What To Wear In United Kingdom
To sum it up - Pack for unpredictable weather
- Like most of Western Europe there is no dress code as such and really anything is acceptable.
- Black is always a popular colour, and smart casual clothes will help you fit right in.
- In the UK Jeans are worn by everyone - young and old alike - and unless you are visiting more upscale restaurants they are perfectly acceptable to wear everywhere.
- Teamed with lighter layers for the summer and warmer ones for the winter, jeans will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe.
- Unless you are staying at a hotel with a swimming pool or intend visiting a spa or the beach in summer, leave your swimsuit at home - you're unlikely to need it.
- The weather can be changeable in the UK and it's not unknown to experience all four seasons in one day. Pack a lightweight raincoat and carry an umbrella what ever time of year you visit.
- Dressing in layers will help you cope with the temperature changes. The winter November - March will be cooler, so pack a warm coat, gloves, hat and a warm scarf and layer up.
- The best way to see many of the sites in the UK is to walk, and good quality lightweight but smart walking shoes are recommended. Save your killer heels for the evenings.
- Also take a comfy shoulder bag or day pack to carry your sightseeing essentials.
- Save on packing and buy your toiletries here. You'll find all the major brands and they are inexpensive.
- If your trip includes Brighton it's funky, stylish and fun - so attracts the cool, creative groups. But it's equally frequented by families and older couples too. In terms of dress, absolutely anything goes. Just wear whatever you feel most comfortable in and you'll blend into the melting pot that makes up this vibrant town. Of course, it also has the draw of the sea and many people swim here. The beach is rocky, so you'll need some dive boots or creef shoes to protect your feet, and the sea is invariably cold so an all-in-one suit would be a good idea too, if you're brave enough to give it a try.
- London is really cosmopolitan and everything goes. However, if you plan on visiting smarter restaurants and bars you will find a dress code of sorts; smart casual will be fine. Our advice if you are planning to explore on foot or use the tube etc is to wear comfortable flat shoes or boots, and pack your nice shoes in your handbag to switch when you arrive at your destination - this is what the smart girls do.
- Click on our Facebook page for pictures of what people are wearing in London and other UK cities.
- For more pictures and ideas, see our Pinterest board: What to Wear in The UK.
- See our Blog post about what we packed for a UK weekend away.
- Or check out YouGoDo to find great things to do in London.
- Stay healthy on your trip - travellers' diarrhoea can affect as many as 50% of people travelling abroad. We've tried and recommend Bimuno Travel Aid pastilles to help support your digestive health. And WhatToWearOnHoliday readers can claim a great 10% discount using code WHBIMUA at the checkout.
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Your thoughts
Being a native German, living in the States and organizing small group travel to Europe I find your site accurate and very helpful. My clients often ask what to pack when visiting Europe and I loved your motto: Dress smart! Nice job guys:) - Russ and Elke, USA
