. Crew coat. I had wool gloves, a toque, and a scarf as well.  And wool socks.  Oh, I also had a rainproof jacket and pants for the real hikes -- true gear. These other coats were casual, but because of the colour were businessy looking enough for the businessy parts of my trip. (I had a retreat and conference to attend, plus some touring.)  Suz on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378468 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:31:05 +0000 Suz 2378468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I love your hair, specs, and smile!! And also, yes, the embroidered blouse --so beautiful!  I think those Scots are going to adore you. How could they not?  I wonder if LL Bean might have something....not known for the most stylish clothes in the world but some of their stuff is excellent and they are all about the weather.  And they do petites: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.llbean.ca/llb/shop/82606.html?q=outerwear&page=h2off-raincoat-primaloft-lined">https://www.llbean.ca/llb/shop.....loft-lined</a> Also an unlined version: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.llbean.ca/llb/shop/82668.html?dwvar_82668_color=12037">https://www.llbean.ca/llb/shop.....olor=12037</a> Or...not cheap, but...waterproof and warm... <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.llbean.ca/llb/shop/124841.html?dwvar_124841_color=29908">https://www.llbean.ca/llb/shop.....olor=29908</a>. (but I think sold out maybe...)  avicennia on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378452 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 03:40:36 +0000 avicennia 2378452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @rejoiceandbe regarding the comment about Scots and how they react to others. I’ve always thought of Edinburgh as a cosmopolitan city. I’m attending a UN meeting, so people will be dressed to represent their homelands. For formal work meetings I often wear a suit with an embroidered Mexican blouse underneath the jacket. @Jaime once upon a time I promised to post such an outfit. Here’s me last year in Washington DC. avicennia on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378450 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 03:31:30 +0000 avicennia 2378450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks all! And thanks for the suggestion of the Uniqlo puffer @runcarla, I have ordered that too. As noted above, I will have several layers on (I use Carla and Gayleen’s layering strategy) so what I’m really needing is a water resistant outer layer. I want to be prepared for a downpour in addition to a drizzle. Yup, I always carry a small umbrella. I’m waiting for all the orders to arrive. Fingers crossed that something looks good. Thanks for the vote of confidence @Suz about the right coat being out there. Yes @runcarla, I have a day and half to myself, so in addition galleries and museums. I plan to do some shopping, and Seasalt Cornwall is on the list, plus Scotch & Soda (for DD, she loves their kids clothes). If I visit a second hand store, I’ll think of you @Jaime! Suz on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378444 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:04:24 +0000 Suz 2378444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'd be more worried about the warmth of the Piper than the waterproofness. I think it is likely waterproof enough if you are not out in pouring rain for hours on end. It's not completely waterproof -- but offers decent rain/ wind protection.  What it does not offer is any warmth at all and so you'd really need to layer a puffer or wool coat under it, I think. It's just more spring/ fall (or even summer) weight.  As others have said, the damp cold is much colder feeling than the temperature itself suggests. But I am sure you are going to find a good solution. Your coat is out there!!  Rejoiceandbe on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378430 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 01:01:25 +0000 Rejoiceandbe 2378430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I visit Edinburgh quite a lot, so here are my random thoughts. 1. Damp cold is much colder feeling than dry cold. Don't rely on the posted temperatures to make your wardrobe decsions. 2. Down coats get soggy in rain. An small foldable umbrella for your purse might be a good idea. 3. Downtown Edinburgh is hilly. If you plan to be walking a lot, comfortable warm footwear is wise. (Consider your socks carefully.) 3. Gloves that pack easily into coat pockets are useful. 4. Consider how and where you will spend your time. If it's a work related trip, what are the norms for the people you will be meeting? What do they appear to wear during online meetings? ( Scots react more warmly to people who "look like me" than those who seem "different". Sad but true....) Enjoy your trip! kate on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378388 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:19:43 +0000 kate 2378388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I spend a lot of time in Edinburgh every year (2 1/2 months in 2023) and find that layers are most helpful, with a good raincoat (I have used my KUHL raincoat with hood) for those rainy days.  Also...Cobblestones!  Have comfortable shoes for walking...and there are lots of hills.  The bus system and the tram from the airport are great and you can buy day passes.  I find the city very casual, everyone geared for the weather!  Enjoy your time there.... SarahD8 on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378385 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:36:57 +0000 SarahD8 2378385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yeah, I meant to say that the Vosque parka has been discontinued -- I think the replacement style is known as the Tres. It may be more than you want to invest for this particular purpose, but if I search "Patagonia 3-in-1 parka" I also get suggestions for other brands' 3 in 1 models at a lower price point. I didn't look into those links to see about size/color availability though. MaryA on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378383 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:21:48 +0000 MaryA 2378383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>My daughter went to graduate school in Edinburgh and found this jacket from Lands End to be perfect. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-squall-hooded-waterproof-raincoat/id_378855?attributes=12805,43398,44967">https://www.landsend.com/produ.....butes=1280</a></div><div>It is waterproof, windproof, rated for 18 to 45 degrees and has a hood for when streets get too crowded for an umbrella. </div> RobinF on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378382 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:15:20 +0000 RobinF 2378382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love that Lands End coat you linked to. And the temp rating is good. But no hood which would be nice for rain. A waterproof trench sounds perfect. Hope it works for you. Carla on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378370 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:21:45 +0000 Carla 2378370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  I agree with what Suz wrote re: ‘wool would be perfect for non-rainy or drizzling/ mizzling days.’   <div> </div><div>I wore the light weight wool coat below, with a light weight puffer as an optional under layer, during a late November/early December trip up the Rhine River to visit the Christmas markets.  Temps were just above freezing - 6degC at the most - and we were out for hours - and I was fine.  It did rain/drizzle 50% of the time, but the wool shed the wet. DH brought a puffer, and a raincoat, but bought a wool coat (70% wool, 5% cashmere, the rest synthetic) in Basel at the start of the trip.  He wore the new wool coat for the rest of the trip (and quite a bit since we returned home.) We had access to umbrellas, but didn’t use them. Do bring a warm hat, etc.   FWIW, there’s a Seasalt store in Edinburgh!   </div> avicennia on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378363 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:37:15 +0000 avicennia 2378363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If I’d had the time to post my 2025 clothing goals, I would have said two items: (1) work suitable winter outerwear and (2) causal winter outer wear, not gear. Both light colored. These are really the only gaps in my wardrobe. I have enough work trips to cold places, and I felt so unfab two years ago in Leipzig & Berlin, that investing the time and money to buy nicer outerwear was my 2025 goal. But, I didn’t expect this Edinburgh trip. And here I am at the end of the season when the pickings are slim and my size (S or M petite) seems to be out everywhere. @Suz What an bummer, it’s a great look, but unfortunately, the Athleta puffer is out of stock. And thanks for letting me know the Lole Piper isn’t sufficiently water proof. It’s on its way, but if it fits I might still keep it. After a near miss with a car at dusk, I agree with @Gayleen that light colored winter outwear is best. My current light weight, raincoat is dark, so the Piper might be a good purchase even if it’s not good for Edinburgh. And the Helly Hanson is on its way too. @Jaime. Thanks for the idea. I checked out WhoWhatWear. I have the bright cashmere scarf, beanie and mittens (so much warmer than gloves) and the requisite, waterproof, lined, stompy, combatish boots. <a href="https://www.whowhatwear.com/edinburgh-street-style" rel="nofollow">https://www.whowhatwear.com/edinburgh-street-style</a> @Angie the Seasalt Cornwall coats are lovely. I can’t bring myself to buy something thats not quite right for my coloring when I have the dreaded Lands End as a backup. So I ordered the Pennweathers waterproof trench in light grey and sized up, on the chance that I can layer the Lands End liner or a Kuhl knee length fleece underneath without feeling like the Michelin man. Thanks all for your help! Fingers crossed I don’t have to give up and wear the dreaded Lands End. But if I do, I’ll start the search earlier this year! Jaime on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378355 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 01:07:12 +0000 Jaime 2378355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No advice to add to the above except I would try to look at Edinburgh street style to see what the locals are wearing. Every city has its own weather challenges even when they sound the same on paper - winds, drainage, indoor temperatures, pavement quality and so on.  Anyway, sounds exciting to visit a new city and I hope you will have time to explore! Suz on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378351 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:44:36 +0000 Suz 2378351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the Helly Hansen Aden (at Gaylene's suggestion) and I like it a lot as a walking coat for cool rainy weather. Mine must be a newer version than hers because it does have an inner pocket (for phone) which is super helpful, and also a hood adjustment! And I love the lined hand pockets. It is very rainproof. Has a lining and layers reasonably well. I sometimes wear my packable puffer under it, a la Runcarla. It works but I do feel a bit Michelin man.  Alas, for me, it really isn't warm enough in the damp winter cold unless I am on a true hike (going up and down hills etc. working up a sweat), even with layers beneath. That's why I got the Athleta parka, which is not quite as rainproof but does have a coating and has in fact kept me dry -- I do wear it in rain, just not pouring rain. The other issue with the Helly for me is the cut and fabrication. To me, it feels like gear. I tried valiantly to wear it as a "real" coat but just don't feel good in it that way -- the proportions are off with wide legs, crops, and skirts (on me, at least).  I do wear it regularly for my neighbourhood walks, where I love the visibility. Also, Gaylene is right about the washability. I have washed mine many times (I get quite dirty sometimes on those walks!) and it comes out great. I do spray it with waterproofing again each time to ensure it stays nice and water tight.  This stuff is so personal, right? A person's internal body temperature, what they tend to layer with, their purpose for being out, the length of time they are out -- so many factors to consider. But no matter what, Angie's right -- a hood is a really good idea!  avicennia on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378349 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:03:06 +0000 avicennia 2378349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Gayleen.  This is my strategy, lots of layering -- silk and cashmere base layers, puffer vests, maybe even a knee-length fleece, etc underneath.  Off to look at Helly Hansen, and I agree with you about white outwear in the depths of winter, much safer! Gaylene on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378347 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:35:23 +0000 Gaylene 2378347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’d suggest something like Helly Hansen’s Aden Long Rainjacket. It gets excellent reviews for good reason and has been my workhorse raincoat for several seasons and on countless trips to Northern Europe and the UK for November-April trips. Plus, I wear it all winter in Victoria/Vancouver winter months. <div> </div><div>Pluses: Highly visible if you get it in white—good idea if you are walking in gloomy, cloudy days or at night. I also think it looks “dressier” in the city, but that’s just me. </div><div> </div><div>Easy to add layers if you size up—works nicely with my featherweight Uniglo puffer layered under it or a merino wool sweater. I like to adjust my warmth levels by packing a Uniglo heavy-weight HeatTech long-sleeve T, a merino wool cardigan, my Uniglo puffer, and accessories like hat, scarf, and gloves. Wearing the whole package keeps me toasty in the coldest weather but gives me multiple combinations for different conditions and activities. The entire combo packs easily in a small/medium packing cube. </div><div>Has a hood, wrist velcro tabs, and high button to snug up the neck.  </div><div>Packs easily, looks neat enough for city wear, and is highly durable. My coat has nicely endured several washings and still looks good.  Cons: I wish the hood had an attached back clip to adjust the hood to keep it from falling forward—a small niggle that I remedied with a little clip at the back. </div><div>An inner zippered pocket in the lining would have been nice… </div> Angie on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378346 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:00:09 +0000 Angie 2378346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here are specific links: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/janelle-knee-length-waterproof-raincoat">https://www.seasaltcornwall.co.....f-raincoat</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/holywell-bay-waterproof-puffer-coat">https://www.seasaltcornwall.co.....uffer-coat</a> Happy to help! :)  avicennia on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378345 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:19:57 +0000 avicennia 2378345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Angie. I hear you about the damp, I found that out in Germany in the winter of 2022-23 and it wasn’t even rainy. The link to Seasalt Cornwall got tangled up, could you please tell me which item in particular you recommend? I have an old grey Lands End raincoat & liner combination I can take. But I feel decidedly unfab in it. Sigh — It seems that pickings in my size are slim now at the end of season. I’m a winter in coloring and good color options seem limited (I’d love a navy, grey or bright color). I’m going to look into rentals. In the meantime, all suggestions welcome! Angie on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378344 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:33:39 +0000 Angie 2378344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fun trip!  I'll add that the damp cold is much colder than the dry cold at the same temperature. Suz will confirm, since she's a Canadian used to mega cold who is now living in the wet PNW! (SarahD8 too). You need to wrap up outside. Seattleites get this weather. Hoods on outerwear are the best :)  I'd definitely go for a warm puffer or parka type raincoat instead of a thin one for Winter and Spring. Thin ones are for Summer.  A Seasalt Cornwell Winter raincoat is ideal:  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/waterproof-jackets-raincoats/padded-warm-winter-coat">https://www.seasaltcornwall.co.....inter-coat</a>  Weatherproof shoes with thick soled too!  avicennia on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378343 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:28:32 +0000 avicennia 2378343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a href="https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-insulated-commuter-trench-coat/id_387806?attributes=8063,43307,43326,44256" rel="nofollow">https://www.landsend.com/produ.....3326,44256</a> Thanks all! I’m used to the cold, having grown up in the Rocky Mountains, but the prospect of UK rain has me stumped. And yes, as much as I’d love an excuse to buy a wool overcoat, I find layering much better for travel. @piroutte Is something like this Lands End sufficiently rain proof? We were in Germany for 8 months in 2022, and a similar Lands End was good enough for the cold (with cashmere base layers), but it wasn’t rainy. @sarahD8 The Vosque appears to be unavailable. I should add that I have Goretex winter gear, but am hoping to look a bit more polished. Am willing to invest if anyone has other suggestions for specific items. Thanks in advance. pirouette on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378342 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:22:11 +0000 pirouette 2378342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I lived in Edinburgh and it has similar weather to Dublin where I live now. Definitely you need a good raincoat as when it rains the rain can be heavy and persistent. The temperatures changes a lot we had -2 C last week and 13 C today. But it can change even within a day so a warm raincoat or warm layers are vital. You can be lucky with the weather but I always like to be prepared. Chris987 on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378341 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:44:23 +0000 Chris987 2378341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was in Scotland more than 20 years ago, in June, and had an experience similar to JAileens. (We were in the highlands and Orkney, not Edinburg.)  It rained every day, although not a lot. It was hardly ever bright and sunny and felt quite a bit colder than the actual air temps. I put on everything I had every day ... a raincoat, a fleece jacket, a wool sweater, a hat,  and was still not quite warm enough. And that was June!  So I'd go with Suz's advice. I personally find multiple layers warmer than one nice wool coat, not to mention more versatile when travelling, but you may feel differently. Also you are going on a business trip, where I was a tourist so you'll probably be spending less time outdoors than I was.  SarahD8 on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378340 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:41:01 +0000 SarahD8 2378340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds similar to our weather here in Seattle for much of the fall/winter/spring. I rely heavily on my Patagonia Vosque parkas, sometimes with the zip-in quilted liner and sometimes without, The outer layer of the parka is pretty substantial and wind proof (it’s not just a rain shell) so my question would be whether the Lole coat is similarly heavyweight. JAileen on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378338 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:35:34 +0000 JAileen 2378338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Several years ago we went to Istanbul in February.  We spent lots of time outdoors.  It was freezing!  I took a long waterproof Patagonia coat that had a zip out insulated liner.  It was not enough, and I froze.  I had to layer everything I had underneath.  I made it work but I felt like a sausage.  I would make sure you can comfortably fit everything underneath that you need to, and bring a warm hat.  </div><div> </div> Suz on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378337 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:32:48 +0000 Suz 2378337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have not yet been to Edinburgh (so exciting for you, I mean at least in the off-work hours) but depending on what temperatures you are used to, I think you might need something more substantial/ warmer than the Piper. Definitely give it a try on and see, but for me, this is a spring/ fall raincoat (and winter temps and weather are quite similar to that of Edinburgh where I live.) A heavier or more truly rainproof coat might be advisable. Of course it also depends on the amount of time you'll be outside and your activities. When I'm outdoors, I tend to be out on transit or walking (including on trips to foreign cities) so my need for weatherproofness or warmth might be higher.  Piper kept me dry through a very typically off and on rainy British day as well as one huge downpour there when I was out for about twenty minutes or so -- I'm not sure how it would do if you were out longer.  In similar winter weather I tend to go for a puffer that has a certain amount of rainproofness or if I am out for a really long time, then Goretex type fabrics with layers underneath. Wool would be perfect for non-rainy or drizzling/ mizzling days though.  avicennia on "Outerwear for Edinburgh" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/outerwear-for-edinburgh#post-2378336 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:48:36 +0000 avicennia 2378336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hello! This is a quick request for advice, I’ll update later with more detail. I just now scheduled a work trip to Edinburgh for the second week of February. I’ve never been! Apparently the highs are typically 10-12C about 45F, so not that cold. But I’m told to expect rain. I’d love an excuse to buy an elegant wool overcoat, but rain seems like the bigger factor rather than cold. I’ve just ordered the Lole Piper raincoat that Suz took to London. I’ll take silk and cashmere base layers, warm scarves, beanies and mittens, and a Lands End quilted long liner to layer under the raincoat. Is this plan OK? Do I need to make adjustments? Any advice much appreciated!